Barberie, for a single moment, diverted his attention; and
then he turned, suddenly, not to say fiercely, towards her companion. It
is not necessary to repeat the description of the stranger's person, in
order to render the change, which instantly occurred in the countenance of
Ludlow, intelligible to the reader. His eye, at first, refused to believe
there was no other present; and when it had, again and again, searched the
whole apartment, it returned to the face and form of the dealer in
contraband, with an expression of incredulity and wonder.

"Here is some mistake!" exclaimed the commander of the Coquette, after
time had been given for a thorough examination of the room.

"Your gentle manner of entrance," returned the stranger, across whose face
there had passed a glow, that might have come equally of anger or of
surprise, "has driven the lady from the room. But as you wear the livery
of the Queen, I presume you have authority for invading the dwelling of
the subject?"

"I had believed--nay, there was reason to be certain, that one whom all of
proper loyalty execrate, was to be found here;" stammered the
still-confused Ludlow. "There can scarce be a deception, for I plainly
heard the discourse of my captors,--and yet here is none!"

"I thank you for the high consideration you bestow on my presence."

The manner, rather than the words, of the speaker, induced Ludlow to rivet
another look on his countenance. There was a mixed expression of doubt,
admiration, and possibly of uneasiness, if not of actual jealousy, in the
eye, which slowly read all his lineaments, though the former seemed the
stronger sensation of the three.

"We have never met before!" cried Ludlow, when the organ began to grow
dim, with the length and steadiness of its gaze.

"The ocean has many paths, and men may journey on them, long, without
crossing each other."

"Thou hast served the Queen, though I see thee in this doubtful
situation?"

"Never. I am not one to bind myself to the servitude of any woman that
lives," returned the free trader, while a mild smile played about his lip
"though she wore a thousand diadems! Anne never had an hour of my time,
nor a single wish of my heart."

"This is bold language, Sir, for the ear of her officer. The arrival of an
unknown brigantine, certain incidents which have occurred to myself this
night, your presence here, that bale of articles forbidden by the law,
create suspicions that must be satisf