the Avenger?" and the gentleman looked at me
quizzically. "Isn't that rather high-sounding for a peaceful
fisherman?"

The officer was so different from what I had fancied a Britisher might
be, and had such a friendly air, that I made no hesitation in telling
him how the pungy got her name, and after the explanation he ceased to
laugh at it.

"I can well believe that some of your people have been abused," he
said in a kindly tone; "but there are always two sides to a story, and
the commander of one of the king's ships may believe that he is doing
absolutely that which is right and just, when in your eyes he commits
a most grievous wrong."

I had sense enough to understand that if I attempted to argue with the
officer on the causes of the war I should speedily find myself in deep
water, therefore I made reply:

"It is not for me to measure words with such as you, sir. I know that
Jerry's brother, who had never stepped foot on other than American
soil, was forced to serve in one of your ships, being carried forcibly
and secretly away, to the great distress of all who cared for him."

"And in that case his majesty's officers did a most grievous wrong,"
he said frankly, and then as if to turn the subject of conversation,
he asked, "When do you expect to come up with Barney's fleet, for I
understand you are in search of it?"

"If the wind holds, we should be there by noon, providing Commodore
Barney is yet at Nottingham."

With this the gentlemen turned away to take note of what was being
done, for Darius had brought the three sailors on deck, they also
having solemnly pledged themselves to refrain from attempt at escape.

Jerry was making preparations for cooking breakfast, which would be no
small job with so many to be fed, and Jim Freeman was helping him. It
was to be a good wholesome meal, better than we of the Avenger had
enjoyed for many a day; because there was to be a plentiful supply of
fried ham with corn-dodgers, which last Jerry could make better than
any person I ever knew, except my mother.

The British sailors were taking things comfortably, being seated on
the deck well forward, and apparently enjoying the sail up the river,
even though they were going as prisoners rather than passengers who
could come or depart at will.

Darius remained in the hold some time, and when he showed himself
again as if his work was done, I asked what he had been about.

"I've been makin' them two sneaks fast to a s