placing himself in the companionway, while the little terrified nigger peeped above the combing, and rolled his large eyes, the white glowing in contrast, from behind the captain’s legs.  In this tempting position the little darkie, knowing he was protected by the captain and crew, would taunt the representative of the State with his bad French.  Dunn stood some distance behind Dusenberry, upon the deck, and the mission seemed to be such a mystery to both captain and crew, that their presence aroused a feeling of curiosity as well as anxiety.  Several of the sailors gathered around him, and made antic grimaces, pointing their fingers at him and swearing, so that Dunn began to be alarmed by the incomprehensible earnestness of their gibberish, turned pale, and retreated several steps, to the infinite amusement of those upon the wharf.

Vat ’e do, ah, you vant ’im?  Vat you do vid ’im ven zu gets him, ah?  Cette affaire d‚licate demande,” said one of the number, who was honored with the title of mate, and who, with a terrific black moustache and beard, had the power of contorting his face into the most repugnant grimaces.  And, at the moment, he drew his sheath-knife and made a pretended plunge at Dunn’s breast, causing him to send forth a pitiful yell, and retreat to the wharf with quicker movements than he ever thought himself capable of.

“Il n’y a pas grand mal … cela,” said the Frenchman, laughing at Dunn as he stood upon the capsill of the wharf.

“Bad luck to ye, a pretty mess a murderous Frinchmin that ye are.  Do yees be thinkin’ ye’d play that trick in South Carolina?  Ye’ll get the like o’ that taken out o’ ye whin yer before his honor in the mornin’,” said Dunn.

Dusenberry had stood parleying with the captain at the companion-door, endeavoring to make the latter understand that it was not a case which required the presence of the silver oar.  There is a prevailing opinion among sailors, that no suit in Admiralty can be commenced, or seaman arrested while on board, without the presence of the silver oar.  And thus acting upon this impression, the captain and officers of the Nouvelle Amelie contended for what they considered a right.  The mate and crew drew closer and closer toward Dusenberry, until he became infected with the prevailing alarm.  “Captain, I demand your protection from these men, in the name of the State of South Carolina,” said he.

“Who he?  De State Souf Ca’lina, vat I know ’bout him, ah?  Bring de silver oar when come take my man.  II y a de la malhomm‚, tet‚ dans sou proc‚s,” said Captain Gilliet, turning to his mate.