w laugh, in which
scorn struggled to keep down the feelings of wounded pride. "Where are the
horns, and the cloven foot? Snuff the air: Is it not tainted with sulphur?
But enough of this. I knew of your inquiries, and liked your mien. In
short, you were my study; and, though my approaches were made with some
caution they were sufficiently nigh to effect the object. You pleased me,
Wilder; and I hope the satisfaction may be mutual."

The newly engaged buccanier bowed to the compliment of his superior, and
appeared at some little loss for a reply: As if to get rid of the subject
at once, he hurriedly observed,--

"As we now understand each other, I will intrude no longer, but leave you
for the night, and return to my duty in the morning."

"Leave me!" returned the Rover, stopping short on his walk, and fastening
his eye keenly on the other. "It is not usual for my officers to leave me
at this hour. A sailor should love his ship, and never sleep out of her,
unless on compulsion."

"We may as well understand each other," said Wilder, quickly. "If it is to
be a slave, and, like one of the bolts, a fixture in the vessel, that you
need me, our bargain is at an end."

"Hum! I admire your spirit, sir, much more than your discretion. You will
find me an attached friend and one who little likes a separation, however
short Is there not enough to content you here? I will not speak of such
low considerations as those which administer to the ordinary appetites.
But, you have been taught the value of reason; here are books--you have
taste; here is elegance--you are poor, here is wealth."

"They amount to nothing, without liberty," coldly returned the other.

"And what is this liberty you ask? I hope, young man, you would not so
soon betray the confidence you have just received! Our acquaintance is but
short, and I may have been too hasty in my faith."

"I must return to the land," Wilder added, firmly, "if it be only to know
that I am intrusted, and am not a prisoner."

"There is generous sentiment, or deep villany, in all this," resumed the
Rover, after a minute of deep thought. "I will believe the former. Declare
to me, that, while in the town of Newport, you will inform no soul of the
true character of this ship."

"I will swear it," eagerly interrupted Wilder.

"On this cross," rejoined the Rover, with a sarcastic laugh; "on this
diamond-mounted cross! No, sir," he added, with a proud curl of the lip,
as he cast the jew