o and return; and, monsieur, I am trusting you."

"We will play no tricks." And so presently the boat pushed off and was
away at speed.

"And now what is all that damned parley-vouing? It was too fast for me,"
said the captain; but on hearing, he said it would work. He would hover
round the _George Washington_ with cannon loaded and men armed. Within
the time set the officer came back with another boat. "I have the
money," he said. "The vicomte swore well and long, and would much desire
your company on shore." De Courval laughed. "I grieve to disappoint
him."

"The lighters are on the way," said De Lourmel--"a dozen; and upon my
honor, there will be no attempt at capture."

The ship ran in nearer while the gold was counted, and then with all
possible haste the cargo, partly a deck-load, was lightered away, the
wind being scarcely more than a breeze. By seven at night the vessel was
cleared, for half of the _Marie's_ men had helped. A small barrel of
wine was put in the count's boat, and a glad cheer rang out as all sail
was set.

Then at last the captain came over to where De Courval, leaning against
the rail, allowed himself the first pipe of the busiest day of his life;
for no man of the crew had worked harder.

"I want to say you were right, young man, and I shall be glad to say so
at home. I came darn near to not doing it."

"Why, without you, sir," said De Courval, "I should have been helpless.
The cutting out was yours, and this time we divide honors and hold our
tongues."

"Not I," said the master; nor did he, being as honest as any of his race
of sea-dogs.

The lumbering old brig did fairly well. After three stormy weeks, in
mid-March off the Jersey coast they came in sight of a corvette flying
the tricolor. The captain said things not to be put on record, and
signaled his clumsy consort far astern to put to sea. "An Englishman all
over," said the captain. Then he sailed straight for the corvette with
the flag he loved flying. There was a smart gale from the east, and a
heavy sea running. Of a sudden, as if alarmed, the Stars and Stripes
came down, a tricolor went up, and the _Marie_ turned tail for the
Jersey coast. De Courval watched the game with interest. The captain
enjoyed it, as men who gamble on sea chances enjoy their risks, and
said, laughing, "I wonder does that man know the coast? He's a morsel
reckless."

The corvette went about and followed. "Halloa! He's going to talk!" A
cannon flas