The Privateersman

by Frederick Marryat

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

  A CONSPIRACY, WHICH ENDS SATISFACTORILY TO ALL PARTIES--PRIVATEERING ISABANDONED, AND CAPTAIN LEVEE AND PHILIP SERVE THE KING.

  The night passed away in attempts at analysing the real feelings of MissTrevannion, and also my own towards her; and now that I was to beseparated from her, I discovered what I really had not before imagined,that my future happiness was seriously endangered by my sentimentstowards her; in short, dear Madam, that I was most seriously in love.

  "And now," thought I, "of what avail is it to have made this discoverynow, except it were to convince me, as Miss Trevannion had said, that itwere better that I were gone."

  I did not fail to call to mind her observation about my unknownparentage and family, and this I reflected upon with pleasure, as it wasthe chief objection raised by her, and, at the same time, one that Icould proudly remove, from my birth being really more distinguished thanher own. Should I make it known? How could I?--we should, probably,never meet again. All this, and much more, was canvassed in my mindduring the night, and also another question of more real importance,which was, what I was to do, and where I was to go? On this last pointI could not make up my mind, but I determined that I would not leaveLiverpool for a day or two, but would take up my quarters at my oldlodgings, where I had lived with Captain Levee.

  As the day dawned, I rose from the bed, and, taking my valise on myshoulder, I went softly down-stairs, opened the street-door, and,shutting it again carefully, I hastened down the street as fast as Icould. I met nobody, for it was still early, and arrived at thelodging-house, where I had some trouble to obtain admittance; the oldlady at last opening the door in great dishabille.

  "Captain Elrington! Is it possible," exclaimed she, "why, what's thematter?"

  "Nothing, Madam," replied I, "but that I have come to take possession ofyour lodgings for a few days."

  "And welcome, Sir," replied she; "will you walk up-stairs while I makemyself more fit to be seen. I was in bed and fast asleep when youknocked; I do believe I was dreaming of my good friend, Captain Levee."

  I went up-stairs and threw myself on the old settee which was sofamiliar to me, and somehow or another, in a few minutes I was in asound sleep. How long I might have slept on I cannot tell, but in lessthan an hour I was waked up by loud talking and laughter, and a fewseconds afterwards found myself embraced by my brother Philip andCaptain Levee. The Arrow had anchored at break of day, and they hadjust come on shore. I was delighted to see them, as every one is whenhe meets with friends when he is in distress. I briefly stated how itwas that they found me there, and when breakfast was on the table, Ientered into full details of what had passed, with the exception of MissTrevannion having entered my room--that I considered too sacred torepeat to any one.

  "You know, my dear Elrington," said Captain Levee, "that I have not thescruples which you have relative to privateering, but still I respectthe conscientious scruples of others. There is no excuse for MrTrevannion's conduct, and I cannot think but there is something else atthe bottom of all this. You haven't been making love to his daughter,or, what would amount to the same thing, she has not been makingadvances to you?"

  "I have not dared the first, Levee, and you do not know her, to supposeher capable of the latter."

  "Well, if she had done so, there would have been no harm done," repliedhe; "but I will say no more as you look so grave. Philip and I will nowcall upon Mr Trevannion; and while I engage the old gentleman, Philipshall run alongside of the young maiden, and between the two we shallget our bearings and distance, and know how the land lies--and I willtell you more, Elrington, although I have no objection to be captain ofa privateer, I certainly consider the command of a king's ship morereputable; and if I could manage to get the Arrow hired into the king'sservice (I still remaining in command of her), I should prefer it beingso. At all events, I'll side with you, and that will drive the oldgentleman on a dead lee-shore. Come along, Philip--we shall be with youin two hours, Elrington." With these words Captain Levee left the room,followed by my brother.

  It was nearly three hours before they returned, and then I received thefollowing narratives: Captain Levee, as he sat down, said, "Now, Philip,we'll hear your account first."

