He reached the spot, seized Fieldsend by the shoulders, and by main
force dragged him quickly a dozen yards to the right. It was a heavy
task, but the lad was as sturdy a fellow of his years as one might
have found in a week's march, and his efforts were rewarded with a
cheer from his comrades.

While the shouts were still ringing, yet one more shot came, this time
striking the exact spot where the lieutenant had a moment before been
lying, and ploughing up the little elder bush by its roots.

"As plucky a job as ever I see!" cried the sergeant, running up with
three or four others, and he slapped George on the back with a
heartiness that made the lad wince.

The wounded man was hastily carried off the field.

"More stunned than hurt," reported the surgeon, "a nasty tap on the
left shoulder; but he'll be all right in a day or so."

Within half an hour George Fairburn found himself on board the
_Dorsetshire_, to assist in the operations against the New Mole. The
signal had come to Captain Whitaker to proceed against that place, and
the ship was headed for the spot. To the surprise of those on board,
they perceived two other ships in advance of them; they were the
_Yarmouth_, Captain Hicks, and the _Lennox_, Captain Jumper, a gallant
pair. Boats from the two vessels were perceived hastening to the
shore. The crews landed, and almost immediately their feet touched
ground a dense cloud was seen to fly up into the air, followed by a
deafening explosion.