“Both can be explained,” returned the Skimmer, motioning to his companion to follow to the tanrail.  Here he pointed to a small and nearly imperceptible skiff, which floated at the bottom of a stern-ladder, and continued—­“One who so often pays secret visits to the land, can never be in want of the means.  This nut-shell was easily transported across the narrow slip of land that separates the bay from the ocean, and though the surf moans so hoarsely, it is easily passed by a steady and dexterous oarsman.  I have been under the martingale of the Frenchman, and you see that I am here.  If your look-outs are less alert than usual, you will remember that a low gunwale, a dusky side, and a muffled oar, are not readily detected, when the eye is heavy and the body wearied.  I must now quit you—­unless you think it more prudent to send those who can be of no service, out of the ship, before the trial shall come?”

Ludlow hesitated.  A strong desire to put Alida in a place of safety, was met by his distrust of the smuggler’s faith.  He reflected a moment, ere he answered.

“Your cockle-shell is not sufficiently secure for more than its owner.—­Go, and as you prove loyal, may you prosper!”

“Abide the blow!” said the Skimmer, grasping his hand.  He then stepped carelessly on the dangling ropes, and descended into the boat beneath.  Ludlow watched his movements, with an intense and possibly with a distrustful curiosity.  When seated at the sculls, the person of the free-trader was nearly indistinct; and as the boat glided noiselessly away, the young commander no longer felt disposed to censure those who had permitted its approach without a warning.  In less than a minute, the dusky object was confounded with the surface of the sea.

Left to himself, the young commander of the Coquette seriously reflected on what had passed.  The manner of the Skimmer, the voluntary character of his communication, its probability, and the means by which his knowledge had been obtained, united to confirm his truth.  Instances of similar attachment to their flag, in seamen whose ordinary pursuits were opposed to its interests, were not uncommon.  Their misdeeds resemble the errors of passion, and temptation, while the momentary return to better things is like the inextinguishable impulses of nature.

The admonition of the free-trader, who had enjoined the captain to allow his people to sleep, was remembered.  Twenty times, within as many minutes, did our young sailor examine his watch, to note the tardy passage of the time; and as often did he return it to his pocket, with a determination to forbear.  At length he descended to the quarter-deck, and drew near the only form that was erect.  The watch was commanded by a youth of sixteen, whose regular period of probationary service had not passed, but who, in the absence of his superiors, was intrusted with this delicate and important duty.  He stood leaning against the capstan,