replied the owner; "but as for being
your first-lieutenant, that is another question. I have a vessel now
fitting out, and intended to offer the command of it to Mr Elrington.
I do so now at once, and he must decide whether he prefers being under
your orders to commanding a vessel of his own."

"I will decide that for him," replied Captain Levee. "He must command
his own vessel; it would be no friendship on my part to stand in the way
of his advancement. I only hope, if she is a privateer, that we may
cruise together."

"I cannot reply to that latter question," replied the owner. "Her
destination is uncertain; but the command of her is now offered to Mr
Elrington, if he will accept of it before his trip to the metropolis."

I replied that I should with pleasure, and returned the owner many
thanks for his kindness; and, after a few minutes' more conversation, we
took our leave.

"Now I should advise you," said Captain Levee, as we walked towards his
lodgings, "to dress as a captain of a vessel of war, much in the style
that I do. You are a captain, and have a right so to do. Come with me,
and let me fit you out."

I agreed with Captain Levee that I could not do better; so we went and
ordered my suits of clothes, and purchased the other articles which I
required. Captain Levee would have paid for them, but I had money
sufficient, and would not permit him; indeed with my pay and present of
fifty guineas I had upwards of seventy guineas in my purse, and did not
disburse more than fifty in my accoutrements, although my pistols and
hanger were very handsome.

We did not start until three days after the time proposed, when I found
at daylight two stout well-bred horses at the door; one for Captain
Levee, and the other for me. We were attended by two serving-men
belonging to the crew of the privateer commanded by Captain Levee--
powerful, fierce-looking, and determined men, armed to the teeth, and
mounted upon strong jades. One carried the valise of Captain Levee,
which was heavy with gold. The other had charge of mine, which was much
lighter, as you may suppose. We travelled for three days without any
interruption, making about thirty miles a day, and stopping at the
hostelries to sleep every night. On the fourth day we had a slight
affair, for as we were mounting a hill towards the evening, we found our
passage barred by five fellows with crape masks, who told us to stand
and deliver.

"We will," replied