made for Plymouth.

It was of the greatest importance to get away from the French coast
without delay, for a northerly wind might spring up and drive the two
ships upon it; or if, as Captain Martin suspected, a French squadron was
in the neighbourhood, the sound of the firing might have reached them,
and they would very probably come up to ascertain what had taken place,
when the prize would be recaptured, and the _Thisbe_ herself might find
it very difficult to escape.

Everybody on board had, therefore, ample work to do; besides which the
prisoners in both ships had to be watched. Several had been allowed to
remain on board the prize to assist the surgeons in attending to the
wounded men. An eye had also to be kept on them.

Mr Saltwell sent for Bill, who had returned to the _Thisbe_.

"I remember well how you behaved on board the _Foxhound_, and I want you
to keep a watch on the prisoners, and let me know if you hear or see
anything suspicious. They will probably remain quiet enough, as they
must know that they would have very little chance of success should they
attempt to rise upon us. At the same time it is better to be on the
safe side, and not to trust them too much."

"They have heard me talking French to the officers, and will be careful
what they say when they see me near them," answered Bill; "but there's
my messmate, Jack Peek, who was in France with me, and knows their
`lingo' as well as I do; and as they have not heard him talking, they'll
not suspect him; and if you will allow me, sir, I will tell him to go
among them, and he'll soon find out if they have any thoughts of
mischief."

Mr Saltwell approved of Bill's proposal, and gave him leave to employ
Jack as he suggested.

Bill, going below, soon found out his messmate.

Jack was well pleased at the confidence placed in him, and promised to
keep his eyes and ears well open.

There was no time for conversation just then, for every man in the ship
was busy, and the boys were wanted to assist them.

The frigate and her prize had made some way to the northward before
night came on. A bright look-out was kept for any enemy which might
heave in sight; but when darkness gradually stole over the ocean, none
had appeared.

During that night none of the English officers or men turned in. The
most tired snatched a few moments of sleep at intervals as best they
could when off watch.

The Frenchmen were allowed to lie down on deck between the