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'^smmm^mt uS^^^^'i^f ■.".•^mvj- £:^-A^O(p FOB Emm B0USEKEEPE8! f JJM »BT^ 25 c cowTJUEKjaf© sEVBHAi. munimm txcm^umr xBcmrm. NEW-TO K: GAREETf & 00., FUBUSliEES, ^0 AH^ STREET. J THE A D G A II R E ■ NORVEL HASTINGS: OB, if THE FEIGATE IN THE* Off ING. ^ Xmlltnl €fik ^P THK WAR OF 1812. t BY A DISTINGUISHED NOVELIST. COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME. NEW -YORK «AliRETT*C0., ,8 At.^ STREET ■n Entered, according to the Act of CongreiB, i« the yn 7 1850, by A. HART, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for tin Eastern District of Pennsylvania. NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, THE FRIGATE m THE OFFING. CHAPTER L The shades of T»i«i>* ~ Uaok, and reflected the 8,a„ L f ""r"'"" g-^" «% belt of velvet. Tho willor, „" h fe f T* ^""^'-^ ■»■ «^ l»od over it and met the r Jlh" /?«"" "" ^^^iug ar«a, f.ff-leaved pine and gnarlZh f T "'"'■"'y' '^''"o «.« Innehes half-way aero^ in ih' ""^ .'*"^''°"''^'' «">- the gloom. ™"«'' ^on-PMionship, inereaaing «", when it received a „arrh>r "^ "^ "'"■'''* " "»» "» » %,and would be termed aTiverVirfrf ^"^ '"«" 0.^ he emhonehnre or outlet Zl^'::""' "" '■"'^' "^ ^oe iittio river,— which Im^i « »'e^'hogreensava„nah,-rLn'v " J r '"' ""^'^ «'°"'y " »"'« and a half bevond IT 7T^^ ^'" *'»°" <""(* "early '»*°'ures in t„e coa^t ofZT^T-'""' '^ *''" ■""»"»«» , ;"" »« on the ohart., for a htdred """ -" "'' «"^'''""'-' ! '»N -og^Iarit, oAi, ;i 7-f^ «««»*, the SCO,. (9) V S 10 NORVEl HASTINGS; OP, breadth was not more than four, and its length to the open ocean, not more than five miles. : The entrance to it from the sea was not a quarter of a mile wide, and was formed by two cliffs, of nearly equal height, on one of which, — that whi^h made the western column of the opening, — stood the ruins of an old i^eacon, which was a lofty landmark for many a mariner seeking the dangerous coast. From these two cliffs the shores of the bay swept inward in a pear-shape form, partly bounded by rocks with precipitous sides, partly belted with glittering sand, as spotlass as snow in its whiteness. At the top of the bay, in a straight line, four miles from the surge-washed cliffs, at its entrance, opened the r.arrow inlet which led to the mouth of the little iiver, whose windings we have compared to a snake. If the reader has clearly impressed upon his imagination ■ ^hese features of the scene in which we shall open and carry on the first parts of our tale, we will now take him up the inlet, and into the creek, the dark curves of which we shall follow, under the shadows of rocks rnd of trees, amid lawns and meadow-land as green as emerald, until we reach, ur>ex-»j pectedly, after a short turn in the river, a small pier, built solidly of hewn timber and stones, that projects thirty feet from the shore, and extends full one hundred along the land. I Opposite this mole the creek expands a few yards into a natu- ral basin — a feature of the place which doubtless suggested the • construction of a landing at that point. Facing the wharf, on the same side of the creek with it, which is the west side, stood, at the time of our story, which is laid in the first year of our last war with England (1812), a long row of weather-worn, unpaintcd warehouses, curiously built, the under story of stone, the upper of wood, while immense roofs projected ten feet on all sides, affording large sueittr beneath to protect merchandise outside from min or sun. In the mid- dle of this long hipped-roof edifice of trade rose a square tower, enclosed by open blinds; and upon its helmet-shaped dome wai middle, s blue nava Wcllingtc The famo spy-glass, other dire towards tl if he look west. The ap] houses ma and kegs, i pipes, rolls up under i paulins, be pier was th In the r which a ro of a ridge, captain's he of this emi walk from ) high degree and around open and p the rich hai on which floi ing peacefull the scene. ] mansion, risi size and imp terrace, and wide lawn, w ^'■^y, and out V %,. THE FRIGATE IN THE OFFINa. the open I dome was fixed an iron rod, upon wLich 11 blue naval coat, vellow n-n^..un , '^apiam took, m a WeUington boo'ts trblitC^ n Mw" "I/"""'' ■"«• no fa„.o„s navigate in wo'od a d"; ; tr^P^f ?° «"-• spj-glasa, with wliicli he was n.v.„,V " '"' "^^^ " other di.e.io„ than the;:.d.s;:f soTw If •"'L 'l ■"■' .n.e looked .0 the setting snn, that the winVrtiTho ..olt^Se^theMrt"'"' "''"' ""^ -'« »<"'- andkeg„„arw;^^h l^eZS^ ''""^"t'- ^"'^^ Pipo, rolls of merchandise, fnV Itstf f^''' '"'"* ""* «P under the projecting eaves Td l!, ^ '"^'' P"^ stttntitir^^^^^^^^^ :ll'h "!""'r--^ -S^'y feet aCfther '' l' P tau s head, and nearly overhnng it. On ;,ai of h>s eminence, which was not more than fl -11 from the mole, the eye was strnck with the e. hgh degree of cultivation of a wide domdn that . . , and around him, and stretched even to he ^k^d r " open and nark-likr* in f».«- i. "' ''"^ sca-side. Groves, «!^ rich ha'^est of llZ^^'^'^^""'^' "ff »« -"^ on which flocks and fe,^: aXUn " e^Ter'wer'^' "ansion, visible through the trees fn triCrTf T * »vme iawn, while its southern frn«f i«^i,.j j__.. •^. l^iiy, and out upon the illimitabl c sea. looked down upon the ' i 12 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, 1 The whole of the promontory seemed one noble edtuto, under the direction of one master; while a lowlj roof seeii here and there, distant from the "great house," showed the humbler abode of the hired labourer -r tenant. Of the latter, there was one in particular which made a marked object in the view, from the rmgularity of its position and its extremely neat but yet rustic aspect. It occupied the side, half-w?y down, of the rock on the bay shore, on which the villa stood, and seemed to belong as much to the domain of the ocean as that of the land. It was built of stone und moss, and overrun with creeping plants, so that Its chimney seemed tc rise rather from an irregular hillock of leaves, thf»n from a roof—a sort of hanging nest midway the cliff. Though fu.. a third of a mile distant from the mansion, its situation along the curving line of the bay placed It .obliquely in sight, westwardly, from the south fiont of the turreted house. Directly beneath this hanging cottage was the smooth beach, on which usually lay a skiff", or anchored off agamst it swung a fishing xebec. There was a narrow and perilous path from the hut to the beach, and one scarcely less precipitous leading from it to the top of the cliff, connecting It with the estate. When we add that it was not more than three-quarters of a mile from the cottage, goini^ south, to the extreme end of the promontory, on which the ruined Beacon stood, we have terminated our description of localities, which, being imperfectly comprehended by readers, render the details of a story usually confuted and unsatisfactory ' - We now return to the secret and scarcely illuminated inlet, with a description of which we commenced our narrative. It was the autumnal night of the first day of September on which we introduce the reader to this dark and noiseless current, flowing between its leafy banks. Not a sound was heard, save at intervals the waili. ,, cry of the whip-poor-will, or the ceaseless, shrilly song of the winged locust. Fur in the blue skies shone a glittering host of stars, but only here and there 'niE reiOATE IN THK OFPINQ. did one find its way, 13 ^ :^«.'^aye already said, through the close trees, to be reproduced in ir T '"'"' *^''"«^ ' Q., 1 7 1 f'^^^^^ in image in the waveless rivPi- Suddenly the silenee is disturbed by the faint dTrnf or padd e, and likp a Hini . u i^ ^^^ °^ "° oar from the blaekL! „f Ti:'""^7' '"^'^ i'^^n^hUhU in «.c bow. i^eo7lr^^^tCZt T u"^' '' ''"'^ '"»„.r !. • • . ^" *"'* """""o* ''O a".i certainty with wMch it Zi '"iTn-' i 1 "^fT Ihc person at the stem is nr.lT m" ^" ^ "'""«'' """ ■'"S^ ..f the strraT^r • ''"'^'""'""- "■"' *''« d^viotts wind- «.t^;-;i-::r:,r .—-»"- •■ Z"™ ^s™ qwet," grumbled the other, in a snrW ta„. ™d he vo,ce was evidently that of a young' In ^ ' W'ZiJ'J'J^ ««, weapon merely ejaculated a eonte^ptno™ eoto :"th tat S'' ^T' 1""^ "^'"'""S '"-Ward wavwit^ tr ' «»»*">ncd its secret and myeterion, ~y WUI. the same certainty which had marked jt from the Zl 14 NORVEL HASTINQS; OR, f I I CHAPTER II. Leaving the boat to pursue its way amid the dark wind- ings of the river, we will take the reader back to the afternoon of the day, at the close of which we opened our story, and to the villa which we have already described. Upon the portico, about four o' clock in the afternoon, stood two persons looking seaward j for the main ocoan was in view to the south-west, and to its shores it was not half an hour's walk across the promontory, while the inner bay, enclosed by the promontory of the Beacon, lay directly beneath and to the left of the mansion like a map. One of the persons was a gentleman with gray hair, and a florid, handsome face, with a decidedly English cast of fea- ture« while his frame was large and English built, not unlike that we have of the pictures of the Dnke of Sussex, portly and noble-looking. He was in high health, and yet as be paced up and down the piazza, there was visible a contraction of the brow and comprossure of the lip, that betokened thoughts perplexing, or a mind temporarily ill at ease. He held a letter in his hand, which contained a printed slip out from some Gazette. ^ The second personage was a female of seventeen or perhaps *ull eighteen summers, fresh, blooming, graceful and handsome enough for a score of knights in the crusading times to do battle for, vizor down and lance in jcst^ That she was tba THE PEIGATI IN THE OFPINO. ^ 16 daughter of the fine-looking, silver-haired man, who marched up and down the portico, was very evident from the shape of the profile and the form of the