Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 4.djvu/393

 THE HTII OF OCTOBKE. 363 - along the coast was to raise up around thein a chap. shroud of smoke, which might more or less baffle "^^^^' the gunners at the Wasp and the Telegraph Battery. A hold offer had just now been made, which service . . rendered by was destined to exert a great luiiuence upon the -MrBaiito tenor of the approaching combat. Mr Edward memnon. Charles Ball, acting master, who had the com- mand of a little steam-tender called the Circassia, proposed to be allowed to move on wdth his small craft ahead of the Agamemnon, in order to feel the way for the great ship by taking soundings for her, and leading her on as close to the shoal as prudence would allow. Lyons felt the value of such an offer, but thought it fair to warn INfr Ball that his vessel would probably be sunk, telling him, however, at the same time, that, to meet that contingency, and to pick up the com- mander and his crew, the Agamemnon's boats should be kept ready and manned. ]Ir Ball did not hesitate an instant. Upon the suggestion of Lyons, he placed his little vessel upon the off- shore side of the Agamemnon, and, as soon as the preconcerted signal was given, moved for- ward ahead of the great sliip, and proceeded to find a path for her. In his first attempt to sound, the lead-line was struck out of the leads- man's hands by a shot ; but this only caused ]'all to search for another sounding- line ; and although his small craft received nine shot in her hull, and his leadsman got Avouuded, he did not remit his task till he had guided the Agamem-