f; but though forbidden to approach certain
points, enough has been seen to leave no doubts of the character of those
whom Alderman Van Beverout entertains."

"Thou wouldst also say, and his niece, Ludlow?"

"I would say nothing harsh to, or disrespectful of, Alida de Barberie. I
will not deny that a harrowing idea possessed me,--but I see my error,
and repent having been so hasty."

"We may then resume our commerce," said the trader, cooly seating himself
before the open bale, while Ludlow and the maiden stood regarding each
other in mute surprise. "It is pleasant to exhibit these forbidden
treasures to an officer of the Queen. It may prove the means of gaining
the royal patronage. We were last among the velvets, and on the lagunes,
of Venice. Here is one of a color and quality to form a bridal dress for
the Doge himself, in his nuptials with the sea! We men of the ocean look
upon that ceremony as a pledge Hymen will not forget us, though we may
wander from his altars. Do I justice to the faith of the craft, Captain
Ludlow?--or are you a sworn devotee of Neptune, and content to breathe
your sighs to Venus, when afloat? Well, if the damps and salt air of the
ocean rust the golden chain, it is the fault of cruel nature!--Ah! here
is--"

A shrill whistle sounded among the shrubbery, and the speaker became mute.
Throwing his cloths carelessly on the bale, he arose again, and seemed to
hesitate. Throughout the interview with Ludlow, the air of the free-trader
had been mild, though, at times, it was playful; and not for an instant
had he seemed to return the resentment which the other had so plainly
manifested. It now became perplexed, and, by the workings of his features,
it would seem that he vacillated in his opinions. The sounds of the
whistle were heard, again.

"Ay, ay, Master Tom!" muttered the dealer in contraband. "Thy note is
audible, but why this haste? Beautiful Alida, this shrill summons is to
say, that the moment of parting is arrived!"

"We met with less of preparation," returned la belle Barberie, who
preserved all the distant reserve of her sex, under the jealous eyes of
her admirer.

"We met without a warning, but shall our separation be without a
memorial? Am I to return with all these valuables to the brigantine, or,
in their place, must I take the customary golden tribute?"

"I know not that I dare make a traffic which is not sanctioned by the law,
in presence of a servitor of the Queen," return