taken down into the
cabin, and, without any explanation, desired the French officer to
accompany her, not wishing to be present at the unexpected meeting. I
therefore remained on deck, and ordering the men to lower down the
effigy they did so, laughing at the French seamen in the boat, who for
the first time perceived, for they had not looked up before, that it was
only a sham captain. I looked over the side, and told them that the
captain was alive and well, and would be in the boat very soon, at which
they were greatly rejoiced. In the mean time the explanation took place
in the cabin, and after a few minutes the French officer came up, and
expressed his satisfaction at what I had done.

"You have given a lesson, Sir, without being guilty of barbarity. Your
conduct has been noble."

He was soon followed by the French captain and his lady, who was now all
gratitude, and would have kissed my hands, but I prevented her, and
said, "Madam, at least now you have no occasion to hate me. If I was so
unfortunate, in self-defence, as to slay your first husband, I have
restored to you your second. Let us, then, part in amity."

The French captain squeezed my hand, but said nothing. I begged they
would take some refreshment, but they were too anxious to return and
undeceive their friends, and requested permission to go into the boat.
Of course I consented, and as the boat pulled away the crew gave three
huzzas, as a compliment to us. When they were a mile in shore, I hauled
down the colours of both vessels, and made sail out to rejoin Captain
Levee, which I did in the evening, and then related all that had passed.

He was much pleased with the result of the affair, and we then, having
consulted, considered it advisable to run back to Liverpool with the
prize, for she required so many hands to man her as to render us by no
means efficient vessels. Moreover, I have omitted to state that, while
I was in the Garonne, the Arrow had taken two good prizes, which she had
manned and sent to Liverpool. We therefore made sail to the northward,
and in a week were again in port, with our prize. We found that the
other vessels had arrived safe, and the owner was much pleased with the
result of this short and eventful cruise.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

I CAUSE MYSELF TO BE DISMISSED FROM MY OWNER'S SERVICE--AM ARRESTED--
CONVEYED TO LONDON, AND CONFINED IN THE TOWER--AM VISITED BY A ROMISH
PRIEST, AND THROUGH HIS INTERFERENCE OBTAIN