“He daren’t. I should come to you.”
“And I shouldn’t help you, for you’d deserve it.”
“Very well,” said the little fellow, “I’d fight my own battle. Who’s afraid? Cock-a-doodle-do!”
He gave a clever imitation of a pugnacious game-cock, after clapping his hands against his sides.
“Terry wouldn’t touch him,” said Roylance, laughing. “Little people are licenced to be saucy. But I say, Belton, what’s the rock like?”
Syd described it as well as he could, and he was listened to with eager attention, but it did not seem probable to Roylance that anything further would come of it.
He was undeceived the next morning though, for after signalling and visiting of the two commanders, it appeared that something definite was to be done, and soon after the stir began.
“Here, Belton,” said Roylance, “what do you say to this? I believe we’re going to attack the town.”
Contradiction came the next moment in the excitement on deck.
“This means business,” said Roylance, as he stood with Syd, watching the carrying out of certain orders; and in due time two long guns were placed ready, the barge and the launch were lowered down, and gun-carriages and tackle were hoisted down into each.