d. The ensign of France was again
hoisted, but did not long remain flying. Pearce poured in another
broadside, and down it came, the cheers of the British crew giving
notice of what had occurred to their wounded shipmates below. The
prize, which proved to be the "Desiree," had lost a considerable number
of her crew, most of them killed during the latter part of the action.
Bonham was sent on board to take command, and in two days the "Vestal"
and her prize entered in triumph the harbour of Port Royal. Here the
admiral with part of the fleet were at anchor. Pearce went on board the
flag-ship to make his report. He was warmly received, and highly
complimented on his conduct. The next day he found that he was to be
first lieutenant of the corvette, and Bonham received an acting order as
second lieutenant. The "Vestal" had received so much damage, that she
was obliged to refit at Port Royal. This took several weeks, and
Captain Gale considered himself sufficiently recovered, when she was
ready, to go to sea in her. Pearce had, however, virtually the command.
Several more prizes were taken. "That's young Ripley's doing,"
exclaimed the admiral, "he deserves his promotion, and he shall have
it."

IV.

Once more the "Vestal" was at anchor in Port Royal harbour. In vain her
brave captain had striven against the effects of his wounds. He must
return home if he would save his life, he was told, so he applied to be
superseded. The admiral came on board the "Vestal" to inspect her. The
next day he sent for Ripley, and put a paper into his hand. Pearce's
heart beat quick with proud satisfaction. The document was an order to
take the acting command of the corvette. "I have written home by this
post to ask for your commission, and to recommend that you should be
confirmed in the command of the `Vestal,'" added the admiral. "I am
sure that you will take care she does as good service as she performed
under Captain Gale." Bonham, who had received his commission a few
months before, became first lieutenant, and a young _protege_ of the
admiral's received an acting order as second; so that the united ages of
the three principal officers of the ship amounted to little more than
fifty-five years. Old heads were worn then on young shoulders. Many
prizes had been taken, and the time approached for their return to Port
Royal. The corvette lay becalmed. A French store-ship was expected,
which had been separated from her