  "Well, mine is soon told," replied Philip; "I had made up my mind how toact, and did not tell Captain Levee what I intended to do. When MrTrevannion met us in the room behind the counting-house he appeared verymuch flurried: he shook hands with Captain Levee, and offered me hishand, which I refused, saying, `Mr Trevannion, I have just seen mybrother, and I hardly need say that nothing will induce me to remain inyour employ. I will, therefore, thank you for my wages at yourconvenience.'

  "`Hey-day, young man,' cried he, `you give yourself strange airs. Well,Sir, you shall have your discharge; I can do without such snip-jacks asyou are.'

  "`Snip-jacks! Mr Trevannion,' replied I; `if I must say it, we arebetter born and better bred than you or any of your connexions, and youwere honoured by our service.'"

  "You said that, Philip?--then you were wrong!"

  "I told the truth."

  "Still, you should not have said it; we took his service, andtherefore--"

  "We are not snip-jacks," interrupted Philip, "and his calling namesbrought on the reply."

  "You must admit the provocation, Elrington," said Captain Levee.

  "Well, go on, Philip."

  "`Indeed,' said Mr Trevannion, in a great passion; `well, then, I willsoon rid myself of the obligation. Call this afternoon, Master Philip,and you shall receive your wages. You may now quit the room.'

  "I did so, and put my hat a-cock to annoy him."

  "So far his narrative is quite correct," said Captain Levee;--"now goon."

  "Well," said Philip, "instead of turning out of the house, I turned intoit, and went to the young lady's sitting-room. I opened the doorsoftly, and found her with her hand up to her head, looking very sedateand sorrowful. `Master Philip,' said she, `you startled me; I am gladto see you--when did you arrive?'

  "`This morning, Miss Trevannion.'

  "`Well, sit down and bear me company for a time. Have you seen yourbrother?'

  "`I have, Miss Trevannion,' replied I, still remaining on my feet, `andI have just seen your father. I come now to bid you farewell. I haveleft the privateer, and shall never join her again; perhaps I may neversee you again either, which, believe me, I am truly sorry for.'

  "She covered her eyes with her hand, as she leant on the table, and Isaw a tear fall as she said--`It is a sad business altogether, and hasdistressed me very much. I hope your brother does not think that Iblame him; tell him that I do not in the least, and that he must forgetmy behaviour to him when we parted. I did him injustice, and I beg hispardon. Tell him so, Philip.'"

  "Did she say those words, Philip?"

  "Yes, word for word, and looked like an angel when he said so. Ireplied that I would certainly deliver her message, but that I must notremain, for fear of Mr Trevannion finding me with her, as he ordered meto quit the house."

  "`Indeed,' said she; `what can be the matter with my poor father?'

  "`Why, Miss Trevannion,' said I, `he was very angry, and he had reason,for I was very saucy, and that's the truth.'

  "`Why, Philip, what did you say to him?'

  "`Oh, I hardly know,' replied I, `but I know that I said more than Iought; for I was very angry at my brother's dismissal. Good bye, MissTrevannion.'

  "Miss Trevannion was taking a ring off her finger as I said good bye,and I thought she was going to give it me as a keepsake; but, after alittle hesitation, she put it on again, and then held out her hand,saying, `Good bye, Master Philip, let us not part in anger, at allevents.' I took her hand, bowed, and turned away to quit the room; whenI was at the door I looked round, and she was sitting with her face inher hands and I think she was weeping. I went out into the street, andwaited for Captain Levee, and there's an end of my story."

  "Well, now I'll give you my portion
, Elrington.--As soon as Philip wentout of the room, Mr Trevannion said, `That's a most impudent boy, and Iam glad that he is gone. You are of course aware that his brother hasleft me, and the cause of our disagreement?'

  "`Yes, Sir,' replied I, drily, `I have heard the whole particulars.'

  "`Did you ever hear of such ridiculous scruples?' said he.

  "`Yes, Sir, I heard them before, and so did you, when he gave up thecommand of the privateer, and I respected them, because I knew that MrElrington was sincere. Indeed, his observations on that head areundeniably true, and have had great weight with me; so much so, that Iintend to enter into the king's service as soon as I possibly can.'

