replied he.

The fact was, it was very easy to tell my story after the boats were up
and sail made upon the frigate, and I knew there was no time for
talking.

I never witnessed such a rapidity as was shown on this occasion; in less
than five minutes all the boats were on board, and all sail made. I
looked at the French line-of-battle ship; she was within four miles of
us, and bringing up a very steady breeze. But we were now drawing
through the water, and as the re-captured vessels were three miles ahead
of us, there was nothing to fear. Captain Delmar came aft to look at
the Frenchman, who had already passed by the vessel which I had set on
fire.

"Now, then, Mr Keene," said he, "we will know what has taken place. Of
course we have seen most of it."

I narrated what the reader already knows.

"What do you suppose to have been the loss?"

"I should say three boats, and about forty men, sir. I forgot, sir, to
tell you that we have a lieutenant and two officers prisoners, whom I
brought on board with me."

"Desire them to be brought on deck," said the captain. "Mr Keene, you
have done your work well--with great gallantry and great judgment."

I touched my hat, not a little pleased at such a compliment from.
Captain Delmar.

"What's the last soundings, Mr Smith?" inquired the captain.

"And a quarter four, sir," said the master.

"This chase won't last long," observed the captain. "Take in the lower
studding-sail."

The French lieutenant was then questioned; but with the exception of the
name of the ship and captain, there was little to be expected from him,
and he was dismissed and sent below.

This affair, however, was not without loss on our side (principally
arising from Tommy Dott's stout defence). We had two men killed, and we
had altogether fourteen men wounded--some of them very severely. My
friend Tommy Dott came on board a miserable object, his face and hair
matted with blood; but when it was washed away, he proved to be not so
much hurt as was supposed: the cut was severe, but the bones were not
injured. He was very soon out of his hammock again, and his chief
pleasure was to put his tongue in his cheek and make faces at the French
lieutenant, who at last became so annoyed, that he complained to Captain
Delmar, who ordered Mr Tommy to leave off these expressions of national
animosity, if he had any wish to obtain his promotion. But to return.

As the breeze freshened, and the Frenc