veral of their men had fallen. Having secured the prisoners and
released the crew below, he ordered the boats to tow ahead towards the
other whaler. As they approached she opened her fire, but by steering
to the eastward he kept directly ahead of her, out of range of her guns.
Getting still nearer, he brought his broadside to bear on her, when the
Frenchmen, to avoid the consequences, hauled down their colours. She
was quickly taken possession of, when the prize-crew were secured and
the Englishmen remaining on board were released. As each vessel had six
boats they in a short time were towed near to the _Falcon_. As they
approached they were received with a loud cheer, and Mr Handsel ordered
Ralph to take command of the first re-captured, the _Eagle_, and to send
all the hands he could spare to assist in refitting the _Concorde_ and
setting up jury-masts. Of the other vessel, the _Penguin_, her only
surviving mate took charge; for both had fought bravely, and had not
struck till after a long chase, and when several officers and men had
fallen. Both vessels had also so severely suffered in hull and rigging,
that it would have been dangerous without undergoing repairs to proceed
on their voyage.

Lieutenant Handsel therefore determined to proceed with all the ships to
Rio de Janeiro, the nearest port in the Brazils. Ralph could scarcely
believe that he was not in a dream when he thus found himself in command
of a fine ship, with the probability of having to navigate her home.
Should, however, a fitting man be obtained at Rio to take charge of her,
he would be superseded and have to return to the _Falcon_. He naturally
hoped that no one would be forthcoming. He should then realise his
fondest hopes--be united to Jessie--with a good sum from his prize-money
and pay as captain of the _Eagle_ with which to set up house. He might
then rejoin the navy as an officer, or obtain his discharge, or go back
to the _Amity_, should Captain Mudge wish him to do so. "I will not be
ungrateful to my kind old friend, though I suspect that Jessie would
wish me to remain in the service; and though I entered unwillingly, I
should now be sorry to leave it," he thought. "Perhaps I may rise still
higher--others have done so--why should not I, if I do my duty, and my
life is preserved?"

Ralph quickly got accustomed to his new position. His scanty crew
acknowledged that they had never had a better captain. They were kept
of necessi