of this ship, and
in both characters have a right to command you."

"I will obey you," I answered; "but pray tell me, what is that ship
astern?"

"That question is one I have no means of answering," he replied; "but go
down, I say, and perhaps A'Dale will tell you all about it when he is
wiser than I am."

A'Dale now came to the companion-hatch, and I was very glad to have his
assistance in going down again, and being helped into bed. He told me
that the captain was somewhat anxious about the vessel coming up astern;
that we had passed her in the early morning, and that soon afterwards
she was seen getting under weigh. We, however, having somewhat the
start of her, had hitherto kept ahead; but she was now fast coming up
with us, and if she was an enemy we might fare ill, however bravely our
men might fight.

"But does not the captain suppose she may be Captain Rover's ship?" I
asked. "He told me that she was not tar off, and that he was bound for
England."

"Captain Davis seemed rather to doubt that," he answered, as he went on
deck.

He soon returned, however, saying that I was right; and in a short time
the _Falcon_ was almost abreast of us. Captain Davis had had not only
my wound to dress, but those of three of his men who had been hurt. Two
had been killed, and their bodies were now resting at the bottom of the
Scheld.

Captain Rover hailed us through his speaking-trumpet, and expressed his
sorrow at hearing that I was hurt. The two captains agreed on the
course they were to steer, and promised to remain by each other, thus
being the better able to beat off those who might have been inclined to
attack us singly.

When the air became warmed by the sun, Captain Davis allowed me to
return on deck, for I could not bear being kept below. The water was
smooth and the sky bright, and our bulging sails were filled with the
fresh breeze. It was pleasant to watch the tall ship as she sailed by
our side, with pennants flying, and the muzzles of her guns peering
through her ports, and to think of the far-distant lands she had
visited. I hoped to have another opportunity of meeting Captain Rover,
and of hearing an account of his adventures. Thus the voyage continued.
At night our lanterns were lighted, which we carried on the poops and
forecastles, so that we might not run the risk of losing sight of each
other. Several times strange vessels were seen, but we held on our way
without being molested.

I