f all reasons--none were there!

One vessel only, a small brig, could be detected, and the captain,
supposing the fleet had run into the inner harbour during the recent
easterly gale, resolved to push up likewise. The batteries all kept
quiet, and though the brig hailed the frigate as she passed in a
language so indistinct that no one could make it out, not the least
suspicion was excited. Supposing they wanted to know what ship it was,
I told them it was the Juno. The brig, however, was not quite so
courteous in return; for they merely replied by the word "Viva," but
made no answer to the captain's repeated inquiry as to the brig's
name, and the position of the British fleet. As the Juno passed under
the stern of this treacherous little craft, a voice called out, "Luff!
luff!" which naturally induced Captain Hood to put his helm down, from
an idea that shoal water lay close to leeward of him. Nothing could
have been more adroitly managed, for before the frigate came head to
wind, she stuck fast upon the shoal, to which the words "Luff, luff!"
had no doubt been intended to direct her.

A boat was now observed to proceed from the brig to the town. As there
was but little wind, and the water perfectly smooth, the Juno's sails
were clewed up and handed; but before the men were all off the yards,
a gust of wind came sweeping down the harbour, and drove her off the
shoal so suddenly as to give her brisk stern-way. The anchor was
speedily let go, but when she tended, the after-part of her keel took
the ground, and the rudder could not be moved. The launch and cutter
being instantly hoisted out, the usual preparations were made to lay
out a kedge, to heave the ship off.

At this critical moment a boat came alongside. The people appeared
anxious to get out of her, and two of them, apparently officers, came
up the side. They said it was the regulation of the port, as well as
the commanding officer's orders, that ships should go further into
the harbour, there to perform ten days' quarantine. In the despatch
relating this transaction, Captain Hood says, "I kept asking them
where Lord Hood's ship lay;" the two Frenchmen knew not what to do or
say next. In the mean time, one of the mids, who happened to be
thrusting his head forward after the investigating manner of this
enterprising class of officers, said apart to the captain,--

"Why, sir, they wear national cockades!"

"I looked at one of their hats more steadfastly," says