observation of people of their class. The nicer
distinctions which marked the cruiser came first from yourself!"

"And then the 'seven hundred and fifty tons of the black!--It was giving
an opinion with great decision."

"It is the quality of ignorance to be positive."

"You say truly. Cast an eye at the stranger, and tell me how he comes on."

Wilder obeyed, seemingly glad to be relieved from a discourse that he
might have found embarrassing. Many moments were passed before he dropped
the glass, during which time not a syllable fell from the lips of his
companion. When he turned, however, to deliver the result of his
observations, he met an eye, that seemed to pierce his soul, fastened on
his countenance. Colouring highly, as if he resented the suspicion
betrayed by the act, Wilder closed his half-open lips, and continued
silent.

"And the ship?" deeply demanded the Rover.

"The ship has already raised her courses; in a few more minutes we shall
see the hull."

"It is a swift vessel! She is standing directly for us."

"I think not. Her head is lying more at east."

"It may be well to make certain of that fact. You are right," he
continued, after taking a look himself at the approaching cloud of canvas;
"you are very right. As yet we are not seen. Forward there! haul down that
head stay-sail; we will steady the ship by her yards. Now let him look
with all his eyes; they must be good to see these naked spars at such a
distance."

Our adventurer made no reply, assenting to the truth of what the other had
said by a simple inclination of his head. They then resumed the walk to
and fro in their narrow limits, neither manifesting, however, any anxiety
to renew the discourse.

"We are in good condition for the alternative of flight or combat," the
Rover at length observed, while he cast a rapid look over the preparations
which had been unostentatiously in progress from the moment when the
officers dispersed. "Now will I confess, Wilder, a secret pleasure in the
belief that yonder audacious fool carries the boasted commission of the
German who wears the Crown of Britain. Should he prove more than man may
dare attempt, I will flout him; though prudence shall check any further
attempts; and, should he prove an equal, would it not gladden your eyes to
see St. George come drooping to the water?"

"I thought that men in our pursuit left honour to silly heads, and that we
seldom struck a blow that was not intended to r