molestation, and, except in the first instance, even detection.  She carries the fortunes of a Caesar yet unknown, who is ready to stake them at any moment for adequate cause; but everything works together, not merely for his preservation, but to bring him up just in time for the exceptional action, which showed there was more to him than even his untiring energy and fearlessness had so far demonstrated.  As when, in later years, burning anxiety pressed him to hasten after Villeneuve, yet failed so to discompose him as to cause the neglect of any preparation essential to due provision for the abandoned Mediterranean; so now, with every power at highest tension to rejoin the admiral, eager not to waste a moment, he mars his diligence by no precipitancy, he grudges no hour necessary to the rounded completion of the present task,—­to see, and know, and do, all that can be seen and done.  He might almost have used again, literally, the expression before quoted:  “I have not a thought on any subject separated from the immediate object of my command.”

Leaving the “Romulus” in Gibraltar, the “Minerve” sailed again on the 11th.  The Spanish ships-of-the-line followed her at once.  The east wind blows in wild and irregular puffs upon the anchorages immediately under the lofty Rock, where the frigate lay.  Farther up, where the Spaniards were, it crosses the low neck joining the peninsula to the mainland, and is there more equable and more constant.  The “Minerve” was consequently at a disadvantage until she got fairly from under its lee, and the chase through the Straits became close enough to draw the idlers of the town and garrison in crowds to the hillsides.  It soon became evident that the leading ship-of-the-line was gaining upon the frigate, and the latter cleared for action.  Nelson had but a poor opinion of the Spanish navy of his day, and doubtless chose, before surrendering, to take his chance of one of those risks which in war often give strange results.  He said to Drinkwater that he thought an engagement probable, but added, “Before the Dons get hold of that bit of bunting I will have a struggle with them, and sooner than give up the frigate, I’ll run her ashore.”

About this time the officers’ dinner was announced.  Drinkwater went below, and was just congratulating Lieutenant Hardy, who had been captured in the “Sabina,” upon his exchange, when the cry “Man overboard!” was heard.  The party dispersed hurriedly, in sympathy with the impulse which invariably causes a rush under such circumstances; and Drinkwater, running to the stern windows, saw a boat already lowering with Hardy in it, to recover the man, who, however, could not be found.  The boat therefore, making signal to that effect, soon turned to pull to the ship.  The situation was extremely embarrassing, not to say critical; on the one hand, the natural reluctance to abandon any one or anything to the enemy, on the other, the imminent risk of sacrificing the ship and all