Harry twice got a run on shore, but his duties confined him on board for the rest of the time the ship remained. She was on the point of sailing when news was received of a serious outbreak of the Kaffirs. A small body of troops on the frontier had been almost overwhelmed, and compelled to entrench themselves till relief could be sent to them. The Commander-in-chief accordingly ordered the "Ranger" to proceed immediately to the nearest point where it was supposed troops could be disembarked. It is known as Waterloo Bay. She arrived off the bay in the evening; but Captain Newcombe, not deeming it prudent to run into an unknown place during the night, stood away from the land, intending to return at daylight. In a short time, however, it fell calm. The lead was hove. It was evident that a current and swell combined were drifting the ship fast towards the shore, on which the surf was breaking heavily. On this the captain ordered an anchor to be let go, which happily brought her up. Though there was scarcely a breath of air, every now and then heavy rollers came slowly in, lifting the ship gently, and then, passing on, broke with a terrific roar on the rocky coast. The passengers were on deck. The young military officers chatted and laughed as usual, and endeavoured to make themselves agreeable to the ladies. Colonel Morley, however, looked grave. He clearly understood the dangerous position in which they were placed. Willy Dicey asked Harry what he thought about the matter. "We must do our duty, and pray that the anchor may hold," answered Harry. "But if that gives way?" said Willy. "We must let go another, and then another." "But if they fail us, and no breeze springs up?" said Willy. "Then you and I must not expect to be admirals," answered Harry. "What do you mean?" asked the young midshipman. "That a short time will show whether any one on board this ship is likely to be alive to-morrow," said Shafto. "You don't mean to say that, Harry?" remarked Willy, feeling that the time had come when he must summon up all the courage he possessed, and of the amount he had as yet no experience. "You don't seem afraid." "There's a great deal of difference between knowing a danger and fearing to face it," said Harry. "Not a seaman on board does not know it as well as I do, though they do not show what they think. Look at the captain--he is as cool and collected as if we were at anchor in a snug harbour; yet he is fully aware of the power of these rollers, and the nature of the ground which holds the anchor. There is the order to range another cable."