THE SEA-SERPENT. 115 



ammunition, and with a select squad of artillerists 

 to serve it. Next came Captain G. P. E. in his 

 sailboat, "The Eagle," with a lighter armament, but 

 indorsed by an apparatus fitted for devil-fishing, such 

 as harpoons, ropes, and buoys. Lastly, came a skiff, 

 to ply between the heavier boats, and pick up 

 stragglers should any be tossed overboard in the 

 expected fray. Here was good strategy an anchor 

 to windward, a loop-hole for retreat, were it neces- 

 sary, and security for some at least of the assail- 

 ants, for it would be difficult for his highness, with 

 all his imputed fierceness and voracity, to take down 

 three boats at a gulp ! 



Full of spirit, and of high hope and expectation, 

 the party now embarked, and went merrily on their 

 way with wind and tide in their favor, until at dawn 

 of day they found themselves on the waters of 

 Broad River, by the way of Archer's Creek. They 

 cast their eyes wistfully east, south and west, over 

 the wide expanse, but no serpent was to be seen. 

 They agreed to divide, and signal each other should 

 either party come in sight of the enemy. " St. 

 Patrick, " with the skiff in company, passed up the 

 river with the tide (you are too fond of that, my 

 clear St. Patrick !) The Eagle spreads her wings 

 and sails away to seaward, against the tide. After 

 sailing on that tack for some time without seeing 



