pper, with a feigned look of surprise. "We was just taking our
pleasuring, and didn't know but what you was an enemy, or a pirate, or
some chap of that sort, so we runned away, sir, do ye see."

"Very well; you'll remain on board the cutter for the present, and
perhaps I may prove to the contrary," said my uncle.

The smugglers were compelled, with a very bad grace, to go below; the
wherry was dropped astern, and the cutter stood back over the ground we
had before crossed. Before eight-bells we had picked up fifty tubs of
brandy. As plenty of our people could swear that they saw a number of
tubs thrown overboard from the wherry, there was no doubt of her being
condemned. When our prisoners perceived that their escape was
impossible, they seemed to screw themselves up to bear their reverses
like brave men. Though somewhat down in the mouth, they apparently felt
no ill-will, but were obedient and respectful. Luck was against them.
They had tried to smuggle, and we, as in duty bound, had stopped them.
The worst they had to expect was a few months' residence in Winchester
gaol. My uncle had each of them down separately in his cabin, to try
and obtain any information they might be inclined to give, especially
about Myers, whom he was most anxious to get hold of. From one of them
he learned that a large lugger was to run across the following night but
one, from Cherbourg; and he resolved to intercept her. A course was
immediately shaped for that port. He had explained his plan to Hanks,
who was to take the wherry with four hands and to keep a bright look-out
for the lugger, and to board her if he met her, as soon as she was
half-way across Channel. I obtained leave to accompany him, for though
I could not be expected to do much while blows were being given and
taken, I was considered a good hand at steering; and my uncle was glad
to let me see as much service as possible, holding the opinion that in
that way only could I become a good practical officer.

When we had got about mid Channel between Saint Catharine's and
Cherbourg, the cutter was hove-to and the wherry hauled up alongside.

"Success attend you," said my uncle, as Hanks and I stepped into the
wherry. "Mind, Mr Hanks, keep a sharp look-out for the lugger; but do
not let anything else with a smuggling air about her escape unexamined."

"Ay, ay, sir," answered Hanks, as we shored off. "I hope to get hold of
the lugger, and Myers in her."

We had in