ngement had before been made. Having placed our vessels in a
position from which they could not fail to drift down on the enemy, we
were to set fire to them, and then, jumping into our boats, pull away
for our lives. There was not much fear of pursuit if the vessels hit
their marks, as we knew that the boats of the squadron would be engaged
in endeavouring to clear their ships of the burning craft. If, however,
through a change of wind, or any other circumstance, they should drift
clear of the ships, it was probable that the boats might come in chase
of us to take vengeance on our heads for the injury we had attempted to
inflict on them.

There lay the French squadron before us, no one on board dreaming of the
havoc and destruction about to be wrought among them. It was just two
o'clock in the morning. Our little flotilla of evil was slowly
approaching. Evidently no sufficient watch was kept ahead of the French
ships. Our success appeared certain. Suddenly a bright light burst
forth, revealing our vessels clearly to the enemy, and shedding a lurid
glare over their ships which lay sleeping on the calm water ahead. What
had happened? There, blazing away on the right of our line, was the
fire-ship commanded by Mr Camel, the lieutenant of the privateer. The
proceeding was as unaccountable as strange, and I at once suspected that
he had thus acted to betray us. I never have had cause to place much
confidence in privateer officers, though undoubtedly many brave men are
to be found among them. The instant the flames blazed up, the roll of
drums was heard on board the French ships beating to quarters. Then a
brisk fire from thirty to forty guns was opened on us, and the shot came
rattling thickly about our heads. The light had revealed to the
Frenchmen our fire-vessels, and they could not tell how many more might
be in the rear, so they hurriedly cut their cables, and, in the greatest
confusion, endeavoured to make sail to get out of our way. Mr Conway
next set fire to his vessel, Symonds following his example, and both
taking to their boats. I had still hopes of effecting my purpose, so I
stood on. I had not gone far before Grampus exclaimed from forward--

"There, sir; there are the French launches; they are after us!"

Such was the case.

"Haul up the boat, my lads!" I exclaimed. "Jump into her!"

As the men slipped over the side I set fire to the train, and, before I
had time to jump into the boat, t