them on board
without your knowledge; that you may rest assured of."

"On consideration, I think that your plan is the best," replied my
owner. "I am grateful for your offer of screening me, which I would not
permit, were it not that I shall be useful to you if any mischance takes
place, and, if in prison, could be of no service."

"Then, Sir," I replied, "the wisest course will be for you at once to
dismiss me from the command of the privateer, in consequence of your
having been informed that I carried passengers and landed them in
France. That step will prove you a friend to the government, and will
enable you, after a time, to get me out of my scrape more effectually."

"You are sacrificing yourself; Elrington, and all for me."

"Not so, Sir. I am only securing a friend in case of need."

"That you certainly are," replied my owner, squeezing my hand. "Well,
it will be the best plan even for you, and so let it be."

"Then I will now return on board, and tell the officers that I am
dismissed. There is no time to be lost; and here comes Captain Levee;
so for the present, Sir, farewell."

On my return on board, I called up the officers and men, and told them
that I had offended the owner, and that he had dismissed me from the
command of the privateer. One of the officers inquired what I had done:
and I said, before the men, that it was for landing the passengers in
France. They all condoled with me, and expressed their sorrow at my
leaving them, and I believe they were sincere. It was fortunate that I
did as I had done, for I found that the government emissaries were on
board at the time that I made the communication, and had already gained
the information from some of my crew. I ordered my chest and bedding to
be put into the boat, and, as soon as they were ready, I gave up the
command to the first officer, and bidding them all farewell went down
the side, and pulled on shore, repairing to my former lodgings.

I had not been there two hours before I was arrested and taken to
prison. I was, however, very comfortably lodged, because I was a
state-prisoner, and I presume that more respect is paid to a man when he
is to be drawn and quartered, and his head set above the Tower gates,
than a petty malefactor. The next day I was summoned before what was
called the Commission, and asked whether I had not landed some people in
France? I replied immediately that I had done so.

"Who were they?" was the next i