England was very cruel to many of her American prisoners, and Captain Jones fixed upon a bold and novel plan for compelling her to show more mercy toward those unfortunate enough to fall into her power.  It was to capture some prominent nobleman and hold him as a hostage for the better treatment of our countrymen.  It must be remembered that Jones was cruising near his birthplace and when a sailor boy had become familiar with the Scottish and the English coasts.  The Ranger was a fast vessel, and, as I have shown, Jones himself was a master of seamanship.  It would seem, therefore, that all he had to do was to be alert, and it need not be said that he and his crew were vigilant at all times.

The Earl of Selkirk was a Scottish nobleman who had his country seat at the mouth of the Dee, and Jones made up his mind that he was just the man to serve for a hostage.  At any rate, he could not be put to a better use and certainly would not suspect the purpose of the American vessel which, as night was closing in, anchored offshore.  Indeed, no one dreamed that the vessel was the terrible American “pirate,” which had thrown the whole country into terror.

Fortunately the night was dark and the men rowed to land without being noticed.  The task was an easy one, for there was no one to resist them.  They walked silently through the darkness to the fine grounds, and, having surrounded the handsome building, the officer in charge of the party presented himself at the door and made known his startling errand.  He was informed that the Earl was absent.  A careful search revealed that such was the fact, and all the trouble of the Americans went for naught.

It was a keen disappointment and the party decided to compensate themselves so far as they could.  The Earl was wealthy and the house contained a great deal of valuable silver plate.  A quantity of this was carried to the Ranger.

Captain Jones was angered when he learned what had been done.  He knew the Earl and Lady Selkirk well and personally liked them both.  The singular scheme he had in mind was solely for the benefit of his adopted countrymen.

“I am accused of being a pirate, robber and thief,” he exclaimed, “and you are doing all you can to justify the charges.  Every ounce of plate shall be returned.”

He kept his word.  The messengers who took back the silver carried a note from Captain Jones apologizing to Lady Selkirk for the misconduct of his men.

Now, if there was anything which Paul Jones loved it was to fight.  It was simply diversion for him to capture merchantmen or vessels that could make only a weak resistance, and he longed to give the enemy a taste of his mettle.  It may be said that his situation grew more dangerous with every hour.  His presence was known and a score of cruisers were hunting for him.