. He'll talk to you sometimes about Harry. There, there, mother
dear, don't weep; we'll meet again, you know;--yes, yes, after my long
voyage. Don't cry, Julia dear, don't now--don't?"

Thus he went on. I felt ready to cry myself, I know. I had not heard
him speak of his little sister--I could easily guess the reason--he
would run the risk of having her name profaned by careless lips. At
length he was silent. I slipped away. Poor little fellow! in spite of
what the doctor said, I guessed that he at all events thought himself
dying. I trusted that he might be mistaken. With a heavy heart,
though, I left him and turned into my hammock, where in a very few
minutes I was sound asleep.

The word had already been passed along the decks to prepare for action,
and we fully expected that in a few minutes the fun would begin, when a
boat was seen coming off from the shore with a flag of truce. It seemed
a matter of doubt whether it should be received after the way we had
been treated by the rebels; but Captain Hudson resolved that he would
hear what they had to say for themselves before he proceeded to
extremities. The old gentleman with whom I had spoken the day before,
and several substantial-looking personages were in the boat. They
evidently felt themselves in no trifling difficulty, and saw that it
would require the management of the most important people in the place
to save the town. Captain Hudson at first, wishing to give them a
fright, refused to listen to any of their explanations.

"A truce had been agreed on, and while we were acting with perfect good
faith and peaceableness, your people most unjustifiably attempted to
destroy us. I give you half an hour to remove the women and children,
and then expect the consequences of your treachery," said he, drawing
his sword-belt tighter round his waist, and turning on his heel with a
look of scorn.

"Hear me, sir," said the old gentleman, stepping forward. "We had, on
my honour, nothing whatever to do with the outrage of which you
complain. The people who attacked you were those whose vessels you have
so wantonly destroyed. They came to revenge themselves. When they
found that we had pledged ourselves to preserve the peace they returned
quietly homewards. If you wish to complete the watering of your ships
we will in no way molest you, and we will supply you with all the
provisions you require."

"So you said before," replied Captain Hudson. "How can