eye. She was standing at the western angle of the verandah, looking earnestly seaward, and watching With animated interest a "white squall," as the sail- or. term a peculiar kind of gale, remarkable for its violence and brevity. From her position she commanded the sea and sky in one complete view. Having .een the cloud create itself out of nothing, as it were, in mid sky, and then darken and ower over the sea, like a huge inverted balloon, she felt thac she could not divert her eyes from the strange and sublime .peetacle until she should see the issue-^the meeting of the s orm and of the seal The latter, beneath it, grew suddenly b ack as night, while sunshine and blue sky were everywhere else around. The sudden darkness cast by the shadow of the down-rushmg cloud of wind upon the waters, revealed all at one. to her eyes, and at the very moment we introduce her to the reader, a sail white as snow ! At tlie sight of it she turned pale, and her lips parted as if with terror-that sort of humane terror which noble spirits ieel in sympathy with fellow-mortals in peril " Look dear father, look ! The storm will burst upon that vessel, and all on board will perish I" The gentleman paused in his walk, and following the direc tion of her eye, glanced seaward. " You are right I She will get the whole weight of tliat squall. My glass here, Pedro," he called aloud. The person addressed with this foreign name, though not tlien on the portico, in a moment made his appearance with a spy-glass, and placing it in the hands of his master, he bowed very low, and stepped back with the profound deference of a menial. Small in stature, slightly framed, with a dark com- plexion, jet black hair curling in corkscrew rinirlets down hU enoejcs, and a pair of eyes like those of a basilisk, small hands f, I i IG i 1 I NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, and small feet, and exceedingly white teeth, ho was a true specimen of a West Indian half-blood Creole— the most faith- ful of servants and most implacable in their hatred to those Who injure them— kissing their master's feet in love and devo- tion, but stabbing him to the heart if he tread but upon his little finger. Pedro was about forty years of age, for a few silver hairs were sprinkled over his polished hair; his dress was a scarlet velvet cap, an embroidered jacket adorned with rows of buttons, worn not with his arms in the sleeves, but hung on the left shoulder like a Polish jacket. His shirt was frilled and embroidered, and he was without a vest; but worked suspenders lavishly displayed, were a handsome substitufe for this vestment. His pantaloons were snow-white linen, and his stockings were red, clocked on the instep, while a neat morocco slipper, garnished with huge buckles, finished hia pic- turesque costume. "'it is a man-of-war!" exclaimed Mr. Canning Fielding, with some emphasis, after he had fixed his glass for half a minute steadily upon her. "It may be an American frigate, and if so, may Heaven protect her from the storm rushing towards her I" exclaimed the maiden, with deep feeling. f "If it is a Yankee, may she go to the bottom I" was the decided response of Mr. Fielding. " Father !" was the deprecatory ejaculation of Mary Fielding, as she fixed her clear blue eyes upon hira with surprise and pain. " What has an American man-of-war to do on this coast at this time ? She can be here for no good I" ho said, with ill- humour. " To protect the coast. Was not an English sloop-of-war and her tender iu the offing throe weeks ago ? We certainly have need of protection. If the English vessel had como into the bay and landed, what would hava sftved u« fmm pillage?'* THE FRIGATE IN THE OFFINQ. 17 "The girl is thoroughly Yankee, br.ed in the bone !" mut- tared the father, in a tone which savoured both of anger and contempt. " I must keep my own councils, or she is patriotic enough to betray even her own father !" " The squall is nearly upon her !" cried Mary Fielding, with excitemenl; "but she is rapidly shortening sail, and seems to he fully aware of her danger. How the wind whitens the surface of the sea, making a mile-broad path across it; and the ship lies directly in its track. What a whirlwind of foam !' Hark, the roar of the lifted and lashed waves reaches us even here, dear father! The ship has got it now in all its fury! See how she bends over, as if she would upset; and— see ! she has disappeared from sight for ever! Mercy upon the poor souls within her V She covered her face with both hands, and seemed to be putting up prayers . Mr. Fielding, who had the spy-glass con- stantly at his eye, with more eager interest than mere humanity and sympathy would dictate, vainly endeavouring to make out her nation, for she had no colour set, merely remarked— " No fears for her safety, They put her under close-reefed topsails before it struck her. She must be a bad sea-boat, or ignorantly officered, to shipwreck in a white squall, heavy as this one is." '• De frigat' no poseeblo to be see more, seflorita, coz de thoek meest hide 'im away," observed the Creole, in a lisp and pleasant tone, but with a strong Cuban accent, and he took off his cap and made her a respectful congee. " You are right, Pedro. She may bo safe. Foe or friend, I have put u- my prayers for her safety," answered the gene- rous girl. The roar of the storm, which was not three miles off, was now so loud and terrific that all eyes were directed to the spectacle. It was a whirlwind in mid air, H& b/oie upon the ocean and its diameter scarcely a mile, proceeding from a low 2* ^\11 18 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, ■ black cloud, hanging ftot two thousand feet above the occin, and rolling Along it like a chariot on wheels, so swift was its course. The sea on all sides of it was smooth and shining, and the skies serene, save in that black spot. In less than ten minutes the whole fierce commotion had travelled far away to leeward, and was seen ploughing its white track kagues away on'the south-eastern horizon. The waves left in its path sank from mountains with tops of snow to lesser and lesser billows, and from the misty shroud that hung on its rear, out came, but full eight miles off, the lioble vessel safe, and, save the loss of her two after topgallant masts, which there was not time to house, sound as before. Shaking the reefs out of her topsails, and setting her spanker and jibs with her foretopgal- lunt sail aloft, she laid her course back again to regain the position from which she had been driven by the squall. ^'Safe, and well-earned, too,'* said Mr. Fielding. "She must bo an Englishman; for no Yankee seaman could have rode out thai blast without more harm done." '* You scorn to fmcy, dear father, that the Americans are no seamen. I thought' you were too much of one to think ill of them. If this war, now but a few weeks old, continue three years, England will find that we are as skilful on the ocean as wc were cflScieut in our armies of the Revolution on land." . " By St. George ! The girl speaks as if she had been born before the rebel war, and had fought in it under Washington. I must take better heed of my speech; for if she is so deuced patriotic as all this comes to, I may have a traitress in the camp. I must feign, if I do not feel. Well, Moll, the Amc ricans arc brave enough, and good sailors, I dare say. All the same race, jou know — Anglo-Saxon blood all! One o' these odd days, I dare say, wc shall together conquer the world I" * This was said in a cheery, badinaging sort of tone, meant to appear gincsre ; and, as Mary Fielding was too fond of her iM father, than he his insi ism, sh( The£ aspect : onward, hour, 'j from th Weconn( "He "and no and, by i topsail y And he I "You so near, \ Nothing < whatever such I ho] . war. ship c air. Fie evidently ] with his d pliantic, fa glittering, "Me set '"vmoso— - bueno grar see too mos "Ishoul "ity," said Pedro HO |*j, of Havana t THE FRIGATE IN THK OPFIXO. ' jq The surface of the ocean began to resume it- f„ »spcet: a gentle wind Wpplodlts bo/o: TnV ot"::: Z from *he': • iTt \t"t'i:a w' t- f ^^ '"^'"■' Wc^onnot ba, by the IndiarfishtTol '^' "'' "" ""•=' "He has come to, to repair damaffes " siiVl M, v . i- ".nnd now her broadside can be se^ Moll Sh! . ^"^' -a, by bcr high poop and full Z', and the b^oL* Xe' .op-l y«rfs I ,m wager fifty g-^^eas «he s a jln BuU " And he brought his hand down with emphasis. «> near, when I should suppose you would feel-most anxious Not, .ng can prevent the vessel from coming in, rndtaZ whatever yon have. An American would prftee y"„ Z ™ch I hope ,t ,.,, as I would rcjoieo once to place eyes on a • '"Mh'P of my own country !" * ^ "" * cmL^'T'"^ "' "'"'"' *" '■'"''" ^°»>" '•«""»* that would n den ly have compromised his patriotism with Pedro Tf not nhh,s daughter; when the former remarked, i hu ° P nt.e, fawnmg, bowing manner, his black eye dane n. and ghttenng, and his teeth smiling ; "ancing and "Me see Americano frigate in Habana, seiiorita; he berrv t::r~T' 'r*^'""'' ^'^ e™ -"'» -*«> «nd o^ z see iro:,^..' ''''"'' •""'"™' "■"• "-""• '"'"^ ^--'p i ;l!!'i?!rL^:^":"«' !''"'