as far as
rounding to the wind, which he did, and the action continued; but our
fighting under sail gave us great advantage, and although an occasional
shot would come in, and we had to carry some men into the cockpit, for
one shot we received, we certainly returned ten. The action had
continued about an hour, when, by the continual cannonading, the light
wind was beaten down, and it fell dead calm. This put us again upon a
more equal footing, as the Calliope had not steerage way.

We were then about a quarter of a mile apart, lying head and stern; but
both ships had fallen off during the calm, so that only the quarter guns
of each could be brought to bear. The major portion of the ship's
company being, therefore, not able to use their guns, were employed in
repairing the damages we had received, which were very considerable,
especially in the sails and rigging.

I was standing by Bob Cross, who was looking out for cats' paws, as we
call slight breaths of wind, when he said in a low voice:--

"Master Keene, I never had an idea that the captain could handle his
ship so well: he really knows what he's about as well as any man in the
service."

"I thought so, too," replied I. "Whew! there's a nasty shot," cried I,
as one came in and upset half a dozen of the marines, who were hauling
upon the mizzen-topsail sheet, which had just been spliced.

"Yes, sir, that chap is made of good stuff, depend upon it--all the
Dutchmen are: if they could only keep their hands out of their breeches
pockets, they would be rummer customers than they are now; as it is,
they are not to be played with; and, depend upon it, we're a long way
off having him yet: we must pray for wind to come up and he must pray
for the calm to continue."

"Where's Mr Keene?" said the captain, who was on the other side of the
deck.

"Here, sir," said I, running up and touching my hat.

"Mr Keene, go down quietly and ascertain how many men we have hurt: the
doctor will be able to tell you pretty nearly."

"Aye, aye, sir," replied I, and I dived down below; just as I did so, a
shot came in and cut away the lower rail of the copper stanchions which
were round the hatchway, about a foot beyond my hat: had I not gone down
so quickly, it would have taken my head off.

I went down into the gun-room, for the doctor preferred being there to
the cockpit, as there was so much more room to operate, and I gave him
the captain's message.

He was very busy takin