“We have not stirred a fathom; and yet, true as the word of a fearless man, there lies the vessel of the sea-green lady.  You see the place where the beach falls—­here, at the nearest point of the land—­the island is nearly severed by the water at that spot, and the Water-Witch is safe in the depths of the bay which enters from the northward.  There is not a mile between us.  From the eastern hill, I witnessed your spirit this day, Captain Ludlow, and though condemned in person, I felt that the heart could never be outlawed.  There is a fealty here, that can survive even the persecutions of the custom-houses!”

“You are happy in your terms, Sir.  I will not conceal that I think a seaman, even as skilful as yourself, must allow that the Coquette was kept prettily in command!”

“No pilot-boat could have been more sure, or more lively.  I knew your weakness, for the absence of all your boats was no secret to me; and I confess I could have spared some of the profits of the voyage, to have been on your decks this day with a dozen of my truest fellows!”

“A man who can feel this loyalty to the flag, should find a more honorable occupation for his usual life.”

“A country that can inspire it, should be cautious not to estrange the affections of its children, by monopolies and injustice.  But these are discussions unsuited to the moment.  I am doubly your countryman in this strait, and all the past is no more than the rough liberties which friends take with each other.  Captain Ludlow, there is danger brooding in that dark void which lies to seaward!”

“On what authority do you speak thus?”

“Sight.—­I have been among your enemies, and have seen their deadly preparations.  I know the caution is given to a brave man, and nothing shall be extenuated.  You have need of all your resolution and of every arm—­for they will be upon you, in overwhelming numbers!”

“True or false, thy warning shall not be neglected.”

“Hold!” said the Skimmer, arresting a forward movement of his companion, with his hand.  “Let them sleep to the last moment.  You have yet an hour, and rest will renew their strength.  You may trust the experience of a seaman who has passed half of the life of man on the ocean, and who has witnessed all its most stirring scenes, from the conflict of the elements to every variety of strife that man has invented to destroy his fellows.  For another hour, you will be secure.—­After that hour, God protect the unprepared! and God be merciful to him whose minutes are numbered!”

“Thy language and manner are those of one who deals honestly;” returned Ludlow, struck by the apparent sincerity of the free-trader’s communication “In every event, we shall be ready, though the manner of your having gained this knowledge is as great a mystery as your appearance on the deck of my ship.”