s. Ah, I observe you entered some of these men when part of
your voyage was accomplished. You can do very well without them, at all
events. They none of them have protection. No, I see that clearly.
Come, lads, get your bags up; I can take no excuses. Our ships must
have men; I know nothing more about the matter. Be smart now."

I endeavoured in vain to expostulate. I entreated the officer to allow
me to proceed in the ship. He replied that it was his duty to take me.
He could not stop to argue about duty. I must go. I knew that he was
right; but, oh, how grievous was this new trial to bear! I thought that
I should have been beside myself.

La Motte was doing duty as mate of the ship, and he escaped. All I
could do was to tell him where to find my wife, and to entreat him to
lose no time in visiting her, and in assuring her of my safety. He
promised faithfully to fulfil my wishes, and with a heavy, almost
breaking heart, I stepped into the man-of-war's boat.

I felt inclined to curse the country which could allow of such a system.
Happily, I did not. I knew that it arose from the ignorance of those
in authority as to how to get seamen for the king's ships, and not from
cruelty or heartlessness. It may seem surprising to those who live in
happier times that no better plan could be thought of.

I found myself conveyed on board the _Nymph_, a thirty-six
twelve-pounder gun frigate, commanded by Captain Edward Pellew. When
questioned, I did not deny that I had before served on board a
man-of-war, and having given an account of my adventures, I was rated at
once as an able seaman. I went about my duty, and did it to the best of
my power, but it was mechanically, without any spirit or heartiness.

Month after month passed away. I felt as if I was in a trance. I could
not think. I tried to forge, the past; I dared not meditate on the
future. How I lived through that time I scarcely know. I never laughed
or smiled, I scarcely spoke to any one; even the active duties of the
ship did not arouse me.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

ON BOARD THE NYMPH--A HOT ENGAGEMENT--ESCAPE OF THE ENEMY--I AM
TRANSFERRED TO THE PELICAN--ACTION OFF THE ISLE OF BAS--I FANCY MYSELF
WITH A WOODEN LEG--WE PUT INTO PLYMOUTH--WRITING UNDER DIFFICULTIES--A
SAD DISAPPOINTMENT--WE SAIL--A CHASE--TRYING TIME--ACTION BETWEEN THE
VENUS AND SEMILLANTE--IN SEARCH OF THE ENEMY.

Captain Edward Pellew, who commanded the _Nymph_, was, I was tol