Larry, Hoolan, and four other men, formed my boat’s crew, all of us of course being armed to the teeth. We found only ten men on board, three of whom were blacks, the rest French, under the command of a young French midshipman. He at once handed me his sword, with a polite bow. As I understood French,—I forget if I before said so,—I learnt from him that the brig was, as we supposed, English; that she had been captured a week before by a French corvette; and that he was on his way to Saint Domingo. He looked a little downcast on losing his command, but shrugged his shoulders, and observed that it was “la fortune de la guerre.” I requested him and five of his white crew to accompany me on board my ship. He replied that he was ready, and begged that he might be allowed to carry his traps with him.
“Certainly, monsieur,” I replied; and he dived down below, as he said, to pack them up. As he was much longer in the cabin than I considered necessary, I grew impatient, and followed him. I found him talking to a person in bed in one of the side-berths.
“I ought, monsieur, to have told you that I have a brother aspirant, who is very ill; and I fear that it might cause his death were he to be removed. Your captain would be conferring a great favour on us both, were he to allow me to remain with him, as no one else is so well able to nurse him as I am.”
“I’ll ask him,” I said, looking at the sick youth, who certainly appeared very ill. I regret, however, that I cannot delay longer, so you must come with me.
“I’ll obey you, monsieur,” said the midshipman; and exchanging a few more words with his sick companion, he followed me on deck.
Leaving Larry and two other men on board, I made three of the Frenchmen take their places in the boat, and returned to the Soleil with the young Frenchman. I told Nettleship of the request he had made.
“I don’t like to refuse him, as what he says is no doubt true,” said Nettleship; “but we must take care that he plays us no tricks.”
“Then am I to tell him that he may return on board the brig?” I asked.
“Yes, you may take him with you, for I intend to send you in charge of the prize, as I can’t spare Tom; but Nash shall go with you,—you couldn’t have a better man;—and so with five hands, and the help of the blacks you speak of, and a couple of the Frenchmen, you’ll be able to work the vessel, and by keeping in our wake you’ll easily find your way to Port Royal.” I was highly pleased at the confidence Nettleship placed in me, especially as Tom was not a bit jealous.
“Nettleship thinks that as I’m a little chap I shouldn’t inspire the same respect among the Frenchmen that you will,” he said, as we shook hands before I went down the side.