ain Morena," said Morris, "just walk on deck and explain
matters to your people, and then I'll show you how fast a Yankee crew
and Mexican lightermen can unload a contrabandista."

They adjourned to the deck, and the Mexican captain was compelled to
remain an inactive witness, while boat load after boat load of
contraband goods was landed under his own eyes, and the very guns of
his cutter. When the work was finished, Captain Morris approached
Morena, and said,--

"Captain, I have a word to say to you. I am going up the coast fifty
miles, to land the remainder of my cargo at Santa Rosara. Give me your
word that you will not follow and molest me, that you will not breathe
a word of what you have seen and heard, and I will restore your sword
and release you on _parole_."

The revenue captain gave the required pledge, and his sword was
restored; after which his men were permitted to man the barge.

"And now, captain, one bumper at parting," said the hospitable Morris.
"The steward has just opened a fresh bottle, and besides I have a
pleasant surprise for you."

As they entered the cabin, Morena started back and uttered an
exclamation as his eyes fell on the beautiful face and graceful figure
of the Mexican senorita, who had taken her seat at the table.

"Maria!" he exclaimed.

"Yes," replied the lady, with sparkling eyes and heightened color. "I
have escaped your power. The man who basely sought to coerce my
inclinations has been baffled, and ere another sun has set, I shall be
the bride of the smuggler Martinez."

"Malediction!" cried the Mexican.

"Come, come, cap'n," said the mate, "take a horn, and settle your
proud stomach."

"Never," said the Mexican. "A curse on all of ye!" and he sprang to
the deck, threw himself into his barge, and was soon aboard of the
cutter.

As the clipper brig, with all her canvas set, and her larboard tacks
aboard, bowed gracefully to the freshening breeze, and bowled away
under the stern of the Mexican cutter, the mate said to the captain,--

"Cap'n, I wish you'd just let me give that fellur a broadside, if it
was only just to clean the guns, afore I run 'em in."

"No, no," replied the captain, smiling, "honor bright, my boy. We'll
keep our word to him."

"That's more than he'll do to us," answered the mate, "or I don't know
the natur of a greaser. One broadside from our starboard battery would
settle him, and save all future trouble, and make every thing pleasant
and co