s to give us a
dusting with their guns. There'll be some chips o' rock flying far
to-night.--And something more for you to do, my lad," he muttered to
himself, as he recalled the lieutenant's injury.

Syd made no answer, and stood watching the French vessel's sails
gradually begin to fill and make her careen over.

"Here she comes," said Rogers; then, respectfully, "They won't have half
time to get that gun into place, will they, sir?"

"No, Rogers, no," said Syd, thoughtfully; "but look, she's changing her
course."

It was so indeed, for the French frigate curved gracefully around, and
went off on her old course toward the town of Saint Jacques.

Syd rubbed his eyes and stared, while Rogers in his excitement slapped
both his legs, shouting derisively--"Yah! Cowards! G'ome!" and then
darted to the flagstaff and began to haul the colours down a few feet,
and just as his young officer was about to stop him, seized the second
line and jigged them up again in a sort of dance that was intended in
mockery of the captain and crew of the departing frigate.

"That will do there," cried Syd, sharply.

"Beg pardon, sir," cried the sailor, starting away from the flagstaff;
"but for them to go away like that. The old chaps aboard were always
bragging that they could lick three Parlyvoos, but arter what I've seed
to-day, I'm ready to tackle six. I don't say I'd lick 'em, but I'd have
a good try."

"Don't judge them too soon," said Syd, quietly; and he went down to the
hospital and reported everything to the lieutenant.

"Well," he said, "what do you think of it, Mr Belton--that you've
frightened them away with one gun?"

"No, sir; I think they've gone for help."

"Or else to report, and perhaps deliver despatches."

"Yes, sir; think we shall have them back?"

"Not a doubt about it, Mr Belton. We laugh at and brag about our
superiority over the Frenchmen; but with all their chatter and
gesticulation and show, they know how to fight, and can fight bravely
and well. Get your other gun ready and keep the sharpest of look-outs,
as they'll be down upon you before you know where you are. What's the
matter yonder," he continued, raising his head and listening; "Mr Terry
in hot water again? We don't want trouble among ourselves. You are
wanted there, commandant."

Syd hurried out and found Terry up by the battery he had had in charge,
furiously refusing to let the men under Roylance remove the gun.

"Ah, you are t