Alderman Van Beverout and his companions were found together and evidently in expectation of the visit they now received.  Passing coolly by the former, Ludlow approached his niece, and, taking her hand, he led her to the quarter-deck, making a sign for her female attendant to follow.  Descending into the depths of the ship, the captain conducted his charge into a part of the berth-deck, that was below the water line, and as much removed from danger as she could well be, without encountering a foul air, or sights that might be painful to one of her sex and habits.

“Here is as much safety as a vessel of war affords in a moment like this,” he said, when his companion was silently seated on a mess-chest.  “On no account quit the spot, till I—­or some other, advise you it may be done without hazard.”

Alida had submitted to be led thither, without a question.  Though her color went and came, she saw the little dispositions that were made for her comfort, and without which, even at that moment, the young sailor could not quit her, in the same silence.  But when they were ended, and her conductor was about to retire, his name escaped her lips, by an exclamation that seemed hurried and involuntary.

“Can I do aught else to quiet your apprehensions?” the young man inquired, though he studiously avoided her eye, as he turned to put the question.  “I know your strength of mind, and that you have a resolution which exceeds the courage of your sex; else I would not venture so freely to point out the danger which may beset one, even here, without a self-command and discretion that shall restrain all sudden impulses of fear.”

“Notwithstanding your generous interpretation of my character, Ludlow, I am but woman after all.”

“I did not mistake you for an amazon,” returned the young man smiling, perceiving that she checked her words by a sudden effort.  “All I expect from you is the triumph of reason over female terror.  I shall not conceal that the odds—­perhaps I may say that the chances, are against us; and yet the enemy must pay for my ship, ere he has her!  She will be none the worse defended, Alida, from the consciousness that thy liberty and comfort depend in some measure on our exertions.—­Would you say more?”

La belle Barberie struggled with herself, and she became calm, at least in exterior.

“There has been a singular misconception between us, and yet is this no moment for explanations!  Ludlow, I would not have you part with me, at such a time as this, with that cold and reproachful eye!”

She paused When the young man ventured to raise his look, he saw the beautiful girl standing with a hand extended towards him, as if offering a pledge of amity; while the crimson on her cheek, and her yielding but half-averted eye, spoke with the eloquence of maiden modesty.  Seizing the hand, he answered, hastily—­

“Time was, when this action would have made me happy—­”