All day long, signals had been kept flying for the fleet, two miles
below, to come up to the fort; but although these could be plainly
seen, not a ship weighed anchor.
Chapter 18: The "Black Hole" Of Calcutta.
When the fire of the enemy slackened, Charlie went to Mr. Holwell.
"It is impossible, sir," he said, "that the fort can hold out; for in
another three or four days, the whole of the garrison will be killed.
The only hope of safety is for the ships to come up, and remove the
garrison, which they can do without the slightest danger to
themselves. If you will allow me, sir, I will swim down to the ships,
and represent our situation. Cowardly and inhuman as Mr. Drake has
proved himself, he can hardly refuse to give orders for the fleet to
move."
"I don't know," said Mr. Holwell. "After the way in which he has
behaved, there are no depths of infamy of which I believe him
incapable. But you are my right hand here. Supposing Mr. Drake
refuses, you could not return."
"I will come back, sir," Charlie answered. "I will, if there be no
other way, make my way along by the river bank. It is comparatively
free of the enemy, as our guns command it. If you will place Mr.
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