tuations,
and reflecting upon the most eligible means of relief. "Depend upon
it," observed Captain M---, "the time will come when you will find it of
use to you; and it will create for you a presence of mind, in a sudden
dilemma, which may be the salvation of yourself and the ship you are
in."

Seymour, remembering this injunction, reflected upon what would be the
most advisable steps to take, in case of the French prisoners attempting
to recapture during his watch on deck. That there were but six, it was
very true; but, at the same time, during the night watches there were
but five English seamen, and the officer of the watch, on deck. Should
the Frenchmen have the boldness to attempt to regain possession of the
vessel, there was no doubt that, if the watch could be surprised, the
hatches would be secured over those below. What should be the steps, in
such a case, that he ought to take?

Such were the cogitations of Seymour, when midnight was reported, and
Jerry was summoned to relieve the deck--which he did not do, relying
upon our hero's good-nature, until past one bell. Up he came with his
ready apology--"I really beg your pardon, my dear fellow, but I had not
a wink of sleep last night."

"Never mind, Jerry, I am not at all sleepy. I had been thinking about
these French prisoners--I cannot get their conversation out of my head."

"Why, I did not like it myself, when I heard of it," replied Jerry. "I
hope they won't attempt it in my watch; it would not give them much
trouble to launch me over the quarter--I should skim away, `flying
light,' like a lady's bonnet."

"What would you do, Jerry, if you perceived them rushing aft to retake
the vessel?" inquired Seymour, who was aware of his ready invention.

"Skim up the rigging like a lamplighter, to be sure. Not that it would
be of much use, if they gained the day--except say a few prayers before
I went astern."

"Well, that was my idea; but I thought that if one had a musket and
ammunition up there, a diversion might created in favour of those
below--for the prisoners have no firearms."

"Very true," replied Jerry; "we might puzzle them not a little."

"Now, Jerry, suppose we were to take that precaution, for I do not like
their manoeuvres during my watch. It will do harm, if it does no good.
Suppose you fetch two muskets and cartouch-boxes from the cabin--I'll
take one and secure it in the fore-cross-trees, and you do the same at
the main: for Cou