y of that of the _Tub_, the _Gannet_ took her
in tow, hoping to carry her to Barbadoes. All night long she towed her.

At daybreak next day, Captain Brine found that the misnamed _Swift_ had
drifted close in towards the land, while within her lay a frigate, and
to all appearance the very frigate he had beaten off the day before.

Not a breath of wind ruffled the calm surface of that tropical sea. It
was evident that the _Gannet_ herself could do nothing to assist her
prize. The Captain therefore called his officers round him, and asked
their opinion as to the possibility of successfully defending her with
the boats. They were against the advisability of making such an
attempt.

As the daylight increased, the French frigate discovered the character
of the two ships outside her.

"I wonder whether she will attempt to retake the _Swift_," said Captain
Brine. "If so, Nott will be unable to defend her, and I must recall
him. Let the lookout aloft give us notice the instant any boats are
seen to leave her side."

No long time had elapsed before the French, supposing that the calm was
going to continue, put off from the frigate with four boats.

"I believe Nott and his men would defend the prize to the last; but I
must not expose them to such a risk," observed the Captain.

"I am sure our True Blue won't give in if he has a word in the matter,"
observed Paul Pringle to Peter Ogle. "Mr Nott is staunch, too.
They'll do their best to beat the Frenchmen off."

This was very well; but though possible, it was not probable that they
would succeed; so the Captain ordered the signal, "Escape in your
boats," to be made.

It had been made some time, and yet it was not answered, probably
because it was not seen. The French were getting very near.

"It's my belief that they intend to try and defend the ship," observed
Paul Pringle. "I wish I was with them if they do--that's all."

"Fire a gun to call their attention to the signal!" cried the Captain.

Immediately the signal was answered, and two boats put off from the
ship's side. In two minutes afterwards the French were up to the prize;
but they seemed inclined to have the crew as well, and, instead of
boarding her, pulled on in chase. Captain Brine, on seeing this,
ordered three boats to be lowered and manned on the opposite side,
hoping that they might venture near enough to be caught themselves.
They now began firing at the two English boats, with which they we