an scolding away from
the top of the stairs at the blacks, demanding why they made so terrific
a noise--joined in occasionally by other far sharper notes.

"The blacks are not to blame, old gentleman," exclaimed Hawthorne,
springing up the stairs. "How do you do! We call upon you at rather an
unseasonable hour, I own, but our stay in the place is short you will
understand. We will have a little conversation together on public
affairs, and then I must trouble you for the keys of your stores, or an
order for the delivery of such provisions as we may require, for which I
am directed to offer you payment."

The old gentleman, not comprehending who we were, was almost struck down
at first on hearing this address, but, after a time, recovering himself,
he begged leave to slip on some more clothes, and promised that he would
then come down into his sitting-room and speak to us.

We heard him and the sharp-voiced lady discussing matters up-stairs.

More than once Hawthorne had to sing out--

"We are in a hurry, sir--we are in a hurry," before his better half
would let him appear.

I left Hawthorne and him to settle matters while I with my men proceeded
to other houses. We had given strict orders that no violence whatever
was to be used towards any of the inhabitants, and I fully believe that
the lieutenants and midshipmen under us did their best to repress
anything of the sort. Still it was necessary to keep a watch on all
parties. Of course I was obeying the orders I had received in what I
did, and had no choice; but, at the same time, I must own that I felt
excessive repugnance in thus having to disturb and frighten out of their
senses the inhabitants of a quiet town, who had in no way done anything
to offend us. I resolved, however, to make amends to them by every
means in my power, by treating them with the utmost delicacy and
kindness. We had already seized on a dozen or more of the principal
people, and marched them off to the square in the centre of the town,
where they were kept under a strong guard as hostages for the good
behaviour of the rest, and as a guarantee for our safety while we
remained in the place. Not slight was the alarm and agitation when they
were told that the instant any attempt was made, either by any of their
fellow-townsmen or by any of the enemy's troops outside, to re-take the
place, their lives would be forfeited, while a pistol was kept presented
at the head of each of them to ca