Subsequent events soon proved the wisdom of the admiral’s plan.  The cruiser, it seemed, had no sooner rounded the western point than signs were visible of rebel activity ashore.  It was one Tuesday morning that a village was sighted, built around a narrow inlet of the sea.  When the binoculars were levelled upon this harmless-appearing settlement, it was soon perceived by the admiral that there were soldiers in the streets with the rebel uniform, and that the insurgent flag was flying from the administration building in the village square.  All this was just what had been expected, and there was great rejoicing aboard the cruiser.  Every man, without exception, almost, was anxious to be one of a party to be sent ashore to attack the rebels, but the admiral hesitated before sending any one at all.  “It is impossible to tell from here,” he said, “how numerous the rebels are, and it is quite possible that they may have a large force of men in the village.  If the appearance of the streets is any sign, there must be quite a force of them in the place.”  But every one laughed at the very idea of there being a rebel company of any consequence in the place, and the admiral was finally prevailed upon to send a boat ashore, armed with thirty men.

“Remember,” he said, “if you come to grief, that I advised against this venture.  Don’t be too bold, or risk too much, for though I can shell the place, that won’t help you any, once you are captives.”

But every one was anxious to be one of the party in the boat, and the officers had a hard time making selections.  “You can go, Archie, because you’re a correspondent,” said the captain, “and you can go, Mr. Hickson, because you’re a brave man,” and then he continued to pick out men until the required number was secured.  Of course there were many disappointed ones left aboard the cruiser, but the captain assured them that they might have their chance yet.

The boat was soon off, and it was noticed that there was great excitement ashore as soon as the departure was observed.  All the inhabitants, it seemed, were gathered upon the beach, anxiously awaiting developments.  They seemed to be absolutely ignorant of what the presence of a war-ship in their harbour meant, and were apparently not at all anxious as to the outcome of this visit.  One of the men told Archie that they had probably never seen a war-ship before, and that they wouldn’t know a cannon at all.  “But we’ll let them know the meaning of our presence,” declared the sailor, “if they shoot at us.”  The boat drew every minute nearer the shore, and it was soon perceived that there were many soldiers among the crowd on the beach.  Every one thought it remarkable that they should be so quiet, but not one of the natives made a move until the boat was within two hundred feet of the shore.  Then one of the rebel soldiers suddenly raised his rifle and fired at the boat.  The lieutenant in command stood up in the boat and gave the order