ed the previous evening. Ellen would have remained to
keep her company, pleased though she was at the thought of visiting a
man-of-war; but her father wished to have her with him, as several
ladies, wives and daughters of the sheriffs and aldermen, were going.
The party, consisting of nearly thirty ladies and gentlemen, soon
assembled at the quay. Their respective boats having been got in
readiness, with civic and private flags flying, the little flotilla
proceeded at a rapid rate down the river, the tide being in their
favour.

Mr Ferris had invited Lieutenant Vinoy, who had won the good opinion of
his captors by his quiet behaviour and amiable manners, to accompany the
party. He would probably like to see a British ship of war, and of
course there was no fear of his being detained on board. The lieutenant
at first hesitated, but finally accepted the invitation, and accordingly
formed one of the party.

The boats made good way, and though the pull was a long one, they soon
came in sight of the privateer, which lay in mid-channel.

"Why, that craft has a spring on her cable," observed Captain O'Brien,
who had accompanied Mr Ferris; "her topsails are loose, as if she was
ready to put to sea at a moment's notice."

"So probably she would, should she catch sight of a Frenchman in the
offing," observed Mr Ferris; "the enemy's merchant vessels do not
hesitate to stand along this coast, as we have so seldom a man-of-war on
the look-out for them. Captain Dupin is of course aware of that, and
was consequently in a hurry to get us to pay him a visit."

The ex-merchant captain said nothing, but still kept examining the
_Orestes_ with a critical eye. "She may be a Jersey privateer, but she
has a French cut about her from her truck downwards," he muttered to
himself.

The leading boats went alongside, and the officers were seen standing
ready to assist the ladies on deck. The other boats followed, and the
whole party were soon on board. Hurried arrangements had been made for
their reception; the after-part of the main-deck was roofed in with
flags, and supper-tables had been rigged on either side, already spread
with white cloths, on which several servants were placing dishes of all
sorts, while a band of musicians began to play lively airs.

"I must not boast of our music," said the captain, bowing to the ladies;
"but finding that some of my men could play on various instruments, I
formed them into a band, and perh