dea that he knew more about the pirate than
he had hitherto communicated, and I determined, when I had more
completely gained his confidence, to try and obtain all the information
he possessed.

"The weather continued fine, and our little squadron making good way, we
were all soon safely at anchor in Port Royal harbour. It was a jovial
sight, let me tell you, as we sailed in with English colours above the
French on board the prizes, the guns firing, the flags flying, and the
people on shore cheering. We at once carried the prizes up to Kingston,
where they were quickly sold for good round sums, for they were all
richly laden. As soon as I get my prize-money, I intend to send it home
to father. Tell him to do as he thinks best with it; I don't want to
spend it here, as many of our men probably will before long. The
Jamaica people seldom get so good a haul as this, though prizes are
being brought in almost every week. Where the money all goes to, I
don't know; it makes somebody rich, I suppose.

"I was disappointed at not seeing Mr and Miss Ferris, and so, I have no
doubt, was Mr Foley, for we thought that they would be back here by
this time; but they are still away on the other side of the island. I
don't think I told you that there had been a hurricane here, while we
were cruising off Cape Francois, before our action with the Frenchmen.
It was not felt very severely at this end of the island, as they only
got the whisk of its tail; but at the west end it did a great deal of
damage, and a number of people were killed and wounded, though I am
happy to say that our friends escaped any injury. The _Ouzel Galley_, I
understand, had sailed, and, I hope, had got well to the eastward before
it came on. I dare say that Owen Massey will have told you all about it
long before you get this. The worst news I have to give you is
respecting the slaves, who are in a very rebellious state. It is
rumoured that in one or two places they have attacked the whites' houses
and killed several people; but this is not believed, and it is said that
they know too well what a fearful punishment would overtake them were
they to do anything of the sort.

"To return to my own proceedings. As soon as I had handed the _Flora_
over to the prize agent, I had to turn again into a midshipman and to go
on board our own tight little sloop, which had just come out of dock and
was now all ataunto, ready for sea. I got leave to take Peter with me