o. Allowing them half an hour to comment upon
this disappointment, I then fired another gun, and hoisted up to the
yard-arm the figure of a man, composed of clothes stuffed with hay, made
to represent the French captain; and having so done, I remained during
the whole forenoon, with my sails brailed up, that they might have a
clear view of the hanging figure. At last we perceived a large boat,
with a flag of truce, coming out of the river. I remained where I was,
and, allowing it to come alongside, I perceived in it the French officer
who had pledged himself to give the conditions of the combat to the
lady; and seated by him was the French captain's wife, with her head
sunk down on her knees, and her face buried in her handkerchief.

I saluted the officer as he came on deck. He returned my bow, and then
said, "Sir, the fortune of war has proved in your favour, and I perceive
that the conditions of the issue of the combat have been adhered to on
your side. Against that I have not a word to say, as my friend would
have as rigidly adhered to them. But, Sir, we war not with the dead,
and I have come off at the request of his miserable wife, to beg that
you will, now that your revenge is satisfied, deliver up to her her
husband's body, that it may receive the rites of the Church, and
Christian burial. You surely, as a brave man, will not deny this small
favour to a woman whom you have twice deprived of her husband?"

"Sir," I replied, "on condition that his lady will step on board and
make the request herself, I will comply with it, but on no other terms."

"It will be most painful, and her feelings might well have been spared
such a trial as to meet your face again, and make the request in person;
but, as you insist upon it, I will make known your terms."

As he went into his boat I ran down into the cabin, and desired them to
cast loose the French captain, saying to him, "Sir, your wife is here
requesting your body, which she believes to be swinging at the yard-arm,
for I have put that trick into execution to punish her. I never
intended to take your life, and I shall now do more, I shall give you
not only life but liberty--such shall be my revenge."

The French captain stared as if confounded, but made no reply. I then
went on deck, where I found the lady had been lifted up the side. They
led her to me, and she fell on her knees, but the effort was too much
for her, and she fainted away. I ordered her to be