"But we have no time to dig up mare's nests.

We will get up the ammunition and load this gun; then we will do the rest of the business." As ship-keeper and a member of the engineer's department for the last year, Sampson knew where everything was to be found.

With all the usual precautions, the magazine was opened, and ammunition enough for three charges was conveyed to the deck, Warping having been called in to assist in the work.

The gun was carefully loaded under the direction of Christy, who had been fully instructed and drilled in the duty.

It was pointed as nearly as practicable to the point in the channel which the hostile steamer must pass, though the aim was to be rectified at the last moment.
Paul went to his stateroom and took off his handsome uniform, replacing it with a suit of his working garments.