iety to comply with the requirements of the law.

"I would suggest," said he to one of the officials of the town, "that
you keep guard-boats rowing around my ship in order to be sure that I
do not take on more guns and men than the law permits, before I set
sail."

The officer smiled. "We are watching you closely," said he. "For
Monsieur Wright, it is said that you are as crafty as a cat!"

The mariner grinned, and, before going to sea, obtained from the
Governor, a certificate to the effect that he had complied with all
the requirements of the law.

Armed with this, on July 28th, 1756, he put to sea, in company with
four merchant vessels laden with valuable cargoes, and bound for the
shores of England. Carefully the _Saint George_ had been watched, so
carefully, in fact, that the authorities had overlooked the lading of
the other vessels, aboard which numerous guns, howitzers, and
hand-spikes had been smuggled, besides a number of seamen who were
well-experienced in fighting upon the ocean. It is true that
Fortunatus Wright was as crafty as a cat, or--as they say in
Maine--"You'd have to git up early if yer wanted ter lick him."

Not only had the officials at Leghorn watched every move of this
well-known privateersman, but they had sent word to the French that
Wright had only a feeble force, that he was accompanying several rich
prizes, and that he could be easily beaten and captured by a vessel of
any size. So much hated was he, that it is said the French king had
promised Knighthood and a handsome life pension to the sailor who
could bring Wright to the shores of France _dead or alive_. The
merchants of Marseilles were particularly bitter against him, for he
had captured many of their ships, and in the market-place (where all
could see it) had been posted a placard, which ran:

"ALL SAILORS AND SEAMEN ATTENTION!

To the person, or persons, who will capture and bring to
France, the body of the arch-villain Captain Fortunatus
Wright, shall be given

A SUM DOUBLE THE VALUE OF WRIGHT'S VESSEL.

Frenchmen! Catch this Thief! Bring him in Dead or Alive!
Do your Duty!

This sum is guaranteed by the Merchants and Ship-owners
of Marseilles, and the Chamber of Commerce."

Wright had heard of this, and it sent a grim look into his eyes. He
also heard that a vessel was cruising outside the harbor in wait for
him, and thus he was not surprised, as he saw a large boat upon his