But, as the final decision was left with Lieutenant Grant, he preferred to go on, believing that he could keep pace with the convoy.

During the afternoon of the 19th a namesake of his, Captain James Grant of the Brunswick, East Indiaman, hailed him and informed him that he had orders to take the Lady Nelson in tow.

The commander of the brig did not at all relish this news, but dreading further detention as he was in the track of the enemy, he took the proffered hawser on board.

The brig towed well as long as the sea was smooth, and at first no discomfort was felt.

Then a continued spell of bad weather ensued, and a driving rain, which found its way under the covering boards and along the gunwale of the ship, caused great unpleasantness.