duced by so many absentees,
although some of her men had been brought out to her by other vessels,
when a strange sail was discovered from the mast-head. A few hours
sufficed to bring the swift Terpsichore alongside of the stranger, who
first hoisted, and then immediately hauled down the tricoloured flag in
token of submission. She proved to be a French brig, bound to the Cape
of Good Hope, with ammunition and government stores. The
third-lieutenant, and all the midshipmen who could navigate, were
already away; and this prize proving valuable, Captain Northfleet
resolved to send her in. The difficulty relative to a prize-master was
removed by the first-lieutenant, who recommended Newton Forster. To
this suggestion the Captain acceeded; and Newton, with five men, and two
French prisoners to assist, was put on board of the Estelle, with
written instructions to repair to Plymouth, and, upon his arrival there,
deliver up the prize to the agent, and report himself to the admiral.

Captain Northfleet also returned to Newton the papers of his sloop, and
gave him a letter to the admiral, stating the hardship of his case. At
the same time that he informed him of the contents of his letter, he
recommended Newton to continue in the service, promising that, if he
took the vessel safe into port, he would put him on the quarterdeck, as
one of the mates of the frigate. Newton thanked Captain Northfleet for
his good intentions; and, requesting permission to reflect upon his
proposal, took his leave, and in a few minutes was on board of the
Estelle.

There was a buoyancy of spirits in Newton when he once more found
himself clear of the frigate. He acknowledged that he had been well
treated, and that he had not been unhappy; but still it was emancipation
from forced servitude. It is hard to please where there are so many
masters; and petty tyranny will exist, and cause much discontent before
it is discovered, even where the best discipline prevails. The
imperious behaviour of the young midshipmen, who assume the same
despotic sway which is exercised over themselves, as soon as their
superiors are out of sight and hearing, was often extremely galling to
Newton Forster, and it frequently required much forbearance not to
retort. However in strict justice this might be warranted, discipline
would not permit it, and it would have been attended with severe
punishment. It was therefore with a feeling of delight, that Newton
found