two ships were received by the captain in his
cabin, while the gun-room officers invited those of similar rank to mess
with them, the men taking care of the French and American crews. The
British seamen treated them rather as guests than prisoners, being ready
to attend to their wants and to do them any service in their power.
Their manner towards the Frenchmen showed the compassion they felt,
mixed perhaps with a certain amount of contempt. They seemed to
consider them indeed somewhat like big babes, and several might have
been seen feeding the wounded and nursing them with tender care.

During the night neither the watch below nor any of the officers turned
in, the greater number remaining on deck in the hopes that they might
catch sight of one of the ships which had hitherto escaped them.

Note: This action and the subsequent events are described exactly as
they occurred.

The American commander, Captain Gregory, sat in the cabin, looking
somewhat sulky, presenting a great contrast to the behaviour of the
Frenchman, Monsieur Saint Julien, who, being able to speak a little
English, allowed his tongue to wag without cessation, laughing and
joking, and trying to raise a smile on the countenance of his brother
captive, the American skipper.

"Why! my friend, it is de fortune of war. Why you so sad?" exclaimed
the volatile Frenchman. "Another day we take two English ship, and then
make all right. Have you never been in England? Fine country, but not
equal to `la belle France;' too much fog and rain dere."

"I don't care for the rain, or the fog, Monsieur; but I don't fancy
losing my ship, when we five ought to have taken the Englishman,"
replied the American.

"Ah! it was bad fortune, to be sure," observed Monsieur Saint Julien.
"Better luck next time, as you say; but what we cannot cure, dat we must
endure; is not dat your proverb? Cheer up! cheer up! my friend."

Nothing, however, the light-hearted Frenchman could say had the effect
of raising the American's spirits.

A handsome supper was placed on the table, to which Monsieur Saint
Julien did ample justice, but Captain Gregory touched scarcely anything.
At an early hour he excused himself, and retired to a berth which
Captain Waring had courteously appropriated to his use.

During the night the wind shifted more to the westward, and then round
to the south-west, blowing pretty strong. When morning broke, the
look-outs discovered two sail to the south