It was two or three hours before we were again all to rights, and a party sent on board of the prize; and then there was again another kind of confusion, from the congratulations, drinking healths, the women coming up on deck, etc.; however, the weather continued light, so it was of no consequence.  That Frenchman bit very hard, and I limped for three or four days afterward.

“Well, Tom,” said Bramble, “I see you’ve got nerve, so all’s right.  You had better go and lie down now, for you must be tired; I’ll call you in the morning.”

Very glad was I to limp to bed.  All night I dreamed of nothing but volleys of musketry, and boarding and reboarding, and being wounded in the leg, and then I would awake with the smart of the Frenchman’s teeth.

The next morning when I came on deck, the captain thanked me for my services, and said that the lugger would have escaped had it not been for me.  I replied that it was Bramble who prevented her escape, as I should not have thought of making her fast if I had not been told.

“That’s all true enough,” replied the captain; “but how many of your age, having been told to do it, would have done it, Tom?  I shall not forget you.”

I went on the poop to Bramble, who, as usual, had his short pipe in his hand; and I certainly was pleased when I saw what a beautiful craft we had helped to capture.  She sat like a swan on the water, and sailed round and round us with the greatest ease.

In the afternoon we anchored at the Nore, and sent away all the prisoners to Sheerness.  I must not forget to say how very kind and generous the passengers were to me.  They made a great many presents, some of value, as I afterward found out; and I was glad to receive them that I might give them to Virginia and those who had been friendly to me.

The next morning we arrived off Greenwich, and Bramble told me to go on shore and remain with my father and mother until he came down, which he would do in a few days, and pay a visit to his old friend Anderson.  I landed with all my contraband articles in the boat, but no one thought of stopping or searching the former “Poor Jack.”  My insignificance was my protection; and I arrived safely at Fisher’s Alley with all my curiosities and prohibited effects.  When I entered the house, I perceived that there was a third person sitting in company with my mother and Virginia; but Virginia sprang to me, and I threw down my bundles with which I was loaded, and pressed her in my arms.  Although I had been absent but four months, she appeared to be very much grown, and in every way improved.  As soon as I had released her, I offered my hand to my mother, who took it very coldly, and then observed, “Tom, you will be so ungenteel; don’t you see there is a gentleman here?”

“I beg his pardon, mother,” replied I; “but I could only see my sister just then.”

“And I admire your feeling, Tom,” replied the party.  “Mrs. Saunders, you must not scold him for that.  How do you do, Tom, and how do you like your profession?” continued he, holding out his hand.