een entering under Russian colours. "We must
take her," cried Jack; "the impudence of the act will have a good
effect, and show the Russians what Englishmen can dare and do. Haul
down those colours--hoist our ensign," he added. The change was rapidly
effected; the signalising between the brigs and frigates went on still
more vehemently, while the former sent a few ineffectual shot at their
audacious visitor.

"Keep her for the schooner," cried Jack. The skipper of the Russian
merchantman was evidently much astonished at perceiving the Austrian
steamer suddenly turned into an English man-of-war. Finding that he
could by no possibility escape, he hauled down not only his colours, but
his sails, when the steamer, running alongside his vessel, took her in
tow, having first removed him and his crew to her deck. He proved, like
the first, to be an Austrian; the two skippers mutually condoled each
other on their misfortunes.

Away the _Tornado_ steamed out to sea, but a sharp eye was kept on the
proceedings of the Russian fleet. The two brigs were seen getting under
way; presently afterwards three of the outside frigates slipped from
their moorings, and stood out under all the canvas they could spread in
chase of the daring intruder. The officers and crew had now mustered on
deck, and, the painted canvas being got rid of, the ship was quickly
made ready for action.

"Only let two of them come on at a time, and we shall have them in tow
before long," observed Dick Needham, a sentiment which was heartily
responded to. The breeze, however, increased, and the frigates came
dashing on, keeping pretty close together, at a rate which made it more
than possible that they would overtake him. Jack heartily wished that
he could have carried off the schooner as a prize, but it was not worth
while to risk the loss of his ship in making the attempt. He could not
hope to capture even one of the enemy, unless he could separate them,
and this, as they were favoured by the wind, he saw that he should be
unable to do. Prudence, therefore, compelled him very unwillingly to
cast off the prize, upon which the Russians speedily pounced, but only
to find her empty.

The crew cheered heartily, while many a laugh resounded through the
ship, as they witnessed the Russians' disappointment, and saw the
squadron sail back again into port, jack communicated the information he
had received to the admiral. Soon afterwards the fleet of the all