“They have heard me talking French to the officers, and will be careful what they say when they see me near them,” answered Bill; “but there’s my messmate, Jack Peek, who was in France with me, and knows their ‘lingo’ as well as I do; and as they have not heard him talking, they’ll not suspect him; and if you will allow me, sir, I will tell him to go among them, and he’ll soon find out if they have any thoughts of mischief.”
Mr Saltwell approved of Bill’s proposal, and gave him leave to employ Jack as he suggested.
Bill, going below, soon found out his messmate.
Jack was well pleased at the confidence placed in him, and promised to keep his eyes and ears well open.
There was no time for conversation just then, for every man in the ship was busy, and the boys were wanted to assist them.
The frigate and her prize had made some way to the northward before night came on. A bright look-out was kept for any enemy which might heave in sight; but when darkness gradually stole over the ocean, none had appeared.
During that night none of the English officers or men turned in. The most tired snatched a few moments of sleep at intervals as best they could when off watch.
The Frenchmen were allowed to lie down on deck between the guns, with sentries placed over them. It was very evident that, had they chosen to rise, they might have overpowered the sentries at the cost of a few of their own lives. Fortunately none of them liked to run the risk of being shot, and remained quiet.
The wind was light, and the Thisbe and her prize made but slow progress.
The captain anxiously waited the return of morning.