CHAPTER XVII

. THE LUCK OF A YANKEE CRUISER 372

There was never a more fortunate Vessel than the Clipper-schooner _Enterprise_--As originally Designed she was the Swiftest and Best All-around Naval Ship of her Class Afloat--Men she made Famous in the West Indies--A Glorious Career in the War with the Mediterranean Pirates--Even when the Wisdom of the Navy Department Changed her to a Brig and Overloaded her with Guns so that she “Couldn’t Get Out of her own Way,” her Luck did not Fail her--Her Fight with the _Boxer_--Even a good Frigate could not Catch her.

##