  "I wish you had seen the look of Mr Trevannion when I said this--he wasstupefied. That I, Captain Levee, who had commanded his vessels solong--I, the very _beau ideal_ of a privateersman, a reckless,extravagant dare-devil, should also presume to have scruples, was toomuch for him. `Et tu, Brute,' he might have exclaimed, but he did not;but he stared at me without speaking for some time; at last he said, `Isthe golden age arrived, or is this a conspiracy?'

  "`Neither one nor the other, Sir,' I replied; `I follow privateeringbecause I can do no better; but as soon as I can do better, I shallleave it off.'

  "`Perhaps,' said Mr Trevannion, `you would wish to resign the commandat once. If so, I beg you will not make any ceremony.'

  "`I have not wished to put you to any inconvenience, Mr Trevannion,'replied I, `but as you kindly beg me to use no ceremony, I will takeadvantage of your offer, and resign the command of the Arrow this day.'"

  "Surely, Levee, you have not done so?"

  "Yes, I have," replied Captain Levee, "and I have done so, in the firstplace, out of friendship to you, and, in the second, because I wish tobe employed in the king's service, and my only chance of obtaining thatwish is doing what I have done."

  "How will that effect your purpose?"

  "Because the men have sailed so long with me, that they will not sailunder any other person, if I tell them not. Mr Trevannion will findhimself in an awkward position, and I think we can force him to hire hisvessel to government, who will gladly accept such a one as the Arrow."

  "That I believe, if from her reputation alone," replied I. "Well,Levee, I thank you very much for this proof of sincere friendship. Theplot thickens, and a few days will decide the question."

  "Very true, and now let me finish my story. `I am afraid,' said MrTrevannion, in a very sarcastic tone, `that I shall not be able to findany one to replace you in this moral age, Captain Levee; but I willtry.'

  "`Sir,' I replied, `I will now answer your sarcasm. There is someexcuse for ignorant seamen before the mast, who enter on board ofprivateers; they are indifferent to blood and carnage, and theirfeelings are blunted: there is some excuse even for decayed gentlemenlike me, Mr Trevannion (for I am a gentleman born), who, to obtain amaintenance without labour, risk their lives and shed their blood; butthere is no excuse for those who, having already as much wealth and morethan they can require, still furnish the means and equip vessels of thisdescription to commit the destruction which they do, for the sake ofgain. There is a sermon, Sir, for you from a captain of a privateer,and I now wish you good morning.' I then got up, and, making a profoundbow, I quitted the room before Mr Trevannion made any reply, and here Iam. Now all we have to do is to wait quietly, and see what takes place;but first, I shall go on board the Arrow, and let them know that I havequarrelled with the owner. The men are not very well pleased as it iswith their want of success these two last voyages, and it will requirebut little to blow up the discontent into a mutiny. Come, Philip, Ishall want you to assist me. We shall be back to dinner, Elrington."

  When I was again alone, I had time to consider what had passed. What Ichiefly dwelt upon was the interview, between Philip and MissTrevannion--her message to me--her hesitation--and keeping the ring. Icould not help surmising that our feelings towards each other werereciprocal, and this idea gave me infinite delight, and repaid me forall that had passed. Then my brother's hasty declaration to her father,that we were better born and bred than he was, would certainly berepeated by him to his daughter, and must make an impression. And whatwould Mr Trevannion do? Would he give way to the unanimous opinionagainst him? I feared not, at least without another struggle. Allthese questions occupied my thoughts till the return of Captain Leveeand Philip from the privateer. They had well managed their business.The crew of the Arrow had come to an unanimous resolution that theywould not sail with any other captain but Captain Levee; and that if hedid resign the command of the vessel, as soon as their wages were paid,and they received their share of prize-money, they would leave, andenter into the king's service.

