we
started two large baboons, who appeared as much surprised as we were. We
soon lost sight of them among the rocks. It is strictly forbidden to use
fire-arms or to destroy anything on the Rock. We also saw a few red-legged
partridges, which were not very shy, and some large lizards.

The officers of the garrison gave a horse race on neutral ground, and
invited the Governor of St. Roch with his staff. He came with a numerous
retinue. Flags of truce were stuck up beyond the Gibraltar limits, and we
were at liberty to go nearly as far as the nearest Spanish fort. It was a
singular coincidence to see us shaking hands and offering cigars to men
whose duty it was an hour before to shoot us. Everything went off very
pleasantly except with the poor, distressed horses, who had to run over
deep sand. After the Spanish Governor and his officers had partaken of a
plentiful collation under a large marquee, they took their departure, and
we gave them three cheers. We at length received our rudder from the hands
of the dockyard mateys. They had made a good job of it, and it answered
admirably.

CHAPTER XVII.

OFF BREST.

Return under jury-masts to England--Arrive at Spithead--The admiral,
the middy, and the dirk--Join H.M.S. _Diamond_ as first
lieutenant--Attached to Lord St. Vincent's fleet off Brest--A change
of captains--Weary waiting for an enemy who never came.

A few days after we sailed, with three other line of battle ships, under
jury-masts, for old England. On our passage we spoke a frigate, who
informed us that Sir Richard Strachan had taken the four sail of the line
which had escaped from the French fleet. We were delighted as well as
"Dicky Strong," and gave three hearty cheers. On the eighth day we arrived
at Spithead, and were cheered by all the ships lying there, which we
returned. Some of the fleet had, we thought, made rather a show of their
shot-holes, but our commodore declared that "good wine needed no bush."
Our shot-holes, of which we had a good share, were painted over and not
perceptible at any distance. The captain left us, and was heartily cheered
as he left the ship. As soon as we were in the harbour I had permission
from the Admiralty to return home for a month.

I found my sweetest half (for I had, without knowing why or wherefore,
become a Benedict) in much anxiety, as our ship had been reported