The Admiral, who had been all the time looking absently at the Amelia keeping her station with the tartane in tow, said:
“ You have a very smart little ship, Vincent. Very fit for the work I have given you to do. French built, isn’t she?”
“ Yes, my Lord. They are great shipbuilders.”
“ You don’t seem to hate the French, Vincent,” said the Admiral, smiling faintly.
“ Not that kind, my Lord,” said Captain Vincent, with a bow. “I detest their political principles and the characters of their public men, but your Lordship will admit that for courage and determination we could not have found worthier adversaries anywhere on this globe.”
“ I never said that they were to be despised,” said Lord Nelson. “Resource, courage, yes.... If that Toulon fleet gives me the slip, a
