“Any communication that you may have to make, we shall be pleased to listen to, sir,” I answered.

For the space of a minute the captain surveyed us from head to foot, as though hardly knowing whether to be pleased or offended at our dignity; but at length he exclaimed,—­

“Who, in the devil’s name, are you?”

“We are happy to say that we are Americans,” rejoined Fred, straightening his muscular form, and looking as proud of the title as a senator just elected to congress.

“Blast it, that is not what I mean.  Are you born gentlemen?” pettishly exclaimed the captain.

“No one can be born gentle, but every man an be a gentleman if he but studies the courtesies of life,” remarked Fred.

“And have you so studied?” asked the captain, with a smile.

“All Americans study,” replied Fred, “though perhaps no two are alike.  We try to be civil and attentive to all, and those qualities will pass for good breeding all the world over.”

“By heavens, you are right,” cried the captain, with genuine English bluffness, “and I should have known better than to have thought you would have accepted of a bed at the station house.  Come with me, and make my house your home.  I assure you both a welcome.”

“You will excuse us, but we made an engagement before we entered the city to stop at Smith’s house, and we told him to rely upon our word.”

“And do you prefer his company to mine?” asked the captain, with astonishment.

“We are better acquainted with him,” Fred said, evasively.

“But the man has been convicted as a felon and is only at liberty now on parole.”

“He has atoned for his fault, and has shown himself a brave man,” I replied.

“But with one word I can order him to prison again, and make him serve out his sentence.”

“You would not think of doing such an unkind act, I know,” rejoined Fred, with a smile.

“I don’t know but I shall have to for no other reason than to get his company away,” said the captain, smiling; “you will pardon me if I misjudged you both on account of your dress; we have many strangers landing at our port, and if they disguise themselves in the clothing of workmen, they must not feel slighted if they are taken for such.”

“We are but workmen,” I replied, “and to prove it, I will commence now.  You have it in your power to help confer a benefit, and I mean to work until I get your consent to the scheme.”

“Pray, what is it, sir?  Any thing in my power I will do willingly.”

“We wish the pardon of Smith, and your lieutenant will tell you that he richly deserves it for the gallantry and mercy which he has shown.”

“Your request is one fraught with difficulty, but I will see the lieutenant-governor, Mr. Latrobe, and lay the subject before him.  Perhaps you would like to speak to the gentleman himself on the matter.”