tales of the buccaneers of the islands have been narrated, I do not
remember to have heard of that rover, before his name came into the
discourse between me and the schipper of the boat, that plies between this
landing and the city. I am not, altogether, what I seem, Captain Ludlow;
and when further acquaintance and hard service shall have brought me more
before the eyes of my commander, he may not repent having induced a
thorough seaman to enter his ship, by a little condescension and
good-nature shown while the man was still his own master. Your Honor will
take no offence at my boldness, when I tell you, I should be glad to know
more of this unlawful trader."

Ludlow riveted his eyes on the unmoved and manly countenance of his
companion. There was a vague and undefined suspicion in the look; but it
vanished, as the practised organs drank in the assurance, which so much
physical promise afforded, of the aid of a bold and active mariner. Rather
amused than offended by the freedom of the request, he turned upon his
heel, and as they descended the bluff, on their way towards the place of
landing, he continued the dialogue.

"You are truly from a distant ocean," said the young captain of the
Coquette, smiling like a man who apologizes to himself for an act of what
he thought undue condescension, "if the exploits of a brigantine known by
the name of the 'Water-Witch,' and of him who commands her, under the fit
appellation of the 'Skimmer of the Seas,' have not yet reached your ears.
It is now five summers, since orders have been in the colonies for the
cruisers to be on the alert to hunt the picaroon; and it is even said, the
daring smuggler has often braved the pennants of the narrow seas. 'Twould
be a bigger ship, not knighthood, to the lucky officer who should catch
the knave!"

"He must drive a money-gaining trade, to run these risks, and to brave the
efforts of so many skilful gentlemen! May I add to a presumption that your
Honor already finds too bold, if one may judge by a displeased eye, by
asking if report speaks to the face and other particulars of the person of
this--free trader, one must call him, though freebooter should be a
better word."

"What matters the personal condition of a rogue?" said Captain Ludlow, who
perhaps remembered that the freedom of their intercourse had been carried
as far as comported with prudence.

"What matter, truly! I asked because the description answers a little to
that of a ma