"Now row me once more to the flagship, and so back.

The thing can be done." Promptitude was one of Wolfe's characteristics; he never let grass grow under his feet.

If the thing was to be done, let it be done at once; and the British tar is never a laggard when there is fighting or adventure to be had! Julian and Humphrey volunteered for the service.

Humphrey was a favourite with the sailors, having been employed almost constantly in carrying messages to and from the fleet, or in helping to land transports.

He was as expert now in the management of a boat as the best of the jack tars, and was eager to take part in the daring enterprise which was to be carried out that night.
Six hundred sailors, collected from different vessels, were to be told off for the task.