r me, then, to remind you that your present captivity is but the
fortune of war, against which you have struggled heroically; that
your self-sacrifice has saved your fleet; and that, as France knows
how to appreciate gallantry in her adversaries, your bondage shall be
merely nominal."

"H'mph," said the little man, "fine talk, sir, fine talk! As for the
ships, I saw the last of 'em slip into the Thames ten minutes since,
from my cabin window. Sorry to keep you parleying so long, but
couldn't come out before."

He blew his nose violently, cocked his head on one side, and added--
". . . though, to be sure, sir, your words are devilish kind--
devilish kind, 'pon my soul!"

M. de la Pailletine, with a pleasant smile, held out his sword to
him.

"Take it back, monsieur--take back a weapon no man better deserves to
wear. Forget that you are my prisoner: and, if I may beg it,
remember rather that you are my friend."

The face of the little hunchback flushed crimson. He hesitated, took
back the sword clumsily, hesitated again, then swiftly held out his
hand to M. de la Pailletine, with a smile as beautiful as his body
was deformed.

"Sir, you have beaten me. I fought your men for awhile, but I can't
stand up against this."

_VII.--The Galley._

There was one man, however, who soon had reason to repent that the
little man had been given his sword again.

Dark had fallen when M. de la Pailletine conducted him courteously
over the frigate's side and across the deck of _L'Heureuse_ towards
his own cabin. Flinging the door open, he bowed, motioning Captain
Barker to precede him.

As the hunchback entered, a figure rose from beside the table under
the swinging-lamp. It was Roderick Salt, who had been sitting there
and sulking since the engagement began.

Captain Barker jumped back a foot and stared.

"_You!_"

Captain Salt had been expecting the Commodore, and was waiting to pay
him a dozen satirical compliments on the issue of the engagement.
Triumph shone in his eyes. It went out like a candle-flame before a
puff of wind.

"YOU!"

In a flash the hunchback was running on him with drawn sword.
M. de la Pailletine, in a trice, interposing, knocked the blade up
and out of his hand. But he rushed on, and, dealing the traitor a
sound blow on the face with his fist, began to kick and cuff and
pummel him without mercy.

"Take him off--take him off!" gasped Captain Salt, but offered not
the least resist