renchmen put the ship before the
wind, but it was of no use; the man-of-war came up with us very fast,
and then the Frenchmen began to pack up their clothes, together with all
the other things which they had collected out of the property of our
captain and crew; a shot was fired which went clean over our heads, and
then they left the helm, and Jack Romer went to it, and, with my help,
hove the ship up in the wind; a boat came on board and took possession,
and so there was one escape, at all events.

"They sent a midshipman as prize-master on board of the vessel, and left
all us, who had been taken prisoners by the French, in the vessel, to
help to work her into port, as the captain did not wish to part with any
more men of his own than was necessary. We soon made sail for England,
quite delighted at having escaped a French prison, but, after all, we
only exchanged it for a Dutch one."

"How do you mean?"

"I mean that, two days afterwards, as we were rounding the Cape, another
French vessel bore down upon us, and captured us. This time we did not
find any friend in need, and were taken into Table Bay; for at that time
the Cape of Good Hope was in the possession of the Dutch, who, as well
as the French, were at war with England."

"How very unfortunate you were, Ready!" said Mrs Seagrave.

"Yes, madam, we were, and I can't say much in favour of a Dutch prison.
However, I was very young at that time, and did not care much--I had a
light heart."

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

A heavy storm came on soon after they had retired to rest; the lightning
was so vivid that its flashes penetrated through the chinks of the door
and windows, and the thunder burst upon them with a noise which
prevented them obtaining any sleep. The children cried and trembled as
they lay in the arms of Mrs Seagrave and Juno, who were almost as much
alarmed themselves.

"This is very awful," said Mr Seagrave to Ready, for they had both
risen from their beds.

"It is indeed, sir; I never knew a more terrible storm than this."

"Merciful Heaven!" exclaimed Mr Seagrave.

As he spoke, they were both thrown back half-stunned; a crash of thunder
burst over the house, which shook everything in it; a sulphurous smell
pervaded the building, and soon afterwards, when they recovered their
feet, they perceived that the house was full of smoke, and they heard
the wailing of the women and the shrieks of the children in the
bed-places on the other side.