others, the captain, who had
headed the second attempt to board. She was called the _Pucelle
d'Orleans_, of twelve guns and a hundred and twenty-five men.

It was two or three hours before we were again aft to rights, and a
party sent on board of the prize; and then there was again another kind
of confusion, from the congratulations, drinking healths, the women
coming up on deck, etcetera; however, the weather continued light, so it
was of no consequence. That Frenchman bit very hard, and I limped for
three or four days afterwards.

"Well, Tom," said Bramble, "I see you've got nerve, so all's right. You
had better go and lie down now, for you must be tired; I'll call you in
the morning."

Very glad was I to limp to bed. All night I dreamt of nothing but
volleys of musketry, and boarding and reboarding, and being wounded in
the leg, and then I would awake with the smart of the Frenchman's teeth.

The next morning when I came on deck, the captain thanked me for my
services, and said that the lugger would have escaped had it not been
for me. I replied that it was Bramble who prevented her escape, as I
should not have thought of making her fast if I had not been told.

"That's all true enough," replied the captain; "but how many of your
age, having been told to do it, would have done it, Tom? I shall not
forget you."

I went on the poop to Bramble, who, as usual, had his short pipe in his
hand; and I certainly was pleased when I saw what a beautiful craft we
had helped to capture. She sat like a swan on the water, and sailed
round and round us with the greatest ease.

In the afternoon we anchored at the Nore, and sent away all the
prisoners to Sheerness. I must not forget to say how very kind and
generous the passengers were to me. They made a great many presents,
some of value, as I afterwards found out; and I was glad to receive them
that I might give them to Virginia and those who had been friendly to
me.

The next morning we arrived off Greenwich, and Bramble told me to go on
shore and remain with my father and mother until he came down, which he
would do in a few days, and pay a visit to his old friend Anderson. I
landed with all my contraband articles in the boat, but no one thought
of stopping or searching the former "Poor Jack." My insignificance was
my protection; and I arrived safely at Fisher's Alley with all my
curiosities and prohibited effects. When I entered the house, I
perceived that t