et anchored in those waters. There
were hundreds of sailing transports, steamers innumerable, both
men-of-war and merchantmen, while above all towered the tall masts of
the line-of-battle ships. The French, having only their own infantry to
embark, most of whom were taken on board their men-of-war, got through
the process more rapidly than the English.

Men-of-war's boats were pulling backwards and forwards, some carrying
messages, others towing-off the rafts; while smaller craft of all sorts
were moving about in every direction, bringing stores and provisions.
It was hard work for all hands, but it was cheerfully and willingly
performed.

Jack, having to pass near the French fleet, observed a boatful of
Zouaves pulling off to a transport; the French steamer was approaching
her; the crew of the Zouaves' boat attempted to pass her bows, while
those on board her were keeping a bad lookout. The consequences was
that the steamer ran right into the Zouaves' boat. The poor fellows,
encumbered with their knapsacks and greatcoats, being utterly unable to
swim, the larger number, uttering shrieks of despair, sank like shots
before help, so near at hand, could be afforded them.

Unhappily the cholera lingered among the troops on board the transports,
and every day several were launched into their ocean graves, as it was
impossible to carry them on shore for burial. Under such circumstances
it is usual to secure shot to the foot of the corpse in order to sink it
rapidly to the bottom. In some instances shot of insufficient weight
were used; for though the body at first sank, yet when decomposition set
in and gases were generated, it again rose to the surface; and those on
board the ships, as they looked over the side, were horrified at seeing
the bodies of their late comrades floating about, bowing to them as if
in mockery, moved by the undulations of the water.

One evening Billy Blueblazes was on duty at the gangway, with orders to
report any boats coming alongside; as he was looking out in the dusk, he
saw, as he thought, a man swimming and approaching the ship. He hailed,
but there was no answer; still the figure came nearer and nearer, and
presently touched the foot of the accommodation ladder. "What is it you
want?" asked Billy; no answer was returned. As in duty bound, he went
up to report the circumstance to the first lieutenant.

"There's a Turk, or some fellow of that sort, has swum off to the ship,
sir; bu