Terrence explained that, while the Captain was really the injured party, it was a matter of courtesy that his officer lower in rank should take the quarrel upon himself, more especially as Fernando had been his successful rival at the ball.  From this, the conversation gradually led to Morgianna herself, and Terrence laughed and winked; and called Fernando a lucky dog.

“Go in, me boy, and if ye nade any help, I am at hand.”

“I fear I have injured my prospects there,” said Fernando.

“How?”

“By the duel.  Lieutenant Matson is an old friend of the captain, and I believe a suitor for the hand of his daughter.  What show has a schoolboy against a lieutenant in the English navy?—­none.”

“Yes he has,” declared Terrence.

“What show can he have?”

“Lave it all to me, me frind, and I will bring ye out all right, see if I don’t.”

“I have left too many things to you, Terrence, and you have a most remarkable faculty for getting me into trouble.”

Terrence assured him that he would yet aid him to outgeneral the Englishman, and he only wished that he might come into port during their stay.

“Terrence, you must take no advantage of the public hatred of the English to accomplish your purpose.  Remember, Lieutenant Matson is the son of Captain Lane’s friend.  You might raise a mob and have him driven away; but I will not consent to it.”

“Indade, I don’t mane it, me boy.  Lave it to me.  If he comes ashore, faith, we’ll out-gineral him, sure.”

Next day there came letters for the runaways.  Terrence’s father, being wealthy and influential, had gone to Baltimore, interceded with the faculty and had the runaway scapegraces retained.  There were also letters from the parents of the young men, condemning, but at the time forgiving and warning them to be more careful in the future.

It was some distance by the road to Baltimore, and the boys decided to take passage in a coasting schooner which was loading with barley and would be ready to go in three days.

One morning, two days before their intended departure, Fernando, on going out upon the street, was surprised and really alarmed to see an English man-of-war anchored in the little harbor of Marianna.  His uneasiness was greatly increased on reading the name Xenophon on the broad pennant floating from the main mast.  His enemy was in port, and he could guess his object, especially when he saw Captain Lane’s carriage waiting on the sands while Lieutenant Matson was being rowed ashore.  Fernando gnashed his teeth and there were some ugly thoughts in his heart.

Sukey who had come out hastened to his side and reading his thoughts said: 

“Now don’t you wish you had aimed higher?”

The citizens, noticing the approach of an English war vessel, began to congregate in a large body on the north side of the village, and their demonstrations were decidedly hostile to the landing of the Briton.  Suddenly Captain Lane appeared among them, waving his staff and shouting.  Having gained their attention, the old sea-captain mounted the stile near the village store and said: