l go off in a boat
and look out for what's going to happen."

So, starting from the shore, he was soon on his way to the brig, from
which a pinnace was lowered, in which could be seen two officers, one
of whom had a flag of truce. The two boats rapidly neared each other.

"Where is Mr. Lafitte?" cried one of the Britishers, as the pinnace
neared the shore. "I would speak with the Laird of Barrataria."

But Lafitte was not anxious to make himself known.

"He's ashore," said he. "But, if you have communications for him,
these I can deliver."

"Pray, give him these packages, my good man," spoke the English tar,
handing him a bundle of letters, tied up in tarpaulin.

Lafitte smiled.

"I would be delighted to do so," he replied. "But, pray come ashore
and there I will return you your answer after I have seen the great
Captain, who is camping about a league inland."

The Britishers readily assented, and both rowed towards the sandy
beach, where a great number of pirates of Barrataria had collected.

As soon as the boats were in shallow water, Lafitte made himself known
to the English, saying:

"Do not let my men know upon what business you come, for it will go
ill with you. My followers know that war is now on between Great
Britain and the United States, and, if they hear you are making
overtures with me, they will wish to hang you."

It was as he had said. When the Englishmen landed, a great cry went up
amongst the privateers, pirates and smugglers:

"Hang the spies! Kill the dirty dogs! To the yard-arm with the
rascally Englishmen! Send the hounds to New Orleans and to jail!"

But Lafitte dissuaded the multitude from their intent and led the
officers in safety to his dwelling, where he opened the package,
finding a proclamation addressed to the inhabitants of Louisiana, by
Col. Edward Nichalls--British commander of the land forces in this
state--requesting them to come under the sheltering arm of the British
Government. There were also two letters to himself, asking him to join
and fight with the English.

"If you will but battle with us," said Captain Lockyer--one of the
British officers--"we will give you command of a forty-four gun
frigate, and will make you a Post Captain. You will also receive
thirty thousand dollars,--payable at Pensacola."

Lafitte looked dubiously at him.

"I will give answer in a few days," he replied, with courtesy.

"You are a Frenchman," continued the British Captain. "You a