e of the bold enemy proudly cruising before their eyes.

"Give them a shot or two, Morton," said the captain; "we'll try if that
does not excite them to bestir themselves."

In advance of the rest of the squadron was a large frigate, painted
black and heavily armed, and near her were three brigs. Still they were
all under shelter of the batteries on the island.

With a shout of satisfaction the British crew observed the topsails of
the black frigate and her three consorts let fall. It was a sign that
they were coming out. The sails were sheeted home. Out they all four
stood. The canvas of the "Pallas" was reduced, and she was hove-to, in
the most gallant way, to wait for them.

"We must have him, I am determined," exclaimed the captain, as the
enemy's frigate drew near. Everybody was as eager and sanguine as the
captain, except Lieutenant Hardman.

"We have had all the luck hitherto--we must not expect to keep it," he
remarked to Glover. "Remember what I often have said: There's many a--"

A shot from the enemy, which came whizzing close over his head, and the
loud shouts of "Fire!" from the captain, cut short his remarks.

The crew gave a hearty cheer, and obeyed the order by delivering a
rattling broadside at the advancing enemy.

More sail was now made on the frigate, so that she might be kept
completely under command. The brigs coming up also commenced firing, as
did the batteries on the island, but, boldly standing on, the English
frigate gallantly engaged them all. The crew required no words of
encouragement. Most of the men stood at their guns stripped to the
waist, with their handkerchiefs bound round their heads, labouring with
that determined energy which was the sure promise of victory. Now, as
they could bring their guns to bear, they aimed at the brigs, now again
at their larger opponent, the black frigate. As she drew near it was
seen that she was greatly superior to the "Pallas," both in size and as
to the number of her guns, while probably also her crew were much more
numerous, but that in no way daunted Lord Claymore. On the contrary, he
seemed the more eager not to part with her, but to carry her off as his
prize.

In spite, however, of this superiority, the black frigate, as well as
the brigs, showed a disposition to keep at a respectful distance.
Several times the "Pallas" had to tack to avoid the shoals surrounding
the island. Besides this, her captain's aim was, by manoeuvrin