n an awkward position, and I think we can force him to hire
his vessel to government, who will gladly accept such a one as the
Arrow."

"That I believe, if from her reputation alone," replied I. "Well,
Levee, I thank you very much for this proof of sincere friendship. The
plot thickens, and a few days will decide the question."

"Very true, and now let me finish my story. 'I am afraid,' said Mr.
Trevannion, in a very sarcastic tone, 'that I shall not be able to
find any one to replace you in this moral age, Captain Levee; but I
will try.'

"'Sir,' I replied, 'I will now answer your sarcasm. There is some
excuse for ignorant seamen before the mast, who enter on board of
privateers: they are indifferent to blood and carnage, and their
feelings are blunted--there is some excuse even for decayed gentlemen
like me, Mr. Trevannion (for I am a gentleman born), who, to obtain a
maintenance without labour, risk their lives and shed their blood; but
there is no excuse for those who, having already as much wealth and
more than they can require, still furnish the means and equip vessels
of this description to commit the destruction which they do, for the
sake of gain. There is a sermon, Sir, for you from a captain of a
privateer, and I now wish you good morning.' I then got up, and,
making a profound bow, I quitted the room before Mr. Trevannion made
any reply, and here I am. Now all we have to do is to wait quietly,
and see what takes place; but first, I shall go on board the Arrow,
and let them know that I have quarrelled with the owner. The men are
not very well pleased as it is with their want of success these two
last voyages, and it will require but little to blow up the discontent
into a mutiny. Come, Philip, I shall want you to assist me. We shall
be back to dinner, Elrington."

When I was again alone, I had time to consider what had passed. What I
chiefly dwelt upon was the interview between Philip and Miss
Trevannion--her message to me--her hesitation--and keeping the ring. I
could not help surmising that our feelings towards each other were
reciprocal, and this idea gave me infinite delight, and repaid me for
all that had passed. Then my brother's hasty declaration to her
father, that we were better born and bred than he was, would certainly
be repeated by him to his daughter, and must make an impression. And
what would Mr. Trevannion do? Would he give way to the unanimous
opinion against him? I feared not, at least