Suddenly an order comes out of the gloom near the main hatch and is
carried from gun to gun.

"Cast loose and provide!"

The hitherto motionless figures waiting at the battery spring into
activity. Hands move nimbly at the training and elevating gear.
Breech-blocks are thrown open, sights adjusted, the first and second
captains take their places, the former with the firing lanyard in
readiness for use at his gun; then there is silence again as the officer
in charge of the division holds up one hand as a signal that all is
prepared. Then comes the word to load.

In a twinkling the ammunition hoists are creaking with their burdens and
boxes of shell appear on deck. These are quickly lifted to the guns and
taken in hand by the loaders. The latter do their part of the general
work thoroughly and with despatch, and presently the breech-blocks are
swung to and the battery is ready for action.

In the meantime there has been systematic preparation in other parts of
the auxiliary cruiser. Down in the sick bay aft, the surgeon and his
assistants have made ready for their grewsome task. Cases of glittering
instruments have been opened, lint and bandages and splints are in their
proper places, and the apothecary and bayman are getting the cots in
trim for instant use.

In the fire room the firemen and coal-passers are heaping up the
furnaces, a couple of men hurry away to attend to the fire mains, and,
standing by in readiness for duty, are the engineers and crew of the off