remain at their quarters, for it was yet
difficult to say what the enemy would do next. We watched them
anxiously, for even the most fire-eating of our men had no wish for more
fighting, as by no possibility could we hope to capture either of the
frigates. When some way astern they joined company, and we saw them
standing to the westward. They got farther and farther off, and
gradually their hulls sank below the horizon. We were now ordered to
secure the guns. This done, the dead hove overboard, and the decks
washed down, all hands were employed in knotting and securing the
running and standing rigging, and strengthening the wounded spars. I
asked one of the assistant-surgeons, who came on deck to get a little
fresh air, if he knew how the captain was going on.

"He has a desperate wound in the arm, but is likely to do well," he
answered.

He told me, besides, that there were six-and-twenty wounded men below,
while nineteen had been killed. From the number of shot the Frenchmen
fired at us, I supposed that we had lost many more. A large proportion
of the shot, however, had flown over our heads, and injured only our
sails and rigging. The ship was but partially put to rights when
another night closed in. I found it difficult enough even during my
watch to keep my eyes open, and the moment I turned in to my hammock I
was fast asleep. I suspect that all on board, both officers and men,
were equally drowsy. I had not to turn out again till the hammocks were
piped up.

When I came on deck I found that the weather had changed. Dark clouds
were rushing across the sky, the sea had got up, and the ship was
rolling and pitching into it. The wind was from the southward. Two
reefs had been taken in the topsails, but from the way the ship heeled
over it was evident that she had more canvas on her than she could
carry.

Captain Drury had just come on deck.

"We must shorten sail," he said to the first lieutenant.

"Hands aloft," he shouted.

Just at that moment, as the men were about to spring into the rigging, a
tremendous blast struck the ship, and over she heeled.

"Up with the helm!" cried Captain Drury.

The ship did not answer it, but heeled over more and more. I thought
she was about to share the fate of the _Cerberus_, The moment afterwards
a heavy sea came roaring up, a succession of crashes was heard, the
masts went by the board, and she rose on an even keel, the wheel flying
round and sending th