rtable; for the threatening looks
of the fellows were in no way calculated to lessen my apprehensions.
Now my feelings always prompt me to try and escape from a dilemma by at
once candidly confessing the truth. I therefore acknowledged that I
belonged to a revenue cutter, and explained what had occurred.

"I only obeyed the orders of my superior officers in attacking the
lugger," I observed, in as bold a tone as I could manage to muster.
"Her people carried me off against my will; and, as I wanted to get
home, I came aboard you; but I never thought of doing you or any of your
friends harm, if I could help it. How am I to blame, then?"

"Never listen to his chaff; heave him overboard, I say," growled out one
of the men.

"Thank you all the same, master," said I, looking him as boldly as I
could in the face; "but I'd rather stay aboard till I can get put
decently on shore, and not have to swim there, as you would have me do."

"Swim! By God, you wouldn't swim long, I expect," said the ruffian.

"Faith, I've no fancy for trying, either," I answered. "If I intended
treachery, do you think, masters, I should have put myself in your power
as I have done? just answer me that."

"Well, now, I don't think as how you would," exclaimed the old skipper.
"You're a brave lad anyhow, and deserve a better calling than trying to
injure poor fellows who are just doing their best to make a honest
livelihood for their families."

"Well," said I, seeing the favourable impression I was making, "I'm
going soon to be appointed to a frigate on a foreign station, so there's
little chance of my falling in with you again. If you kill me you will
be hung, that's certain, for murder is always out some day or other."

"Don't be coming any of your Irish blarney over us," growled out a
sour-looking ruffian. "If you're a spy, overboard you go, that's all."

"I'm no spy," I answered in an indignant tone. "All I ask of you is to
put me on shore anywhere at the back of the Wight, and I'll give you my
word none of you will be the worse for my being here."

The skipper gave an approving nod as I pleaded for my life. Some of the
ruffians seemed to give way.

"Just tell me, then, what harm can a small chap like me do you?" I
continued. "How do I know what you've got on board, or what you're
going to do with it. Be good-natured fellows now, and if I can ever do
you a good turn, I will."

"Oh, come, let the little chap alone; there's no h