certainly as I'm here, and Mrs Oxbelly's at Southsea," said
Oxbelly, "they'll take some of the men--the more so as, supposing us to
be a Spanish convoy, they will be disappointed."

"They will hardly take them out of the prizes," observed Easy.

"I don't know that; men must be had for his Majesty's service somehow.
It's not their fault, Mr Easy--the navy must be manned, and as things
are so, so things must be. It's the king's prerogative, Mr Easy, and
we cannot fight the battles of the country without it."

"Yes," replied Gascoigne, "and although, as soon as the services of
seamen are no longer wanted, you find that there are demagogues on shore
who exclaim against impressment, they are quiet enough on the point when
they know that their lives and property depend upon sailors' exertions."

"Very true, Mr Gascoigne, but it's not our fault if we are obliged to
take men by force; it's the fault of those who do not legislate so as to
prevent the necessity. Mrs Oxbelly used to say that she would easily
manage the matter if she were Chancellor of the Exchequer."

"I dare say Mrs Oxbelly would make a very good Chancellor of the
Exchequer," replied Gascoigne, smiling; "one thing is certain, that if
they gave the subject half the consideration they have others of less
magnitude, an arrangement might be made by which his Majesty's navy
would never be short of men."

"No doubt, no doubt, Mr Gascoigne; but nevertheless, the king's
prerogative must never be given up."

"Then I agree with you, Mr Oxbelly; it _must be held_ in case of sudden
emergency and absolute need."

"We'll argue that point by-and-bye," replied Jack; "now let us consult
as to our measures. My opinion is, that if I made more sail we should
beat the frigate, but she would come up with the prizes."

"That's the best thing we can do, Mr Easy; but let us send a boat on
board of them, and take out all the men that can possibly be spared,
that there may be no excuse for impressing them."

"Yes," replied Gascoigne; "and as the wind is falling it is possible it
may fall calm, and they may send their boats; suppose we separate a mile
or two from each other."

"Dat very good advice, Massa Gascoigne," observed Mesty.

This plan was acted upon; only three men were left in the lateens, and
four in the galliot, and the vessels, in obedience to the orders,
sheered off on both sides of the _Rebiera_, who made all sail and
started ahead of the prizes. This manoeuv