How much the _Delaware_ was injured it was impossible to tell, for she did not return to the attack. Steadily the distance increased between the two ships, and before night came, the last trace of the frigate was discerned from the mast head, disappearing over the horizon.
Much against her will Helen had remained in her stateroom during the whole of the contest. She had not appeared on deck that day when the _Delaware_ was first seen, and the order to clear the decks given. After the battle, however, she went to the prow of the boat with Harold, in time to see the clipper's heels gradually disappearing.
"Are you glad it is over?" he asked, as he slipped his arm around her.
"I suppose I should be," was her answer, fixing her eyes on the distant frigate, "but I don't know that I am. It was audacious for a little thing like that to attack a big war vessel like the _North King_. They have killed some of our men, too; a pity you didn't give them a thrashing. Perhaps you couldn't?"
"I came by it naturally, I suppose." This time she laughed. "If the feeling had not been inherited, perhaps I would not have been willing to have come with you at all."
"And now you cannot turn back even if you want to."
"Not even when the enemy were killing our men?" he asked, looking earnestly into her eyes.
"No, not even then," she said; "but I think Sir George might have let me come on deck."
"And expose the only lady we've got, and she my wife, to the hellish dangers of battle. No, indeed, my dear. What do you take us for?"
"If we have another fight I'll ask him," was her answer.
"And I suppose you think he will consent?"
But there were no more battles, in that voyage at least.
The wounded men progressed favorably, considering that there was no regular surgeon on the ship; and by the time they reached port they were almost well again--ready to be transferred to the military hospital as convalescents.
Christmas was over, and the New Year had arrived, before they passed Sable Island. But on the next day, they were in the long harbor, and passing McNab, they saw in the distance the little city of Halifax.
Helen stood on deck, wrapped in seal coat and gauntlets, looking at the snow-covered town as the _North King_ sailed up the harbor. Many vessels were already anchored. The bright winter sun showed to advantage the picturesque little city. The dazzling whiteness of the roofs, the varied contours of the houses, the glittering pinnacles of church spires, the little groves of naked trees, backed by the ever-green verdure of pines and cedars, all helped to make an interesting picture.