When we were quite near the rocks--the water is so deep here that
there is no danger--we slowed down, merely drifting along southwards
towards the port. I was myself on the bridge, and could see all over
the decks. I could also see preparations going on upon the warship.
Ports were opened, and the great guns on the turrets were lowered for
action. When we were starboard broadside on to the warship, I saw
the port side of the steering-house open, and Rooke's men sliding out
what looked like a huge grey crab, which by tackle from within the
wheel-house was lowered softly into the sea. The position of the
yacht hid the operation from sight of the warship. The doors were
shut again, and the yacht's pace began to quicken. We ran into the
port. I had a vague idea that Rooke had some desperate project on
hand. Not for nothing had he kept the wheel-house locked on that
mysterious crab.

All along the frontage was a great crowd of eager men. But they had
considerately left the little mole at the southern entrance, whereon
was a little tower, on whose round top a signal-gun was placed, free
for my own use. When I was landed on this pier I went along to the
end, and, climbing the narrow stair within, went out on the sloping
roof. I stood up, for I was determined to show the Turks that I was
not afraid for myself, as they would understand when the bombardment
should begin. It was now but a very few minutes before the fatal
hour--six bells. But all the same I was almost in a state of
despair. It was terrible to think of all those poor souls in the
town who had done nothing wrong, and who were to be wiped out in the
coming blood-thirsty, wanton attack. I raised my glasses to see how
preparations were going on upon the warship.

As I looked I had a momentary fear that my eyesight was giving way.