as so
familiar to me, and somehow or another, in a few minutes I was in a
sound sleep. How long I might have slept on I cannot tell, but in less
than an hour I was waked up by loud talking and laughter, and a few
seconds afterwards found myself embraced by my brother Philip and
Captain Levee. The Arrow had anchored at break of day, and they had
just come on shore. I was delighted to see them, as every one is when
he meets with friends when he is in distress. I briefly stated how it
was that they found me there, and when breakfast was on the table, I
entered into full details of what had passed, with the exception of Miss
Trevannion having entered my room--that I considered too sacred to
repeat to any one.

"You know, my dear Elrington," said Captain Levee, "that I have not the
scruples which you have relative to privateering, but still I respect
the conscientious scruples of others. There is no excuse for Mr
Trevannion's conduct, and I cannot think but there is something else at
the bottom of all this. You haven't been making love to his daughter,
or, what would amount to the same thing, she has not been making
advances to you?"

"I have not dared the first, Levee, and you do not know her, to suppose
her capable of the latter."

"Well, if she had done so, there would have been no harm done," replied
he; "but I will say no more as you look so grave. Philip and I will now
call upon Mr Trevannion; and while I engage the old gentleman, Philip
shall run alongside of the young maiden, and between the two we shall
get our bearings and distance, and know how the land lies--and I will
tell you more, Elrington, although I have no objection to be captain of
a privateer, I certainly consider the command of a king's ship more
reputable; and if I could manage to get the Arrow hired into the king's
service (I still remaining in command of her), I should prefer it being
so. At all events, I'll side with you, and that will drive the old
gentleman on a dead lee-shore. Come along, Philip--we shall be with you
in two hours, Elrington." With these words Captain Levee left the room,
followed by my brother.

It was nearly three hours before they returned, and then I received the
following narratives: Captain Levee, as he sat down, said, "Now, Philip,
we'll hear your account first."

"Well, mine is soon told," replied Philip; "I had made up my mind how to
act, and did not tell Captain Levee what I intended to do. When Mr
Trev