"I do not require twenty-four hours, sir. Two days I want to examine the coast-line of the island more thoroughly. If I obtain no accurate information as to the position of the guns and other defences they have, I want you to bombard the entrance on the third day, and at the end of the third day I will give you my further plans, which depend on the result of the information I can gain during that time; that is, sir, if you require them."
"But what then?" asked Helston nervously.
"I cannot say, sir. All depends on what we discover by the end of that time."
"Very good, Cummins; you can make what dispositions you choose."
"It all depends on the weather, sir, and I must have calm days—the first two calm days."
"All right! Come down and look at that chart again."
"Thank you, sir, and I'll have another cigar as well."
* * * * *
The visit of the Undaunted and the mail which she had brought were perhaps more welcome to the gun-rooms of the Laird and Strong Arm than to anyone else, for monotony palls more readily on youngsters than it does on men, and certainly they become more rapidly home-sick.
Dinner that night in the Laird's gun-room, though it did consist chiefly of corned meat and sardines, was a joyous meal.