y rate, and see whether
or no we cannot capture a rich cargo."

Next morning, at eight o'clock, the fog suddenly lifted,
disclosing--not two treasure ships--but two French men-of-war; one
bearing seventy-four guns, the other sixty-four.

"Egad!" ejaculated the startled Walker. "We're in a hornet's nest! I
guess we'd better run for it!"

The Frenchmen, however, were both treasure-ships, as well as
men-of-war; both bound from the West Indies, with cargoes worth about
four millions sterling ($20,000,000), which they were carrying into
the harbor of Brest. They were not in good fighting trim, as their
heavy cargoes made them low in the water, and very unwieldy. It is
probable that they would not have attacked the two Englishmen, had not
the captain of the _Boscawen_ turned tail and fled, leaving the _Mars_
all alone.

"Did you ever see such a coward?" cried Captain Walker, with heat.
"Boys! We're in for it now!"

Sure enough, they were: for the Frenchmen saw that only one enemy was
left, and immediately sent the sixty-four gun ship--the _Fleuron_--in
pursuit.

Walker turned his vessel about and clapped on all sail, but the large
gun-boat quickly overhauled him.

"Gentlemen!" said Captain Walker, as she rapidly approached. "I do not
mean to be so rash as to attempt a regular engagement with so superior
a force; all I ask of you is to confide in me and my orders, to get
away--if possible--without striking our flag; and, be assured, I shall
not call upon you to fight unless there is excellent opportunity for
success. The ship which pursues us is certainly the better sailer of
the two French men-of-war; yet, if we have good fortune with our
shots, we may bring down a topmast or yard; or hurt her rigging so as
to retard her pursuit. We may yet get entirely clear. So, my
hearties, do not lose your nerve!"

These wise remarks were greeted with a "Hip! Hip! Hooray!"

Now was a lively chase. The _Mars_ hoisted the English flag, opened
with her stern guns, and put on all available canvas. But she was not
a fast sailer, and gradually but surely, the _Fleuron_ crept up on one
side, and the other French man-of-war upon the other. She, too, had
entered the chase.

Finally the French vessels had the British privateer directly between
them.

"The jig is up!" cried Captain Walker, sadly. "Gentlemen, we do not
strike to one ship only. Haul down the colors!"

Down came the proud ensign, the sails were lowered, and the gallant