The accident had caused all caution to be forgotten, and Murray and the other officers expected that their cries and shouts must have been heard by any scouts which might have been sent out from the fort. He therefore warned the sentries to be on the alert, and ordered the men to keep their arms ready for immediate action. The unaccountable and sad accident threw a gloom over the spirits both of officers and men, and but few went again to sleep during the remainder of the night. The next day they would probably be engaged with the enemy, and who could tell whose fate it might be to fall? To pass slowly up against the rapid stream with both its banks affording an almost impenetrable shelter to a concealed foe was likely to cost them many lives, and from the account they had heard of the strong position of the fort they were aware that it would give them severe work to capture. Still it was to be done, and no one doubted that it would be done, whatever might be the sacrifice. The more reflective had their minds fully occupied, and all were in a state of anxiety on account of their captain, and the persons he had risked his own safety to rescue from destruction. Adair, who heard what Ben had cried out, had little hopes that he would succeed, and was afraid also that his old shipmate had lost his life. At dawn Murray had all hands roused up that they might get ready to start. Should the captain unfortunately have lost his life the command would devolve on him, and he resolved to do his best to secure the success of the expedition. CHAPTER SIXTEEN. THE CAPTAIN'S RETURN--BOATS APPROACH THE FORT--ASSAILED ON ALL SIDES-- HOT FIRE--PASSING THE FORT--ARCHY WOUNDED--THE LANDING--FORT ATTACKED-- NEEDHAM HAULS DOWN THE FLAG--ENEMY PUT TO FLIGHT--THE PURSUIT--FALL OF COMMANDER BABBICOME--PRISONERS CAPTURED--FORT DESTROYED--RE-EMBARK-- PASSAGE DOWN THE RIVER--SAIL FOR JAMAICA--DEATH OF COMMANDER BABBICOME-- FUNERAL--MURRAY PROMOTED--HASTENS TO SAINT DAVID'S. Alick Murray felt the full responsibility of the duty imposed on him, but he knew that he had trustworthy supporters in Jack and Terence, and that full reliance could be placed on the military officers and on the gallant marines and soldiers of the regiment.