about the
matter. After some time he obtained his recall, and the frigate was now
on her way to England.

"A sail on the starboard bow!" was the cry from the masthead. The
captain was anxious to get to England, and if he chased in that
direction he should be led deep into the bay, and perhaps not be able to
get out again; but when the stranger was made out to be a frigate, and,
in all probability an enemy, the temptation to pursue her was
irresistible. The helm was put up and all sail made in chase of the
stranger. Away flew the gallant "Imperious," with the wind on her
quarter, and far ahead kept the other frigate, steering directly in for
the French coast. There could be now no longer any doubt that she was
an enemy. An English ship could never have run in that way; but it was
strongly suspected that the Emperor had ordered his naval officers to
avoid fighting unless sure of success.

Once having commenced a pursuit Lord Claymore was not the man to give it
up until he had caught the chase, or run her to earth. Every means that
could be thought of was tried to increase the speed of the frigate, but
it was soon evident that the enemy was very fast and could easily keep
ahead. Still Lord Claymore hoped that some chance might enable him to
come up with her and bring her to action. The weather, however
continued fine, which was so far in favour of the Frenchman, that there
was little chance of his carrying away any masts or spars, by which the
"Imperious" might have gained an advantage. Night drew on; but the moon
rose and her beams fell on the chase exactly in the position she had so
long held. It was now very evident that she was steering for Basque
Roads.

"She may get there but we'll bring her out for all that," exclaimed the
captain, as he walked the deck, with his night-glass in hand, watching
the chase.

Hour after hour passed without the slightest alteration in the relative
position of the two frigates. Day came and the chase continued.

The officers each snatched a few hours' rest; the captain probably took
less than any one. The land was made out ahead and then on the
starboard bow. It was the island of Oleron, forming the south side of
Basque Roads. There was no longer any hope of bringing the enemy to
action, still the "Imperious" stood on. The chase was seen to bring up
under a strong fort, below which several line-of-battle ships and two
frigates were at anchor.

"The fellow has shown