ression of the countenances which looked down on them, seen by the
glare of the lanterns, showed that if not backed by the guns of the
frigate, they would have been received at the points of boarding-pikes
and with the muzzles of pistols presented at their heads. The
determined looks of the sturdy man-of-war's men made the crew of the
Indiaman hold back. Directly Ronald stepped on board he glanced his eye
anxiously around; he had no longer any doubt that she was the
"Osterley," but with not a face that met his gaze was he acquainted.

A rough piratical-looking man, in a naval uniform, stepped forward,
sword in hand, and presenting the hilt with an air which none but a
Frenchman could assume, said--

"Monsieur, the fortune of war places us in your power; we yield
ourselves prisoners, and claim your clemency."

"On what ground do you claim that? Where are the passengers and crew of
this ship who sailed in her from Calcutta?" exclaimed Ronald.

"The fortune of war threw them into our hands, as we have been thrown
into yours," answered the captain, drawing himself up. "The courtesy
for which our nation is famed has prompted their captors to treat them
with courtesy."

"I trust so," exclaimed Morton, with a look which the Frenchman could
not fail to understand. "But tell me--what commission do you bear? Do
you belong to the Imperial marine of France?"

Morton asked these questions with an agitation he could scarcely
conceal, for from the appearance of the captain and his crew he could
not help dreading that those in whom he took so deep an interest had
fallen into the power of a band of pirates; all the atrocities of which
such ruffians could be guilty occurred to him.

"Speak, man; tell me--what are you?" he shouted, for the man seemed to
be hesitating about giving a reply.

"What we are you perceive, monsieur," he answered. "We are cavaliers
and Frenchmen, and are at present prisoners to an honourable enemy; as
such we expect to be treated."

"How you are ultimately treated depends on your conduct towards those
whom you have had in your power," said Morton. "Enable us to recover
them, and you need have no fear on that score."

The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders, and protested that he had had
nothing to do with the capture of the Indiaman; that he had been put in
charge of her by others to carry her home, and, moreover, that he knew
nothing of the passengers, except that he had been assured that they
w