om the
stranger's peak, and was saluted by a shot from one of the corvette's
bow guns. The battle thus begun, the "Vestal" keeping the weather
gauge, was continued for half-an-hour with great fury, till the
Frenchman's foremast went by the board. The enemy's guns were well
handled, and the corvette began to suffer accordingly. The first
lieutenant and five men were killed, and the captain, a midshipman, and
several men wounded. The captain was carried below, and the command
devolved on Pearce. The young lieutenant's heart beat high. "Bonham,"
he said, addressing his friend who was standing near him, "we'll take
that ship, or go down with our colours flying." The breeze which had
fallen returned, and as the corvette was still under perfect command, he
was able at length to obtain a position by which he could pour several
raking broadsides into the bows of the enemy. Her main-top mast was
shot away; her mizen-mast followed. The ensign of France was again
hoisted, but did not long remain flying. Pearce poured in another
broadside, and down it came, the cheers of the British crew giving
notice of what had occurred to their wounded shipmates below. The
prize, which proved to be the "Desiree," had lost a considerable number
of her crew, most of them killed during the latter part of the action.
Bonham was sent on board to take command, and in two days the "Vestal"
and her prize entered in triumph the harbour of Port Royal. Here the
admiral with part of the fleet were at anchor. Pearce went on board the
flag-ship to make his report. He was warmly received, and highly
complimented on his conduct. The next day he found that he was to be
first lieutenant of the corvette, and Bonham received an acting order as
second lieutenant. The "Vestal" had received so much damage, that she
was obliged to refit at Port Royal. This took several weeks, and
Captain Gale considered himself sufficiently recovered, when she was
ready, to go to sea in her. Pearce had, however, virtually the command.
Several more prizes were taken. "That's young Ripley's doing,"
exclaimed the admiral, "he deserves his promotion, and he shall have
it."

VOLUME THREE, CHAPTER FOUR.

Once more the "Vestal" was at anchor in Port Royal harbour. In vain her
brave captain had striven against the effects of his wounds. He must
return home if he would save his life, he was told, so he applied to be
superseded. The admiral came on board the "Vestal"