!S'"^""y; "»' "ot answering of H»™nrs:^::te7to"hi'"'"' """"^'^ "'''^ "" •"^•'«"" I 20 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, 1:! " Oh, 81, seiiora, si," he said, rubbing his small yellow hands together, and looking inexpressibly happy j ''yes, Habana, too pretty — too bootefool — De handsomes seety in de voorl'. Sish handsom hous', sich graate iglesias, schurches, noble gardin, fine street, big castle, frigat of all n?,tion — speak sonoroso Spanish language. I wish too mosh scnorita make go to Habana \" "Pedro!" The Creole jumped at the startling sound of his master's voice, and bent low before him. " Has the master of the scudder had his dinner, and has he drunk his bottle of wine ?" " Si, seiior, me go see I" " Father, who is that low-browed man who came to see you just as we rose from the table ?" ' "He came on business. Brought me this letter I Girls and wt)men know nothing about business matters. Don't be inquisitive, child." " I am not inquisitive, father. But it seemed tc please you and yet to trouble you, at one and the same time, that I could not but feel some curiosity to learn from whom it came. I half hoped"— " Half hoped what ?" he said, turning and looking her full in the face. , " That it was some news from my brother." " None from him. He is in England, and doing his duty to his king and country." « Poor George !" sighed the maiden. " My brother, and yet my country's foe !" " You need not make yourself unhappy rbout him. Ko is as much of an Englishman as you arc an American. He was born in London and you in Maine !" "Yet Atnerica is his true country. I heartily yih\\ that — " Here about U safe in the sigl salt-wat( preposse man," I stranger "Wei "Ail looking 1 the froni meant fo] nice — an( well store "We ] your vessi "Steeri soundin's a'ter dari lead, and '. Mr. Fie looked vcji 'iiul thumt "Come, tliou turnei lio spoke t( " Yiss, s "That is ^vith this Ic "Safe as tipsy confid l>it first. 'I ^iere on the i** like a pal low hands Eibana, too rl'. Sish le gardin, sonoroso ike go to 8 master's r, and has to see you ir I Girls Don't be please you at I could came. I ig her full y his dufy tther, and n. lie is , He was tily wij^li THE FRIGATE IN THE OFI-IXQ. 21 the Mffht nf T>«^-^ • i'^^percy, Dut discretion and man," he descended the sL, otiCjir T " "^ stranger on the shelled ,rf^flf' '""""' "'«' ■»»' "'» .-i;:a?ii: :r„eh^.ihei::;Ti:;fL'^^ rr well stored, idmiral 1" ^^ "" ''''P J"" 1«^" "AVe hav.; to in these wartimes M«»(^r a your vessel now ?" ^ "mes. Master. Are j«u for " Sleerin' straight for her. Admiral ' Mean i^h ■ ;, «o«ndi„'s 'fore the first nighlwateh Don^L l' '° f"? "Come, I will walk down to your craft with you " ir„ I'cn tnmed to Pedro and said privately • "n . 1.0 ^poke to no one while he was'all.^L ?^ ""' "' *'"' Y.SS seilor! Me loek him in-find him lock in '■• with thl LZ" ■ '"'' *'"''' '"^''""P' ' "" '-We you vun tms letter. Can you carry it safely ?" ki' first. They do s'; Admi™.'':!,,' ri.'". ""1' '"'°"' » '-on the coast from St. Johns'to^pi.rUau'^rb;.' "l^r^;::: '' "if e a palace any way ; and—" 'It. > '.hi ■: I 22 NORVEL HASTINQS; OR, <^ Here is the path I Come, step carefully," said Mr. Field- ing, thoroughly disgusted with his visiter, but whom he was, nevertheless, afraid to leave a moment to himself; for to suf- fer him to hold conversation with any person were a risk too great for him to run ; he therefore had no intention of leav- ing him till he should see him take the boat at the beach. Here they soon arrived, and Westcap stumbling into a skiff in which two men waited for him, was pulled oflf to a small, sharp-bowed vessel, schooner-rigged aft and sloop-rigged for- ward, with a foresail heavy enough for a vessel four times as large, a kind of -"Taft now known in the Bay of Fundy as a scudder, and then in use more or less along the eastern coast of Maine by a certain class of fishing traders. Mr. Fielding anxiously watched until he beheld the scud- der make sail and lay her course down the bay ; and when he ' saw her disappear between the two cliifs that formed the out- let to the ocean, he blessed his good fortune in having got clear of a man who, as he expressed it to himself, as be reclimbed the way to the villa, "might have done him an* irreparable mischief with his tipsy tongue, had the humour taken him." THE FRIGATE IN THE OFPINO. Mr. Field- a he was, For to suf- a risk too 1 of leav- beacb. itoaskiff a small, igged for- r times as undy as a tern coast tho sciid- 1 when he d the out- Laving got 2lf, as be e him an 'I e humour 28 CHAPTER III. I '^fT ^^T,T """""^"'^ * ^^^ ^^^^'^^^ standing where hei. father had left h.r, upon the verandah, and gazing w th mtcrest upon the ship-of-war, which, with her head s'ails bfcC ay tc, stationary upon the sea. Taking the spy-glass, sh t led to -guess ' lier nation; but as this was tho first frigate she had ever seen there was but little chance of success in this spec.es of nautical scrutiny. But her eye in ranging along the honzon detected a second vessel some distance to leewardf and which seemed to have met the squall also, for her fore! topsail was close reefed. Mary was sailor enough to know that the second vessel was a large schooner with foretopgollantsail yard across; and she new by the rakish slew of her masts, that she was' a differ! nt affair from the clumsy, short, upright-masted coasters she had been accustomed to see pass the Beacon Head, and anchor 111 the bay. ^ "Bears me, Miss Mary, 'ow can you lovo to look so much hon he ornd sea, and 'old that 'cavy glass at arms' length, enough to brcA both of your harms, to say nothing of jambing your hoyes hout? I 'ato the sea-I'm so ti™d of seeing it Hit , .Mho same thing from morning till night, blue and dull Si tZtimor" '"™ ""'" '"" '"" ""' '""^ ''^' "'" ^''^ "And it is pleasant to look at tho sky, espeeially iu the 24 NORVEL HASTINGS J OB, night when the stars are out. Don't }ou remeirber, Hetty, how I showed you Orion, and the Pleiades, and the north star, and Jupiter and his moons, and Saturn " " T dare says I saw something — but they danced habout so one couldn't tell j and, has for Satan, I didn't care about seeing him, and so I shut my heyes when you pointed at the 'orrid monster, as the cethens vorshipped !" The speaker was a rosy-chGcked, buxonr little maiden about sixteen years of aije, with hazel eyes, brown hair that curled coquettishly about her little ears, and ripe, cherry-tinted lips, that would have captivated a honey-bee, to say nothing of a young man's heart. She was dressed in a white frock, short enough to show a pretty ankle and foot, a black silk apron, a blue ribbon tied in a love-knot about her neck, and a brooch and ear-rings, the latter representing a heart hanging by a gof leu hoop. Altogether, she was a nice, clever, blooming, mischievous-looking little /emme-de-chamhre, which was the oflBce she held near the person of the beautiful Mary Fielding. By birth a cockney, she still retained the freshness of her native enunciation, and her London notions about nearly every idea that her little round head held. " I should think you would find amusement in watching the vessels on the ocean. Hetty," said her mistress, who smiled at her astronomical speech. " Dears me ! One wcssel a day ! Hin Lonnon you can see sights o' young lords and gentlemen, and fine hequipages, a hundred going by in a minnit ! I honly want to see the wes- sel that is going to take you to Lonnon, and me with you, dear Miss Mary." " Well, Hetty, one of these days ! You have not been three years, no, not two from England, and yet you are sighing to return, while I have never been there, and yet how quiet I am." *• You wouidu'i 'ardly be so, Misw, hif you'd seen Lonnon. You'd it once "We "Hal going w land. ] "Ise if you 8 we can ^ for you much; 1 "No,i English away froi wish we ( "Wei if he hea hurry ?" j there was to be infoi little maic patted the visibly he] the "Wil pretty mot he would I existence. Miss Fi heart in he glass over i regard to ti sea for her expression i in her eye, 3 THE FRIGATE IN THE OFFING. 26 1:^1 Z^' ''''' '""'- ^'" -»' »» «»' *» % %- on " Well, Hetty, father says after this war " land I w.sh I had ne«r left it, dears me !" ^' 1 see you are oat of patience about the war, Hettv But we':. Z ,:„'"'-->^' y™ «-alI go in the ^fvl, .t we eai. get you passage on. I should miss you very mueh awc.y trom you ! I lore you too well to leave you • bat I hnX wish we could hall go I" ^ ' ^ ^^^v "We may soon Hetty. What would William say, Hetty if he heard you wishinrr to go back tn Fn,,i a - . hurrv ?" oot^^ *k . r .^ J^ngland m such a JCwas^vrrtrh;::::!-,:!;:: ;.r '^t pretty motions and plays of Icve, h3C ^ "0^0^ !:::". "^^ 't!^ *» -^ - »^ '-^ ""PP'- W il' ;;^:^5;y::::i:Sit:dr^:^-.- - .r her own amusom^enn;t:r rir 2^^^^ oppression m her fine face, and » „lnc. „...!..• ".'"' ■» her eye, that indicated that . ^^^Z ZTZl 26 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, I pastime guided her telescope. It was particularly (^I'r^cted to the south-western board, and in that quarter was levelled long and steadily, until the sight of the scudder hoisting her sails in the bay below drew Hetty's attention, whereupon her excla- mation caused her mistress to remove her eye from the glass, and turn and look to the left upon the bay. " This is a short and hodd visit to Master," said Hetty. "I didn't like the looks o' that man in the tj^.rpaulin an' storm- jacket, at hall. Miss Mary. I wonder what brought 'im 'ere !" " He came on business, and you shonld not be too curious, Hetty," answered Mary, who, nevertheless, had felt, from the mysterious mode of the visit, and its effect upon her father, the keenest curiosity to learn the object of it." " Well, it is the huglicst-lookirig vessel, too, I hever laid heyes hon ! Its sails i- a mile too big for hit; and I've no do^bt it'll tip hover be.jre hit gets where hit's going to. But here comes the clork. Master Cracklewood ; and his thin face looks an hinch longer than hever. Something 's the mat- ter down to the warehouses. Miss Mary, I '11 be bound. He 'd never stir from his desk to walk up here, with his thin, spider- legs, hif there wasn't." '' Hetty^ you are too saucy, girl !" ''Well, MisB Mary, there's reasons;" and here she pureed her rose-bud lips : " there 's reasons for being saucy, perhaps, when some folks ia,»amed !" "Pray, what has Mr. Cracklewood said to stir your ire, Hetty ?" said her mistress, laughing at her manner. "He on»i uiv covdpared my fingers to shapely goose quills, and takinr.; hdd of my h-^nu, wanted to sharpen the nail of the little finger, and write with it. And then he had the 'dacity to say ray mouth was prettier than a c^ "al hinkstand, and was filled with the hink o' nectarine or son bather kind o' preserve. He is an old grizzled bachelor, and must keep his flirtatings to himself." laid THE JRIOATE IN THR OrriNO. The personage thus compliracntorily alluded to by the spoiled t.co hat ,n hand, w.th a low bow to Miss Fielding, ul wl a tall, spare man, w th fierv red hmV ^.