in, perceiving that the vessel was made fast, gave the
necessary orders. The soldiers lined the hammock nettings and chains,
and such a shower of musketry was poured into her decks that the
Frenchmen were soon driven below, and our seamen then slipped down her
rigging, boarded, and took possession of her. The prisoners having been
ordered up and passed into the forehold, the wounded men were then
looked after. We had eleven wounded, but none killed; the Frenchman had
eight killed and seventeen wounded; among 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 all 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, etc.; however, the weather continued light, so it was
of no consequence. That Frenchman bit very hard, and I limped for three
or four days afterward.

"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 dreamed 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 afterward 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 n