chor before nightfall, we perceived a
great hurry and confusion on deck; they were evidently making all the
sail that they could upon the vessel; and then hearing them fire off
their stern-chasers, we knew for certain that they were pursued.
Overjoyed at the prospect of being released, we gave three cheers. The
French from the deck threatened to fire down upon us, but we knew that
they dared not, for the Revenge was so crippled in the fight, that
they could not put sail upon her so as to escape, and their force on
board was too small to enable them to resist if overtaken--we
therefore continued our exulting clamours. At last we heard guns
fired, and the shot whizzing over the vessel--a shot or two struck our
hull, and soon afterwards a broadside being poured into us, the
Frenchmen struck their colours, and we had the satisfaction of seeing
all these Gasconaders driven down into the hold to take our places. It
was now their turn to be dejected and downcast, and for us to be
merry; and now also the tables had to be turned, and we took the
liberty of regaining possession of our clothes and other property
which they carried on their backs and in their pockets. I must say we
showed them no mercy.

"What o'clock is it, Monsieur?" said I to the fellow who had my watch.

"At your service, Sir," he replied, humbly taking out my watch, and
presenting it to me.

"Thank you," said I, taking the watch, and saluting him with a kick in
the stomach, which made him double up and turn round from me, upon
which I gave him another kick in the rear to straighten him again.
"That ring, Monsieur, that your sweetheart will prize."

"Here it is," replied the fellow, abjectly.

"Thank you, Sir," I replied, saluting him with the double kick which I
had given to the former. "Tell your sweetheart I sent her those,"
cried I, "that is, when you get back to her."

"Hark ye, brother," cries one of our men, "I'll trouble you for that
jacket which you borrowed of me the other day, and in return here are
a pair of iron garters (holding out the shackles), which you must wear
for my sake--I think they will fit you well."

"Mounseer," cries another, "that wig of mine don't suit your complexion,
I'll trouble you for it. It's a pity such a face as yours should be
disfigured in those curls. And while you are about it, I'll thank you
to strip altogether, as I think your clothes will fit me, and are much
too gay for a prisoner."

"I was left naked throu