Julian Arden was unable to continue his narrative, for the corvette had approached so close to the French coast as to require all her commander’s attention to their situation. The Onyx was hove-to till daybreak, and during the night was disguised as much as possible, so as to resemble a French vessel of war. Towards morning the tricolour was hoisted, and the vessel turned her head seaward. They were then about three leagues to the eastward of Havre. It became a fine, clear day, and before noon they beheld a fine French brig running for the port of Havre. The captain evidently mistook the Onyx for what she was not, for he came unsuspectingly into the jaws of the lion, and when too late endeavoured to fly; but the corvette ran alongside and took possession. The brig had a rich cargo, and had, owing to the fog, escaped the several cruisers to the westward, only to become a prize in sight of her destined harbour. “This is exactly what we wanted,” said Captain O’Loughlin to Julian Arden; “this craft will furnish you with cash and garments suited to your purpose, and also with papers. We will select these belonging to a young seaman called Lebeau; I have looked them over. He is second mate of this brig; about your age and height. I have ordered a suit of his garments to be brought on board. The brig, with a midshipman and eight hands, I will send across Channel to Portsmouth, and land her crew some miles down along the coast. I will then put you on shore, with a supply of cash, close to Havre, where you say the Château Coulancourt is situated. With your perfect knowledge of French, you will easily pass through the country without suspicion. I shall cruise on and off this coast till I receive orders to go elsewhere. Now, should circumstances arise that might induce you to return on board, you will recognise this corvette, and any kind of signal, should we happen to be within sight, will cause me to send a boat for you.” Julian Arden warmly thanked the kind-hearted O’Loughlin for his attention, and wish to render him service. “You are the brother of Sir Oscar de Bracy’s protégé—that’s enough to ensure my services; and if you were not, I should still wish to serve you, now that I have the pleasure of knowing you,” replied the warm-hearted sailor, pressing the young man’s hand. As he was to be landed the following night, Julian Arden resumed his adventures in the evening.