however, was very
clear, and when morning broke there she was still ahead. It was
evident, also, that we had gained on her considerably.

"I say, Ben, our skipper and First-Lieutenant are licking their lips at
the thoughts of the prize we shall pick up before the day is many hours
older," observed my friend Tom Twigg, the midshipman who steered the
boat which brought us on board; he had ever since then marked me as an
object of his especial favour. He was a merry little fellow, with the
funniest round face, and round eyes, and round nose possible. He often
got into scrapes; but he declared that, like a hedgehog or slater, or
woodlouse, he always managed to roll himself out of them. "I rather
think the skipper has entered you on the books that you may have a share
in the prize we are going to make," he observed. "It will not be very
great, but it is something, and no man on board will grudge it you."
About noon we got the brig under our guns, when she hauled down her
colours, and proved to be a richly-laden Letter of Marque. It was very
pleasant returning into port with her, and this circumstance put
everybody on board in good humour, the Captain and Lieutenant Schank
especially, who of course had large shares.

"I wish I could accompany you, Mrs Burton," said Mr Schank, when we
reached Portsmouth; "but that is impossible. You must let me frank you
up, however, to my mother's. I dare say by this time you pretty well
know how to manage on the road. Pay the postboys well, and take care
that youngster does not tumble off the roof and break his neck." Of
course my mother thanked the Captain and all the officers for the
kindness she had received on board. They insisted on her saying nothing
about the matter; indeed, they declared they had not done enough, and
would not let her go till they had made her accept a purse of gold,
which they declared would have been my father's share of the prize just
taken had he been alive. Lieutenant Schank had written on before to
announce our coming. The old lady, therefore, and the three Misses
Schank were on the look-out for us as our post-chaise drove up to the
cottage, while I saw poor Mrs Lindars looking out at an upper window
from the room she occupied, and there in the midst of the ladies
downstairs was the Little Lady, a perfect little fairy she looked among
the three mature Misses Schank. Miss Anna Maria held her up in her
arms, and the little girl cried out, "Oh! Mam