Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/40

 Who took in this here lower studding sail?— But, never mind, we'll settle that to-morrow. Come over here, you forecastle men."

Some of the Americans came over to him, but not with very great alacrity. The sail could not be pulled in, as the vessel had too much way; and while they were ineffectually employed about it, the flash of a gun was seen to windward; and as the report reached our ears, the shot whistled over our heads, and darted like lightning through the boom mainsail.

"Hurra for old England," said Thompson; "the fellow that fired that shot shall drink my allowance of grog to-morrow."

"Hold your tongue, you d——d English rascal," said the second mate, " or I'll stop your grog for ever."

"I don't think you will," said the North Briton, "and if you take a friend's advice, you wont try." Thompson was standing on the little round-house or poop; the indignant mate Jumped up, and collared him. Thompson disen-