The lads saluted and left the commander's cabin.
Two hours later found Jack, with 400 British sailors at his command, already disembarked from small boats and stealing into the woods. Frank, with his little fleet, was picking his way carefully up the river.
The lad easily found a channel between the two sunken merchantmen, and the little boats pushed on.
"Careful of mines!" had been Captain Marcus' parting injunction and the lad peered keenly ahead constantly.
He made out several small objects floating upon the water, and these were carefully avoided.
By dint of careful rowing the boats finally drew up safely, not more than a quarter of a mile from the German forts, where the little party awaited the signal agreed upon.
Jack, in the meantime, had led his men through the dense woods, and by making a wide detour, had penetrated almost to the rear of the enemy's fortress, which, he figured, would be the most likely to be improperly guarded.
Here he and his men lay down, awaiting the signal to attack. But still the British bombardment continued, and shells rained upon the little African town.
Suddenly the sound of screeching shells ceased. Jack sprang to his feet and listened intently for a moment. But the big guns on the warships were now silent. It was time to act.
"Attention!" called Jack, and his men stood ready about him.