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Updated: June 25, 2025
"I am afraid that there is very little chance of that," said Saltwell. "If that villain, Zappa, does not murder them, it is more than I expect. However, we'll stand on towards the island till daybreak, as you suggest; and now, Mr Tompion, I should think you require both rest and food, so go down below and take them.
Shortly afterwards we went in chase of a French craft of the same rig as ours, but she got away, and we then steered for Plymouth. We were at first taken on board the guardship, where we remained some time, and then I was transferred with others to this frigate, the Thisbe, of which, to my great satisfaction, I found that Mr Saltwell had been appointed first lieutenant.
"Thank you, sir," said Bill, touching his hat. "I feel pretty sure that I know my way up to the landing-place, and I do not suppose that a ship the size of the chase could get up higher." "You can go forward now, and be ready to accompany me when you are summoned," said Mr Saltwell.
"For heaven's sake, make the best speed you can," said Saltwell, as he bade his brother officers good bye. "Our captain will make the attempt to-night, depend on it, and it will be sad work if he cannot find the boats." "Never fear, we shall not miss him, I hope," exclaimed Linton, as he leaped into his boat. "Shove off and give way, my merry men."
The two yawls and jolly-boat being hauled up, were then loaded with as many as they could carry. "May I stay by you, sir?" asked Rayner of Mr Saltwell. "No, Rayner," answered the first lieutenant; "you have done your duty well this day, and I cannot allow you to risk your life by remaining a moment longer than is necessary. We cannot tell when the ship may blow up.
The British wounded, and the French prisoners captured in the prize, were forthwith taken on board the Thisbe, when both ships made sail to get a good offing from the coast before daylight. Mr Saltwell remained in command of the prize with the crew which had so gallantly won her.
"I fear it; and if so, all must have perished," said Saltwell. "It would be cruel to suggest it to the captain." "He already has thought of that," observed the master. "What shall we do with the boat, sir?" inquired the first lieutenant of the captain. "Shall we cast her adrift?" "No get her in on deck, and overhaul her more thoroughly," was the answer.
Mr Saltwell again gave the order to fire as fast as the gun could be loaded and run out, but the skill of Mr Black did not shine so brilliantly as at the first attempt he made, though they went near enough to show the pirates what they were to expect if they persisted in their attempt. "Have the larboard gun ready there. Hands about ship," cried the first lieutenant.
The day after he had joined the Lily, he was well pleased to see Jack come on board. "I found out, sir, that you belonged to the corvette, as I thought you would when I heard that Mr Saltwell was appointed to command her," said Jack; "so, sir, I made up my mind to volunteer for her, if I could escape being pressed before I got back to Plymouth." "I am glad to see you, Peek," said our hero.
Both the captain and Mr Saltwell thought it possible that the French squadron might be to the eastward, and should the firing have been heard, and a breeze spring up from that direction, which it was very likely to do, the Frenchmen in overwhelming force might be down upon them. The captain walked the deck, looking anxiously out in every direction for signs of a breeze.
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