release of the crew, that
Jack heard of the circumstances connected with the loss of the _Tiger_.
She had gone on shore during a fog, when her situation was perceived by
a body of Russian troops, who at once brought a battery of field-guns to
bear upon her, assailing her incessantly also with a fire of musketry.
Her captain was suffering from a severe fever at the time, but,
immediately going on deck, was giving directions for hauling her off
when he fell mortally wounded, both his thighs broken by a round-shot.
Several of his men were struck down at the same time; and at length the
first lieutenant, finding it impossible to get the ship off, hauled down
his flag. Directly the Russians ceased firing, boats came off, and the
officers and crew, with their wounded captain, were carried on shore.
Instead, however, of receiving the rough usage they expected, all the
prisoners, especially the wounded, were treated by the Russians with the
most considerate humanity; and they acknowledged that, had they been
wrecked on their own coast, they could not have received greater
attention and kindness than was bestowed on them by their enemies.
Nothing, however, could save the life of Captain Giffard, who quickly
sank from the effects of his terrible wound.

Jack, as well as several of his brother commanders, had long been
wishing to take a look at Sebastopol, knowing that the information they
might gain would be acceptable to the admirals. The Russian fleet,
supposed to be numerous and powerful, had not yet shown itself outside
the harbour since its cowardly attack on the Turks at Sinope. Jack
talked the subject over with Mildmay; the latter was ready for anything.
He especially wished to take a sketch of the renowned fortress, and
purposed making some lines on the subject. Jos Green was delighted with
the idea; but how was it to be accomplished? They might run in at
night, but then, as he observed, as they should see nothing, they would
not be much the wiser. They were discussing the matter, when the
look-out shouted, "A sail on the weather-bow."

The vessel's head was turned in the direction of the stranger, and, the
wind being light, she had no more chance of escaping than a mouse has
from a cat in open ground. She proved to be a brig under Russian
colours, though the master and several of the crew were Austrians. They
took their fate very quietly, and were ready to give all the information
they possessed. The master ha