  That afternoon Mr Trevannion sent for the officer next in command, togive him the command of the vessel; but as he went over the side, themen, expecting that he was sent for for that purpose, told him that theywould serve under no one but Captain Levee, and that he might acquaintthe owner with their determination. This put the finishing blow to MrTrevannion. As soon as this was communicated to him, he was wild withrage in being thus thwarted in every way. As I afterwards was informed,he went even to his daughter, acquainted her with all that had passed,and gave vent to his indignation, accusing her of being a party in theconspiracy. But this was to be his last effort: the excitement had beentoo great, and after dinner he felt so unwell that he went to bed. Thenext morning he was in a raging fever, and at times delirious. Thefever was so violent that the doctors had much to do to reduce it, andfor ten days Mr Trevannion was in great danger. At last it was gotunder, leaving him in a state of great weakness and exhaustion, and hisrecovery was anything but rapid. Humphrey, the porter, had brought usthis intelligence; as now there was no one to transact the business ofthe house, and the poor fellow did not know what to do, I desired him toapply to Miss Trevannion for directions, and told him that, although Iwould not enter the house, I would, if she wished it, see to the moreimportant concerns which could not be neglected. She was then attendingher father, and sent me a message, requesting, as a favour to her, thatI would assist all I could in the dilemma. I consequently sent for thebooks, and gave orders, and made the necessary arrangements, as I haddone before I had been dismissed by Mr Trevannion.

  It was nearly five weeks before Mr Trevannion had sufficientlyrecovered to mention anything about business to him, and then it wasthat he learnt from his daughter that I had carried it on for him duringhis illness, and that everything had gone on as well as if he had actedfor himself. Although Miss Trevannion had not expressed a wish that Ishould call, she had sent Humphrey for my brother Philip, to let us knowthe dangerous state in which her father was, and after that Philipcalled every day, and was the bearer of messages to me. As her fatherrecovered, she told Philip that he had expressed himself very stronglyas to his conduct towards me, and had acknowledged that I was right inmy scruples, and that he was astonished that he had not viewedprivateering in the same light that I did. That he felt very gratefulfor my considerate and kind conduct in conducting the business duringhis illness, and that as soon as he was well enough he would call uponme, to beg my pardon for his conduct towards me. Miss Trevannion alsotold him that her father had said that he considered his illness ajudgment upon him, and a warning to open his eyes to his sacrifice ofprinciple to the desire of gain, and that he received it accordinglywith humility and thankfulness; that it was his intention to offer theprivateer vessels to government, and if they did not hire them, heshould dispose of them in some other way. This was very agreeableintelligence, and was the source of much conversation between CaptainLevee and me.

  About a fortnight afterwards, Mr Trevannion, who was still weak, sentme a billet, in which he said that he was afraid that his anxiety to seeme and his being still confined to his room, rather retarded hisrecovery, and begged as a favour that I would accept his acknowledgmentin writing, and come to see him. That I consented to do, and repairedto his house accordingly. I found him in
his room, sitting in hisdressing-gown, and he had evidently suffered much.

  "Mr Elrington," said he, "I trust to your excellent nature to accept myapologies for the very unjust treatment you have received at my hands.I am ashamed of myself and I can say no more."

  "I beg, Mr Trevannion, that you will say no more; I accept the returnof your friendship with pleasure," replied I; "I am sorry that you havebeen so ill."

  "I am not," replied he; "it is good for us to be chastised at times. Mysickness has opened my eyes, and made me, I trust, a better man. May Iask a favour of you?"

  "Most certainly, Sir," replied I.

  "It is that you will execute a commission for me, which is to go toLondon on my account, see the government people who control the navalaffairs, and offer the Arrow as a hired vessel. You know all herqualifies so well, and have kept her accounts so long, that you will beable to furnish them with all necessary information. I should wishCaptain Levee to go with you, and, if you possibly can, make it acondition that he is taken into the king's service, and appointed thecaptain of her."

  "I will do so with pleasure," replied I.

  "One more favour I have to beg, Mr Elrington. When I so foolishlyquarrelled with you, you left a bag of money, to which you were fullyentitled from your good services, upon the table in the inner room. Itrust now that you will not mortify me by refusing it, or I shall thinkthat you have not really forgiven me."

  I bowed assent.

