rken shut the door, "I know your
thoughts."

We must pass over the remainder of this eventful day. Wilhelmina had
procured the dress of a boy, in which disguise she proposed to elope
with Ramsay, and all her preparations were made long before the time.
Mynheer Krause was also occupied in getting his specie ready for
embarkation, and Ramsay in writing letters. The despatches from the
Hague came down about nine o'clock, and Vanslyperken received them on
board. About ten, he weighed and made sail, and hove-to about a mile
outside, with a light shown as agreed. About the time arranged, a large
boat appeared pulling up to the cutter. "Boat, ahoy!" "King's messenger
with despatches," was the reply. "All's right," said Vanslyperken, "get
a rope there from forward."

The boat darted alongside of the cutter. She pulled ten oars, but, as
soon as she was alongside, a number of armed men sprang from her on the
decks, and beat the crew below, while Ramsay, with pistols in his belt,
and his sword in his hand, went aft to Vanslyperken.

"What is all this?" exclaimed the terrified lieutenant.

"Nothing, sir, but common prudence on my part," replied Ramsay. "I have
an account to settle with you."

Vanslyperken perceived that his treachery was discovered, and he fell
upon his knees. Ramsay turned away to give orders, and Vanslyperken
darted down the hatchway, and gained the lower deck.

"Never mind," said Ramsay, "he'll not escape me; come, my lads, hand up
the boxes as fast as you can."

Ramsay then went to the boat, and brought up Wilhelmina, who had
remained there, and conducted her down into the cabin. The boxes were
also handed down, the boat made fast, and the conspirators remained in
possession of the deck. The helm was taken by one of them; sail again
made on the cutter, and the boat with a boat-keeper towed astern.

Chapter XLVII

Which is rather interesting.

Mr Vanslyperken's retreat was not known to the crew, they thought him
still on deck, and he hastened forward to secrete himself, even from his
own crew, who were not a little astonished at this unexpected attack
which they could not account for. The major part of the arms on board
were always kept in Mr Vanslyperken's cabin, and that was not only in
possession of the assailants, but there was a strong guard in the
passage outside which led to the lower deck.

"Well, this beats my comprehension entirely," said Bill Spurey.

"Yes," replied Short.

"A