Raoul ceased eating, and, standing on the taffrail, he cast anxious looks around him.  His sturdy followers, ignorant of all the dangers by which they were environed, were consuming their morning’s meal with the characteristic indifference to danger that marks the ordinary conduct of seamen.  Even Ithuel, usually so sensitive on the subject of English power, and who had really so much to apprehend should he again fall into the hands of the Proserpines, was masticating his food with the keen relish of a man who had been hard at work the whole morning.  All appeared unconscious of their critical condition; and to Raoul it seemed as if the entire responsibility rested on his own shoulders.  Fortunately, he was not a man to shrink from his present duties; and he occupied the only leisure moment that would be likely to offer that day, in deliberating on his resources and in maturing his plans.

The armament still remained in the lugger, but it was doubtful if she would float without removing it; and, admitting this necessity, the question arose of what was to be done with it, in order to render it available, in the event of an attack.  Two or even four of the light guns might be worked on the decks of the felucca; and here he determined they should be immediately placed, with a proper supply of cartridges and shot.  Twenty men thrown into that light craft, which Ithuel reported as sailing and sweeping well, might prove of the last importance.  Then one of the islets had a ruin on it, of what was believed to be an ancient temple.  It is true, these ruins were insignificant, and scarcely visible at any distance; but, on a close examination, and by using some of the displaced stones with judgment, it was possible to entrench a party behind them, and make a stout resistance against light missiles, or such as boats would most probably use.  Raoul got into the yawl, and sculled himself to this spot, examining the capabilities with care and judgment.  After this, his mode of proceeding was matured to his own satisfaction.

The usual time had been consumed, and the hands were “turned to”; each officer receiving the orders necessary to the discharge of the duty confided to his particular superintendence.  As Ithuel had captured the felucca, Raoul felt it right to intrust him with the command of the prize.  He was directed to take on board the armament and ammunition necessary to a defence, to mount the guns in the best manner he could, and to make all the other fighting preparations; while another gang struck into the felucca’s hold such articles from the lugger as it was desirable to save.

Another party, under the first lieutenant, landed the remainder of the light carronades, pieces of twelve pounds only, with the proper stores, and commenced the arrangements to place them in battery among the ruins.  A small supply of food and water was also transferred to this islet.