soldierly fashion and stood at attention, awaiting orders.

These were soon given, and after a hurried preparation the whole
party---with the exception of three privates who remained at the
fort---sallied forth against "Bego's gang." It was decided not to go
on board the _Petrel_ for the few miles' trip back along the coast,
but to use the _Arrow_, instead; for the latter would not be so
easily recognized by the smugglers.

"No doubt they'll have pickets posted at different points near
Durgan's settlement, if, as we suspect, they have a rendezvous
there," said Lieutenant Driscoll. "But we'll camp tonight on
Palmetto Key, cross over to the shore the first thing to-morrow
morning-----"

"Before daylight?"

"Of course; and then we'll land on 'em, hot-and-heavy. I count on
their trying to ship a cargo to-morrow night, when there'll be no
moon."

"I understand," said Norton. "Will you permit me to make a suggestion,
Lieutenant Driscoll?"

"By all means, my dear sir. What is it?"

"Well, the fact that you mentioned their pickets gave me an idea that
it would be well if you sent some of us,---say these scouts and myself,
for instance,---over to the mainland to-night to act as pickets for
you fellows encamped on Palmetto Key."