e shot was seen to go right through the sails
of the chase, but the other fell on one side.

The guns were quickly reloaded, and were fired immediately the ship was
kept away sufficiently for the purpose. Again one of the shot took
effect, but what damage was done it was impossible to say, and the chase
stood on as before.

The manoeuvre was repeated several times, causing the frigate to lose
ground; but a fortunate shot would have enabled her quickly to regain
it. Though several of the _Thisbe's_ shot took effect, the chase
continued her course, firing in return from a gun run out astern; but
none of the shot struck her pursuer. At last, however, the chase ran
past the battery, which shortly afterwards opened fire. Captain Martin
returned it with such effect that two of the guns were silenced, when
the frigate's head was put off shore, and she stood away to avoid the
risk of being becalmed should the wind fall, as was very likely, towards
evening.

"I say, Bill, I really believe that's the very place we got away from on
our raft," said Jack.

"No doubt about it," answered Bill. "I remember the look of the land to
the eastward, and I feel pretty sure I could find my way up the
harbour."

Bill had scarcely said this when he heard his name called, and he was
told to go to the first lieutenant.

"Do you recollect anything about the harbour up there?" asked Mr
Saltwell.

"Yes, sir," answered Bill. "I remember it was the one from which Peek
and I got off, and I was thinking I could make my way up it at night, if
I had to do so."

"You will have an opportunity to-night, I hope, of showing your
knowledge. The captain intends to send up the boats to try and cut out
the vessel we chased into the harbour. I am to command the expedition,
and I will take you with me."

"Thank you, sir," said Bill, touching his hat. "I feel pretty sure that
I know my way up to the landing-place, and I do not suppose that a ship
the size of the chase could get up higher."

"You can go forward now, and be ready to accompany me when you are
summoned," said Mr Saltwell.

Bill felt highly gratified by the confidence placed in him, and was
thankful that he had so thoroughly observed the harbour before he and
Jack had made their escape. The frigate, meantime, was standing out to
sea, so that by the time the sun went down she could not be perceived
from the shore. She was then hove-to, and preparations were made for
the intended e