One
of the fire-ships, as scandal did declare, was that very ancient tub
indeed--that could not float on its bottom--the Peggy of Springhaven,
bought at thrice her value, through the influence of Admiral Darling. If
one has to meet every calumny that arises, and deal with it before going
further, the battle that lasted for a fortnight and then turned into
an earthquake would be a quick affair compared with the one now in
progress. Enough that the Peggy proved by the light she gave, and her
grand style of burning to the water's edge before she blew up, that she
was worth at least the hundred pounds Widow Shanks received for her. She
startled the French more than any of the others, and the strong light
she afforded in her last moments shone redly on the anguish of that poor
horse and dog. There was no sign of any one to help them, and the flames
in the background redoubled their woe.
Now this apparently deserted prame, near the centre of the line, was
the Ville de Mayence; and the flag of Rear-Admiral Lacrosse was even now
flying at her peak. "We must have her, my lads," cried Scudamore, who
was wondering what to do next, until he descried the horse and dog and
that fine flag; "let us board her, and make off with all of them."
The crew of his launch were delighted with that. To destroy is very
good; but to capture is still better; and a dash into the midst of the
enemy was the very thing they longed for.
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