“What matter, truly!  I asked because the description answers a little to that of a man I once knew, in the seas of farther India, and who has long since disappeared, though no one can say whither he has gone.  But this ‘Skimmer of the Seas’ is some Spaniard of the Main, or perhaps a Dutchman come from the country that is awash, in order to taste of terra-firma?”

“Spaniard of the southern coast never carried so bold a sail in these seas, nor was there ever known a Dutchman with so light a heel.  The fellow is said to laugh at the swiftest cruiser out of England!  As to his figure, I have heard little good of it.  ’Tis said, he is some soured officer of better days, who has quitted the intercourse of honest men, because roguery is so plainly written on his face, that he vainly tries to hide it.”

“Mine was a proper man, and one that need not have been ashamed to show his countenance among his fellows,” said he of the sash.  “This cannot be the same, if indeed there be any on the coast.—­Is’t known, your Honor, that the man is truly here?”

“So goes a rumor; though so many idle tales have led me before to seek the smuggler where he was not, that I give but little faith to the report.—­The periagua has the wind more at west, and the cloud in the mouth of the Raritan is breaking into scud.  The Alderman will have a lucky run of it!”

“And the gulls have gone more seaward—­a certain sign of pleasant weather;” returned the other, glancing a quick but keen look over the horizon in the offing.  “I believe our rover, with his light duck, has taken flight among them!”

“We will then go in pursuit.  My ship is bound to sea; and it is time, Master Tiller, that I know in what berth you are willing to serve the Queen.”

“God bless her Majesty!  Anne is a royal lady and she had a Lord High Admiral for her husband.  As for a berth, Sir, one always wishes to be captain even though he may be compelled to eat his ration in the lee-scuppers.  I suppose the first-lieutenancy is filled, to your Honor’s liking?”

“Sirrah, this is trifling; one of your years and experience need not be told, that commissions are obtained by service.”

“Under favor;—­I confess the error.  Captain Ludlow, you are a man of honor, and will not deceive a sailor who puts trust in your word.”

“Sailor, or landsman, he is safe who has the gage.”

“Then, Sir, I ask it.  Suffer me to enter your ship; to look into my future messmates, and to judge of their characters; to see if the vessel suits my humor; and then to quit her, if I find it convenient.”

“Fellow,” said Ludlow, “this impudence almost surpasseth patience!”

“The request is reasonable, as can be shown;” gravely returned the unknown mariner.  “Now, Captain Ludlow of the Coquette would gladly tie himself, for better for worse, to a fair lady who is lately gone on the water, and yet there are thousands who might be had with less difficulty.”