I don't think the garrison is large. The place is so
secure that it doesn't need many men to guard it. Prisoners are never
taken out for exercise, and, as I told you, they are fed but once in
four days."
"How large a crew can 'The Walrus' carry?"
"Oh, as many as you like, Madam. The yacht is practically an ocean
liner."
"Is there any landing stage on the eastern side of the rock?"
"Practically none, Madam. The steamer stood out, and I was landed in
the cove I spoke of at the foot of the stairway."
"It wouldn't be possible to bring a steamer like 'The Walrus'
alongside the rock, then?"
"It would be possible in calm weather, but very dangerous even then."
"Could you find that rock if you were in command of a ship sailing the
Baltic?"
"Oh, yes, Madam."
"If twenty or thirty determined men were landed on the stairway, do
you think they could capture the garrison?"
"Yes, if they were landed secretly, but one or two soldiers at the top
with repeating rifles might hold the stairway against an army, while
their ammunition lasted."
"But if a shell were fired from the steamer, might not the attacking
company get inside during the confusion among the defenders?"
"That is possible, Madam, but a private steamer firing shells, or,
indeed, landing a hostile company, runs danger of meeting the fate of
a pirate."
"You would not care to try it, then?"
"I? Oh, I should be delighted to try it, if you allow me to select the
crew.
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