t they must
be clearly seen, and it was hoped that the two ships would, if their
captains were inclined to fight, heave to and await their coming.

Such, however, it was evidently the intention of the Frenchman not to
do, for it was seen that studding-sails were being set below and aloft.

"Still they may not have the heels of us," observed Captain Martin to
the first lieutenant; "and before they get into Cherbourg we may be up
to them."

It was thought that as the day advanced the wind might increase, but in
this Captain Martin was disappointed. At length, towards evening, Cape
La Hogue and the coast of France, to the westward of Cherbourg, appeared
in sight. In a few hours it was too probable that the French ships
would get safe into port.

Remarks not over complimentary to the valour of the Frenchmen were made
by the crews of the English frigates, when they saw that the enemy had
escaped them; but as Jack observed, "There's no use grumbling; the
mounseers have got away from us because they knew the tremendous
drubbing we would have given them."

"Perhaps we may see them again before long," said Tom, his courage
returning now that all danger of an encounter had passed. "Depend on
it, our captain will do his best to give them a taste of our quality."

Tom was right; for although the _Thisbe_ and _Venus_ had to haul their
wind, and stand off shore, a bright look-out was kept, in the hopes that
the French frigates might again put to sea.

Day after day passed, and at length the _Venus_ parted company from the
_Thisbe_. The latter frigate was standing across Channel when a lugger
was sighted, to which she gave chase. The stranger at first made all
sail, as if to escape. She was at length seen to heave to. On coming
up with her, it was at first doubtful whether she was English or French,
but as the frigate approached she hoisted English colours and lowered a
boat, which in a short time came alongside, and a fine,
intelligent-looking man stepping upon deck, announced himself as master
of the lugger. He had, he said, at first taken the _Thisbe_ for a
French frigate which was in the habit of coming out of Cherbourg every
evening, picking up any prizes she could fall in with, and returning
next morning with them into port. He had, indeed, narrowly escaped once
before.

This was valuable information, and Captain Martin determined to act upon
it, in the hopes of capturing the marauder. Being engaged in particu