ome time, however, before the _Ouzel Galley_ could again make
sail, the greater part of the fleet passed by her, though no one offered
to send assistance. The _Champion_ could still be seen, hull down, but
the chase was lost sight of. Norman Foley and Gerald were frequently
watching their ship through the glass.

"The fellow has escaped, after all," cried the former, as he handed the
telescope to Gerald; "our ship has kept away, and is steering for the
passage."

"Can the commander suppose that we were killed, that he doesn't come
back to inquire for us?" observe Gerald.

"I conclude that such must be the case," said the lieutenant.

"Then, sir, I suspect old Crowhurst will be bitterly disappointed when
he finds that he isn't to step into your shoes," said Gerald; "he'll
complain that he has lost another chance of getting promoted."

"I hope that he may obtain his promotion some other way," answered Mr
Foley, laughing. "It is so commonly the wish of old mates, that
lieutenants should not find fault with them, as they don't wish us any
ill."

"I should think, sir, that that was the worst they could wish a man,"
said Gerald.

"Not at all, provided they don't take any steps to carry out their
wishes," answered the lieutenant. "However, your messmate will not long
be allowed to indulge in his dream."

The _Ouzel Galley_ was now one of the last of the fleet, most of the
other vessels having passed her. The corvette was seen making signals
to them to keep together; and now that they were so near their
destination, they were all eager to hurry on, in spite of the risk of
capture from any of the enemy's men-of-war or privateers which might be
lying in wait for them off the coasts of Cuba and Saint Domingo. Mr
Foley had fully expected that by this time the _Thisbe_ and _Druid_
would have come up with them, but neither of the frigates had yet
appeared. He took many an anxious glance astern; but the day drew on,
and yet they were not in sight.

"I wish we could see them," he observed to Owen; "for, though the
_Champion_ will give a good account of any ship of her own size, if more
than one of the enemy's cruisers were to get in among the fleet, some of
them would be pretty sure to be carried off, as all, I fear, would not
fight as well as you have done, Captain Massey."

"We must run the chance, sir; it won't do to be waiting for the
frigates, and we may hope to get into Port Royal without another brush,"
answe