-boat cruised constantly in the neighbourhood. Captain
Burd is described as 'a facetious and intelligent man,' and a brave
officer, but his intelligence and courage were no match for Middleton.
In August 1693 a French frigate of twelve guns sailed under the Bass and
landed supplies. But the Cavaliers were so few that they had to borrow
ten French sailors to help in the landing of the provisions. At this
moment the 'Lion' bore down on the French vessel, which was obliged to
cut her cables to avoid being run down. The garrison of the Bass was
thus left with ten more mouths to feed, and with only the small supplies
that had been landed. They were soon reduced to two ounces of raw rusk
dough for each man, every day. Halyburton was caught and condemned to be
hanged, and a Mr. Trotter, who had helped the Cavaliers, was actually
hanged on shore, within sight of the Bass. Middleton fired a shot and
scattered the crowd, but that did not save poor Trotter.

[Illustration: The Bass attacked by the frigates]

Middleton had now only a few pounds of meal left. He therefore sent in a
flag of truce, and announced that he would surrender, but upon his own
terms. Very good terms they were. Envoys were dispatched by the Whigs:
Middleton gave them an excellent luncheon out of provisions kept for the
purpose, and choice French wines. He had also set coats and caps on the
muzzles of guns, above, on the rocks, so that the Whig envoys believed
he had plenty of men, and no scarcity of provisions. Their lordships
returned, and told the Privy Council that the Bass was in every respect
well provisioned and well manned. Middleton's terms were, therefore,
gladly accepted.

He got a full pardon for every one then in the garrison, and for every
one who had ever been in it (including Halyburton, now under sentence,
of death), 'and none hereafter shall call them to account.' They were to
depart with all the honours of war, with swords and baggage, in their
own boat. They were to be at liberty to come or go, whenever they
pleased, till May 15, 1694; and a ship, properly supplied, was to be
ready to carry them to France, if they preferred to join Dundee's
gallant officers in the French service. Finally, _all their expenses
were to be paid_! The 'aliment' formerly granted to them, and unpaid
when they seized the Bass, was to be handed over to them. On these terms
Middleton took leave of the fortress which he could not have held for a
week longer. There h