Cheviot Hills were in sight. Sundry vessels had been described bound
in for the Firth of Forth, on whose south shore, well up the Firth,
stands Leith, the port of Edinburgh, distant but a mile or two from that
capital. He resolved to dash at Leith, and lay it under contribution or
in ashes. He called the captains of his two remaining consorts on board
his own ship to arrange details. Those worthies had much of fastidious
remark to make against the plan. After losing much time in trying to
bring to a conclusion their sage deliberations, Paul, by addressing
their cupidity, achieved that which all appeals to their gallantry
could not accomplish. He proclaimed the grand prize of the Leith lottery
at no less a figure than L200,000, that being named as the ransom.
Enough: the three ships enter the Firth, boldly and freely, as if
carrying Quakers to a Peace-Congress.

Along both startled shores the panic of their approach spread like the
cholera. The three suspicious crafts had so long lain off and on, that
none doubted they were led by the audacious viking, Paul Jones. At five
o'clock, on the following morning, they were distinctly seen from the
capital of Scotland, quietly sailing up the bay. Batteries were hastily
thrown up at Leith, arms were obtained from the castle at Edinburgh,
alarm fires were kindled in all directions. Yet with such tranquillity
of effrontery did Paul conduct his ships, concealing as much as possible
their warlike character, that more than once his vessels were mistaken
for merchantmen, and hailed by passing ships as such.

In the afternoon, Israel, at his station on the tower of Pisa, reported
a boat with five men coming off to the Richard from the coast of Fife.

"They have hot oat-cakes for us," said Paul; "let 'em come. To encourage
them, show them the English ensign, Israel, my lad."

Soon the boat was alongside.

"Well, my good fellows, what can I do for you this afternoon?" said
Paul, leaning over the side with a patronizing air.

"Why, captain, we come from the Laird of Crokarky, who wants some powder
and ball for his money."

"What would you with powder and ball, pray?"

"Oh! haven't you heard that that bloody pirate, Paul Jones, is somewhere
hanging round the coasts?"

"Aye, indeed, but he won't hurt you. He's only going round among the
nations, with his old hat, taking up contributions. So, away with ye; ye
don't want any powder and ball to give him. He wants contributions of
sil