in her, and was making so much water, that
they were almost afraid that they would not be able to get her into
port. But I was now quite faint with the pain of my wound and
exhaustion, and was carried below to have it dressed. All our men had
been attended to, and I was glad to hear that Bob Cross was in no
danger, although his wound was very severe. The surgeon's assistant was
allowed to remain on board, and the captain of the Naiad sent all my men
back and manned the prizes, giving me orders to keep company with him.
As soon as my wound was dressed, and I was put into my bed, I felt much
relieved, and soon afterwards fell fast asleep.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

The prizes proved to be the Diligente brig, of fourteen guns, and two
hundred and ten men, and Caroline schooner, of eight guns, and one
hundred and twenty men--they had done a great deal of mischief, and
their capture was of importance. The captain of the Naiad's orders were
to return to Curacao, and we all made sail before sunset. Our loss had
been severe: commanding officer, boatswain, carpenter, and twelve men
wounded--one midshipman and two men killed.

The next morning our signal was made to pass within hail, and the
captain of the Naiad inquired how I was. The surgeon's assistant
replied that I and all the wounded were doing well, and there was no
more communication till we arrived at Curacao on the fourth day, by
which time I was rapidly recovering.

Mr Fraser, as soon as he heard of my being hurt, immediately came on
board and insisted upon my being taken on shore to his house, and I
gladly consented. The next day I had a visit from Captain C, the
commanding officer, and the captain of the Naiad. Captain C asked me if
I was well enough to write the account of the action. I replied that I
was, and that I would send it the next day. He and the captain of the
Naiad both paid me many compliments for having fought a superior force
for so long a time, and Captain C said that as soon as I was well enough
he would send me up to Jamaica, as bearer of my own despatches to the
admiral.

I requested, as a particular favour of Mr Fraser, that he would allow
Bob Cross to be sent ashore to his house, and Mr Fraser immediately
consented. My friend Bob was therefore brought up that evening, and was
soon established in very comfortable quarters.

We had been a fortnight at the island, during which my wound was healing
rapidly, and I was able to hop abo