"

"But suppose, instead of the big ship being his prize, he has been
captured by one of our cruisers, and has been sent in first to show the
way?" I suggested.

"No, no, the headmost craft is the _Mignonne_, and the big one is an
Indiaman, her prize, depend on that," said O'Carroll.

There seemed every probability that he was right, but this did not
increase our satisfaction. The only thing that could be said was that
we should now have companions in our misfortune. As may be supposed,
however, we watched the approach of the two ships with the greatest
interest, feeling assured that in some way or other they would have a
considerable influence on our fate.

CHAPTER TEN.

AN ANXIOUS TIME.

Our anxiety to ascertain the fate of those on board the ship which the
_Mignonne_ had brought in as a prize induced me, with my brother William
and Trundle, to make another expedition to the French settlement. We
ventured much nearer during daylight than we had done the first time, as
we were certain that the people would be watching the arrival of the
privateer and her prize. We were able, indeed, to reach a spot
overlooking the harbour, where, among some thick bushes, we concealed
ourselves before the ships came to an anchor. William had brought his
telescope, and we could almost see the countenances of the people on the
decks of the ships. The large one was, we saw at once, an Indiaman
outward bound. We knew that by the number of young men and the young
ladies on board, and their clear ruddy complexions. Had she been
homeward bound, there would be old yellow-faced generals and judges,
black nurses, sickly ladies, and little children.

We anxiously watched the proceedings of those on board. The passengers
were walking up and down in a very disconsolate mood: the crew were
clustered forward. By their looks and gestures as they cast their eyes
towards the privateer, we thought that even then they were about to
attack the Frenchman, and attempt to regain their liberty.

"I hope they will. I should like to help them," exclaimed William and
Trundle, starting up simultaneously.

I drew them back. "Nonsense! we could not help them, and they will not
make the attempt," I said. "See, the Frenchmen are going on board
armed. They know what they are about."

Two large boats with armed men were pulling from the privateer to the
Indiaman to strengthen her prize crew, while Captain La Roche was going
on board her in