laimed. "By not keeping a proper look-out, I
have allowed myself to be caught."

"But I cannot permit you to be caught by the Frenchman," said Captain
Benbow.

"Thanks, friend," answered the Dutch Captain. "I would willingly not
expose you to an attack from the Frenchman, but I cannot help myself.
See, the wind has fallen completely; it has become a dead calm."

While he was speaking, a boat was seen to put off from the stranger, and
as she approached, it was observed that she was full of armed men.
Captain Benbow, on this, ordered the guns to be loaded and run out, and
directed his men, while the Dutch Captain, going on board his ship,
followed his example. In a short time the stranger was alongside.
Captain Benbow stood at the gangway.

"You are welcome to come on board if you visit us as a friend," he said,
"but I cannot allow you to step on my deck if you approach as an enemy."

"Whither are you bound, and to what nation do you belong?" asked the
stranger.

"I am English," answered Benbow, "and am bound from Cadiz to the Thames.
You, I see by the colours you carry, are French."

"What is the other vessel alongside you?" asked the French Captain.

"She is Dutch, and has delayed her voyage to render me assistance in
getting fresh masts set up, as you will observe, mine having been
carried away in the gale."

"I regret to have to interfere with her, but I must, notwithstanding,
make her my prize," said the French Captain.

"If you make prize of her you must make prize of me," answered Captain
Benbow. "In common gratitude I cannot allow her to be captured while I
have the means of defending her."

"Notwithstanding, I must take her, for I am bound to make prizes of all
Dutch vessels I fall in with," answered the stranger.

"At present, my friend, I think we are more likely to make you and your
boat's crew prisoners," said Captain Benbow. "See, you are under our
guns, and I have only to give the word, and we can sink you in a moment;
however, what do you say to a compromise? You give me your word that
you will let this vessel escape, and I promise not to make prisoners of
you and your boat's crew, which I shall otherwise most certainly do."

"Who are you?" asked the French Captain, standing up in his boat. He
appeared to be in the prime of manhood, and exhibited a tall yet
well-knit figure, and a fine bold handsome countenance.

"John Benbow, at your service," answered the Captain. "May I ask your