  "I thank you, Mr Elrington--thank you very much. Now I shall soon getwell. To-morrow, perhaps, you will have the kindness to come and see meagain. I feel rather overcome at present. Remember me kindly toPhilip. Good-bye for to-day," said Mr Trevannion holding out hisemaciated hand. "God bless you."

  I took his hand and quitted the room, shutting the door softly. MrTrevannion was quite alone when I was with him. Humphrey, the porter,had shown me up-stairs to the room.

  Anxious as I was to see Miss Trevannion, I did not venture into thesitting-room, but passed the door and went down-stairs; when I was goingout of the street-door, Humphrey followed me, and said Miss Trevannionwished to see me. I went back again with a beating heart, a sensation Ihad not felt before, when about to go into her presence. She wasstanding by the table.

  "Mr Elrington," said she, as I bowed upon entering, "I did not thinkthat you could carry your resentment against me so far as to leave thehouse without asking to see me; but if you do not wish to see me, 'tis aduty I owe to myself to wish to see you, if only for a moment, that Imay beg your pardon for my conduct towards you when we last parted. Ihave suffered much since that, Mr Elrington; do not make me suffer moreby continuing your resentment. Recollect I am but a weak woman, andmust not be judged so severely as one of your own sex."

  "I have nothing to pardon that I am aware of, Miss Trevannion," repliedI; "I did not intrude upon you just now, because being no longer aninmate of the house, and not having parted with you in complete amity, Ithought it would be presumptuous in me so to do."

  "You are very generous, Mr Elrington," replied she; "now take my hand,and I promise never to be so hasty again."

  I took the proffered hand, and raised it respectfully to my lips. I hadnever done so before; but Miss Trevannion showed no signs ofdispleasure, or attempted to withdraw it.

  "Do you think my father looks very ill, Mr Elrington?" said she.

  "From his appearance, I think that he must have suffered much."

  "I am most thankful that you have come to see him, Mr Elrington. Youhave no idea how his mind was troubled, and how he longed to bereconciled to you. I trust he has made his peace."

  "I have always had too much respect for your father, and gratitude forhis kindness to me, to have made that a work of difficulty."

  "You rejoice me much--make me very happy, Mr Elrington," replied MissTrevannion, as the tears dropped fast from her eyes. "You must excuseme," said she; "I have become very weak and nervous during my father'sillness--and sitting up with him so much,--but it is over now."

  "You have had much anxiety, I see, Miss Trevannion; you are pale andthin to what you were."

  "Did my father--? But I have no right to ask such questions."

  "You would inquire, Miss Trevannion, whether anything was said as tofuture arrangements?"

  Miss Trevannion made a sign of assent.

  "I have promised to execute a commission for him, and am going toLondon, accompanied by Captain Levee."

  "To get rid of those wretched privateers, is it not?"

  "Yes it is, and I am to come to-morrow to arrange further: but I thinkyou want to return to your father's room, so I will now take my leave."

  "You are considerate, Mr Elrington; I did want to go up-stairs; butbefore I go I have some property of yours to place in your hands."

  I bowed, thinking that she referred to the ring, which I perceived onher finger, and was annoyed that she was in such haste to return it.But, on the contrary, she went to the buffet and brought out the bag ofgold jacobuses, which she laid on the table.

  "You are very proud, Mr Elrington, not to take what was fairly yourdue," said Miss Trevannion, smiling.

  "It is much more than I have ever earned," replied I; "but your fathermade me promise not to refuse it a second time, and of course I shallnow take it."

  My heart was much lightened when I found that it was the gold, and notthe ring.

  "Then good-bye, Mr Elrington; to-morrow I shall see you, of course."

  Miss Trevannion then left the room and hastened up-stairs to her father,and I went home to my lodgings. I narrated the substance of what hadpassed between Mr Trevannion and me to Captain Levee and Philip, andalso that I had been kindly received by Miss Trevannion.

  "Well, I like the reconciliation and arrangement very much," saidCaptain Levee; "and as you have such a bag of gold, and I have not fiftyguineas in the world, you shall stand treat in London, Elrington."

