sh trade, and had been captured
by Captain Levee, who had taken her out from under a battery as she
lay at anchor, having just made her port from a voyage from South
America, being at that time laden with copper and cochineal--a most
valuable prize she had proved--and as she was found to be a surprising
fast sailer, the owner had resolved to fit her out as a privateer.

She was not a large vessel, being of about a hundred and sixty tons,
but she was very beautifully built. She was now armed with eight brass
guns, of a calibre of six pounds each, four howitzers aft, and two
cohorns on the taffrail.

"You have a very sweet little craft here, Elrington," said Captain
Levee, after he had walked all over her, and examined her below and
aloft. "She will sail better than before, I should think, for she then
had a very full cargo, and now her top hamper is a mere nothing. Did
the owner say how many men you had?"

"Fifty-four is, I believe, to be our full complement," I replied, "and
I should think quite enough."

"Yes, if they are good men and true. You may do a great deal with this
vessel, for you see she draws so little water, that you may run in
where I dare not venture. Come, we will now return to our lodgings,
pack up, and each go on board of our vessels. We have had play enough,
now to work again, and in good earnest."

"I was about to propose it myself," I replied, "for with a new vessel,
officers and men not known to me, the sooner I am on board and with
them the better. It will take some time to get every thing and
everybody in their places."

"Spoken like a man who understands his business," replied Captain
Levee. "I wonder whether we shall be sent out together?"

"I can only say, that I hope so," I replied, "as I should profit much
by your experience, and hope to prove to you that, if necessary, I
shall not be a bad second."

And as I made this reply, we arrived at the house where we had lodged.

Captain Levee was a man, who, when once he had decided, was as rapid
as lightning in execution. He sent for a dealer in horses, concluded a
bargain with him in five minutes, paid his lodgings and all demands
upon him, and before noon we were both on board of our respective
vessels. But, previous to the seamen coming up for our boxes, I
observed to him, "I should wish, Levee, that you would let me know, if
it is only at a rough guess, what sum I may be indebted to you; as I
may be fortunate, and if so, it will be b