e disregard of life on all occasions, were probably crowding
together in the recollection of our more youthful adventurer, and caused
him to feel that species of responsible hesitation to which we are all
more or less subject on the occurrence of important events, be they ever
so much expected.

"You have not mistaken my purpose, or my suspicions," he at length
answered, "for I own have come in search of this very ship. I accept the
service; and, from this moment, you will rate me in whatever station you
may think me best able to discharge my duty with credit."

"You are next to myself. In the morning, the same shall be proclaimed on
the quarter-deck; and, in the event of my death, unless I am deceived in
my man, you will prove my successor. This may strike you as sudden
confidence. It is so, in part, I must acknowledge; but our shipping lists
cannot be opened, like those of the King, by beat of drum in the streets
of the metropolis; and, then, am I no judge of the human heart, if my
frank reliance on your faith does not, in itself, strengthen your good
feelings in my favour."

"It does!" exclaimed Wilder, with sudden and deep emphasis.

The Rover smiled calmly, as he continued,--

"Young gentlemen of your years are apt to carry no small portion of their
hearts in their hands. But, notwithstanding this seeming sympathy, in
order that you may have sufficient respect for the discretion of your
leader, it is necessary that I should say we have met before. I was
apprised of your intention to seek me out, and to offer to join me."

"It is impossible!" cried Wilder, "No human being--"

"Can ever be certain his secrets are safe," interrupted the other, "when
he carries a face as ingenuous as your own. It is but four-and-twenty
hours since you were in the good town of Boston."

"I admit that much; but--"

"You will soon admit the rest. You were too curious in your inquiries of
the dolt who declares he was robbed by us of his provisions and sails. The
false-tongued villain! It may be well for him to keep from my path, or he
may get a lesson that shall prick his honesty. Does he think such pitiful
game as he would induce me to spread a single inch of canvas, or even to
lower a boat into the sea!"

"Is not his statement, then, true?" demanded Wilder, in a surprise he took
no pains to conceal.

"True! Am I what report has made me? Look keenly at the monster, that
nothing may escape you," returned the Rover, with a hollo