thought which should betray the interest I feel in that
jewel of naval skill! You have seen her, at many times, Captain Ludlow--in
squalls and calms; with her wings abroad, and her pinions shut; by day and
night; near and far; fair and foul;--and I ask you, with a seaman's
frankness, is she not a toy to fill a seaman's heart?"

"I deny not the vessel's merits, nor her beauty--'tis a pity she bears no
better reputation."

"I knew you could not withhold this praise! But I grow childish when there
is question of that brigantine! Well Sir, each has been heard, and now
comes the conclusion. I part with the apple of my eye, ere a stick of that
lovely fabric is willingly deserted. Shall we make other ransom for the
youth?--What think you of a pledge in gold, to be forfeited should we
forget our word."

"You ask impossibilities. In treating thus at all, I quit the path of
proud authority, because, as has been said, there is that about the
'Skimmer of the Seas' that raises him above the coarse herd who in common
traffic against the law. The brigantine, or nothing!"

"My life, before that brigantine! Sir, you forget our fortunes are
protected by one who laughs at the efforts of your fleet; You think that
we are inclosed and that, when light shall return, there will remain
merely the easy task to place your iron-mounted cruiser on our beam, and
drive us to seek mercy. Here are honest mariners, who could tell you of
the hopelessness of the expedient. The Water-Witch has run the gauntlet of
all your navies, and shot has never yet defaced her beauty."

"And yet her limbs have been known to fall before a messenger from my
ship!"

"The stick wanted the commission of our mistress," interrupted the other,
glancing his eye at the credulous and attentive crew of the boat. "In a
thoughtless moment, 'twas taken up at sea, and fashioned to our purpose
without counsel from the book. Nothing that touches our decks, under
fitting advice, comes to harm.--You look incredulous, and 'tis in
character to seem so. If you refuse to listen to the lady of the
brigantine, at least lend an ear to your own laws. Of what offence can you
charge Master Seadrift, that you hold him captive?"

"His redoubted name of 'Skimmer of the Seas' were warranty to force him
from a sanctuary," returned Ludlow, smiling. "Though proof should fail of
any immediate crime, there is impunity for the arrest, since the law
refuses to protect him."

"This is your boasted ju