  "That I will with pleasure; it will only be discharging an old debt,Levee. Philip shall go with us."

  "But," said Captain Levee, "do you not think they will recognise theirstate-prisoner, and be cautious of a Jacobite?"

  "They may remember the name," said I, "but my person was seen but byfew. I do, however, think it would be advisable, as I shall have tosign papers, to take another."

  "I think so, too," replied Captain Levee; "what shall we call you?"

  "Let me see; I'll have a good name. I had a relative of the name ofMusgrave; I think I will borrow his name. What say you, Philip? Willyou be, for the future, Philip Musgrave?"

  "Yes, brother, with all my heart. The name appears to fit me betterthan that of Elrington."

  Thus, Madam, did I resume my real name without any suspicion on the partof Captain Levee; but I could not well sign government papers with anassumed one.

  On the following day I called upon Mr Trevannion, who received me withgreat affection, and it was arranged that I should set off in threedays, which time would be required for preparation, and to make thenecessary purchases. To supply funds for the journey, Mr Trevanniongave me another bag of jacobuses, of the same amount as the former,saying that he wished us to appear bravely when we arrived in London,and that he should require no account of the expenditure, only that ifthe contents of the bag were not sufficient, he would supply more. Thiswas nothing more but an excuse on his part to be generous; for onequarter of the money would have been sufficient for all needfulexpenses. I told him that I had taken the name of Musgrave, as that ofElrington might be remembered to the injury of the proposal, and he saidthat it was well thought of by me. Miss Trevannion had entered the roomwhen I mentioned that to her father, and afterwards had quitted it.After I had taken leave of Mr Trevannion, I went down to thesitting-room, where I found his daughter waiting for me. We had muchfriendly discourse, and at one time she said, "I heard you say that youhad taken the name of Musgrave for your intended journey. Do you intendto retain that name when you return?"

  "Why should I?" replied I.
/>
  "Because," replied she, "perhaps it is your real name. Excuse a lady'scuriosity, but is not that the fact?"

  "Miss Trevannion," replied I, "my real name must at present remain asecret."

  "That is to say, it will no longer be a secret if intrusted to me? Ithank you, Sir, for the compliment."

  "I do not intend to imply that, Miss Trevannion; I fully believe thatyou can keep a secret."

  "If you fully believe so, you might, then, reply to my question; themore so, as I now pledge myself to keep your secret most faithfully."

  "Then, Miss Trevannion, my real name is Musgrave," replied I.

  "I thank you for your confidence, Mr Musgrave, which shall not bemisplaced. I might now follow up my inquiries as to why you changedyour name, with many other queries; but I am too discreet for that--thetime may come when I shall know all; but I am content with your proof ofconfidence, and thank you for it."

  Miss Trevannion never was so lively and communicative with me before, asshe was this morning; there was a friendliness without any of her usualreserve, and I left her more full of admiration and devotion than ever.

  In three days more our preparations were made, and, taking leave of MissTrevannion and her father, who was recovering, and had admitted companyto his room, we set off on horseback, as we had done before, andattended by the same two men of Captain Levee's who had served us on aformer journey to London. We had no adventure whatever on this journeywhich could be worth narrating, and I shall therefore say that wearrived in good health and spirits, and took up our abode at once at ourformer lodging-house, instead of going to the inn. We were welcomed bythe hostess, who had her house almost empty. The following day I madeinquiries, and, in consequence, went to the Navy Office, and, requestingto see one of the head clerks, informed him of the occasion of my comingup to London. He was very civil, and replied that the government werein want of vessels, and he had no doubt but they would have the Arrow,as she was well-known as a strong privateer. I then inquired whetherthey thought it likely that Captain Levee might be taken into theservice, stating what an excellent crew the Arrow had, and that theywould not remain in her, unless they were commanded by him, in whom theyhad great confidence.

  The clerk replied that it might be done certainly,--"but," addedhe--"Sir, you cannot expect people to do such kind offices without theyare rewarded."

