events, they had failed to arouse any especial patriotic
feelings within his bosom. Nothing, therefore, could please him better
than his present occupation; and tucking his fiddle under one arm, and
making a seat for the baby with the other, he descended with the most
unfeigned satisfaction into the dusky depths of the bottom of the ship.

How intense was the indignation of the British seamen, when, just as
they were within long range of the French, they saw ship after ship
wear, and, under a crowd of sail, take to an ignominious flight! What
showers of abuse were hurled after them, as were numerous random shots,
though neither were much calculated to do them any harm. However, by
seven in the evening, Captain Bowyer, in the _Albion_, who led the van,
was seen to reach the centre of the enemy's line. In the most gallant
style he opened fire, supported by the _Conqueror_ and the other ships
of the van. In vain the ships of the British centre endeavoured to get
into action. Every manoeuvre that could be thought of was tried, every
sail was set. The brave old Captain Penrose walked his deck with hasty
strides and unusual excitement.

"Oh, how I envy that fellow Bowyer!" he exclaimed. "How rapidly his men
work their guns! We would be doing the same if we were there. However,
the time will come when I shall have another stand-up fight with them
before I die. It may be soon, or it may be some time hence; but the
time will come, that I feel assured of."

"I hope, sir, when it does arrive, you, and all with you, will come off
victorious," observed the second lieutenant, who was in no way inclined
to enter into what he called the Captain's fancies.

"No doubt about it," answered the Captain. "I trust that I may never
live to see the day when a British fleet is worsted by our old enemies,
the French, or by any others who have ships afloat."

In spite of the partial engagement taking place, the remainder of the
French fleet continued its flight under a press of sail. Right
gallantly the _Albion_ and _Conqueror_ continued the cannonade; but,
again, the quicker heels of the French enabled them to keep out of the
reach of the remainder of the British fleet, and finally carried them
free of their pursuers.

Still, although night had closed in, Admiral Rodney persevered in
following them up; but the wind had shifted, and given the French the
weather-gage, an advantage which they employed in keeping out of action.
Da