NAUTICAL FEATS 29 



than discretion, the British youth attempted the same 

 exhibition, but not being so clever at gymnastics as his 

 rival, he toppled over and fell, to the great momentary 

 alarm of his shipmates ; but first a stay, then a backstay 

 or bowline, breaking his fall, he came safe on deck ; when, 

 jumping up and snapping his fingers at the Dutch line-of- 

 battle-ship, with great presence of mind, he said, " There, 

 gentlemen, do that if you can ! " The ship Avas not 

 within hearing, nor could the crew have understood our 

 lano:uao:e, but the loud shouts of lau2:hter and exultation 

 this feat elicited from both officers and men announced 

 to their astonished minds that an Englishman was not to 

 be beaten at that or any other game. 



After three weeks' stay at this hospitable port, during 

 which time we were employed in refitting our rigging 

 and replenishing the water-casks, we set sail some time 

 in September — the other three men-of-war and convoy in 

 company — for our ultimate destination. 



We had not much expectation of Admiral Hartsinck's 

 following us, though we always kejot a sharp look-oub 

 night and day, but Ave saAV nothing of him or his squadron. 

 We were stationed in the rear of the convoy, to give 

 timely notice of the approach of an enemy, as well as to 

 Avhip up and cover the stragglers ; Avhen one night, 

 observing what Ave took to be a large ship on our larboard 

 quarter, and not being able to make her out, we piped all 

 hands to quarters, and cleared ship for action. The 

 captain and officers on the deck Avere intent on observing 

 her Avith their night-glasses. The loAver deck guns were 

 run out, and Ave every minute expected a broadside, and 

 were prepared to return it. To our great surprise and 



