y-four immediately replied, and at once ceased firing altogether,
the fire from the "Juno" also slackening somewhat. Then we saw the
rigging of the two ships blacken, as the hands went aloft to loose the
canvas. Rapidly, yet as steadily as though the crews were merely being
put through their sail drill, the heavy folds of canvas were let fall
from the yards, sheeted home, and hoisted, the head-yards were braced a-
back, and in another minute or two the bows of both craft paid off, and
they stood out from the land, close-hauled upon the larboard tack, to
rejoin the rest of the fleet, our old ship delivering her port
broadside, as the guns were brought to bear, by way of a parting salute.

We were by this time threading in and out among the transports on our
way to a vacant berth at no great distance from the "Victory," and in
about five minutes afterwards the "Requin" and her prizes came to an
anchor. It was amusing enough to see Master Bob strutting up and down
the diminutive quarter-deck of the brig, his telescope tucked under one
arm, and the cherished speaking-trumpet under the other, issuing his
orders as to the stowing of the canvas and the squaring of the yards,
etcetera; but after all it was only natural: it was his first command,
and he was anxious that everybody should see that he was fully qualified
for it. When at length everything had been done to his satisfaction, he
ordered the gig to be lowered, and, jumping into her, pulled away to the
admiral's ship to deliver his despatch.

Meanwhile I amused myself by watching the seventy-four and the "Juno,"
as they worked up to the anchorage, and was glad to perceive that the
fire which had broken out on board the "Juno's" consort had been
conquered.

By the time that they had reached their berths, Bob had returned, in
high feather at Lord Hood's commendations upon his conduct; and I then
joined him, leaving Francesca for the present on board the brig, while
we pulled away to the "Juno," to report ourselves to the skipper.

We were received very graciously by Captain Hood, and very cordially by
the rest of the officers; so much so, indeed, that as far as I was
concerned I was both gratified and moved to discover the high estimation
in which all appeared to hold me.

I had only time to glance hurriedly round the decks, and to notice that
the jolly old craft appeared to have suffered but slightly in her recent
engagement with the shore battery, when Captain Ho