outlawed. There is a fealty here, that can survive even the
persecutions of the custom-houses!"

"You are happy in your terms, Sir. I will not conceal that I think a
seaman, even as skilful as yourself, must allow that the Coquette was kept
prettily in command!"

"No pilot-boat could have been more sure, or more lively. I knew your
weakness, for the absence of all your boats was no secret to me; and I
confess I could have spared some of the profits of the voyage, to have
been on your decks this day with a dozen of my truest fellows!"

"A man who can feel this loyalty to the flag, should find a more honorable
occupation for his usual life."

"A country that can inspire it, should be cautious not to estrange the
affections of its children, by monopolies and injustice. But these are
discussions unsuited to the moment. I am doubly your countryman in this
strait, and all the past is no more than the rough liberties which friends
take with each other. Captain Ludlow, there is danger brooding in that
dark void which lies to seaward!"

"On what authority do you speak thus?"

"Sight.--I have been among your enemies, and have seen their deadly
preparations. I know the caution is given to a brave man, and nothing
shall be extenuated. You have need of all your resolution and of every
arm--for they will be upon you, in overwhelming numbers!"

"True or false, thy warning shall not be neglected."

"Hold!" said the Skimmer, arresting a forward movement of his companion,
with his hand. "Let them sleep to the last moment. You have yet an hour,
and rest will renew their strength. You may trust the experience of a
seaman who has passed half of the life of man on the ocean, and who has
witnessed all its most stirring scenes, from the conflict of the elements
to every variety of strife that man has invented to destroy his fellows.
For another hour, you will be secure.--After that hour, God protect the
unprepared! and God be merciful to him whose minutes are numbered!"

"Thy language and manner are those of one who deals honestly;" returned
Ludlow, struck by the apparent sincerity of the free-trader's
communication "In every event, we shall be ready, though the manner of
your having gained this knowledge is as great a mystery as your appearance
on the deck of my ship."

"Both can be explained," returned the Skimmer, motioning to his companion
to follow to the tanrail. Here he pointed to a small and nearly
imperceptible skiff, whic