hope to prove to you that, if necessary, I shall
not be a bad second."

And as I made this reply, we arrived at the house where we had lodged.

Captain Levee was a man who, when once he had decided, was as rapid as
lightning in execution. He sent for a dealer in horses, concluded a
bargain with him in five minutes, paid his lodgings and all demands upon
him, and before noon we were both on board of our respective vessels.
But, previous to the seamen coming up for our boxes, I observed to him,
"I should wish, Levee, that you would let me know, if it is only at a
rough guess, what sum I may be indebted to you; as I may be fortunate,
and if so, it will be but fair to repay you the money, although your
kindness I cannot so easily return."

"I'll tell you exactly," said Levee. "If I take no prizes this cruise,
and you do make money, why then we will, on our return, have another
frolic somewhere, and you shall stand treat. That will make us all
square, if I am not fortunate; but if I am, I consider your pleasant
company to have more than repaid me for any little expense I may have
incurred."

"You are very kind to say that," I replied; "but I hope you will be
fortunate, and not have to depend upon me."

"I hope so too," he replied, laughing. "If we come back safe and sound,
we will take a trip to Bath--I am anxious to see the place."

I mention this conversation, Madam, that I may make you acquainted with
the character of Captain Levee, and prove to you how worthy a man I had
as a companion.

It required about ten days to complete my little schooner with
everything that I considered requisite, and the politeness of the owner
was extremely gratifying. We were, however, but just complete, when the
owner sent for me in a great hurry, and having taken me into a back room
next to the counting-house, he locked the door, and said--

"Captain Elrington, I have been offered a large sum to do a service to
some unfortunate people; but it is an affair which, for our own sakes,
will demand the utmost secrecy: indeed, you will risk more than I shall;
but at the same time I trust you will not refuse to perform the service,
as I shall lose a considerable advantage. If you will undertake it, I
shall not be ungrateful."

I replied that I was bound to him by many acts of kindness, and that he
might confide in my gratitude.

"Well, then," he replied, lowering his voice, "the fact is this; four of
the Jacobite party, who are ho