n are," he said,
turning to Roger. "We found them in distress on the high seas, and we
do what every man is bound to do, help them to get into port as best
they can."

Roger did not say that he recognised Stephen, although he guessed that
the Captain, from what he said, had done so. He was longing himself to
ask Stephen to give him an account of his adventures, but he judged that
the Captain would object to his doing this. He was very thankful that
Stephen had escaped from the battle of Sedgemoor, of which a full
account had reached London, as well as of the dreadful slaughter which
had been inflicted on the insurgents. Like all those who served under
Benbow, the carpenter and gunner of his ship, aided by their crews,
exerted themselves to the utmost to get the mast finished. They knew
that it need not be very shapely, provided the main-sail, which had been
saved, could be set upon it. In the course of a couple of hours the
little _Duck_ was once more ready to continue her voyage. Stephen
heartily thanked the Captain for his kindness.

"Say not a word about it, my lad," answered Captain Benbow; "I am glad
to give you a helping hand. I should have advised you to come on board
my ship instead of continuing your voyage in that cockle-shell, but I am
bound up the Bristol Channel to look out for fugitives from the Duke of
Monmouth's unfortunate army, and my directions are to cruise between
Bideford Bay and Bridgewater Bay. If I had found a craft coming from
that part of the coast, I should have been compelled to detain her and
all on board. Now, fare you well. I wish that you had stuck to the
sea, and you would have kept out of difficulties into which so many at
the present day have fallen. By the by, as you have been out so long,
you may be in want of provisions; I have some private stores, and you
shall be welcome to them," and he ordered his steward to put a keg of
biscuits, a case of Spanish hams, a couple of casks of water, and other
minor articles on board. The honest Captain, from the warmth of his
heart, could not help shaking his old acquaintance by the hand as he
dismissed him to his little vessel. Roger slipped down the side and
grasped his hand.

"I am so glad you got off," he exclaimed. "I did not speak to you
before, because I waited to take the cue from the Captain. It is all
right; remember, let them know at Eversden, through the Colonel, when
you arrive safely in Holland. I am glad you ar