But he did a great deal of thinking in his cabin, though most of it was in relation to the events which had transpired on board of the Bronx.
He had captured two valuable prizes; but he could not feel that he was entitled to any great credit for the achievements of his vessel, since he had been warned in the beginning to look out for the Scotian and the Arran.

He had taken the first by surprise, and the result was due to the carelessness of her commander rather than to any great merit on his own part.

The second he had taken with double the force of the enemy in ships and men; and the latter was not precisely the kind of a victory he was ambitious to win.
At the same time, his self-respect assured him that he had done his duty faithfully, and that it had been possible for him to throw away his advantage by carelessness.

If he had fallen in with both the Scotian and the Arran at the same time, the result might have been different, though he was sure that he should have fought his ship as long as there was anything left of her.

In that case there would have been more room for manoeuvring and strategy, for he did not admit to himself that he should have been beaten.
Amblen continued to hold his place as second lieutenant, and McLinn was appointed acting third lieutenant.