the matter to the old gentleman, who at once told me
not to stand on ceremony.

"You could not have a better opportunity of seeing France; and perhaps
before long we shall be at loggerheads again, when no Englishman will be
able to set foot in the country except as a prisoner; therefore go, and
come back to us when you have got tired of frogs' legs and _soup
maigre_."

In the evening I went down with Sinnet to the quay, where a man was
pointed out to us as skipper of the lugger. We at once went up to him,
and I told him that I wished to get across to France.

"I have no objection to take you, young gentleman, though we do not
generally like having king's officers on board our craft," he answered.

"But I'm not on service now," I observed, guessing the meaning of his
allusion. "What sum do you expect for passage money?"

"Five guineas," he answered. "I do not care to take less."

"Five guineas you shall have, if you land me where I wish to go," I
said. "Now, when shall I be on board?"

"To-morrow morning at six o'clock. The tide will serve to carry us out
at the Needles; and I don't intend to wait a moment longer."

"At six o'clock I will be on board, then; and, by the by, what is your
name, captain?"

"Jack Long, though some call me little Jack," answered the skipper, with
a laugh.

"And your vessel, that there may be no mistake?"

"The _Saucy Bet_," he said; "and now you know all you need know about
her."

"Then, Captain Long, I'll be aboard the _Saucy Bet_ at the hour you
name," I said, as I took Sinnet's arm.

We strolled back to his house, and a very pleasant evening I spent with
my messmate's family. We had music and singing. Two or three girls and
some young men came in, and we got up a dance. Altogether, I began to
regret that I had not arranged to remain longer.

My old messmate turned out at an early hour to accompany me down to the
quay. As soon as I got on board the lugger, the anchor was hove up, and
we made sail. I found a roughish looking crew, several of them being
Jerseymen or Frenchmen. We soon got a fresh breeze from the northward,
when the _Saucy Bet_ walked along at a great rate, with large square
topsails set above her lower lugs. She had a small cabin aft, neatly
fitted up, and a large hold, but now perfectly clear. She could mount
eight guns, all of which were now below. Soon after we got outside the
Needles, however, they were hoisted up and placed on their carriage