sion. "A man overboard!"--another shot from the
frigate--another and another in quick succession. The fate of the man
was forgotten in the general panic. One shot cut the aftermost
main-shroud; another went through the boat on the booms. The frigate
was evidently very near us. The men all rushed down to seize their bags
and chests; the captain took me by the hand, and said, "Sir, I surrender
myself to you, and give you leave now to act as you think proper."

"Thompson," said I, "let go the main-sheet and the main-brace." Running
forward myself, I let go the main-tack, and bowlines; the main yard came
square of itself. Thompson got a lantern, which he held up on the
starboard quarter.

The frigate passed close under the stern, showing a beautiful pale side,
with a fine tier of guns; and, hailing us, desired to know what vessel
it was.

I replied that it was the _True-blooded Yankee_, of Boston--that she had
hove-to and surrendered.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

"It is not," says Blake, "the business of a seaman to mind state
affairs, but to hinder foreigners from fooling us."

Dr Johnson's "LIFE OF BLAKE."

The frigate came to the wind close under our lee, and a boat from her
was alongside in a very few minutes. The officer who came to take
possession leaped up the side, and was on the deck in a moment. I
received him, told him in few words what the vessel was, introducing the
captain and Green, both of whom I recommended to his particular notice
and attention for the kindness they had shown to me. I then requested
he would walk down into the cabin, leaving a midshipman whom he brought
with him in charge of the deck, and who, in the mean while, he directed
to haul the mainsail up, and make the vessel snug. The prisoners were
desired to pack up their things, and be ready to quit in one hour.

When lights were brought into the cabin, the lieutenant and myself
instantly recognised each other.

"Bless my soul, Frank," said he, "what brought you here?"

"That," said I, "is rather a longer story than could be conveniently
told before to-morrow; but may I ask what ship has taken the Yankee? I
conclude it is the _R---_; and what rank does friend Talbot hold in
her?"

"The frigate," said he, "_is_ the _R---_, as you conjectured. We are on
the Cape station. I am first of her, and sent out here on promotion for
the affair of Basque roads."

"Hard, indeed," said I, "that you should have waited so long