Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/44

 leaving a midshipman whom he brought with him in charge of the deck, and who, in the meanwhile, he directed to haul the mainsail up, and make the vessel snug. The prisoners were desired to pack up their things, and be ready to quit in one hour.

When lights were brought in the cabin, the lieutenant and myself instantly recognized each ~ other.

"Bless my soul, Frank," said he, ' what brought you here?"

"That," said I, "is rather a longer story than could be conveniently told before to-morrow; but may I ask what ship has taken the Yankee? I conclude it is the R; and what rank does friend Talbot hold in her?"

"The frigate," said he, "is the R——, as you conjectured. We are on the Cape station. I am first of her, and sent out here on promotion for the affair of Basque Roads.

"Hard, indeed," said I, "that you should have waited so long for what you so nobly