fairly and honorably in his
power. We shall not attempt to analyze the emotion that was ascendant in
the mind of the young officer. It is enough for our purpose to add, that
he was soon in his boat and in full pursuit.

As the course to be taken by the barge was diagonal rather than direct, a
few powerful strokes of the oars brought it so near the skiff, that
Ludlow, by placing his hand on the gunwale of the latter, could arrest its
progress.

"Though so lightly equipped, fortune favors you less in boats than in
larger craft, Master Seadrift;" said Ludlow, when, by virtue of a strong
arm, he had drawn his prize so near, as to find himself seated within a
few feet of his prisoner. "We meet on our proper element, where there can
be no neutrality between one of the contraband and a servant of the
Queen."

The start, the half-repressed exclamation, and the momentary silence,
showed that the captive had been taken completely by surprise.

"I admit your superior dexterity," he at length said, speaking low and not
without agitation. "I am your prisoner, Captain Ludlow; and I would now
wish to know your intentions in disposing of my person."

"That is soon answered. You must be content to take the homely
accommodations of the Coquette, for the night, instead of the more
luxurious cabin of your Water-Witch. What the authorities of the Province
may decide, to-morrow, it exceeds the knowledge of a poor commander in the
navy to say."

"The lord Cornbury has retired to----?"

"A gaol," said Ludlow, observing that the other spoke more like one who
mused than like one who asked a question. "The kinsman of our gracious
Queen speculates on the chances of human fortune, within the walls of a
prison. His successor, the brigadier Hunter, is thought to have less
sympathy for the moral infirmities of human nature!"

"We deal lightly with dignities!" exclaimed the captive, with all his
former gaiety of tone and manner. "You have your revenge for some personal
liberties that were certainly taken, not a fortnight since, with this boat
and her crew; still, I have much mistaken your character, if unnecessary
severity forms one of its features. May I communicate with the
brigantine?"

"Freely--when she is once in the care of a Queen's officer."

"Oh, Sir, you disparage the qualities of my mistress, in supposing there
exists a parallel with your own! The Water-Witch will go at large, till a
far different personage shall become your capt