f warfare, or that the privateer's-man is a whit more
reckless or brutal than soldiers or men-of-war's men in the hour of
victory in the king's service."

"There is this difference, Sir," replied I; "first, in the officers
commanding; although glad to obtain prize-money, they are stimulated
by nobler feelings as well. They look to honour and distinction; they
have the feeling that they are defending their king and country, to
support them and throw a halo on their exertions; and they have such
control over their men, that, although I admit they are equally
inclined to excess as the privateer's-man, they are held in check by
the authority which they dare not resist. Now, Mr. Trevannion,
privateer's-men seek not honour, and are not stimulated by a desire to
serve the country; all they look to is how to obtain the property of
others under sanction; and could they without any risk do so, they
would care little whether it was English property or not, provided
that they put the money into their pockets. If I held this opinion as
a seaman on board of a privateer, what must I feel now, when I am the
leader of such people, and the responsibility of their acts is thrown
upon my shoulders, for such I feel is the case?"

"I think," replied Mr. Trevannion, "that we had better not discuss
this question any further just now. Of course you must decide for
yourself; but I have this favour to ask of you. Trusting to your
resuming the command of the vessel, I have no one to replace you at
present, and I hope you will not refuse to take the command of her for
one more cruise: should you, on your return and on mature reflection,
be of the same opinion as you are now, I certainly shall no longer
press you to remain, and will do all I can to assist you in any other
views you may have."

"To that, Sir, I can have no objection," replied I; "it would be
unfair of me to leave you without a captain to the vessel, and I am
therefore ready to sail in her as soon as you please, upon the
understanding that I may quit her, if I am of the same opinion as I am
now, upon my return to port."

"I thank you, my dear Sir," said Mr. Trevannion, rising, "that is all
I request. I must now go to the counting-house."

So saying, he left the room, but his countenance showed that he was
far from pleased.

Miss Trevannion, who had been a silent listener to the conversation,
as soon as her father had closed the door after him, thus spoke:

"Captain Elrington,