us was hit. I could not help wishing that a
breeze would spring up, and carry us clear of the unpleasant
neighbourhood. Just then the missing boats arrived, and rather
surprised our friends were to find that we had already secured the
prize. Though too late to help to take her, they were of great
assistance in towing her out of range of the enemy's batteries, and I
believe some of the poor fellows in them were hit while so employed. At
length a breeze sprang up, and all sail being made, right merrily we
glided out of the enemy's harbour, much, undoubtedly, to their disgust,
and to our very great satisfaction.

Now came the sad work of counting the killed and wounded. We had lost
twelve of the former, two being officers, and nearly five times that
number wounded; while we found that the corvette had her captain, three
lieutenants, and three midshipmen, and eighty-five seamen and soldiers
killed, being ninety-two killed, though only sixty-two were wounded.
The deck was a complete shambles: the wounded were carried below,
friends and foes alike, though the dead Frenchmen were hove overboard at
once. Our own dead, being not so numerous, were kept to be committed to
the deep with more ceremony in the morning. Among them was a
midshipman. I could not help lifting up the flag which covered his
face. Poor fellow, there he lay, stiff and stark! A jovial laughing
fellow he had been, cracking his jokes but a few minutes before, just as
we were entering the harbour. Such might have been my fate. He had
fallen, though in the path of duty. He had been ordered to come. I
felt more sad, and was more thoughtful, than I had ever been in my life
before. How long I stood there I do not know. Mr Johnson's voice
aroused me.

"I haven't had time to speak to you before, Mr Merry," said he. "You
did very well,--very well indeed. Jonathan Johnson thanks you from the
bottom of his heart; that he does. If it hadn't been for your steady
aim, and the unfailing accuracy of my pistol which you fired, I should
now be among those lying there, covered with glory;--a very fine thing
in theory to be covered with, but, practically, I would rather be alive,
and have less of it. However, I mustn't stop talking here. By the bye,
there's Mr Bryan has found you out. I will tell him how you have
behaved, and I dare say that he'll not get you into trouble, if he can
help it."

I thought that would be very kind in Mr Bryan. It did not occu