« u- i -.With er coloiu wise to u for it. H head yard The see bluiF. Ti] THE FRIOATE IN THE OPFIXO. "TI'ero'llbeplentj«me,iMastorCr«lafru,s brought by the schooner 'Jeannette' last week wque ' Wdham- before wc heard of this war, all these arc ^era costly, and are not in a safe place so near the sea, with a war-ship on the coost. Then there is '' is ll!"""/" ""''' r.'' *'"''" ^'''■'"^' »<■ »' "'y '■"«'-' lele „ f •" r """■■•, «'f«'y <« y«"%yo« must let me de which ,s best and follow my directions, a. becomes yo. I have seen this fngate in »■.» offing,this last hour, and jet the sight of her has not frightened me, as I see it has you, and even Mary looks p.dc." ^ ' " "'»'■. -1«^>- father, is so terrible. The prospect that thcro n ay be a battle between the two vessels is enough to pale a stouter eek than mme. There is a third gun fired, and it seems loiulcr than the others." ''The schooner is an armed vessel-and, see! nhe return. I'e ft gate s fire ! That h bold, to say the least I 8he has hor colours set too, but I can't make them out-they fly edce- ^.se to us. The sehooner now squares her yards and rl to t. How she spreads her canvass I The frigate swings her head yards and pursues; and hark I how she thunders I" ^ IJ.0 scene was now deeply excitinc to the Bi^a.inr. n« '., t'luii The schooner, which h * Pi a been fired at to heave to. no NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, was full a league beyond the frigate when the first gun was discharged from her, and had been edging up towards her as if to make her out; which temerity was rewarded, as we have seen, by a shot. The second and third shots led to a change in tho movements of the schooner; and wearing so as to bring a bow gun to bear on the frigate, she fired a parting salute, and, as if satisfied of the quality of the huge stranger, steered square off before the wind and went southward at a fleet speed. The frigate followed for about four miles, when, finding that the schooner steadily increased her distance, she gave up the chase and came to again. " That is because she finds herself too crippled to overtake the fellow," said Mr. Fielding, who with the rest had watched the chase with deep interest. " If she had her top-gj^llant masts up again, I 'd answer for her she 'd have the runaway schooner in her hands before midnight." " I would like to ascertain vera particularly," said David Craeklewood, "what flags these vessels sail under. These are peerilous teems, sir !" " There are tw« of out bay fishing boats outside; and one of them is running close past the frigate's bow ; and they will be able to tell us something of her, when they come in," said i^Ir. Fielding, who stili held tt)« glass. " There goes a craft creeping out down the shore o' the bay, sir I If ye pleeze, shoot yer glass that awa' and see if ye ken wha it may be !" " That — that is a small Eastport trader, just been in here to make a bargain about my wares, David." " I did na' see the mon." " No. He came to anchor in the bay below there, and came straight to the house." "It's vera odd; they should na do their becsness that ftwa', but coom up to the warehouse, and not make yer hoos tt countinff-room. Hir. lint y^^* «"!<> »/^ *^'^ ^,..,e^ t ».^.>nf THE FRIGATE IN TIIK O-INQ. gj makin' for the outeide." ° ^'""O" "'"^^ '"d "I seo it, but can't make out who is in ;, . •. • too dusky, for the mn you see fail H " S'"''"* is a «bee, probably Dirk Hard.! ' ^"'PP^^'-g- But it Bavid::rartL^2-;r>-^^^^^^^^ cious vessels are oot of swht - fn. v ' *^®'^ «"»Pi- *. .caUh o-,oor:t^ll"X:rr^:^°l:^re't" ;-Jg..h,ye„orearui„ed„onaforerUXt^ Mr. Fielding did not hear or heed these remarks of rt,„ |..c.ous and eautious Seotsmau, for he was at the „I ), T ■"g, with an expression of intense IhI , T"*''- locoguiso the "cross nf fif n„ , "^ "^h eyes, to wi,i4 words uar::id his' ^i: i yf7f ^r^'" «•" discretion cheeked their utteraucT^ fV he Lrri "' ; ere present would sy.pathi. :,-.: U^'Zll Tr! " t; rastVr"^^' '"^ '"" """' "''" *»"" "' «■» -' " Pleases me ! It ought not, child. The frigate is Buglish moment that sunset gun was fired," '■•Aa JingUsh frig^it!" repeated David with the keenest 4 »U f 82 NORVEL HASTINGS J OR, alarm. "That bodes us na good! Wud no I better be Btirrin' up the people to move the goods up the creek?" " There can be no danger to-night. The frigate would not come in the bay without a pilot j and she would hardly send her boats in the night for what she could take by day." David looked at the calm face of his employer with surprise and perplexity. He beheld in him a ruined man, in his own imagination, and he wondered at his quiet confidence in safety with so much at stake, and a dangerous enemy so near. It did not harmonize with his master's ordinarily sagacious and safe mode of doing business, and he began to suspect that the presence of the terrible war-ship had turned his head, and that he had gone daft. " It maun be, it maun be," he soliloquized. " The fear o' losing all has made him clean daft. He smiled, I kenned, whan he made oot the flag to be English, but I 'm jalousing it was a uncannie smile — ^no a natural-like ane. He 's daft, and it becooms me to tak the safety o' things in me own hands; and I will do it without further woord of Maister Fielding aboon the matter." . With this resoluion, after having cast a gloaming and fear- ful eye towards the dark-looking war-ship that lay about four miles off, he said ho would " gang back to the warehoose, for in his hurry to come away he had left the doors unfastened." Mr. Fielding, who was a man of the closest observation and keenest sagacity, otherwise he wpuld not have been the opu- lent proprietor and merchant he was, seemed clearly to read his factor's thoughts, for David's face was expressive of the workings of his mind, and following him, he put bis arm in his and walked by his side, leaving his daughter, her maid and Pedro, upon the cliff, the former intently watching the receding form of the schooner, interested in it becauso nhe now knew it was American. Pedro, meanwhile, essayed to engage the pert cockney girl in sentimental conversation, but with various results. "Da have Ic the hali "Na, wood, d face; " joostly ( the payi "You too low years ag< Sir Char] under th( wards, an Mr. Char —a mere] "And "ASci catiite — in Jiiy father title: but were my a I resolved pi'oud brol iJiy father's a lueuiul, a HC6S. liut it a noble d ^;i\v at a g] solved to be tlic land ai ein])tying ir place to ladt 'ii'cd not t( THE FRIGATE IN THE OFEINQ. 33 the half ff 1;;:,^^"' "^^^^^^ '» -• ^ »- ^o- fuU wnl'/'n ^°"^ ^'t"' ^'''''^'"«' "'^'" ^^''^•od Mr. Crackle j-iy ci.„ „. ,, isW^:; rJ\i::;: rri:: llie payiu' quarterly." ' missed "You aro too conscientious, worthy David -have auila too low an opinion of yonr use to me When, twenty four yours ago, I fe„ heir to this estate, by the death 'of "; t:!^^^^ i.. Charles, who was foolish enough, because he had liv"e uudor the crown before the revolution, to remain h Je aft^r ™H and so saerifiee h=3 country and'title, to be called ^u" .«.. Char es F.eldmg; when he willed '..is to mc, X was po» -a merchant's clerk iu London." " '^ "And yet an Earl's son !" "A Scotch Earl's, David-with a castle-in the air and an c«We-.n the moon, where all poor men's homesteads lie B„° w": my" creT VZZ'Tci T " T'" '"^ ""^ 1. 1 1 X , ' ' ^^^ Charles made me his heir Houd b.other, Eaa James-who, forsooth, because he bore y a ther's tjtle, and inherited his estates, lUed upon m ^ ."cna , and once insulted me beyond a brother's forgive oble domain but rude and wild, and without tenants I M V at a glance its capabilities for enriching me ; and I re »Ivcd to become both fanner and merehant-^to p ough both tto and and the sea for gold. The inlet, with the creek zr?;'" ':• \r "^^ ■""^° "» --"ont Zdn; piacc tG lade and un''»'^'» •"•- ^' .-^ .. . o ,„.,] , , vaigvrs suurcjij, ir i Wished : for r --a not to unfold to all men's o,e. the ways by which I lii i I' f u NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, I intended to grow rich. The annual visits of the caravans of sleds of the Canadian habitans of the St. Lawrence in winter, ' to this and the neighbouring bays for fish to sell in Quebec during lent, suggested the idea of my profitable Canadian trade j by loading their return sleds half with frozen fish, and the other half with bales of foreign goods stored beneath. These, received by my agent in Quebec free from the heavy duties paid on such as entered the St. Lawrence by ship, have been the basis of my wealth." "Ye ha' deserved it, sir !" " Perhaps I have, David. I owe much to you, however. When I sent for you to come from Scotland to me, I knew well your qualities, and I was not deceived. You have not only carried out my plans, but enlarged and extended them for my benefit. It was at your suggestion I built my own vessels and sent them to the West Indies and the Spanish Main, to England and to France. But times are changing about us, David !" " I see it weel, sir V sighed the Manager. " This is a sad war wi* EIn gland V " You are very American, I think, David ?" "Very nearly a born ane, sir. I love the country nixt to Scotland. For England, na' true Scot can hold her in eesti- mation. " " As I said, David, the times arc changed. This war may continue years. Our commerce must cease on the sea; and our winter exports by the sleds, this coming winter, into Canada, will be stopped by tlv^ war." "True enough; I did na' think o' that, sir. It is vera solemn times, uncannie times, sir." " So I think, David. Therefore, I shall take the first oppor- tunity to turn my bales into money, and leave for " " For the ceetv o' Boston-, and live there like a nrince, sir?" "Well, perhaps, perhaps," answered the merchant, eva- sively. David.' "Nc "So] you saj domain value. The^ his sudc key to h soul, am "You "Na, sir!" "Ian opportun, services. is time in war you c at an end Thoy h Fielding ; room, the Josk with the contrai "It's re I'iirdly supj "That! " The es 'Wilts' house "All! ] " Weel, -^5^1 r, ; Ht'lf for joy, ivans of I winter, Quebec Danadian fish, and beneath, le heavy hip, have however. , I knew have not led them my own Spanish changing s is a sad ntry nixt r in eesti- war may sea; and [iter, into [t is vera rst oppor- » nee, sirr lant, eva- ME rsiaAiE M TM omNa. ' 35 ^^^ei,._«BuashaUgo.