"But the breech-block? Could it be lifted out?"

"It could aboard the _Tonans_, sir, and I should say that this would be about the same."

"Hah!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the skipper. "But it could only be done by one who understands the working of the piece, and we should be all worse than children over such a job."

Poole's eyes were directed searchingly at the middy, who met them without a wink.

"As I understand," continued the captain, "it would be done by one who crept aboard in the dark, unscrewed the gun, took out the block, and carried it to the side. I repeat, it could only be done by one who understands the task. Who could do this?"

"I could, sir," said Fitz quietly.

"And you would?"

"If I were strong enough. But I am sure that I could do it if Poole would help."

"Then if it's possible to do, father," said the lad quietly, "the job is done."

"But look here," interposed the mate, in his gruff way; "what about Don Ramon? What will he say? He wouldn't have that great breech-loader spoiled for the world."

"How would it be spoiled?" cried Fitz sharply.

"Aren't you going to disable it by chucking the breech-block over the side?"

"Pooh!" cried Fitz contemptuously. "These parts are all numbered, and you can send over to England and get as many new ones as you like."

CHAPTER FORTY SIX.

TO CUT AND RUN.

The mate's face lit up in a way that those who knew him had not seen for months.

"Well done, youngster!" he said, in quite a musical growl. "Splendid!

Here, Poole Reed, you ought to have thought of that."

"How could I?" said the lad. "I never learnt anything about breech-loading cannon."

"No more you did, my boy," said the skipper; "and we don't want to take the honour from Mr Burnett. We shall have to do this, sir, but it will be risky work, and I don't know what to say about letting you go."

"Oh, I don't think that there will be much risk, Captain Reed," said Fitz nonchalantly. "It only means going very quietly in the dark. It would be done best from the dinghy, because it's so small."

"And how would you go to work?" said the skipper.

"Oh," said Fitz, "I should arrange to go about two bells, let the dinghy drift close in under her bows after studying the gunboat well with a gla.s.s, and I think one ought to be able to mount by climbing up the anchor on the starboard side. If not, by the fore-chains."

"And what about the watch?"

"I've thought about that, sir, and I don't believe that they keep a good one at all. It won't be like trying to board a gunboat in the British Navy. Like as not those on deck will be asleep."

"Yes, I think so too," said Poole.

"Well," said the skipper, "I have something of the same sort of idea.

They'd never believe that any one from the schooner would do such a daring thing. What do you say, Burgess?"

"Same as you do, sir," said the mate gruffly.

"But what do you think would be the great advantage of doing this, Mr Burnett?" said the skipper.

"The advantage, sir?" replied the middy, staring. "Why, it would be like drawing a snake's fangs! You wouldn't be afraid of the gunboat without her gun."

"No," said the skipper thoughtfully, "I don't think I should; and for certain she'd be spoiled for doing any mischief to Don Ramon's forts."

"Oh yes, father," cried Poole excitedly. "It would turn the tables completely. You remember what Don Ramon said?"

"What, about the power going with the party who held the gunboat? Well, it's a pity we can't capture her too."

"Or run her ash.o.r.e, father."

"What, wreck her? That would be a pity."

"I meant get her ash.o.r.e so that she'd be helpless for a time."

"Well, now's your time, my boy. It has come to a pretty pa.s.s, though, Burgess, for these young chaps to be taking the wind out of our sails."

"Oh, I don't mind," growled the mate. "Here, let's have it, Poole.

Look at him! He's got something bottled up as big as young Mr Burnett, I dare say."

"Eh? Is that so, my boy? Have you been planning some scheme as well?"

"Well, father, I had some sort of an idea. It came all of a jump after Burnett had proposed disabling the gun."

"Well done!" whispered Fitz excitedly.

"What is it, my lad?" said the skipper.

"Oh, I feel rather nervous about it, father, and I don't know that it would answer; but I should like to try."

"Go on, then; let's hear what it is."

"You see, I noticed that they have always got steam up ready to come in chase at any time if we try to slip out."

"That's right," growled the mate.

"Well, I was thinking, father, how would it be if we could foul the screw?"

"Why, a job, my lad, for them to clear it again."