uards shall not be half so well
equipt. General, I wish you a good night."

The figure descended, in the same rigid, spectral manner as it had risen
on the sight, leaving Wilder again alone with the Captain of the ship. The
latter seemed suddenly struck with the fact that this odd interview had
occurred in the presence of one who was nearly a stranger, and that, in
his eyes at least, it might appear to require some explanation.

"My friend," he said, with an air something explanatory while it was at
the same time not a little naughty, "commands what, in a more regular
cruiser, would be called the 'marine guard.' He has gradually risen, by
service, from the rank of a subaltern, to the high station which he now
fills. You perceive he smells of the camp?"

"More than of the ship. Is it usual for slavers to be so well provided
with military equipments? I find you armed at all points."

"You would know more of us, before we proceed to drive our bargain?" the
Captain answered, with a smile. He then opened a little casket that stood
on the table, and drew from it a parchment, which he coolly handed to
Wilder, saying, as he did so, with one of the quick, searching glances of
his restless eye, "You will see, by that, we have 'letters of marque,' and
are duly authorized to fight the battles of the King, while we are
conducting our own more peaceable affairs."

"This is the commission of a brig!"

"True, true. I have given you the wrong paper. I believe you will find
this more accurate."

"This is truly a commission for the 'good ship Seven Sisters;' but you
surely carry more than ten guns, and, then, these in your cabin throw nine
instead of four pound shot!"

"Ah! you are as precise as though you had been the barrister, and I the
blundering seaman. I dare say you have heard of such a thing as stretching
a commission," continued the Captain drily, as he carelessly threw the
parchment back among a pile of similar documents. Then, rising from his
seat, he began to pace the cabin with quick steps, as he continued, "I
need not tell you, Mr Wilder, that ours is a hazardous pursuit. Some call
it lawless. But, as I am little addicted to theological disputes, we will
wave the question. You have not come here without knowing your errand."

"I am in search of a birth."

"Doubtless you have reflected well on the matter and know your own mind as
to the trade in which you would sail. In order that no time may be wasted
and that our