„ewWe. N„„ ,ou We .one, valuo. For tef thousand;! "t':, T, "" "^''"'^ '*« The Scot's eyes sparkled hIi T. ' ^ '^'^'^ '""<> '■" by to his ambitiou had been touched An t u '''• ^""^ -ul and seemed pleased at its ^ett Jf ' '""'<""« -<> i"- You hesitate, David I" "^'a, na! But there'll K« «„ ^ , r " "^ "'"'^^'J oyo" ganging away, sir!" "I am rich enough. I am now willing ,„ • opportunity I have so long eniovedlr;^ , ^'™ ^^ ""« services. I must go, and my land r, T" ' ^"" '^''^''^^ is time my daughti'was ^^/ Z so^tr^lr '.h ' m , , ^'"' agf<=o '0 purchase ?" '^ ilicy had now reached the door of tl,„ KcMing led him into the hall and th J "t ""'' *^'- room, the door of which ho Ltd "S°V"'" ''" ''"™*'' ' tl.c contract of sale !" " ^''™ "? "'«' ^ign "It's robbing you, MaisterFieldinff"«ni.IT. -i , l'-''Iy oppress his nervous ea „ f,' « "f ' ''"' "'"'''' "Tl'at is ,ny own issue, nofy^rs- -^""""" "'""^bcry." "..'""IrerrUll r"' "' ''"'"'"'--' »'' -'-rf, and ten- JZ, X i;;Twtrir/:rL';r- ''rr —gu. xviin aimuuuce, while ho Pm,M i" 31 ^ «'lf for joy. ' "^ ^°"^^ ^^^^Jy contain him- 36 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, "i .1 The necessary papers had already been drawn up in antici- pation of this business arrangement by Mr. Fielding, who, as the story will develope, had been conceiving certain plans of his own since the war was declared. They were duly signed in duplicates by both parties, and bills on Boston, where Mr. Cracklewood's funds were at interest, to the amount of the purchase-money, were placed by the happy purchaser in the hands of Mr. Fielding. It is questionable, whether a bargain was ever concluded on such mutually satisfactory terms as this one. <' And now, my good Maister Fielding, what '11 be done wi' the bales o' your property in the warehoose ?" " I '11 have them removed in good time. Leave that to me. Let us now have some wine togetlier to seal our trade !" , " Wi' the greatest pleasure, sir ! Do I buy all the foorniture o' the mansion ?" asked David, as his eye glanced at the gilt- tering plate upon the side-board, and then around upon the rich tables, carpets, and hangings. "All but the family plate, Master Cracklewood. Here is Burgundy and here Port. Let me fill your glass ! But I will first call for lights." Leaving Mr. Fielding to accomplish the oblivious inebriation of the Scot, a task to which he deliberately devoted himself, we return to Mary Fielding. It wil when M] conversa in the pr JMary par'iure o which wa ing cveni its surfac orange an the frigat( in the sou Jjird nesti were in th if desirous >scudder ha ^as hidden had drawn stealing, as sliorc in th^ "Itberr ^ho, seeing 'hniight he ' 4 MK-' THE FRIGATE IN THE Oi'nm. 37 CHAPTER IV. convention "S^^^^^^^ 7™ ""^ ««ff' »» hold the pa'^:rofS^^^^^^^^^^^^ »f- «.o ae. wa liiddon bv them • I,„t «!,„ r... i , ^ "° ''"y *'"i ''» "''i"'' the Manager «1.«.- tn'r ^"'f ''="'/P% «"«, along the windings of the "■o.o in the direction of the outlet of the bay. ■ who, LdnThtr" ""7' '""" ^"'y-" '"'-"''' P-xi-. -"gBt.,ewo,,,p,„™bi„,eif.oiai,:;?trtr;iH;'':i:; f 8$ NORVEL HASTINGS; OK, Missee, if you see de sky in "West Indee I It all as pretty as de back of dolphin — ten fousand color an' more ! Ah, Missee , Heety, T vish you see Habana I" " Havanna ?" repeated the pretty English lass , with an une- quivocal expression of contempt. " If you 'ad seen Lon'nun, Master Pedro, you'd never think o' talkin' of hcny bother place boa this hearth ! Vhy there's the Park a hundred mile round, band the Surrey Gardens, hand Boxhall, hand the me- nagery, band the tower, hand the Cold Streamers, hand the, hand the circuses, hand the King, hand the Queen, hand the New River, hand Christmas olidays, band Guy Forks, band St. Polls, band Newgate, band the two giants, ban' " Hers Hetty stopped to take breath, and seeing tl.-.L poor Pedro looked bewildered, she added, in a tone of pity, " You talk of Havanna ! But I won't shame you ! 0, I Uare say you haven't got bany thing to say of it, now !" " Si, Missee Heety ! Me know Londres one grand, superbo citee ! But Habana me home ! Me love me home, me warm sky, me green trees, me pretty sing bird, me sweet fruit ! Ebery body lovee he home !" "That's true. Master Pedro! I don't like you hany less for loving your 'ome ! Hit shows your 'cart 's in the right place !" " My heart den is buried in your heart, Missee Heety ! All, me lovee you berry too mUsh and great deal more ! I fall in love wid you pretty eye — ^j'ou look so haandsome me nebber help lovee you all me life !" Here Pedro with great gallantry placed his small brown band on his heart, and cast his dark, glittering eyes down meekly to the ground ; for be bad been long nourishing this daring passion for the bewitching maid, and bad only this hour found courage to confess his passion. Hetty looked at her swarthy lover with amazement, and not without a spice of fear, as he warmly poured out his passionatt? and broken words of devotion. But as he presumed on her siicncc of la,u^ Hafricj upon y civil, r descenc hall th meant, because these W( pretty i from he; stood pe she pou] this act, almost n veiled la; forget-mc but rema "Pedr The wo She felt t grew pale of one of l^ut Ilettj as beauty, degraded 1 every worn a shive, J highest am The Cre across his € ther look, j poor 0,1 THE FRIGATE IN THE OPPTno 39 civil, .aster Pod.^ B,LTa^ ,; !,?r«st ^ f f ' ^'^ descend to be your wife ' If r M 1 '"'' ^ ^""^^ tall them bu/ehes 7 Jse and fortr"' " ' '" """' "'^' meant, IM .tamped on ' L b„for?T """T'^ ^™ ^^'" »" becausel'mMissMarlrid I ,*T '" ' ^™ ""'"■' tl-e words, which ZT^;!i:\'l^''' "^ ^^ '" ^''^ pretty mouth from which 2Tf n ^ ''"''"™<"»^o 'itt the fiom her hair, andfl™' u 1^/ "' 1 ^"^ " ''"'•^'' «™- stood perfect]; quiet and ilTJ "K' ^'^ ^'"^"'' »'"' she po'ured t/esT L^i ' .^ TnTu'' " " ^"'*"^' '"'"« this act, than Lis eyes whwlTt "'"''' "" ™''°" «"'' almost murderous I Zr^, '" ^""'^""g "^^* »»<1 veiled lashes and ,7' *"''''*''''<' »"='°<"-« beneath their half. for.It-me not' and f"""'^ "'''™' ''^ '""g'" "P '-bo flower, a ^^f::^:ti^^:^'"'' "^ "-^ "^ ^^id in w, "Pedro will remember thee '" grew pale, and she was conscious thit «!,„ i,.j , or one of whose ill-wiU it Z^, ^ '"'"'° '"'™<""y But Hetty was wayw! d nd :^lfu T,""-.? '^ ""' *J°°'- - beauty, felt that the confe! „ 'of IT T "r' '"'' Jogradcd her to his own leve 2 ,1 '^^ ,^'"'^'' ""^ """l every woman i, f.„l , ' '^ """^ >'•"■ *° 'e"™ 'bat a slave If . 1 ^ ''O'-Pl'mented by the admiration eyen of i'" ■^ I 40 NORVEL HASTINGS J OR, was already getting to bo indistinctly outlined in the advan- cing twilight. Mary Fielding had been some paces in advance of the ill- matched pair, too bucily occupied in observing the movements of the frigate, on board of which her eyes were attracted by several lights moving to and fro. These were the battle-lau- tcrns gleaming through the port-holes, and usually lighted at sunset : but to her they seemed to precursor some new move- ment. Ilcr fears had been excited from the moment sl;e learned tho nation of the tstranger-sh ip ; and, like a true American girl, she felt apprehensive of mischief to some of her countrymen on the coast, or, perhaps, to her fatiior. Hetty now approached her in ill-humour, and in some fear. " Miss Mary, the presuming fool, Pedro " "Well, what of Pedro?" \ " He has dared to fall in love with me, he 'as !" " Well, that is not anything to be so very angry about. I should think he would ! Doubtless he has never seen such rosy cheeks in his land !" " But they are not for him to cull or wear; and I hup and told him so ; hand- >> a yVell, that was plain 'enough ! I hope he understood you ?" said Mary, smiling. " I 'm afraid of 'im now. Miss Mary ! You should 'ave seen 'ow he looked hout o' 'is heyes, just for hall the vorld like the Lonnon tiger, sixpenny a sight, in the Tower I It made me shudder! I'm afraid of him; and he threatened to re- member me !" " You must have given him some encouragement. Pedro is quiet, and docile, and faithful. You should not have an- gered him !" " I never hencouraged him hin the least bit ! It 's hall of takin' roses from him, and a little red-bird he caught for mc : and one dav ho sun^ ave THE FRIGATE IN THE OPPINO. ^,.""°.^°" '■™°""^'=' ""y of fto words of tho song?" a»ked M.S F,eld,.g witl. an arch smile; "f„, I overheard him Chan >ng something for you one day that sounded very like a true love song I" ^ "Oh dear me ! I Lopes not ! But 'ow should poor me tell wha the dreadful man might say, when I don't know one won. the furrin gibberish. I remembers some o' tho words was — ' Yo te amard, yo te amare, Mia cara, mia cara, criada.' " On hearing these words repeated witli Hetty's strong cock- ney accent, Miss Fielding laughed for a moment in the live- host manner. "Why, Hetty, you have made poor Pedro believe you aro enamoured with him V " Oh, dears mercy !" " The words of that song are, put into round English— ' I love thee, I love thee, My sweet pretty maid ; Thy hand in nay hand, To the plaintain'n shade. Together we '11 fly To the sunny south sky, And dwell mid the flowers, Of dark orange bowers, Where — -' }) " Oh, Miss Mary ! oh, mistress I you have frightened me to death I" cried Hetty, interrupting her with a shriek. "'Ow did I know ? 