"And I only quarrel with her at night, sir. She will take up more than
her share of the bed, and won't allow me to sleep single; but never mind
that, sir; now will you please to muster the men?"

"If you please, Mr Oxbelly."

The men were mustered, and Jack made them a long speech upon
subordination, discipline, activity, duty, and so forth.

"A very good speech, Mr Easy," said Mr Oxbelly, as the men went
forward; "I wish my wife had heard it. But, sir, if you please, we'll
now get under way as fast as we can, for there is a Channel cruiser
working up at St. Helen's, and we may give him the go-by by running
through the Needles."

"But what need we care for the Channel cruiser?"

"You forget, sir, that as soon as she drops her anchor she will come on
board and take a fancy to at least ten of our men."

"But they are protected."

"Yes, sir, but that's no protection nowadays. I have sailed in a
privateer at least three years, and I know that they have no respect for
letters of marque or for privateers."

"I believe you are right, Mr Oxbelly, so if you please we will up with
the anchor at once."

The crew of the _Rebiera_ had been well chosen; they were prime
men-of-war's men, most of whom had deserted from the various ships on
the station, and, of course, were most anxious to be off. In a few
minutes the _Rebiera_ was under way with all sail set below and aloft.
She was in excellent trim, and flew through the water; the wind was
fair, and by night they had passed Portland Lights, and the next morning
were steering a course for the Bay of Biscay without having encountered
what they feared more than an enemy--a British cruiser to overhaul them.

"I think we shall do now, sir," observed Mr Oxbelly to our hero; "we
have made a famous run. It's twelve o'clock, and if you please I'll
work the latitude and let you know what it is. We must shape our course
so as not to run in with the Brest squadron. A little more westing,
sir. I'll be up in one minute. My wife--but I'll tell you about that
when I come up.

"Latitude 41 degrees 12 minutes, sir. I was about to say that my wife,
when she was on board of the privateer that I commanded--"

"Board of the privateer, Mr Oxbelly?"

"Yes, sir, would go; told her it was impossible, but she wouldn't listen
to reason--came on board, flopped herself into the standing bed-place,
and said that there she was for the cruise--little Billy with her--"

"What! your child