a party of seamen. The lashings were cast off, and the
vessels cleared of each other, and then the English seamen gave three
cheers in honor of the victory.

CHAPTER V.

The French sixty-gun ship proved to be the Leonidas; she had been sent
out with two large frigates on purpose to intercept the convoy, but she
had parted with her consorts in a gale of wind. Her loss of men was very
great; that on board of the Portsmouth was trifling. In a couple of
hours the Portsmouth and her prize in tow were ready to proceed with the
convoy, but they still remained hove to, to wait for the frigates which
were in chase of the captured vessels. All of these were speedily come
up with except the London Merchant, which sailed so remarkably well. At
last, to the great joy of Alfred (who as soon as the bullet had been
extracted and his arm dressed, had held his telescope fixed upon the
chase), she hove to, and was taken possession of. Before night, the
convoy were again collected together, and were steering for their
destination. The next morning was clear, and the breeze moderate. Mrs.
Campbell, who, as well as all the rest, was very anxious about Alfred,
requested Captain Wilson to run down to the Portsmouth, that they might
ascertain if he was safe. Captain Wilson did as she requested, and
writing in chalk "all well" in large letters upon the log-board, held it
over the side as he passed close to the Portsmouth. Alfred was not on
deck--fever had compelled him to remain in his hammock--but Captain
Lumley made the same reply on the log-board of the Portsmouth, and Mr.
and Mrs. Campbell were satisfied.

"How I should like to see him," said Mrs. Campbell.

"Yes, madam," observed Captain Wilson, "but they have too much to do on
board of the Portsmouth just now; they have to repair damages and to
look after the wounded; they have a great quantity of prisoners on
board, as you may see, for a great many are now on the booms; they have
no time for compliments."

"That is very true," replied Mr. Campbell, "we must wait till we arrive
at Quebec."

"But we did not see Alfred," said Emma.

"No, miss, because he was busy enough below, and I dare say no one told
him. They have said that all's well, and that is sufficient; and now we
must haul off again, for with such a heavy ship in tow, Captain Lumley
will not thank me if I am always coming so close to him."

"I am satisfied, Captain Wilson; pray do nothing that might displease
Ca