than was at first
supposed--it was soon whispered that he was dying--and then came the
news that he was dead. Many a tear was dropped from the eyes of his
hardy crew, which the loss of their own messmates had failed to draw
forth. But there was no time to express their sorrow. All hands had to
work on as hard as ever. The carpenters, having secured the masts and
spars, were busy with the boats. Mr Handsel at length determined to
send an expedition to recapture the whalers, which, fortunately lying
rather more than a mile apart, could not assist each other. Ralph
offered to go in one of the boats; as it was his left arm which was
wounded, he could steer or handle a cutlass with his right.

"Yes, you will go in charge of the gig as an officer; Mr Symonds will
take command of the expedition in the pinnace; the masters of the
whalers will go in the other boats: should Mr Symonds fall, the command
will devolve on you," said Mr Handsel. Mr Symonds was a master's
mate; one of the lieutenants being wounded and the other on board the
_Concorde_, he was the next in rank able to go. Four boats were quickly
in the water, the last nail being driven in by the carpenter as they
were being lowered. Their crews were armed with pistols and cutlasses.
It was resolved to attack the nearest vessel first; and as she was said
to be the fastest sailer, should she be captured, it was hoped that the
other would be quickly overtaken. Old Jacob and Dick were with Ralph.
The boats shoved off from the ship's side and pulled for the nearest
whaler. As they approached she opened a hot fire, on which Mr Symonds
ordered them to keep apart and to steer for her stern. One of the
masters in charge of the pinnace did not hear the order. Ralph saw that
she was struck several times. Mr Symonds's boat also suffered. He
with the second cutter dashed on, the others following: one boarded on
each quarter. The Frenchmen had to quit their guns and to defend
themselves with pikes and pistols, but their assailants quickly swarmed
on board, Ralph, in spite of his wounded arm, getting up the side with
Jacob's assistance. The fight on deck was short. The prize-crew gave
way, and in three minutes the English were in possession of the ship.
Ralph looked round for Mr Symonds. He lay dead in the stern of his
boat, and Ralph found himself in command of the prize. The master of
the whaler just captured was also killed. The other was badly wounded,
and se