they expected in a few
days to be lodged, that they rushed into the arms of their countrymen,
and such a scene of hugging, and kissing, and shouting, and jabbering I
never before beheld. We could not tell what they might say of us, and
we were afraid that the tide which had been in our favour might turn,
but they apparently gave a fair report of the way we had treated them,
and our captors were as friendly as before.

No longer time than was necessary was lost. We Englishmen were
transferred to the lugger, and a few more Frenchmen were sent on board
the ship, and together we stood away before the wind for Saint Malo, on
the French coast.

I need not say that, independently of having to go to a French prison,
how wretched I was at finding in a moment all the hopes I had
entertained of once more returning home completely blasted. I could
have sat down and wept bitterly, but tears would not come to my eyes. I
thought my heart would indeed break.

Mr Randolph had been invited into the captain's cabin, and was treated
with every courtesy. Some of the men had gone forward, but I felt no
inclination to leave the deck. I sat down on a gun-carriage, turning my
eyes in the direction of the shore on which I had hoped so soon to land,
and which now I might not visit for many a day. I cannot picture my
wretchedness. I only hope that none of my readers may feel the same. I
rested my head upon my hands in a vain endeavour to drive away thought.
It was truly a dark moment of my existence. I felt even as if I could
not pray. I had sat thus for some time, when I felt a hand pressed on
my shoulder.

"Willand, is it you--you indeed, lad?" said a voice, in a kindly tone
which I felt I ought to know.

I looked up. Before me stood a fine, sailor-like looking fellow. I
scanned his countenance narrowly, and then springing to my feet put out
my hand. "La Motte, my dear fellow, it is you yourself, I am sure of
it!" I exclaimed. "Where did you come from? How did you find yourself
on board here?"

"I have been to, and come from, all parts of the world since we parted,
and I'll tell you all about that another time," he answered. "And as to
being on board here, I am a prisoner like yourself. The craft I
belonged to, of which I was first mate, was captured two days ago and
sent into Saint Malo. I have no greater reason to be happy than you
have. However, the Frenchmen treat us very civilly on board, and that
is a satisfact