e ship was seen under full sail, coming with a fair wind from the
direction of the Grenadines and steering towards LaBaye.

"That is the Corunna," shouted one of the gentlemen present. "Hurrah!"

"Not the Corunna," remarked Mr. Stevenson. "The Corunna is not so good
looking and is of a different model. The West India fleet, however, must
have arrived at Barbadoes, and the Corunna will soon be along."

At that moment another ship appeared, carrying a cloud of canvas, coming
round the point. This vessel was not the Corunna, and kept close in with
the land, running also for LaBaye. A shade of disappointment rested on
the features of some of the planters; but all continued to gaze eagerly
in the direction of the sea, hoping that the long expected ship,
bearing, not the Golden Fleece from Colchis, but treasures from England,
of far greater value in the estimation of their owners, would next make
her appearance. Their expectations were realized. Another ship came
into view, with every sail set which would draw; royals, skysails, and
studding sails, from the truck to the deck, and the British ensign was
waving at her peak.

"There comes the Corunna, at last!" exclaimed Mr. Stevenson.

"The Corunna! The Corunna!" was the responsive cry.

"I declare," said Mr. McInnis, the manager of the Carriere estate, "I
feel greatly relieved. I began to think the ship had been picked up by
some Yankee privateer, and my Stilton cheese and 'brown stout' gone in
another direction."

"I was suspicious, myself, that some accident of that kind had
happened," replied Mr. Stevenson; "but she is safe enough now, and will
be at anchor in an hour or so. Therefore, let us fill our glasses, and
drink the health of her successful commander."

The glasses were filled; but before their contents were quaffed, the
company were startled by the loud report of a cannon, which came booming
across the land. At this moment another vessel, which had fired the gun,
was seen coming round the point, following closely in the wake of the
Corunna.

This vessel was of a model widely different from those which first came
along. She was a long, low, black hermaphrodite brig, with tall, raking
masts, and a row of ports, evidently intended for use rather than
ornament. Every plank in her hull, every rope at her mast-head, and
every cloth of her canvas looked as if they meant MISCHIEF. Her national
flag, which bore the stars and stripes, was not necessary to proclaim