'Ow did I know vat vas in the 'orrid song?" " It IS dangerous to ask a foreigner te sing to us a song iu his own tongue unless we comprehend it, Hetty," said Miss """ smui ^ ip^ff Jiumg, iiug. 4* m i I 42 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, M [I I ilil 11 I " What shall I do ? And I hasked him to sing it hover more than four times one day ! hand hall this while he vos ha-making love to me, hand I vas hinnocent has the babe hunborn ! Do, Miss Mary, tell him 'ow it vos !" "I'll make it all up, Hetty. Don't be terrified !" "But somebody, it vos Dirk Harder, said he'd just has leves kill hanybody has heat a happle if he vos mad against 'em !" " Do not fear, Hetty. Pedro is not so bad, I dare say, as they would have you think he is. Do you see that boat ?" " What one. Miss Mary ! I can't sec any for tears in my eyes. Now I see it !" " Isn't it running seaward, or is it coming in ?" " It is steering from the Beacon 'cad straight for the frigate, as veil as I can see !" , " So I thought ! Did not father s&y that he saw Dirk Har- der in the boat going down the bay shore ?" "Yes!" " And that is Dirk Harder's boat now got outside, and is running for the frigate, I am convinced, while all other craft are flying from her. There is mischief in this errand that way; Hetty!" "Mistress?" " I have a message that will please you ! Forget all about Pedro, and think and act for me ! Go to the rock cottage and send William to me ! If he has not yet come in from fishing, tell his mother to bid him hasten to me as soon as he comes home I" " I don't thi.nk he is 'ome, because " " — Because ho would have been by your side, hey !" " Ho did promise to see me this evening. Miss Mary," she answered demurely. "Then don't speak to him of cither '^f your lovers, David or Pedro I" THE PRIOATE IN THE OPPINa. 43 "Now you make merry bon me, Miss Marv B,,, t m 10 the eottege and soon be back- for i,\, u " «" shortly for me to fed my way f llj!'.-" "" "^ '»» "-" "AndifWiUiam is not there vouwnlh, Hetty," said her beautiful m.^tress r 1 "^" °°' """""' the direetion of the uott,«T ',,;'"'"* "PP"'''''''"' already deseribed in be Snjfl'r"'""' " ^'^ ""^^^ rather bung mid-way the dW " , ■ '^' "'' ""■"'"''' "'• from the verge abo™ or froll'h "^ ^ "' ""'^'^ ''"'- Its distance L„ vll! was abouTr * ^f' ''^"""■• ti.o top of the bluff, which ben rL:::::!! T ''r- Jwdling, so as to place it in full v!w „f M °"'''"'"K "'« opposite to it. "" "^ ""= ^'"^' ""d nearly lletty moved along the cliff.path with the sten of , I auJ soon reached the .tairdike%oeks thaUe e^ed toT' ::":r«frieeb^ "'-'r' -^ ^'- '■-''-« tl.c beacon's ruins ft™ h! '^'''""'/"e'""' J™' '" be seen over >lown the wen now: teps H; M -T T """' """""'"^ tbe door of the cot T "■"' "''° ""^ '•«»«l'ed little c cfney nto a Ir-r'' ""^ " "«'" P^'' '«' "«-• uLMjty into a neat sitting-room with wliJf^ i • f""gcd, a dresser of shining crockerv anil , "'?.""'"'"' 111 such a dwellinir Th„ fl ''° "^P^'ed souring, and the sniri, if T ""' "' "■■"" ^ "»<"' "'"' Tlie winiows lookeT o ""^ "? """^ '"omefulness reigned. W.UUOWS lookea down upon the calm bav .„A ;., „?. .<. were A I t'f which welcom(Hl iictiy with a merry burst pair of Canary birdw, ono of song. 44 NORVEL HASTINGS J OR, ij'i !pl| i li t !■' "It is Hetty, I knew, for Frank always sings for you and liliss Mary, but your step is quicker than herS; and 1 was sure it must be you, child. How do you do, and Miss Mary?" These words, in a pleasant yoice, were spoken by some one in an inner room, who now made her appearance, as neat and lady-like in person as the inside of her cottage promised. « We are hall well, Mrs. Gardner, but 'alf frightened to death hat the frigate-o'-war and the 'orrid firin'. But master scs it's ha Henglish ship, hand so you sees we needn't fear nothin'. Hif hit 'ad been one hof the orful Yankees, I should ha died with fright j forthey do say the 'Mericans heats their prisoners ! Vot 'orrid wretches !" "I am sorry, Hetty, you dislike us so ! But if the ship is English, we arc in more danger than if she were American. Oni of our country vessels would protect rather than harm us. I heard the firing, and sent Pipa over the hill to see what it was." " Where is— is— I mean to say. Miss Mary wants to see Villiam particularly, Mrs. Gardner." And Hetty smoothed down her silk apron, and looked as if she, herself, did not want to see William at all ; as if William was the most indif- ferent person to her in the world. Mrs. Gardner smiled quietly, for she knew that William and Hetty liked one ano- the/, for the former had made his mother confidant of bis attachment to the pretty English girlj and although Mrs, Gardner did not oppose it, she advised her son to wait and not bo too hasty, for he might seo other lassies in the world lie would love better than ho did Hetty; but William's passion was too profound and fixed to ' o swayed, and so she yielded her discretion to his happiness. . As for Hetty, she was a great favourite at all times with Mrs. Gardner, who liked her for her mirthfulness, good-nature (always saving Pedro not dcclarini: lovo to her), and her hundred little ways to please and mah herself useful, and so lighten hor own labours. THE FRIGATE IN THE OFFING. 4", Mrs. Gardner was a widow of one of that class of hardy men on the coast of Maine, who farm in winter and take to the sea in summer. He was an honest, brave, Industrious man, owned his own sloop, witn which he used to ran between tne adjacent towns to Boston, taking as freight lumber, corn and apples, and returning with goods. His son William a bold, skilful sailor, was his second in command ere he was 'in his eighteenth year; and there was another and elder one (an adopted son, who is yet to come upon the stage), who, c-aincd to the sea, had at twenty commanded a trading schooner in the .■service of Mr. Fielding. Three years before the time of our story, Captain Gardner had been shipwrecked in sight of the beacon ; and, althougli Wilham made almost superhuman efforts to save his fiither yet he was unsuccessful, and only saved himself by the daring and skill of his adopted brother, Norvel Hastings, who had seen the wreck from the land, and perilled his life to rescue those on board. Since the death of his ftither, William had not left his widowed mother save for a day or two at the time to go off fishing, or to run to Wiscasset or Bath in the Kennebec with and for small freights, in a little two-masted xebec which lie by Norvcl's aid, with their united earnings, had pur- chased. • "William has not yet come in, Hetty. He went out this morning after mackerel, and I saw his vessel at noon full eight miles to the south. I dare say hv3 has lingered to see the ship- (»f-war pass !" "Boars mo, Mrs. Gardner, it didn't pass, b- i stops stock still hout on the hocean, not more than four miles hoff from the Cliff 'Ead ! I hope they wouldn't take him prisoner, oh. if they should 1" ' Mrs. Gardner's cheek imlnd ni th\a ♦lin««T,* . i.,.i u j sense returned to her comfort, and she replie.l, calmly, m fill 40 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, '1 ' j ' I " Ships o'" war would hardly trouble themselves about a fishing-boat, Hetty 1" " But I heard master say the war was brought hon because the Hcnglish King would 'avc sailors hout of JIamerican ves- sels, hand the Ilamericans 'ave made this war bout it. Per- haps the frigate might s^-^p Villiam and make him a sailor- aud then, and then, oh " - ■ « Don't be distressed, dear child ! Heaven will protect him. William is prudent, and would not go into danger. Let us go up the cliff and try and see if be is in sight 1" " Here's Pipa 1 Oh, Pipa ! good Pipa I did you see Mister ViUiam's xebec ?" exclaimed Hetty, with the rapid questioning her fears gave impulse to. "Did you go to the Beacon, Pipa?" asked Mrs. Gardner, more composedly. The third person they thus addressed was a small, under- grown negro lad, with a monstrously large head, a slender neck, narrow shoulders, long, apish arms and hands, knoclc- kneed lower limbs, and feet like an ourang outang's for length and flatness. He was dressed in a boyish suit of bright red flannel, for nothing else would he wear, but would tear in pieces nny other colour with which his young master, Norvcl, invested him. He was bare-headed and bare-footed, wore huge circles of gold in his ears, and on each of his wrists were two silver bracelets. His spine was slightly curved, which lowered his height, and gave him a stoop forward. His head was the most remarkable part of the little monster, as it ought to have been. Twice too large for his body, it was a giant's in appear- Rnce. The top was bald and glistening, but about the ears the hair was long, and bushy, and coarse as wire. His earn were diminutive and hairy, his brow high and smooth and intellectual, but his eyebrows were arched and thick, and were the base of a Jewish Roman nose largo and strong, and hi;' eyes were oriental, Chinese more than African. His laouiu ■ i^'i^'-^^ii^i^^M^^'S^i^&^iMM.-ir-i.: THE mraATE in the omso. 4- wa. large and hideous, and soo,ued to be made like a brnteJ Saer-"'^ tba. for U,.„«. Tbe co W^l^ qs.nd.ng before be. eroded bisbtnd on bir:;:^Lt:: "Pipa grad tlico prottle Ilcttle ! Prettle ITnffl. i • i of l.i.«, though she know bifn to be „! 1 ; , ??'^\' po.