ke dumplings, but we had no suet to put with them, so that they came
out of the pot as hard as round shots; and we had rum and porter in a
superabundance to drink; it was important, however, to use it sparingly,
especially the former; but we had very few other things which could be
called luxuries; no bedding, no change of clothes, and but a scanty
supply of fuel. I had to lie wrapped up in an old cloak and a piece of
carpet while Tom Rockets washed out my shirt and stockings. Day after
day passed away and there we lay, pitching our bows under, hove-to at
the most boisterous season of the year off that inhospitable coast,
earnestly wishing for the return of the Orpheus, with the prospect, in
the meantime, of being recaptured by an enemy's privateer, and the
certainty of being taken should we make for any port but New York,
which, as the wind then held, was a matter of impossibility. We did
not, however, pipe our eyes about the matter but, following old Nol's
advice, made the best of it.

"Any sail in sight, Grampus?" I used to ask as I turned out in the
morning.

"No, sir, only clouds and water; but better them than an enemy, you
know, sir," was his general reply.

Now and then a sail would appear in the horizon, but either we were not
seen or they were peaceable merchantmen, anxious to make the best of
their way to their destined port. At last one morning, after I had been
keeping the middle watch, old Grampus' voice roused me out of a sound
sleep.

"Come on deck, Mr Hurry, sir, if you please! I don't like the looks of
her at all."

In a moment my head was up the companion-hatch. The weather was worse
than ever. A thick driving mist formed a dense veil on every side, but
I could just discern through it the sails of a large schooner standing
directly for us from the eastward.

"She is American, I suspect, Grampus," said I.

"No doubt about it, sir," he answered. "Our cruise is up, I'm afraid,
and we may make ready for a spell on shore, and nothing to do."

"We might beat her off, though," I observed. "There is nothing like
putting a bold face on the matter, and it would never do to yield
without striking a blow."

"Ay, sir, with all my heart," said he cheerfully; "the guns are all
loaded, and I made Tom and Bill get up some powder and shot in case they
were wanted, before I called you, sir. You'll excuse me, sir, I thought
there was no harm."

"All right, Grampus," I answered, laughing at his hav