Nothing gave the British admiral greater pleasure than to be able to show mercy, the instance to the contrary already introduced existing as an exception in his private character and his public career; and it is possible that an occurrence so recent, and so opposed to his habits, may have induced him the more willingly now to submit to his ordinary impulses, and to grant the respite asked with the greater promptitude.
"Your captain tells me here, sir," observed Nelson, after he had read Cuffe's letter a second time, "little doubt exists that Yvard was in the Bay on a love affair, and that his purposes were not those of a spy, after all ?" "Such is the, opinion aboard us, my lord," answered the master's-mate.
"There are an old man and a very charming young woman in his company, who Captain Cuffe says were in the cabin of this ship, on a visit to your lordship, only a few days since." Nelson started, and his face flushed.

Then he seized a pen, and, with the only hand he had, scratched a letter, directing a reprieve until further orders.

This he signed and handed to Clinch, saying, as he did so: "Get into your boat, sir, and pull back to the frigate as fast as possible; God forbid that any man suffer wrongfully!" "I beg your pardon, my lord--but there is not time, now, for me to reach the ship before the sun set.

I have a signal prepared in the boat, it is true; but the frigate may not come round Campanella before the last moment, and then all these pains will be lost.

Does not Captain Cuffe speak of some guns to be fired from the flag-ship, my lord ?" "He does, sir; and this may be the safest mode of communicating, after all.