CHAPTER X.

The Return to America.

Fitting the Ariel.-Painful Delays.-The Sailing.-Terrible Tempest.-The Disabled Ship.-Puts back to L'Orient.-The Second Departure.-Meets the Triumph.-Bloody Naval Battle.-Perfidious Escape of the Triumph.-The Ariel Reaches America.-Honors Lavished upon Jones.-Appointed to Build and Command the America.-Great Skill Displayed.-The Ship given to France.-The Launch. 214

xCHAPTER XI. The War Ended.

Promise of the South Carolina.-A New Disappointment.-The Great Expedition Planned.-Magnitude of the Squadron.-The Appointed Rendezvous.-Commodore Jones Joins the Expedition.-His Cordial Reception.-Great Difficulties and Embarrassments.-The Rendezvous at Port Cabella.-Tidings of Peace.-Return to America.-New Mission to France. 236