we had not before
looked.

"Hillo," I exclaimed, "why here are a man's legs."

"There seems to be two brace of them," said Hanks, laughing. "Come out,
my hearties, and give an account of yourselves."

Saying this, he began to drag towards the companion-ladder one of the
men; I following his example with regard to the other.

"Why, Jim, we ain't got in yet; so let us alone, will ye," grunted out
one, as he turned on his side, without opening his eyes.

The other was too drunk to speak; indeed, had we not loosened his
neckcloth, I believe he would have died of apoplexy, for he was already
getting black in the face. We placed them near the companion-ladder,
where they could obtain some air; and then, getting off the main hatch,
we proceeded to search the vessel. In the hold were several casks of
French brandy, immensely strong spirit, intended to be diluted before
being sold. From one of these the crew had evidently been helping
themselves, and not being accustomed to so potent a liquid, fancying it
of the ordinary strength, it had overcome their senses before they were
aware of what was happening to them. We found, also, Dutch drops,
several bales of tobacco, and sundry other things, amply sufficient to
condemn the craft as a smuggler, but which also proved that it was an
unusual venture, and that the people were not adepts in the contraband
trade. We searched the vessel throughout, but no one else was
discovered.

"Who, then, could Jim be?" we asked ourselves.

The drunken men were still too fast locked in a state of stupor to
answer. When nothing more could be done, Hanks sent me back to the
cutter, to report proceedings, hoping to be ordered to take the prize in
himself.

When I had made my report, "Very well," said the Commander, "I wish to
try what amount of discretion you possess, Neil; so you shall take the
prize up to Portsmouth, and deliver her and the people over to the
proper authorities. Take Thole and four hands with you. Look out that
the prisoners do not escape, and I dare say you will do well. I shall
be up at Portsmouth in a day or so, to take you off. Now get on board,
and assume your command as fast as you like. Send Mr Hanks on board
again."

A change of things was soon put up in a bundle, and I and it bundled on
board the prize.

"And so you are to go, youngster, are you?" remarked Hanks, as I got on
board. "It's all my ill luck, for I thought to go myself; but good-bye,
you