y information of what had occurred
to the frigate. Jack had a long pull, for the wind was contrary. He
kept his eyes about him all the way, looking into every nook and corner,
for he could not tell in which a pirate-boat might have taken shelter,
and he thought it more than likely that one might suddenly pounce out
and try to capture him. None appeared. This, however, did not make him
less cautious for the future. One of the many pieces of advice given
him by Admiral Triton was never to despise an enemy, and always to take
every precaution against surprise. A soldier or sailor in war time
should always sleep with one eye open, and his arms in his hands, the
Admiral used to say, speaking somewhat metaphorically. The foolhardy
folly which had made many officers neglect proper precautions, has
caused the destruction of many brave men, as well as the failure of many
important enterprises. At last Jack reached the frigate. Captain
Lascelles was very much vexed at hearing of the loss of the boats. He
instantly ordered the _Racer_ to be got under weigh to go in search of
them. It was very intricate navigation among those isles and islets and
rocks, especially at night, but the wind was fair, and there was a moon
to shed her pale light over the ocean. The lead was kept constantly
going, and hands were stationed aloft as lookouts. The _Racer_ had got
just off the island of which Hemming was left in charge, when a lookout
forward announced a boat on the starboard bow. The boat was pulling
towards them, and the frigate being hove-to, she came alongside, and
Alick Murray appeared on board. He reported that they had overtaken the
pirates who were in possession of the boats close to a rocky island, and
were on the point of capturing them when half a dozen boats started out
and completely turned the fortunes of the day. On this, Mr Thorn,
seeing that they must inevitably be overpowered, ordered him to
endeavour to make his escape, and to give notice of what had occurred.
This, though pursued, he had been able to do. Jack having reported the
starving state of the garrison, a boat was sent with provisions and men
to ascertain also how Hemming and his party were getting on. She
returned in half a hour with a favourable report, bringing off Mr
Dobbin, the mate of the merchantman, and the frigate then continued her
course for the second piratical stronghold. She did not come off it
till near noon the next day, and then had