us his den, at all events," observed Lord
Claymore, examining the enemy's squadron, while the frigate continued
standing in towards the anchorage. The crew were at their stations,
eyeing the French squadron and forts with the most perfect unconcern,
though it was possible for them, had they made the attempt, to blow the
English frigate out of the water; but so perfect was the confidence of
the seamen in the captain, that they felt as if there was no more danger
than in Portsmouth Harbour.

"Morton!" exclaimed the captain, "look at that fleet of Frenchmen.
Think of the havoc and devastation they will commit among our
merchantmen and colonies if they get free away from this. Every one of
them we could destroy with our fire-ships and explosion vessels. It
must be done. I shall never forgive myself if I do not stir every nerve
to get the Admiralty to undertake it. We will stand further in. I
delight in thus bearding them in their very harbours."

A shot, however, from the fort, which flew between the masts, showed him
that he had stood close enough in. The frigate wore round, and did what
Job Truefitt observed she wasn't often apt to do--showed her stern to
the enemy. It was surprising that she was not pursued. This made Lord
Claymore suspect that the line-of-battle ships were not yet completely
ready for sea.

Away sailed the "Imperious" with all the haste she could make. The wind
held fair; England was soon reached. A powerful squadron, under Lord
Gambier, was despatched to watch the enemy's fleet, and the captain of
the "Imperious" used every exertion to obtain leave to carry out his
plans.

While the captain was absent in London, Morton had charge of the ship.
He seldom or never went on shore. As soon as the frigate reached
Spithead he got Glover to write to his cousin, Mrs Edmonstone, to
inquire for the Armytages. Her answer was unsatisfactory; she had heard
nothing of them for several months. She, indeed, knew no more of their
movements than did Ronald himself. His mind was racked with the most
painful doubts and fears. He could not even conjecture where they were.
He had expected to have heard that they had long ago arrived in
England. He missed the counsel and support of his father at the present
juncture. Rolf had some time before returned to England with old Doull
and Eagleshay. He had from thence, accompanied by them, gone to
Shetland, where he had re-occupied his farm. Ronald received a l