CHAPTER XV.
I go on service and am made prisoner by an old lady, who, not able to obtain my hand, takes part of my finger as a token--O'Brien rescues me-- A lee shore and narrow escape.
Two or three days after this conversation with Mr Chucks, the captain ran the frigate in shore, and when within five miles we discovered two vessels under the land.

We made all sail in chase, and cut them off from escaping round a sandy point which they attempted to weather.

Finding that they could not effect their purpose, they ran on shore under a small battery of two guns, which commenced firing upon us.

The first shot which whizzed between the masts had to me a most terrific sound, but the officers and men laughed at it, so of course I pretended to do the same, but in reality I could see nothing to laugh at.

The captain ordered the starboard watch to be piped to quarters, and the boats to be cleared, ready for hoisting out; we then anchored within a mile of the battery, and returned the fire.