human
I am delighted to see you, Fleetwood. From the accounts we received we thought it was all up with you; and I came more with the hope of avenging you, than of seeing you alive; but now you shall have that satisfaction yourself. By Jove! we must blow up the hornet's nest without delay. When did you propose to make the attempt?
gpt
The very moment a sufficient force was collected,
human
Well, what do you say to this very night? asked Grantham.
gpt
There is the _Venus_ coming up after me, and your Greek friend cannot be far off. I am afraid she is not likely to meet any other ship of the squadron; but we are enough, as it is, to drive every one of the rascals into the sea.
human
To-night, by all means, exclaimed Fleetwood.
gpt
I could not have hoped for anything better. We shall have a sufficient force to ensure success; and as there is no moon till a late hour, we shall have less risk of discovery before we are upon them.
human
Then to-night let it be; and I suppose there's no use insisting on your remaining on board, on account of your illness, and letting Rawson, of the _Venus_, lead the attack, said Captain Grantham.
gpt
He is a gallant fellow, and will do it well.
human
I trust, Grantham, that you will give the command of the expedition to me. I shall, indeed esteem it a most especial favour if you will do so, pleaded Fleetwood.
gpt
I would, on no account, if I can help it, lose that post.
human
Well, I suppose, under the circumstances of the case, we must persuade Rawson to keep the ship, though, indeed, Fleetwood, I do not think you are yet strong enough for the exertion you must go through.
gpt
I have a Hercules of a coxswain, and I must make him carry me, if my legs fail me, said Fleetwood, smiling sadly.
human
But you know, Grantham, I have motives enough to carry me through anything.
gpt
Yes, indeed, I know, and feel for you. I suppose the fellows will show fight.
human
Not a doubt of it, from the specimen we have had of them. They know that they have no mercy to expect at our hands, and that they fight with ropes round their necks.
gpt
We must give them enough of it, then; but I suppose, with the force we have collected, we shall have no great difficulty in forcing our way into the harbour I understand they have got there, though it seems to be well fortified.
human
We should be blown to atoms if we attempted it in the boats, said Fleetwood.
gpt
You have no idea how strong the place is.
human
How, in the name of goodness, are we to get at them, then? exclaimed Captain Grantham, who was more celebrated for his dash at an enemy, when once he saw him, than for originating any plan where stratagem was required.
gpt
But let me hear what you propose to do.
human
I have, as you may suppose, thought much on the subject, so I may claim for it more attention than I might otherwise venture to do, said Fleetwood.
gpt
I would on no account attempt to enter the harbour; but there is at the east end of the island a small cove, with an entrance so narrow that one boat can alone pass at a time.
human
Now, I propose, he continued,
gpt
I like your plan very much, and it has my hearty concurrence, as I have no doubt it will have Rawson's, said Captain Grantham.
human
We shall soon have him up with us, and when he comes on board you can explain your proposal. The _Venus_ should be near us by this time. He rang his bell, and the steward appeared.
gpt
Mason, learn from the officer of the watch how soon the _Venus_ will be up with us, and beg him to signalise her captain to come on board.
human
She's close to us now, sir,