er weigh. I observed a great bustle, and a
hurrying to and fro of boats on board of the French privateer, and we
had not gone above two miles down the river, before I perceived the men
were aloft and lowering her sails. I told my officers that I had
received a challenge from the French privateer, and had accepted it, and
that we must get everything ready for action. They were much astonished
at this, as the disparity of force was so great, but they went
cheerfully to their duty, as did the men, among whom the news was soon
spread.

CHAPTER TEN.

CAPTAIN LEVEE AND I ENGAGE WITH THE FRENCH PRIVATEER--WE COME OFF
VICTORIOUS--MY REVENGE AGAINST THE FRENCH LADY--WE TAKE OUR PRIZE TO
LIVERPOOL.

The wind was light, and we did not gain the mouth of the river till near
sun-down, when the pilot left us; and as soon as we were three miles in
the offing, I hauled down the flag of truce in the sight of the French
privateer, who was following us close, and was not more than four miles
from us. To avoid mistake, I had agreed with Captain Levee that should
I be coming out after dark, I would carry a light at the peak, and this
light I now hoisted. It enabled the French privateer to follow me, and
appeared only as a mark of contempt towards him. I stood on in the
direction where I was to find Captain Levee, and could make out the
Frenchman following me, and gradually nearing me. As it became dark, I
made more sail to keep him further off till I had joined the Arrow, but
the light at my peak pointed out to him where I was. All this seemed a
mystery to my officers and men, until, having run out about four
leagues, I desired them to keep a sharp look-out for the Arrow.

About half-past eight o'clock we perceived her lying-to; she had furled
her sails after dark, as usual. The light I bore told her who I was,
and I ran close to her, and, hailing Captain Levee, desired him to
prepare for action, and that I would come on board to speak to him.
This, of course, created a great bustle on board of the Arrow, and I
hastened on board that they might not show any lights. I then informed
Captain Levee of all that had passed, and that the Frenchman was not
more than five miles from us. We agreed that I should still keep up the
light, and bear away a little to draw the Frenchman to leeward of the
port, and also to leeward of the Arrow;--that the Arrow should lower her
sails again, so as not to be perceived until I had drawn the Fre