n hoped that she would have a rich cargo. The captain received his
captors very politely, and at once produced his invoice.

"That is what you want, gentlemen," he observed, with a deep sigh; "your
gain is my loss, I am a ruined man."

"There are all sorts of valuable things here, sir," observed Morton's
subordinate. "I only hope they are not all shams."

"We'll go below and examine," was the wise reply.

The ship was undoubtedly laden with all sorts of West India produce.
Then some chests were come to; they were full of bars of silver.

"Pretty pickings, these," observed Evans.

Some smaller boxes were next examined.

"As I am a gentleman and a Welshman, if I ever cast my eyes on diamonds
before, these are diamonds!" he exclaimed, holding up a rough-looking
but shining stone between his fingers. They might have been pieces of
glass for what Morton could tell.

"These little boxes are worth some thousands, Morton, I can tell you,"
exclaimed Hardman, half beside himself with delight. "A magnificent
haul!" Suddenly he recollected himself,--"That is to say, if they ever
reach England in safety. But, you know, there's many a slip between the
cup and the lip."

Morton was too busy to laugh just then. He had discovered some larger
chests, containing some large gold candlesticks, which the captain
informed them, were to ornament the church of our Lady of the
Conception, in Madrid. There were just three of them, enormous and
massive articles, not less than five feet high, besides, a quantity of
rich plate of gold and silver. Morton sent back Evans to make a report
to the captain. Lord Claymore heard the account with unrestrained
delight.

"We'll have it all safe on board, without delay," he exclaimed. "It
will not do to let it fall again into the enemy's hands; in the frigate,
at all events, we shall be able to fight for it."

The men cheered as they saw the chests hoisted up the side. It was
bringing back the good old buccaneering days; such a prize had not been
made by any cruiser for a long time. A mate was sent home in charge of
her.

"Take care you don't get caught, and clapped into a French prison," said
Hardman, as he shoved off.

Scarcely were the chests of treasure stowed below, and the prize out of
sight, than another sail was descried from the mast-head--chase was
made--the prisoners confessed that she was one of their convoy, and as
the "Pallas" came up with her, they stated that she was