the French soldiery, and the black outline of the bank on which they were
posted, the flashes that answered them shewed us three armed boats
attempting to force the passage. In a minute the firing ceased; the
measured splash of oars was heard, as boats approached us.

"Who's there?" sung out the lieutenant.

"Torches," was the answer.

"All's well, Torches," rejoined Mr Treenail; and presently the jollyboat,
and launch, and cutter of the Torch, with twenty marines, and thirtysix
seamen, all armed, were alongside.

"What cheer, Treenail, my boy?" quoth Mr Splinter.

"Why, not much; the French, who we were told had left the Elbe entirely,
are still here, as well as at Cuxhaven, not in force certainly, just
sufficiently strong to pepper us very decently in the outgoing?"

"What, are any of the people hurt?"

"No," said the garrulous emissary. "No, not hurt, but some of us
frightened leetle piece--ah, very mosh, je vous assure."

"Speak for yourself, Master Plenippo," said Treenail. "But, Splinter, my
man, now since the enemy have occupied the dike in front, how the deuce
shall we get back into the river, tell me that?"

"Why," said the senior lieutenant, "we must go as we came."