il, though
experienced in the arts of those who trifle with the revenue-laws, was
much inclined to believe that this was no vulgar case of floating lights
or false beacons, but a manifestation that others, besides those who had
been regularly trained to the sea, were occasionally to be found on the
waters. If Captain Ludlow thought differently, he saw no sufficient reason
to enter into an explanation with those who were bound silently to obey.
He paced the quarter-deck, for many minutes; and then issued his orders to
the equally-disappointed lieutenants. The light canvas of the Coquette was
taken in, the studding-sail-gear unrove, and the booms secured. The ship
was then brought to the wind, and her courses having been hauled up, the
fore-top-sail was thrown to the mast. In this position the cruiser lay,
waiting for the morning light, in order to give greater certainty to her
movements.

Chapter XIX.

"I, John Turner,
Am master and owner
Of a high-deck'd schooner.
That's bound to Carolina--"
etc. etc. etc. etc.

Coasting Song.

It is not necessary to say, with how much interest Alderman Van Beverout,
and his friend the Patroon, had witnessed all the proceedings on hoard the
Coquette. Something very like an exclamation of pleasure escaped the
former, when it was known that the ship had missed the brigantine, and
that there was now little probability of overtaking her that night.

"Of what use is it to chase your fire-flies, about the ocean, Patroon?"
muttered the Alderman, in the ear of Oloff Van Staats. "I have no further
knowledge of this 'Skimmer of the Seas,' than is decent in the principal
of a commercial house,--but reputation is like a sky-rocket, that may be
seen from afar! Her Majesty has no ship that can overtake the free-trader,
and why fatigue the innocent vessel for no thing?"

"Captain Ludlow has other desires than the mere capture of the
brigantine;" returned the laconic and sententious Patroon. "The opinion
that Alida de Barberie is in her, has great influence with that
gentleman."

"This is strange apathy, Mr. Van Staats, in one who is as good as engaged
to my niece, if he be not actually married, Alida Barberie has great
influence with that gentleman! And pray, with whom, that knows her, has
she not influence?"

"The sentiment in favor of the young lady, in general, is favorable."

"Sentiment and favors! Am I to understand, Sir by this coolness, that our