; and, in a little time afterwards,
the frigate took in her studden sails, clewed up her courses, and
bracing up her yards, rounded to, when the _Vesta's_ number blew out
clearly to view.

The brig, now close to her, also backed her main topsail, when the
captain's gig was piped away, and Fleetwood, with a heart less depressed
than he had long felt, went on board the frigate.

He was warmly received by Captain Grantham, who exclaimed, "I am
delighted to see you, Fleetwood. From the accounts we received we
thought it was all up with you; and I came more with the hope of
avenging you, than of seeing you alive; but now you shall have that
satisfaction yourself. By Jove! we must blow up the hornet's nest
without delay. When did you propose to make the attempt?"

"The very moment a sufficient force was collected," replied Fleetwood,
highly gratified at his friend's zeal.

"Well, what do you say to this very night?" asked Grantham. "There is
the _Venus_ coming up after me, and your Greek friend cannot be far off.
I am afraid she is not likely to meet any other ship of the squadron;
but we are enough, as it is, to drive every one of the rascals into the
sea."

"To-night, by all means," exclaimed Fleetwood. "I could not have hoped
for anything better. We shall have a sufficient force to ensure
success; and as there is no moon till a late hour, we shall have less
risk of discovery before we are upon them."

"Then to-night let it be; and I suppose there's no use insisting on your
remaining on board, on account of your illness, and letting Rawson, of
the _Venus_, lead the attack," said Captain Grantham. "He is a gallant
fellow, and will do it well."

"I trust, Grantham, that you will give the command of the expedition to
me. I shall, indeed esteem it a most especial favour if you will do
so," pleaded Fleetwood. "I would, on no account, if I can help it, lose
that post."

"Well, I suppose, under the circumstances of the case, we must persuade
Rawson to keep the ship, though, indeed, Fleetwood, I do not think you
are yet strong enough for the exertion you must go through."

"I have a Hercules of a coxswain, and I must make him carry me, if my
legs fail me," said Fleetwood, smiling sadly. "But you know, Grantham,
I have motives enough to carry me through anything."

"Yes, indeed, I know, and feel for you. I suppose the fellows will show
fight."

"Not a doubt of it, from the specimen we have had of them. They