st.

In the same direction another ship was seen, with which it was
considered probable that the Yankee had communicated. The stranger
looked suspicious--a heavy ship--and certainly a man-of-war. All hands
in consequence set to work to whistle for a breeze, and to our infinite
satisfaction it came very soon, confirming most on board in their belief
as to the efficacy of the operation. Sail was then made, and we steered
for the stranger. She was soon pronounced to be a powerful frigate, a
worthy match for the Doris, and so with light hearts we cleared for
action, not doubting that we should take her, whatever her size or the
number of her guns. Our only fear was that she might run away. To
prevent this, our captain, who was up to all sorts of tricks to deceive
an enemy, had arranged a mode of disguising the ship. By means of some
black painted canvas let down over the main-deck ports, she was made to
look like a corvette, or flush-decked vessel. Captain Collyer, we
heard, had before taken in and taken several vessels in this way, and we
hoped now to be as fortunate.

At an earlier hour than usual we piped to breakfast, that we might not
fight on empty stomachs, and I may safely say that the prospect of a
fierce contest damped no one's appetite. For my own part I never made a
better meal in my life. I hurried, however, very soon again on deck,
spy-glass in hand. Looking through it, there was no longer any doubt as
to the character of the stranger. There she lay, standing under easy
sail, and evidently waiting our approach. Just as I got on deck she
fired a gun to windward, and the French ensign flew out from her peak.

As we drew nearer we could count twenty-two ports on a side. She thus
carried many more guns than we did, and had probably a much larger crew.
These odds were highly satisfactory. We had no fear about the issue of
the combat; our only dread was that she might escape us. Our captain
determined to do his best to prevent this. He was not a man given to
make long speeches, but as soon as everything was ready for battle, he
called the men on deck.

"My lads," he said, "there's a ship somewhat bigger than we are, and
maybe there are more men on board; but they're only Frenchmen. You can
take her if you try, and I know you will. I intend to engage her to
leeward, that she may not escape us. You'll do your duty like British
seamen, and that's all I want of you."

This pithy speech was recei