"
Whatever the subaltern thought of the seeming self-
sufficiency which had dictated the concluding part of
the lecture of the commanding officer, he made no further
observation, and both in silence pursued the remainder
of their short route to the bastion.
Many of the men, dressed and accoutred for the morning
parade, which usually took place at about nine o'clock,
were grouped around, and anxiously watching the approach
of the boat, as of something they had despaired of ever
again beholding. Captain Headley drew his telescope to
the proper focus, and after looking through it a few
minutes--remarked--
"Thank Heaven, all is right--they are all there, although
it is quite unaccountable to me how they could have been
detained until this morning. And, oh! it seems they have
taken a heavy draught of fish, for, although I cannot
see the bottom of the boat, their feet are raised as if
to prevent crushing or injuring something beneath them.
But hold! there is something wrong, too. I do not see
the usual number of muskets piled in the stern. How can
this be, Mr.
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