"They sent a midshipman as prize-master on board of the vessel, and
left all us, who had been taken prisoners by the French, in the vessel,
to help to work her into port, as the captain did not wish to part with
any more men of his own than was necessary. We soon made sail for
England, quite delighted at having escaped a French prison, but, after
all, we only exchanged it for a Dutch one."
"How do you mean?"
"I mean that, two days afterwards, as we were rounding the Cape,
another French vessel bore down upon us, and captured us. This time we
did not find any friend in need, and were taken into Table Bay; for at
that time the Cape of Good Hope was in the possession of the Dutch,
who, as well as the French, were at war with England."
"How very unfortunate you were, Ready!" said Mrs. Seagrave.
"Yes, madam, we were, and I can't say much in favour of a Dutch prison.
However, I was very young at that time, and did not care much - I had a
light heart."
Chapter XXXIV
A heavy storm came on soon after they had retired to rest; the
lightning was so vivid that its flashes penetrated through the chinks
of the door and windows, and the thunder burst upon them with a noise
which prevented them obtaining any sleep.
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