loudly.

"That's where Widow Treviss lives; she's not one to harbour seamen,"
Dick heard one of the party observe.

"Nol Hedger says he marked a prime seaman go in there not two hours
ago," answered another. It at once occurred to Dick that they were
speaking of Ralph Michelmore.

"Poor fellow! It's where the young girl lives he's going to marry. If
they get hold of him they'll not mind her tears and prayers, but will
carry him off, like the rest of us, to serve the king. However he has a
protection, and has a chance of getting off, I hope."

The blow on the door was, repeated.

"Open in the King's name," shouted the officer.

"I always obey that authority," answered Dame Treviss, from within,
"Ralph, unlock the door."

The door was thrown open, and the seamen, led by their officer, rushed
in. The old dame sat calmly in her chair, while Ralph, with Jessie
clinging to his arm, stood in the centre of the room.

"Why have you come here at this time of the evening, my friends?" asked
Mrs Treviss, with all the composure she could command.

"Because, old lady, we have information that you are harbouring seamen
wanted for his Majesty's service, and, if I mistake not, here stands one
of them, and a likely lad too," answered the officer, a rough old
master's mate, well accustomed to such work, as he laid his hand on
Ralph's arm and made a sign to his men to seize him.

"Oh, no, no! You cannot take him! You will not be so cruel--you shall
not have him," cried Jessie, clinging tightly to her intended husband.

"Don't be frightened, dear Jessie, they cannot take me, I have my
protection," said Ralph, trying to free himself from the officer's
grasp.

"Let go my arm, and I will show you the paper which proves that I am
mate of the _Amity_, and a protected man," he added, turning to the
officer.

"Never took a fellow yet who didn't try to make out that he was
protected. However, if the young woman here won't make such a fuss
we'll let you overhaul your pockets for your protection."

Ralph was released, and began to search in his pockets. Poor Jessie
stood by, still trembling with alarm, and anxiously watching him.

"Oh! You must have it, Ralph," she exclaimed in a plaintive tone, as
she saw that he did not produce the important document. "Oh! Let me
try," and she plunged her hands eagerly into his pockets. She uttered a
cry of dismay when it was not to be found.

"I must have forgotten to take it out