™,„ing with all kindne. and aff^ 'n lo 'cM longed love m spite of his almost terrific deformkv 1 ? »ul ,vill speak and declare its beauty even if it?" ■" ;-^ iu a brute, form; and tbr'^'enTl ef/ LdT:?:;" J''l>a s mner spirit shone through his cell of 9o2 7< . -■■ittcd from the most pestilent fens "''"' "^ ''«'" '^ "Ididn'tbringanyroscsforvouto-dav Pim u J"st come from tho cliff?" ^' *^' ""^ J'"" ••%. I'ipa'lieobiggathip— firobiifffair,,,,! Ti,- 1 '- bigga gun at little tbip Jittle tb^^/" ' ^'"'' """'"'' '•«ia;:uro:kt"viSnt;i!>"-'"'-«"^- ^-ttij^dtsr-^t::-"'""^^""''^--^" "Sm '™,,^,"'""''^ •"""' ^'P>^" "»'■«'' Hetty, ■n tl ; '"' "^^ ^'^ '""'"^ -- f""" 1--C. Ho :r-:^« ""''-."' ^'««V«---iP^ 1.0 den thin way to it., dea he tl: <'»«fer for to coraeo in de B "toppeo J ,ifii ho put up him hen 1 <1« Tl..„ >; leetl o uy n, an' mil 48 NORVEL HASTINGS; OB, "Then ho will be hero soon. Stay to tea. Hetty and you will be sure to see him. Pipa, make the fire for Master Wil- liam's supper." The dwarf, with his characteristic docility, went out, and brought in a few pieces of kindling-wood, and laid them, with great care, acrosB each other upon the hearth, struck a light with a tinder-box apparatus, and proceeded to blow up the fire. "I can't stay, Mrs. Gardner, indeed I can't. Miss Mary is halone hon the cliff, and it is getting so late that I am hafraid hif tliat wicked l^edro should meet me ; for, because I won't let him fall in love with me, he shakes 'is 'ead, hand mutters things ha gainst me !" " Pedro won't harm you, Hetty." " Pipa killec brackee Pedro— ^illee dead. He burtee prettle Hettlel'^ exclaimed the dwarf, rising to his feet. " Pipa lovee Hettlo much deal I" ''There's hanother!" cried out the pretty maid, in a tone of absolute affright and loss of patience. " Hif Pipa goes to fall in love with me, I'll take laudanum, hand die hat once. Oh, you monster — you ugly, black bear !" "Pipa thorry Hettle make angry. Goodeo Hettle, poor Pipa I Pipa kissee you shoe !" " Oh, Mrs. Gardner, keep him from me I" " Hetty, you are foolish. Pipa is as harmles'? as a kitten. He did not mean he loved you as Pedro does ; only he ex- pressed, in his poor and few words, his devotion to you. He would not cru.ih a spider. He seems to love, and cherisli, and bo delighted with everything that has life. The very sheep come up and lick his hand, and the cow will let him hang about her neck, and rub her head against his. If bo rpens the cage and whistles, the canaries will fly out and light on his shoulders, and sing in his ear their prettiest songs. He can't talk our langungo well, and uses but few words; but Norvcl, who knows his native tongue, t Spanish, say! ...v^.-fc, THE FRIGATE IN THE OPPING. 49 spcalvs^ in that beautifully and fluently, and all he says i,s rich with noble and excellent thoughts. ^' I know he is good; but I can't himagino what Master Norvcl, such a 'andsome young gentleman lias 'c is too, if he is^a poor coaster, could 'aye brought him from the Hinjees "Grat'.ude and humanify were the motives, Hetty When four years ago Norvel was in Cuba with his vessel, getting Ireight to bring home, he was on shore and saw this poor Pipa (wlio had now gone out for more wood) in the hands of the people, who. were about to burn him at a stake for a wizard Norvel learning that he had done no harm, and having three of his sailors with him, he rescued him and took him on board his vessel." "Mister Norvel is so brave always." '^JJrave and just. Now see the reward of his humanity The dwarf informed him that, as he lay hid in a cave whcro ho mostly dwelt, three days before, he had overheard some buccaneers forming a plan to take and rob his richly laden vessel, and that very night was set for it; and that "he had boon seized by the populace on his way to convey intelligence of it to Norvel" " Then he *ad seen Mister Norvel before ?" ^ " x\o. His own goodness led him to wish to save the vessel. So the people seeing him abroad raised a hue and cry, and would have burned him if Norvel had not rescued him; and sure enough, that very niglit, the robbers came off in three boats ^to plunder Wva, but, taking advantage of the informa- tion ]^ipa gave him, he set sail soon as it was dark; but with biH glass, as 1- lay-to three miles off, he could see into the nort and d.scovor the long black boats full of buccaneers row- ing about as if in perplexity. Norvel brought Pipa home and has never rp"^^'"^^'^ri {*■ Ti'A i i-_ .•_ ,^ « . .1.1 !rf_..i,,.,j 1^.. Jiiaccu, m; i;s nO USeiUi— •" Hero the dwarf re-entered, and Hetty rose to go. r III r 50 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, "It is quite dark, Hetty r " Then I must run the faster ! Tell William to come straight to Miss Mary soou as he gets in I" " I will; but he will regret he did not hco you hero himself. It is late for him to stay." " When Pipa thee heo Mather Villy heo tree mile off, it takee niosty half hour moree to getee homee/' said the dwarf. " De windy fair. Heo come by-bye I" "Good night, Mrs. Gardner." " Good night, dear Hetty. I will send him at once." " When do you expect Master Norvel ?" she asked, linger- ing a moment in the door. " He should be here to-morrow or next day, as he has been absent eight days, and he has sometimes been up to Boston and back in nine 1 I feel anxious about him, with hostile war- ships on the sea !" " You may M-ell, Mrs. Gardner. I know one as is werry perticular hanxi.js," added the little maid significantly. Mrs. Gardner softly shook her head: "I understand you, Hetty ; but there is no need for me to look in that quarter with an eye of hope for my noble Norvel. We are humble, William looks no higher than yourself (though you are very good and suitable for him), how then should the lady Mary look towards my adopted boy ?" "Norvel loves her with all his 'eart, Mrs. Gardner, I know that better than you do, perhaps ?" " Yes ; the poor man may look upon the sun I but it will ever be out of his reach. Miss Mary is my kind friend, aud I love and honour her, and believe she is the best and noblest of women. But she will mate with her own ! Norvel has never spoken to me of his daring love, but I have seen it sparkle in his eye, glow in his clieek, tremble on his lip, when in her presence ; and I have pitied him, for I knew such high love would end in disappointment. It is not possible she can e straight ) himself. die off, it he dwarf. CO.'* d, linger- has been ;o Boston stiie war- is werry itly. Land you, t quarter I humble, are very idy Mary :, I know THE FRIGATE IN THE OrFINU. 51 h^ve been aware of his passion, or she would not visit me as .he does, so often and so frankly. If she knew it, I shZ see her resentment expressed in her manner ani abs no S e was here only this morning, and her visit was so swe * She earnes sunshme wherever she goes. Poor Norvel !'' Master Nerval need not despair, Mistress. I think Miss ..ry knows he loves her, and is not hangry at it. P^ ovc, hand houghtn't I to know what lovefsf Veil I kZ y her way« she's in love with Master Norvel, or somZ" hclse ! And I guess toho it is \" ^ With these words Hetty hurried away, and disappeared rapidly over the top of the elifF on her way'to rejoin 1 ^^ -ress, upon the saered seerets of whose hear she hJbe n BO positively passmg her judgment: with what aecuracy ho reader will know in duo time. '^^uracy, t/io I u Jl lit it will iend, aud d noblest )rvcl has \i secu it lip, when uch high e she can NORVEL HASTINGS; OB, ClIArTER V. Perhaps the reader is pretty well assured that this chapter will briug him into the dark and star-lit inlet with a descrip- tion of which our story opened, and that he is now about to follow the adventures of the two mysterious personages in the boat which was creeping so stealthily up the little river under the blackness of the darkness of its over-arching branches. But it is not a part of the arrangement of our story to briug in the continuation of that scene at present; as we have first to do with other persons and other scenes, whose adventures, circumstances, and positions with relation to each other have a direct bearing upon the movements of the two men in the boat. We shall, therefore, now take our readers on board a small vessel which since the sunset has been in sight from the Bea- con, and which Pipa pronounced to be Master Willy's fishing- boat. As the dwarf had said, the little lateen rigged craft had been steadily making for the entrance of the bay, when it suddenly luflFed d lay perfectly still upon the water. It then filled away aj^cv.ii, and after running a quarter of a mile nearer the frigate, came to the wind, and again remained sta- tionary. The boat we will now take the reader on board of. You see that it is a small, but well built little craft, with two masts u+/>«n »«io-t L ™»1 '° ° ^™» "«' - "-W P-cing two hearts/and upon the httle finger of his left hand is a thick, plain gold ...g; wh, le a bracelet of hair, that looked ezaetly liko^tho retty Hetty's, was neatly tied with a true love knot aboul 1"3 wnst; on which were devices of a foul anchor, a iml Hzzrzn -""f d-" T" "' '"""' -""^ " ^"P' ^»- ^^ taste .vnd sk.ll m India mk-a species of tatooing much in favour w.th ecrtam sea-going folk. Altogether, William Gard- uer, for such is the person wo are describing, was a dashing Z! 'tf' T', 'r"' '" ''" ™^' »" -»«-5 Zr M "'"''•'' * '''''^' ^^"f"'' g^erons-hearted nd loveable young sailor; at least such was the private opinion of the 'andsomo little cockney maid; and certain J J.C showed good taste m the selection of her lover; for William I ws without question worth five hundred of David Cracklewood to snaggle-toothed old manager, and a ship load of such ama! t»>7 wains as the glittering-eyed, song-chanting Pedro LlT, °"'",P<"'«™»g« io the lugger was a slim youngling cf seventeen, ill nut toffether. »» if i.i. ;»:_. .. , ° k io«»i. 1 , ' = ' — '" '"" j^'""' wore nea in thpir «kots, »d suffered to swing ad mUum. He was m7^ f 'I • 'I J!