The other two boats rescued several of the lugger's crew; we got hold of six or seven more who were floating on spars or planks; one of them was the second officer of the privateer; but out of a hundred and forty men who were on her decks when she went down, not more than thirty were rescued. Toby and I met with a very pleasant reception when we got on board, and as soon as I had got on some dry clothes and had had a glass of grog to restore my circulation, Captain Collyer sent for me into the cabin to hear an account of our adventures. He seemed highly interested when I told him of the gallantry of the French captain, and expressed his regret at his death. A brave man always appreciates the bravery of his opponent. When I got back to the berth I had to tell the story all over again, and Toby, I have no doubt, was similarly employed among his messmates. "It is very evident, Merry, that you are reserved for a more exalted fate," was the only comment Spellman made, when I ceased. "Thank you, Miss Susan," I answered; "I owe you one." "It is a great pity that the lugger went down, though," observed old Perigal; "I should have had a chance of taking a run home in her as prize-master, and seeing my wife. Besides, she might have given us a pinch of prize-money." The regret generally expressed was rather for the loss of the few pounds the lugger might have given them, than for that of the men who formed the crew. "What! I did not know that you were married," I observed to Perigal when he said he was married. "But I am, though; and to a young and charming wife who deserves a better husband," he answered in an abrupt way. "If it wasn't for her I shouldn't be now knocking about the ocean as I have been all my life; and yet, if it was not for her I should have very little to keep me on shore. It's the prize-money, the booty, keeps me afloat. I am an arrant buccaneer at heart." "I should not have supposed you that," said I. It was now evening, and old Perigal had his glass of grog before him. On these occasions he was always somewhat communicative.