said the Captain, our round shot goes over her; but scarcely had these orders been given, when the dewy curtain again fell, and hid her from our view.

"We had no doubt but it was a French privateer prowling about for our homeward-bound ships; and as the breeze died away, orders were given to prepare the boats in case it should clear up, and muskets, pistols, boarding-pikes, and tomahawks, were put into them.

"An hour of calm had not elapsed when the sun overcame the fog, and showed us, at the same instant, the French land and the lugger sweeping towards it, though she was still not very distant from us.

"The boats were instantly manned, armed, and dispatched, under the command of the firstlieutenant, one of them being entrusted to my charge, and another to the young midshipman whose life I had saved.

"We rowed in a line abreast, having orders to board two on each quarter; and when on

board, to direct our efforts as much as possible in one body, reserving the fire of our pistols till we were actually on the deck.

"As we advanced to the attack, the lugger swept her broadside towards us, and let fly her beam guns, which, though small, were aimed so well that their shot had nearly proved fatal to the pinnace. One had struck her bow; but with great presence of mind and admirable coolness, the lieutenant called out, Put a plug in, my boys, and give way alongside!' while at the same instant he sprung forward to obey as it were his own orders, unshipped the oar from the rullock of the dying man who was struck by the shot, and stood erect with his sword in his hand in the bow, cheering his men to the advance, while his steady cockswain rolled his quid, and directed the boat's course for the quarter of the vessel.

"The Frenchmen, who now seemed to wait the close approach of the boats, slackened their fire, as if to reserve it for one great effort,

while our marines still shot at intervals from the stern sheets, at those who occasionally directed their musketry over the tafrail, under which the dark muzzle of a cannon projected. As the boats came near to the side of the lugger, a rush of fire issued from her guns: the aim was deadly; and when the smoke cleared away, the gallant boy and his boat had sunk to rise no more, but the rest of us were alongside. One rally and we were on her deck, one cheer and she was all our own.

"The tri-coloured flag was plucked from its staff, and the English union hoisted above it. But the loss of lives was considerable, though the capture was so small; and we had little cause to rejoice as we towed the lugger towards our ship, where we were received in the most enthusiastic manner by our shipmates.

"The lieutenant reported so well of my conduct that on our arrival in port, the captain, after questioning me relative to my knowledge of navigation, and the pilotage of the English

Channel, sent for me several days afterwards, and desired that I would pass an examination for master.

"Whether he had written a representation of my case to the admiral of the port, or to the Admiralty, or to some private friends in power, I know not; but, after thanking him for his kindness, I told him all I wished for was my discharge, in order that I might go to my

wife.

“He desired me to take a few days to consider of it, as I might not have such another opportunity of advancing myself, and a master's warrant would at least be a respectable provision for me during life.”

CHAPTER XI.

➖➖➖“If sore experience may be thought
To teach the uses of adversity,"

She said, "alas! who better learned than I

In that sad school; methinks, if you would know
How visitations of calamity

Affect the pious soul, 'tis shewn you there!"

SOUTHEY.

I HAD written to Mary on our arrival, requesting an immediate answer, and watched anxiously for the boat bringing the letters on the morning I expected a reply. It arrived: a letter with a black seal was put into my hands; I knew the address to be the writing of my father-in-law, and trembled as I opened it. Here, Harold, take it to the sentry's lamp and