e. If
I had not put that boy on the quarter-deck, I should in all probability
have made a vacancy. It was remarkable presence of mind on his part."

We have not broken in upon our narrative to state, that during the scene
we have described Mr Pearce, the master, had succeeded in putting both
vessels before the wind, although they still were hugged in each other's
embraces, as if they had always been the best friends in the world, and
they were now out of the reach of the enemy's batteries, which (as soon
as they perceived the unfavourable results of the action) had commenced
firing with red-hot balls, emblematical of their wrath.

When the wounded had been carried below, and placed in comparative
comfort on board of their respective ships, the dead bodies were next
examined. Those of the French (with the exception of that of the
captain) were launched overboard; while those of the English were then
removed, and the French officers, having delivered up their swords, were
permitted to remain on deck upon parole, while the men were secured down
below in the fore and main holds of the _Aspasia_, the hatchways being
covered over with a strong splinter-netting, that they might not be
deprived of fresh air in their crowded situation. The charge of the
prize having been confided to the first-lieutenant and fifty men, the
two ships were separated, and laid to, to repair the damages sustained
in the conflict.

Captain M---, whose wounds were not serious, had descended for a short
time to have them washed and dressed. His anxiety to put his ship in an
efficient state, and get clear of the bay, previous to bad weather
coming on, had induced him to return on deck as soon as he had taken a
little refreshment.

McElvina had also cleansed himself from the gore with which he had been
begrimed, and having applied to the surgeon to assuage the pain of a
severe cut which he had received on his shoulder, came upon the
quarter-deck with his arm in a sling, dressed with his usual precision
and neatness. He touched his hat to Captain M---, with whom he had not
communicated since he had quitted him on the quarter-deck of the French
frigate, to create the fortunate diversion in favour of the boarders.

"Captain McElvina," said Captain M---, taking his hand, and shaking it
warmly, "I can hardly express how much I am obliged to you for your
conduct this day. You may be assured that, upon my return, I shall not
fail to make a proper rep