A scrap of newspaper, even, would be a blessing.
We had just sat down to evening mess when the order, "All hands on the gig falls!" was given, and the master-at-arms chased us off the gun deck.

Soon the measured tread of many feet could be heard, and then the order was given by the officer of the deck to the coxswain of the gig, "Secure your boat for sea." [Illustration: "THE GIG WAS LOWERED"] [Illustration: "THE MEN ON THE STAGES"] So we were to go off again.

Where?
Within a short time we were under way again.

The usual watches were set, but very few of the boys went below.

The mere rumor that the enemy was prowling along the coast was enough to prevent sleep.