es."

"There are as brave fellows in the merchant service as in the Royal
Navy," said Gerald, who was piqued at the old mate's remark. "When I
was on board the _Ouzel Galley_, we held out as long as any ship of war
of similar force would have done. Depend on it, had the merchant
vessels been allowed, they would have come to our assistance if we had
wanted them."

"A pretty pass we should have come to, to require their aid," exclaimed
Crowhurst, in a scornful tone.

"We may require it some day, and you'd be the first to shout for help,"
answered Gerald. "I took a fancy to the navy, but I'm not going to
stand by and hear the merchant service abused."

"Cock-a-doodle-doo! What dunghill have you got to the top of,
youngster?" cried the old mate.

"One from which I can crow as loud as you do," said Gerald--at which a
chuckle was heard from several of the men standing within earshot.
Crowhurst's anger was rising; he was considering what punishment he
should inflict on the audacious youngster, when the cry was heard of "A
light ahead!" and presently afterwards several others were seen. There
could be little doubt, from their position, that they were shown by
merchant vessels, though the darkness prevented the vessels themselves
from being distinguished. A sharp look-out was kept that the corvette
might not run foul of any stragglers who were neglecting to show their
lights. Presently the sound of a shot was heard, followed by several
others coming up faintly against the wind.

"Those sounds come from the north-west," observed the master.

"One of the merchantmen on shore, I fear," said the commander.

"Those guns we hear are nearer to us than any land. The leading vessels
are not up to Atwood Quay yet," answered the master. "Depend on it,
some of the convoy are attacked and are defending themselves."

"Let us hope that they may do so successfully till we can get up to
assist them, and turn the tables on the Frenchmen," answered the
commander.

"Little doubt about our doing that," said the master. "Judging by the
reports, the enemy's ship is not a heavy one--a brig or sloop at the
most--or she may be one of those picarooning craft often found cruising
in these seas."

The last remark was heard by Norman Foley, who had just then joined the
speakers. An indefinite apprehension seized him that the _Ouzel Galley_
might be the vessel engaged, but from what Ellen had told him he felt
sure that Captain Massey,