west slope of the Gap
right to the very top, where, in the bright sunny morning, we saw a
sight that filled us with horror, for a couple of well-filled boats were
rowing towards us from the side of a large sloop of war, from whose
port-holes projected a row of guns that seemed to threaten fresh
destruction to our coast.

But all at once we saw a flag run fluttering up to the peak and then
blow out clear, with the result that the boats began to alter their
course, turning completely round and rowing back to the man-of-war.

As they were going back we could see sail after sail drop down from the
yards of the sloop; and as the boats reached her and were hoisted up to
the davits, she began to move swiftly towards the west, her canvas
growing broader minute by minute till she passed out of our sight.

"Why, she's gone," said our foreman. "Is she coming back?"

"I hope not," I cried. "Look!" I pointed towards the east over a
depression in the Gap side through which we could catch a glimpse of the
sea, and there in the bright sunlight we could make out a couple of
vessels crowding on under all sail; and, little as I knew of such
matters, I was able to say that one was a small frigate and the other a
man-of-war cutter that looked very much like our old friend.

"After the Frenchman--eh?" said our foreman, gazing hard, wide-eyed and
open-mouthed, as his cheeks flushed and he seemed to forget his wounds.
"Well, then, all I can say is, that I hope they'll be caught."

"Let's get down," I said. "See, there's the doctor bringing Bigley
Uggleston back on his pony. I wonder how he is."

CHAPTER FORTY TWO.

A FIGHT AT SEA.

We descended slowly and painfully, to get down in time to receive a
severe scolding from the doctor, while my father confirmed the news, as
Bigley was half-lifted off for Bob to mount the pony and go off for
help.

The British ships had had news brought them of the attack, and had
started at daybreak in full chase, and an hour afterwards all who could
climbed to where we could catch sight of the sea, to find out the
meaning of the firing that was going on.

It was plain enough. A large three-masted lugger was in full flight
with the frigate after her, and sending shot after shot without effect,
till one of them went home, cutting the lugger's principal mast in two,
and her largest sail fell down like a broken wing, leaving the lugger
helpless on the surface. Then a boat was lowered, and we sa