Page:Final French Struggles in India and on the Indian Seas.djvu/100

72 the firing ceased. Neither fleet had lost a ship, both had been severely handled; but the practical victory would be naturally to that which would be able to compel the other to retire from the vicinity of Kadalúr. That question was soon decided.

During the night the French fleet beat about endeavouring to remain close to Kadalúr, but the currents took it down to Pondichery. There, in the course of of the following day, it anchored but early on the morning of the 22nd, his light ships signalling the English fleet bearing N.N.E., Suffren immediately weighed anchor and stood out in pursuit. When, however, he reached Kadalúr the enemy was no longer in sight; Sir E. Hughes had borne up for Madras.

Thus then had Suffren by combined skill and valour attained one of his objects. He had driven one enemy from the coast; he would now aid in forcing the other to retreat. That same evening, the 23rd June, he landed not only the 1000 soldiers he had borrowed from the fort, but added to them 2400 men from his sailors.

More he could not do. He could command and win