a
dozen more of the party had been hanged as pirates upon the evidence of
Dumaresq, myself, and the other survivors of the gig's crew. This,
however, is anticipating my story somewhat.

That same night I dined with the Admiral, and had the honour of meeting
the Governor and some half-dozen more of the principal personages of the
island. I was rather astonished, I must admit, at the perfect
equanimity with which my portentous tidings had been received. The
Admiral had, of course, had a busy day of it in preparing and sending
off despatches to the other islands belonging to the crown, as well as
in arranging for the defence of our possessions generally; but I soon
found that there was an utter absence of apprehension on the score of an
attack.

"No, no," exclaimed the Admiral confidently. "Villeneuve has escaped
from Toulon, it is true, but he will be like a canary that has slipped
out of its cage, he will be so frightened at unexpectedly finding
himself free that he will not dare to make the least use of his freedom;
his greatest anxiety will be to escape the pursuers that he knows must
be on his track. For, d'ye see, Nelson will become aware of his escape
in less than twelve hours, and will be after him forthwith. The only
wonder to me is that he has not overtaken him and brought him to action
before now. I would give a good deal for the power to let Nelson know
the whereabouts of this fleet; but I haven't another ship at my
disposal. By the way, Mr Bowen, what are you going to do next?"

"I shall proceed to sea again without a moment's unnecessary delay,
sir," I answered. "All I want is a crew."

"_All_ you want!" echoed the Admiral. "By George, sir, I don't know
where you will find a crew in Jamaica. I believe every available man
has already been hunted out and appropriated by our men-o'-war. Have
you no men at all?"

"Four only; and I am not yet by any means certain that they will consent
to ship with me. I have no authority whatever over them. They formed
part of the crew of the _Manilla_."

"Well," observed the Admiral, "I am afraid it is a bad look-out for you.
At the same time if you should succeed in picking up enough to enable
you to handle your schooner, let me know. I may find you some work to
do, if you care to undertake it."

I slept ashore that night; and upon calling upon my agent next day was
as much astonished as gratified to learn that "his friend" was prepared
to furnish me wit