er is now offered to Mr.
Elrington, if he will accept of it, before his trip to the
metropolis."

I replied that I should with pleasure, and returned the owner many
thanks for his kindness; and, after a few minutes' more conversation,
we look our leave.

"Now I should advise you," said Captain Levee, as we walked towards
his lodgings, "to dress as a captain of a vessel of war, much in the
style that I do. You are a captain, and have a right so to do. Come
with me, and let me fit you out."

I agreed with Captain Levee that I could not do better; so we went and
ordered my suits of clothes, and purchased the other articles which I
required. Captain Levee would have paid for them, but I had money
sufficient, and would not permit him; indeed with my pay and present
of fifty guineas I had upwards of seventy guineas in my purse, and did
not disburse more than fifty in my accoutrements, although my pistols
and hanger were very handsome.

We did not start until three days after the time proposed, when I
found at daylight two stout well-bred horses at the door; one for
Captain Levee, and the other for me. We were attended by two
serving-men belonging to the crew of the privateer commanded by
Captain Levee--powerful, fierce-looking, and determined men, armed to
the teeth, and mounted upon strong jades. One carried the valise of
Captain Levee, which was heavy with gold. The other had charge of
mine, which was much lighter, as you may suppose. We travelled for
three days without any interruption, making about thirty miles a-day,
and stopping at the hostelries to sleep every night. On the fourth day
we had a slight affair, for as we were mounting a hill towards the
evening, we found our passage barred by five fellows with crape masks,
who told us to stand and deliver.

"We will," replied Captain Levee, firing his pistol, and reining up
his horse at the same time. The ball struck the man, who fell back on
the crupper, while the others rushed forward. My pistols were all
ready, and I fired at the one who spurred his horse upon me, but the
horse rearing up saved his master, the ball passing through the head
of the animal, who fell dead, holding his rider a prisoner by the
thigh, which was underneath his body. Our two men had come forward and
ranged alongside of us at the first attack, but now that two had
fallen, the others finding themselves in a minority, after exchanging
shots, turned their horses' heads and galloped away. We