h. The crew were smart, and the
boat was fresh painted, while, seated at the stern, was a striking, yet
curious, figure. His dress was that of a French exquisite, very rich,
and trimmed with much gold braid. On his head was a curled wig of the
latest mode, and a flashing diamond brooch adorned his lace cravat. On
nearing the beach upon which we were assembled one of the sailors
stepped into the water and waded ashore, carrying this gallant upon his
back, who, being deposited upon a dry spot, so that his buckled shoe
might escape damage from the salt water, gravely saluted us. Hartog
then, stepped forward, when the Frenchman, for such we took him to be,
addressed him as follows:--

"I have come, sir," said he, "to restore to you your vessel, which I
understand was stolen by Spanish treachery."

"You are welcome," answered Hartog. "I thank Providence that my ship
has fallen into honest hands. I have yet to learn to whom I owe its
recovery. May I hope that you will favour me with your name?"

"Montbar," replied the stranger, and at the mention of his name both
Hartog and I started.

"You honour us by your visit, sir," said Hartog, with a bow as graceful
as that with which Captain Montbar acknowledged it. "Your reputation is
known to all seamen as that of a brave man and a princely gentleman."

Hartog then led the way to the Queen's house, where we proposed to
confer together as to the circumstances which had occasioned Captain
Montbar's arrival.

Captain Montbar was known to us, and to most navigators at this time,
as a French gentleman of fortune who, having heard of the cruelties
practised by the Spaniards, had conceived an aversion against them
which amounted almost to frenzy. He had heard of the buccaneers, who
were known to be the most inveterate enemies of Spain, and, in order to
join them, he fitted out a frigate which he placed at their disposal,
together with his own services. The achievements of this frigate were
so pronounced, and the Spaniards suffered so much from Montbar's
exploits, that he acquired the name of 'Exterminator.' His intrepidity
would never let him suffer the least signs of cowardice among those who
associated with him. In the heat of an engagement he went about his
ship, observing his men, and immediately killing those who shrank at
the report of pistol, gun, or cannon. This extraordinary discipline had
made him the terror of the coward and the idol of the brave. In other
respects he rea