“By the morning we shall have two monitors,” the captain answered; “I think we can rely on their guns to escort the fleet past the forts without harm. However, you may go on your launch and give your news to Commander Hughes. I have orders forbidding me to enter To-Yan Lake.
“I do not see how the allied fleet can possibly embark its sailors and be here before daylight,” he added, after a few moments’ thought, “so I see no reason to keep my officers and men up all night in waiting.”
“Commander Hughes will be here inside of three hours,” Phil urgently exclaimed. “I am sure, sir, that he will not lose a moment. He does not wish to risk fighting the forts. If he can bring Ku-Ling under his guns without a fight, he will win his point and save the foreigners.
“If I may suggest, sir,” the midshipman added in a respectful voice, “it would be best to keep all ready to get under way. It is but ten miles to the allied fleet. We shall be there in an hour and in two more the gunboats will be here on their way to enter this secret channel.”
Commander Barnes smiled indulgently at the lad’s earnestness as he waved a dismissal to the orderly.
“Tell the executive officer,” he said, “to be ready to get under way in three hours and notify the officer of the deck to keep a sharp lookout for the ‘Monadnock.’ Signal her when sighted to anchor near us.
“Your captain has a convincing advocate in you, Mr. Perry,” he continued, after the orderly had departed with his message. “I shall wait his coming and be ready to join him.”
Phil was elated with the success of his appeal, and in a short time he had gathered his party together ready to again embark in Emmons’ launch.
Before leaving the captain’s cabin the midshipmen had asked that boatswain’s mate O’Neil be allowed to go, to steer the launch, which request Commander Barnes readily granted.
“The telegram is the only order relieving our captain of his command,” Phil exclaimed to Sydney while the launch sped toward the distant lights of the allied fleet. “What would happen if I gave him the cable?” he asked quickly.