pon the
surface of the water?

Well--that is the way that the shells looked and sounded--as they
plumped and slushed into the surface of the southern sea; and every
now and then there was a _punk_, and a _crash_, and a _chug_, as a
big, iron ball bit into the side of a man-of-war.

Around and around sailed the sparring assailants, each looking for a
chance to board. _Crash! Roar! Crash!_ growled the broadsides. Shrill
screams sounded from the wounded; the harsh voices of the officers
echoed above the din of the conflict; and, the whining bugle squealed
ominously between the roaring crush of grape and chain-shot.

But the French got nearer and nearer. Great gaps showed in the
bulwarks of the _Diomede_; one mast was tottering. Beaten and
outnumbered she stood out to sea, her sailors crowding into the
rigging like monkeys, and spreading every stitch of white canvas.

"She runs! Egad, she runs!" cried the Commander of the other British
vessel. "Faith, I cannot stand off four Frenchmen alone. I must after
her to save my scalp."

So--putting his helm hard over--he threw his vessel before the wind,
and she spun off, pursued by bouncing shells and shrieking grapnel.

"Voila!" cried the French. "Ze great battaile, eet belongs to us!" But
there were many dead and wounded upon the decks of the proud French
warships.

Soon after this smart, little affair the soldiers and sailors who had
been in this fight were discharged,--and--looking about for
employment, young Robert took the first position that presented
itself: the command of the brig _Creole_,--engaged in the slave trade.
He made several successful voyages, but orders were issued to--

"Arrest the Slave Hunter and all his crew,
When they arrive at the Mauritius."

One of those little birds which sometimes carry needed information,
both on sea and land, whispered this ill news to the gallant, young
sea-dog. So he steered for the isle of Bourbon, and there landed his
human freight in a small bay. At daybreak he lay at anchor in the
Harbor of St. Paul in that self-same island.

About eight in the morning a boat was seen approaching, and to the
hail,--"Who goes there?" came the reply--

"Public Health Committee from St. Denis. We wish to come on board and
to inspect your ship."

Surcouf was much annoyed.

"You can climb aboard," said he, stifling an exclamation of disgust.
"I am at your service."

In a few moments the commissioners were upon the deck, a