tely, fallen in with the squadron which had been
despatched on purpose to try and discover their haunts.

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.

SIR GEORGE HOOKE TAKES THE SPANISH GALLEONS IN VIGO BAY.

Elizabeth's joy at seeing Mistress Pearson was very great; and she did
her utmost to comfort her in her affliction, aided by Captain Davis and
Deane. As soon as they arrived at Port Royal, Captain Davis took a
house for her on shore, where she and Elizabeth went to reside till a
plan for their future proceedings could be arranged. Deane immediately
wrote to Monsieur de Mertens, and told him of his recovery of his
daughter, saying that she was still with her kind guardian, in whose
company he hoped that he should, without delay, be able to escort her to
England.

In those days the climate of the West Indies was as dangerous to
Europeans as at the present, and ships seldom remained long on the
station without losing many of their officers and men. The honest old
Admiral Benbow was still alive, although rapidly sinking from the
effects of his wounds and his annoyance at the conduct of his officers
in the action with the French. Hearing of Jack's conduct, he appointed
him second lieutenant of the "Ruby," in the place of an officer who had
died. He was sorry to leave Captain Davis, especially as he expected
now to have fewer opportunities of meeting Elizabeth. He had, however,
the consolation to know that Captain Davis expected immediately to be
sent home, and proposed taking his sister and Elizabeth with him. John
Deane met with no adventures worth recording during his next cruise.

On the return of the "Ruby" to Port Royal, our hero found that the
"Venus" had already sailed, and his ship was shortly afterwards also
ordered home. On reaching England, he was immediately appointed to the
"Lennox," of seventy guns, commanded by his old friend Captain Jumper.
She formed one of the squadron under Admiral Sir George Rooke just on
the point of sailing for the coast of Spain. Being unable to obtain
leave of absence, he wrote to Nottingham and Norwich; but before he
received answers to his letters his ship put to sea. Sir George Rooke
had his flag flying on board the "Royal Sovereign."

On board the fleet were a large number of troops, under the command of
the Duke of Ormond. On the 12th August they anchored before the harbour
of Cadiz next day the Duke of Ormond sent in a trumpeter with a letter
requiring the governor to surren