and her prize to
make their way up Plymouth harbour. Before the day broke they were both
safe at anchor in Hamoze, close to where the _Wolf_ lay.

Soon after sunrise Lieutenant Mason, with the two midshipmen he had
brought for the frigate, went alongside her. Captain Moubray, who was
on board, at once desired to see him. Having given an account of the
capture of the lugger and described the good conduct of the pressed men,
and especially mentioned Richard Hargrave, he added, "He saved my life,
sir, in boarding the lugger, and afterwards, when the Frenchmen were on
the point of breaking out of the hold, he brought the lugger alongside
just in time to enable us to drive them below without bloodshed. He
had, I understand, deserted from the frigate, but as he was in the first
instance pressed, I trust that you will pardon him, and judge rather by
the way he has lately behaved than his past conduct."

"I'll take the account you give into consideration, Mr Mason," answered
the captain. "To prevent desertion, it is absolutely necessary to
punish those who are retaken; but I should be very unwilling to do so in
this instance. I will see this Richard Hargrave, and if I can overlook
his offence without injury to the discipline of the ship, I will gladly
do so."

With this promise, Lieutenant Mason was obliged to remain satisfied. It
was all he could do to show his gratitude to Dick for saving his life.
He had, however, several duties to perform--to get rid of his prisoners,
and to hand the lugger over to the prize agents. On paying his respects
to the admiral, he received many compliments on his gallantry, and a
promise that his conduct would be duly reported. He then mentioned Dick
Hargrave's conduct. "Very praiseworthy," observed the admiral. "I am
glad you have spoken of him to Captain Moubray, who will doubtless see
that he is rewarded, and keep an eye on him in future."

Dick, soon after he got on board, fell in with Ben Rudall. Ben looked
very downcast.

"Sorry to see you back, Dick," he said. "What has happened? Did you
manage to get home and see my old woman, and give her the money? or did
they catch you afore, and take it from you?"

Dick briefly explained all that had happened, and gave an account of the
action with the lugger, and how the lieutenant had spoken of him.

"That's good luck for you. It may save you from what I got. I thought
I was safe off, but I was brought back, and had a taste of