As may be supposed, Ben and Dick had very little time for conversation. They were speedily called to trim sails, and the scanty crew of the prize, beginning to get weary from their constant exertions, were looking out for the frigate to heave to, a sign that the boats were about to return. She waited, however, until daylight broke, when once more, having gathered the convoy together, she hove to, and the prize coming up, doing the same, the boats were soon alongside. "I say, Ben," said Dick, as they approached, "it is my belief that Lord Reginald is to have command, for there he sits, with his dog by his side, and a big portmanteau between his knees. I'd sooner be out of this craft than in her. I hope we shall be sent on board the frigate again." Dick was right. Lord Reginald, his dog and portmanteau, were soon on board. He presented some papers to Mr Jager, who replied-- "Very well, I congratulate you on having so fine a command, and I confess that I wish I had been able to take charge of the prize, but as the doctor considers me unfit to be away from him, I must submit. Who are to form the prize crew?" "Voules and Lucas, the men on board, as well as the men I brought with me," answered Lord Reginald. "They'll do very well, and, as we are rather short-handed, no more could be spared from the frigate." "Then all I have to do is to wish you good-bye and a pleasant cruise. It's fortunate we had not to fire into her, or the vessel must have gone into harbour to refit. Now she's as well able to keep the sea as she ever was." "I hope her late master was a man of taste, and has some good curry and plenty of cuddy stores," said the young lord, laughing; "and I say, Jager, I wish you'd ask the captain to send me back the French cook. He'll know best how to dress his own provisions, and I should like to keep a good table while I am on board." "I'll do your bidding," answered Mr Jager, and shaking hands with Lord Reginald and his two subordinates, he returned in the boat to the frigate. The _Marie_ proved herself to be a capital sailer, a quality her crew had counted on when they ventured to attack the _Dunmore Castle_, expecting to be able to pillage her and get away before daylight. Lord Reginald walked the deck with a self-satisfied air, which was well imitated by Voules and Lucas. The young lord invited them into the cabin to mess with him, an honour they gladly accepted. "We shall have a jolly time of it," he said, "and I hope old Moubray will send us on an independent cruise when we get to Java." "He'll have to send us more men, then, for we are too short-handed to meet an enemy," said Voules; "otherwise, I'd rather not go at all."