ing the exact latitude and longitude
of the place where our meeting with "Le Narcisse" took place.

When I had given him all particulars he rose to take his leave.

"Good-bye," said he, "and accept, through me, the thanks of Captain
Lacey, the officers, and the whole ship's company of the `Diamond' for
the very valuable information you have afforded us. I only hope
Monsieur Latour was sincere in his resolve; we will not keep him waiting
very long. A pleasant passage to you and I hope your prize will get
safely in. Lucky young dog, you are, and no mistake."

"Good-bye," I returned. "I wish you a speedy and pleasant meeting with
Monsieur Latour."

And with another shake of the hand we parted. Poor fellow! he little
knew what lay before him. The "Diamond" actually found "Le Narcisse"
cruising about the spot I had indicated, and one of the shot of the
Frenchman's first broadside took his head off.

Four days afterwards we anchored at Gibraltar just in time to hear the
evening gun, having been favoured, during the entire passage, with a
wind which permitted us to lay our course with every thread of canvas
drawing to its utmost.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

"IN THE BAY OF BISCAY, HO!"

My instructions were to see the admiral without the delay of a single
moment, should we happen to arrive at any hour when the worthy chief
might be reasonably supposed to be out of his bed; I accordingly had the
boat lowered, and proceeded to the shore the instant that our anchor was
let go.

When I reached the admiral's house, I found him busy at the
entertainment of a party of "sodger officers" from the garrison.

I was shown into his private room; and in a few minutes the gallant old
veteran stumped in on his wooden leg, and saluted me with,--

"Well, youngster, whose cat is dead now? Are you aware that I very
strongly object to be troubled after business hours, unless the matter
happens to be one of very great importance?"

"I must apologise for intruding upon you at so late an hour, sir," I
replied; "but my instructions are that I should not lose a moment in
placing in your hands the despatches from Lord Hood of which I have the
honour to be the bearer."

"_You_ have the honour! Despatches from Lord Hood? The d--?" he
exclaimed. "Do you mean to say that _you_ have charge of the despatch-
boat signalled this evening?"

"I do sir, certainly," I rather resentfully replied. The somewhat
contemptuous emphasis he laid o