The captain and his companions did as desired, and to the amazement of the former, he perceived that, with the exception of a sort of room fitted with large and water-tight lockers, which were placed in full view, all the rest of the brigantine was occupied by the accommodations of her officers and crew.

“The world gives us the reputation of free-traders,” continued Tiller, smiling maliciously; “but if the Admiralty-Court were here, big wigs and high staffs, judge and jury, it would be at a loss to bring us to conviction.  There is iron to keep the lady on her feet, and water, with some garnish of Jamaica, and the wines of old Spain and the islands, to cheer the hearts and cool the mouths of my fellows, beneath that deck; and more than that, there is not.  We have stores for the table and the breeze, beyond yon bulk-head; and here are lockers beneath you, that are—­empty!  See, one is open; it is neat as any drawer in a lady’s bureau.  This is no place for your Dutchman’s strong waters, or the coarse skins of your tobacconist.  Odd’s my life!  He who would go on the scent of the Water-Witch’s lading, must follow your beauty in her satins, or your parson in his band and gown.  There would be much lamentation in the church, and many a heavy-hearted bishop, were it known that the good craft had come to harm!”

“There must be an end to this audacious trifling with the law,” said Ludlow; “and the time may be nearer than you suppose.”

“I look at the pages of the lady’s book, in the pride of each morning; for we have it aboard here, that when she intends to serve us foul, she will at least be honest enough to give a warning.  The mottoes often change, but her words are ever true.  ’Tis hard to overtake the driving mist, Captain Ludlow, and he must hold good way with the wind itself, who wishes to stay long in our company.”

“Many a boastful sailor has been caught.  The breeze that is good for the light of draught, and the breeze that is good for the deep keel, are different.  You may live to learn what a stout spar, a wide arm, and a steady hull, can do.”

“The lady of the wild eye and wicked smile protect me!  I have seen the witch buried fathoms deep in brine, and the glittering water falling from her tresses like golden stars; but never have I read an untruth in her pages.  There is good intelligence between her and some on board; and, trust me, she knows the paths of the ocean too well, ever to steer a wrong course.  But we prate like gossiping river-men.—­Wilt see the Skimmer of the Seas?”

“Such is the object of our visit,” returned Ludlow, whose heart beat violently at the name of the redoubtable rover.  “If you are not he, bring us where he is.”

“Speak lower; if the lady under the bowsprit hear such treason against her favorite, I’ll not answer for her good-will.  If I am not he!” added the hero of the India-shawl, laughing freely.  “Well, an ocean is bigger than a sea, and a bay is not a gulf.  You shall have an opportunity of judging between us, noble captain, and then I leave opinions to each man’s wisdom.  Follow.”