e that the gale was
still blowing. I was soon asleep again, and when I opened my eyes it
was broad daylight. No one was in the cabin. I roused my companions.
Our clothes had been brought back tolerably well dried, so we dressed,
intending to go on deck and learn what ship we were on board of, and
where we were bound.

The pistols, hangers, and other weapons hanging up against the bulkhead
showed us she was a ship of war, and Lancelot discovered several prints
ornamenting his cabin, which made us suspect that she did not belong to
the Puritans.

"If they inquire who we are, as they are sure to do, what shall we say
about ourselves?" asked Dick.

"Tell the truth and shame the devil! Whoever they are, we should be
grateful to them for having saved our lives, and maybe, if we speak them
fair, they'll set us on shore at the first port they touch at," answered
Lancelot.

"If they're Cavaliers, there's no port they can put into on the south
coast without the certainty of being fired at," I observed, "though
perhaps they may be induced to set us ashore in one of their boats, and
we can find our way back over land. I much wish to relieve the anxiety
that Audrey and Cicely and your father must be feeling about us, for
they will--should we not return--give us up for lost."

"We shan't grow wiser by staying here," said Lancelot, as he led the way
on deck.

"Halloa, young masters. Who are you?" exclaimed a gentleman in plumed
hat, scarlet doublet, and sword hanging by a rich scarf at his side.

An officer approached and spoke to the gentleman, whom we guessed must
be the captain.

I had time to look around; the sea had somewhat gone down, but it was
still blowing fresh. Over the starboard quarter I observed a long
point, which I at first thought was the Start, but afterwards learned
was the Lizard. The frigate, for such I saw was the vessel we were on
board of, was heeling over to the breeze, and the Union Jack waving from
her peak showed me that she belonged to the Royalist party; indeed, when
I remarked the varied costumes of the officers, the careless manners of
the crew, and heard their strange oaths, I had no doubt about the
matter.

Seeing that we were expected to reply to the question put to us,
Lancelot advanced and informed the captain that we were young gentlemen
belonging to Lyme, and were taking a pleasure trip when caught by the
gale.

"Young Roundheads, I wot," answered the captain, with an oath.