ot deny that I have made a fair set-off, of very
excellent commodities, for his daughter's benefit.--When dost mean to sail
Master Seadrift?"

"With the morning tide. I little like the neighborhood of these meddling
guarda-costas."

"Bravely answered! Prudence is a cardinal quality in a private trader; and
it is a quality that I esteem in Master Skimmer, next to his punctuality
Dates and obligations! I wish half of the firms, of three and four names,
without counting the Co.'s, were as much to be depended on. Dost not think
it safer to repass the inlet, under favor of the darkness?"

"'Tis impossible. The flood is entering it like water rushing through a
race-way, and we have the wind at east. But, fear not; the brigantine
carries no vulgar freight, and your commerce has given us a swept hold.
The Queen and the Braganza, with Holland ducats, might show their faces
even in the Royal Exchequer itself! We have no want of passes, and the
Miller's-Maid is just as good a name to hail by, as the 'Water-witch.' We
begin to tire of this constant running, and have half a mind to taste the
pleasures of your Jersey sports, for a week. There should be shooting on
the upper plains?"

"Heaven forbid! Heaven forbid! Master Seadrift.--I had all the deer taken
for the skins, ten years ago;--and as to birds, they deserted us, to a
pigeon, when the last tribe of the savages went west of the Delaware. Thou
hast discharged thy brigantine to better effect, than thou couldst ever
discharge thy fowling-pieces. I hope the hospitality of the Lust in Rust
is no problem--but, blushes and curiosity! I could wish to keep a fair
countenance, among my neighbors. Art sure the impertinent masts of the
brigantine will not be seen above the trees, when the day comes? This
Captain Ludlow is no laggard when he thinks his duty actually concerned."

"We shall endeavor to keep him quiet. The cover of the trees, and the
berth of the boat, make all snug, as respects his people. I leave worthy
Tiller to settle balances between us; and so, I take my leave. Master
Alderman--a word at parting Does the Viscount Cornbury still tarry in the
Provinces?"

"Like a fixture. There is not a mercantile house in the colony more firmly
established."

"There are unsettled affairs between us.--A small premium would buy the
obligations----"

"Heaven keep thee, Master Seadrift, and pleasant voyages, back and forth!
As for the Viscount's responsibility--the Queen may trust h