  I perfectly understood him, and replied, that, of course, I did notexpect it; but I was so ignorant as to what ought to be done, that Ibegged that he would give me his advice, for which I should be mostgrateful.

  "Well, well, you understand me, Mr Musgrave, and that is sufficient. Iwill be plain with you. It will cost 100 guineas to obtain what youwant for Captain Levee, and of that money I shall not receive a doit."

  "I shall be most happy to give that sum and half as much more to obtainmy wish, Sir, and shall feel much obliged to you in the bargain; andwhile I am negotiating, I may as well state that I have a brother whosails with Captain Levee, who is most anxious to be with him, and sailas his lieutenant."

  "That will cost another fifty guineas, Mr Musgrave."

  "I am most willing," replied I.

  "Well, we must first get the vessel hired into the service. You haveyour tonnage and equipment all on paper?"

  "Everything that is requisite; and, moreover, every cruise she has made,the actions she has fought, and the prizes she has taken under thecommand of Captain Levee, and with the crew now on board."

  "Furnish all these documents, Mr Musgrave, and leave it to me. I am tounderstand that you perfectly agree to the terms I have proposed?"

  "Perfectly, Sir; and, if you please, I will sign a memorandum to thateffect."

  "No, no," replied he, "we never put such things down on paper. It is anaffair of honour and good faith. You say your money is all ready."

  "At a minute's warning."

  "That is sufficient, Mr Musgrave. I will now wish you good morning.Send me the documents."

  "I have them in my pocket, Sir."

  "Better still; then the affair may be arranged this afternoon, and youmay call to-morrow at about two in the afternoon; and you may as wellbring the money with you, as you can but take it away again ifeverything is not to your satisfaction."

  I returned to the lodgings quite delighted with the prospect of such afortunate issue to my mission, and was in good time for dinner. I didnot tell Captain Levee or Philip of what had passed, but merely that Iconsidered that there was a good chance of success, and that I was tocall on the following day. That night we went to the theatre, and saw aplay performed, written by Shakespeare, in the time of Queen Elizabeth,and called the "Merry Wives of Windsor." We were much pleased with thecharacter of _Falstaff_, a fat knight, full of humour. The next day, atthe time appointed, I called upon the head clerk, who told me thateverything was arranged according to my wishes; that the hiring of thevessel was according to her tonnage; and he considered that the priceoffered by the government was fair and liberal; so did I, andimmediately accepted it. He then drew from his desk the articles ofagreement between the government and the owner of the vessel, and, atthe same time, the warrants for Captain Levee and Philip, to act ascommander and lieutenant.

  "Now, Mr Musgrave, all you have to do is to sign the first paper, andfulfil the other portion of our agreement."

  I immediately pulled out the bag of money which I had brought with me,and, after counting it over, the clerk gave me his pen to sign thedocument, and handed to me the warrants for Philip and Captain Levee.

  "You have behaved liberally in this affair, Mr Musgrave," said thegentleman, as he locked up the bag of money in his desk: "if at any timeI can be of use to you, you may command me."

  "I thank you, Sir," replied I; "I may by-and-by have to ask you to exertyour influence in behalf of my brother, that he may obtain the commandof one of the king's ships, and if you can help me, I shall be mostgrateful."

  "Depend upon it I will," replied he, "and I beg you will use no ceremonyon making the application."

  He then shook hands with me, and I went home. Dinner was over when Icame back, but the hostess had put away some victuals for me, and whileI was eating them I gave them an account of my success, handing theirwarrants to Captain Levee and Philip. They could hardly credit me, evenwhen the documents were in their hands, but, pledging them to secrecy, Itold them by what means I had been so successful. Whereupon theythanked me, and we then went out to procure the uniforms suitable totheir respective ranks, and this occupied us till the evening, when weagreed to go to the cockpit and see the fights between the variousanimals, with which Philip particularly was much delighted. As we hadnothing to detain us in London, and it was necessary that the Arrowshould immediately run round to the Nore, we determined, as the uniformswere to be ready on the following day, that the day after that we wouldreturn to Liverpool.