ey have taken in your
fate. One who is thus esteemed should set a value on himself. How far you
have trifled with the laws, I do not wish to say; but here is an
opportunity to redeem some of the public favor. You are a seaman, and need
not be told that my ship is not as strongly manned as one could wish her
at this moment, and that the services of every Englishman will be welcome.
Take charge of these six guns, and depend on my honor that your devotion
to the flag shall not go unrequited."

"You much mistake my vocation, noble captain;" returned the dealer in
contraband, faintly laughing. "Though one of the seas, I am one more used
to the calm latitudes than to these whirlwinds of war. You have visited
the brigantine of our mistress, and must have seen that her temple
resembles that of Janus more than that of Mars. The deck of the
Water-Witch has none of this frowning garniture of artillery."

Ludlow listened in amazement. Surprise, incredulity, and scorn, were each,
in turn, expressed in his frowning countenance.

"This is unbecoming language for one of your calling," he said, scarce
deeming it necessary to conceal the contempt he felt. "Do you acknowledge
fealty to this ensign--are you an Englishman?"

"I am such as Heaven was pleased to make me--fitter for the zephyr, than
the gale--the jest, than the war-shout--the merry moment, than the angry
mood."

"Is this the man whose name for daring has passed into a proverb?--the
dauntless, reckless, skilful 'Skimmer of the Seas!'"

"North is not more removed from south, than I from him in the qualities
you seek! It was not my duty to undeceive you as to the value of your
captive, while he whose services are beyond price to our mistress was
still on the coast. So far from being him you name, brave captain, I claim
to be no more than one of his agents, who, having some experience in the
caprices of woman, he trusts to recommend his wares to female fancies.
Though so useless in inflicting injuries, I may make bold however to rate
myself as excellent at consolation. Suffer that I appease the fears of la
belle Barberie during the coming tumult, and you shall own that one more
skilful in that merciful office is rare indeed!"

"Comfort whom, where, and what thou wilt, miserable effigy of
manhood!--but hold, there is less of terror than of artifice in that
lurking smile and treacherous eye!"

"Discredit both, generous captain! On the faith of one who can be sincere
at need