to you--a gallant fellow, who has twice saved
my life."

Sir Sydney, who delighted in the sort of spirit exhibited by the young
lieutenant, at once acceded to his wishes, and arranged that he should
have charge of one of the boats. The frigate stood in, and soon
discovered the lugger at anchor in the outer roads. The first
lieutenant was on shore in England, the second was very ill, and the
third lay in his berth severely wounded; so Sir Sydney gave notice that
he himself would take command of the expedition.

The information was received with infinite satisfaction on board,
because, in the first place, it seemed certain that there was some
dashing work to be done; and, in the second, it was believed that, in
whatever the Captain engaged, he succeeded. The necessary preparations
were rapidly carried out. An eighteen-pounder carronade was mounted in
the frigate launch, and her crew were also armed with muskets; three
other boats were armed with smaller guns on swivels, and muskets; and
one with muskets only--a wherry, pulling two oars.

Everything was ready by ten o'clock at night, when Sir Sydney Smith
pushed off from the frigate, taking the lead of the other boats in his
wherry. In perfect silence they pulled away, till through the darkness
they perceived the lugger ahead of them. The crews now lay on their
oars, while their Captain, in a clear, distinct voice, issued his
definite orders.

"Understand, my lads, we must not alarm the enemy sooner than we can
help. Give her a wide berth, therefore, and get between her and the
shore, so that those on board, if they see us, may fancy that we are
fishing-boats dropping out of the harbour. Then pull directly for the
lugger, and be on board her as soon as possible."

No further words were spoken. When they had got to the position
indicated, no apparent notice was taken of them, and they hoped to get
close alongside undiscovered.

"Pass the word along to the men to reserve their fire till the Frenchmen
open theirs," said the Captain, who continued ahead. "Now, my lads,
pull straight for her."

Away dashed the boats as fast as their crews could urge them. The
Frenchmen were all asleep, or the watch on deck had not made them out.
When, however, about a musket-shot off, lights were seen, and there was
a considerable bustle on deck, and hallooing and shouting. On they
dashed; they had got within half pistol-shot of the lugger, when a
volley was let fly amongs