e charge of the vessel, and
Lord B--- and the others you will not meet for several days. My regard
for the ladies, even common humanity, points out to me that I cannot
leave the vessel in this crippled condition. At the same time, I must
have hands on board of my own, you will oblige me by going on board and
taking her safely into port. It is the least return you can make for my
kindness. In those dresses, gentlemen, you will not be able to do your
duty: oblige me by shifting and putting on these." Corbett handed a
flannel shirt, a rough jacket and trousers, to Messrs. Hautaine,
Ossulton, Vaughan, and Seagrove. After some useless resistance they
were stripped, and having put on the smugglers' attire, they were handed
on board of the _Happy-go-lucky_.

The three English seamen were also sent on board and confined below, as
well as Ossulton's servant, who was also equipped like his master, and
confined below with the seamen. Corbett and the men then handed up all
the smuggled goods into the yacht, dropped the boat, and made it fast
astern, and Morrison having received his directions, the vessels
separated, Morrison running for Cherbourg, and Pickersgill steering the
yacht along shore to the westward. About an hour after this exchange
had been effected the fog cleared up, and showed the revenue-cutter hove
to for her boats, which had pulled back and were close on board of her,
and the _Happy-go-lucky_ about three miles in the offing; Lord B--- and
his boat's crew were about four miles in shore, paddling and drifting
with the tide towards Portland. As soon as the boats were on board, the
revenue-cutter made all sail after the smuggler, paying no attention to
the yacht, and either not seeing or not caring about the boat which was
drifting about in West Bay.

CHAPTER FIVE.

THE TRAVESTY.

"Here we are, Corbett, and now I only wish my venture had been double,"
observed Pickersgill; "but I shall not allow business to absorb me
wholly--we must add a little amusement. It appears to me, Corbett, that
the gentleman's clothes which lie there will fit you, and those of the
good-looking fellow who was spokesman will, I am sure, suit me well.
Now let us dress ourselves, and then for breakfast."

Pickersgill then exchanged his clothes for those of Mr Hautaine, and
Corbett fitted on those of Mr Ossulton. The steward was summoned up,
and he dared not disobey; he appeared on deck, trembling.

"Steward--you will take t