around him; while Mimi, perhaps, found herself as well situated here,
under the care of Claude, as she could possibly be on the larger
ship, under the care of one who might be less agreeable. Claude
himself would certainly have preferred letting things remain as they
were. The situation was very pleasant. Mimi's occasional
companionship seemed sweeter than anything he had ever known; and, as
he was master on board, he naturally had a certain right to show her
attentions; which right he could not have under other circumstances.
He would have liked to see Cazeneau take his departure for good,
together with the French sailors, leaving Laborde and Mimi on board
the schooner. Finally, Zac was not at all pleased with anything in
his present situation. The thought of possible foul play never left
his mind for an instant; and though the blow was delayed for a
considerable time, he could not help feeling sure that it would fall.

During this period of waiting, the aged Laborde had been brought up
on deck, and placed there on a seat. This was done from a hope which
Mimi had that he would be benefited by the excitement of the change.
The sight of the ship, however, produced but little effect of any
kind upon the languid and worn-out old man. He gave an indifferent
glance at the frigate and the surrounding scene, and then subsided
into himself, while Mimi in vain strove to rouse him from his
indifference.

At last their suspense came to an end, and they saw preparations
making for another visit to the schooner. This time a second boat was
lowered, which was filled with marines. The sight of this formidable
boat's crew produced on Claude an impression of surprise; while in
Zac it enforced a conviction that his worst fears were now to be
realized.

"Look thar!" said he in a hoarse whisper. "Now you see what's a
comin'! Good by, poor old Parson! Yer in the claws of the Philistines
now, an' no mistake."

To this Claude made no reply, for he began to feel rather perplexed
himself, and to imagine that Cazeneau might have been playing him
false. All that Mimi had said about him now came to his mind, and the
armed boat's crew seemed like the first act of a traitor. He tried to
account for this in some other way, but was not able. He could no
longer laugh away Zac's fears. He could only be still and wait.

The two boats rowed towards the schooner. Cazeneau was not in either
of them. He had remained on board. At length one of the boats