138
THE NAVAL OFFICER.
The first moments of respite from carnage were employed in examining the bodies of the killed and wounded. I was numbered among the former, and stretched out between the guns by the side of the first lieutenant and the other dead bodies. A fresh breeze blowing through the ports revived me a little, but, faint and sick, I had neither the power or inclination to move; my brain was confused; I had no recollection of what had happened, and continued to lie in a sort of stupor, until the prize came alongside of the frigate, and I was roused by the cheers of congratulation and victory from those who had remained on board.
A boat instantly brought the sugeon and his assistants to inspect the and assist the living. Murphy came along with them. He had not been of the boarding-party; and seeing my supposed lifeless corpse, he gave it a slight kick, saying, at the same time, " Here is a young cock that has done crowing! Well,