they might be wanted; and that if the fore-topmast staysail was
hoisted, she would lie better at her anchor, and in case of parting, he
would be able to manage her till sail was set. This advice was followed,
and all the men sat up in the cabin drinking, those who had the watch
occasionally coming down to refresh themselves.

They gave us a glass of grog each that night, a proof that they had
drunk until they were good-natured. Bramble said to me, as we sat down
outside, "It will be clear to-morrow morning, Tom, that's sartain--it
must be to-night or never. I've been thinking of lowering the quarter
boat down, when they are a little more mizzled; they are getting on
pretty fast, for Frenchmen haven't the heads for drinking that
Englishmen have. Now it pours down beautifully, and here they come down
again for shelter."

For three hours we watched; it was then four o'clock, and the men were
most of them asleep or more than half drunk. Those of the middle watch
came down dripping wet, and called the others to relieve them, but only
two of them answered to the call. They who had come down began to drink
freely, to warm themselves after their ducking, and by half-past four,
except the two men on deck, every Frenchman was either fast asleep or
muddled.

"Tom," said Bramble, "now's our time. Slip up on deck, go forward if no
one is there, and saw through the cable as quickly as you can; it won't
take long, for it's a coir rope. As soon as you have got through two
strands out of the three, come aft."

I went on deck, and looked round; I could not see the two men, it was so
dark. I then walked forward, and looking well round to see that they
were not on the forecastle, I sat down before the windlass and commenced
operations. In a couple of minutes I had divided the two strands, and I
went aft, where I found Bramble at the binnacle, in which a light was
burning.

"I have done it," said I, "and if the wind freshens at all, she will
part."'

"All's right," said Bramble, "those two fellows are fast asleep under
the taffrail, covered up with the trysail, which lies there. Now, Tom,
for a bold push: go down once more, and see how they are getting on in
the cabin."

I went down: every man was asleep--some on the locker, some with their
heads on the table. I came on deck: it rained harder than ever.

"This will be a clearing shower, Tom, depend upon it; and the wind is
freshening up again. Now, have you looked out for a hands