« m i'i i mii 64 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, feet tall as lie leaned listlessly and in an ungainly attitude against the fore-mast j and if he had stretched himself to his full uprightness, he would have stood at least four inches taller. Across the shoulders he measured a boy's breadth, and his face was that of a beardless lad, as in fact he was. His jacket was too short, and is jean trowsers left half his naked and bony log and ankle visible. He had a hand like Goliath of Gath, and his feet were encased in old shoes of an enor- nious number. He was chewing spruce gum. The bottom of the lugger was filled with mackerel, with a few cod and halibut mixed with them, in all not less than a hogshead full ; while cod-lines and various other fishing-lines hung about, wound on their frames of wood. " Wal, Master Gardner, I kind o' guess it is Dirk's craft enny how ! It 's got the fore-sail full o' patches, snd the gaff is jist a leetle bit shorter nor the mp'o, and that 's what makes me know it's him." " It is very odd he should be steering dead for the frigate, 'Siah, when the best thing to do is to give her a wide birth." "Perhaps he's gc'n' to sell her fish I Them ar' British officers have a powerful sight o' cash, and don't mind what they buy or give ! I 'm sort o' thinkin' if we 'd run under her lee, they 'd give us plaguy site more for our fish thau they 're worth !" "I don't want to sell 'em for more than they are wortli, 'Siah ! I am sure that is Harder' s boat ; and there is some- thing strange in his coming out of the bay and steering for the frigate. Let us keep away again, and see if he boards her. It is getting so dark we shall lose sight of his course here !" « If there 's any mischief to be done, or enny body to be harmed by his goin' out to her, you may be sartain he '11 be quick on the heft to do it. I never seed sich a tarnal ugly . - - . 1 t ill TV* 1_ Ti? i1 1 ^u_ Anvil bad critter m nxy ooia aays ag inai x/ilsl. xi wii; vyjiu ^'■" aint i surf pnivk;, fgm I THE FKIOATE IN THE OPPINO. .-»WS '^::Z'r - --"O^- HeCo.. „,e,o! ^^I't?::' tat-::::: i .tr-ir" s ? ^"'^-"^^^"^ •• « bad fellow, and never fEl „ ' t'''" ''°'' harmed !.:» ! He took care toWror "^^ • ^ ""*' ; Ho 's a po.,.y ooward, a. enn'l?; "rb:"""'- "" ''"'•" and swears so orful as he ^oe, T ' i *' " "' "*«'! ;^u.,d arter night to keep CgoL bfrf ""^ "" ^ ■»''" them nine shipwrecked men was T* ^^ "'"' «'"'=^ 'hero "He isn-t , ,h afrdd „7 ; n '*" ""^ ""^ B^^"""-" W so reekle. ,ad d r ' f J '.' "^ ^f '' "^'''''*- ^ ""^^ "I guess there '= one pt^n hj' '" 'f^ "'"'' *» "l-'" marked 'Siah, coiling up .[711*^1'^ *^'' °" ' ' "• i"g the coil on a pin! """ '"''^*'<'«' ""d hang. "Wlioisthat, Josiah?" " Your brother Norvol t t «t "P by the nape o' Zneck and'tb "!•' """ '»''« "» "'^ - he struck old Pipafor n^Mu! "" '"'" -- « »'» wall, "Dirk deserved it. I j^re say he doe,„', vy xr '""cb. But look sharp throud. iZ 7 . ''''' ^""'^l up with the frigate!" ® *° gloom-his boat is close '' ^es, and running nearer I" He goes as straight to her as i W-^ i iirL "« is, I hope they will Jl I , ^'"'"" ^^ fc""- yeu see her now V' ^ ^""' "'"' "'' "^ "^ h™. Can ;;^ot a bit ! He 's run right under her guns !" ihen ho means to board her Tl,o. • o»t of that. Let «s stand in ^ / /' ""• «°'"^ ^ """^ Hetty I would see her nitht T \ """"^ ' ^ ?">»•««<• Kt. Give a pull or two o'th ^*"',*»«'' the tack-more % through tL wlrme", T'^''"'''- ^'^^' ^»" we "tone „u tie Beacn r. ^' ^""^ S™"""? ""^ »" Pi'e of surf .„„,:! """"^ ""'"' '»''«'•» «P against the skv ! .4.. ,". '"■'""'' ^ ""^ ''^-'•' ^'■<1 '•ow fine it. musfe sound;-' i ■i i 56 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, and here the expectant lover, from very joy, struck up the chorus of a familiar song : *« A sailor's life, a sailor's life, A sailor's life for me, sirs ; Without a care, blow foul or fair, A sailor's life for me, sirs I" His fine voice mingled pleasantly with the ripple of the wave and the hoarse roar of the surge a-beach ; and in ten minutes the fleet lugger passed between the two cliifs that led to the inner bay, and, rounding the Beacon rock, ran half a mile along the winding shore of the bay, and came to anchor a hun- dred yards from the shore directly opposite the cottage, mid- way the cliff. A light sparkled in its lattice, as if to guide his bark in the evening shades, and to welcome him. Leaving him to go on shore and to receive the message left for him by Hetty, we shall now follow the bark which had first attracted the notice of Mr. Fielding, stcaliiig out before night the same way the lugger had just come in, and which was discovered outside by Gardner, standing boldly for the British frigate. The Manager was not mistaken in fancying the xebco was hugging the shore to escape notice. A few moments before Mr. Fielding's eye foil on it, it had issued from behind a jut- ting rock half way between the hanging cottage of Mrs. Gard- ner and the Beacon Head. This juttiiig rock sheltered a narrow scoop of deep water, about an acre in extent, whicli formed a safe anchorage for two small craft, its usual occu- pants, which were conceded from the villa by the slmuldcr of the cliff, which also hid all but a corner of the roof of a miserable hut built close to the water. When the frigate first appeared in the offing, there were two persons in this hut, and the two craft were at anchor within stone's-throw. The two persons wore father and son. The fHrnici, » broad-cbcitcd BPTii**-,'- ,.-#,.,«« rtss "IE ™i«ArB « ,„, „„^^^ man, and onco Dowcrf.,1 r i . ^" cbeeH .taring red „ye«, „iM 'jf f ,". »"">, with hollow »»J » trembling frame. Hi. S^ ™''''' ^"■'>- i»°'i' f °1 over the pont-hou^e ^ I if V;" "'"'""P'' «''* I"' oyc3 glared lii„ ,„.„ „„I^""" 'f; ""f"' ^^adcv of „iil K-veling Wute, the fcreo dovi] .nd' T " "!""«""« "^ ">" '"">>, that rendered hin. an ob ect ! I '""'"« ™' '"" ""= """' »f diagust. He was ekd ' ""^ P"^' »">' <>f fear '^....i-. and rag,. , „:,: ^ '; ^^^^^ ^''0 i.ut „„. .,„::' »* one comfort. ' '' ""^^'I'^blc shed, destitute One of the two nr-ift ;„ xi »^ dilapidated arttte" 1?^ t^" '"" ^"' - - "Id «'■"" *'«' barnacles and «ed tlT'T?"''"'^' "» '"'"» «. s, .ts eordage dry and ,,eeIod it,' n "^ ""^'^ '''"■™' «"d .t« upper works eut away t f f /""'"^ ""-^ ""^P"''. '"■ock, but not by wind „„r Z.7 li ': . "T''' ^' '™« » "';;'"' "»'l "">, lite her maste,' ^ "'"' ^'"''"''' I'"' '-y i "ccablo appearanee. It T"', "V"' '"«' " ^'™ng and aer- I l"™«...H.ed it, a gebaeea-boaVwih ' "V "'" »-'"" " '::»■"« l.igh above the hel.nl^J "' 1 " """""-'"ikd "tern -'I-, and its ,nain,„il only half th. .f ''™; .'""-""^'"d. »ith u ,;";•." «i.^toen ton,, burden and L ,"" '''"■'^^''"- ^'^as ! I "like Gardner's lu«„e- i'T ""''"'"■'' ««■' «m-ieo i " ---.;„ It i,!f ; 27, :;r:?" ""^ "'-"y ^-'itute ;•""" 3ail re„,art„bly well ' I eo™^'^; '""^ '"'"'«d as if it H»ns, though on „ craft of her sz a ^ "'"""""'' ^^ '"» H« to look afte. lael«a„d 11 ".''"^ "^ '""•eti, '«-k.^ and sheets, and eook thn airl^^ '''^'c second person in th •*♦« J hut ""'"' '' ^'^"^fi '"«" Of uupre. 58 NORVEL IIASTtNGS; OR, possessing appearance. He was short, compact, bull-headed, Vfith. an ox neck, and was one of that class of beings occasion- ally to be met with, who arc left-handed and are double-jointed, both signs of immense strength. His hair was red, short, and grew low on a narrow, square brow, which was more animal than intellectual. His eyes were light gray, small, and lively in their motions, but wanting in all other expression, save a settled one of suspicion and dislike. His complexion was very fair, his nose small, and turned up viciously, his mouth narrow and thin-lipped, his chin square and broad, indicating great resolution and obstinacy of will. He wore a red woollen shirt open at the collar, displaying his girlish white neck, and thick pilot-cloth sailors' long trowscrs, of a drab colour. He -wore no belt, but carried his sheath-knife in his bosom like a Spaniard. When the report of the frigate's guns, as she fired at the American schooner-of-war, reached his ears, he was walking moodily up and down the earthen floor of the hut, his arms folded and his eye bent to the earth, and engaged in medita- tions that were of no pleasing nature, if the fierce contraction of the eyebrows, the oft-bitten nether lip, and, from time to time, the deeply enunciated execration, were any indications by which an opinion could be formed. " A gun I" he exclaimed, " A cannon ! There must be a frigate in the offing !" ho added with surprise, as the deep boom of the discharged piece reverberated above his head among the cliffs. " Yes, that 's a gun and no mistake, and a big gun too !" said the father, his watery eyes brightening for a moment as he lifted his ear to listen. Where are you going, Dirk ?" The young man made no reply, but with rapid steps has- tened from the hut, ran swiftly round the border of the pool, and, coming to a break in the ntcep cliff, he ascended to a jutting shelf about ten feet above the level of the water •iiere wj }">'iig man THE FRIGATE IN THE OPPINO. 59 path alofg it Atlne „,1 .1"""'" '" ^ "^'™"'» - l-i^ water of 'th bay at aToI ,° T '""^'''S "" ""> ''-P n™„ent aaee.^ l^.'^^lt: i:^ ^^ T' ^ proceed in this way for ah,„t . """"«• He continued to half a .nile in ZrlZ wht " TuT '"""^ "'^ '"" f"" the form < . stel nMh , . I f ^'^'"' "> ''=^"'"« "o-'e bill. FoUowinlit It T ""''"^ '""""^^ "«= '"P of 'ho .ho Sat — ^onte't ::C"'Be?Tt-"™^-'^ """^ curving bight of the bay waXvil^ ^ '"'"' ""^^ the a direct line, but two ,nl?hrf n ' " "['' ""■ """' '«^'"" ™ raontorv mTt. T ^ Allowing the eweop of the pro- laontory. His hut was visible half a mile off and lv!„ i V the water; while, appare„tlyporchedov"rithal?tvtf,f'° c.p.tons rock, was the cottagfof the oZner, T .^'^ " ^"^ 'h*.nco, as his eye took the dire L of I' >""°'" inlet, a descrintion nf „i • i "'"'" "' ""' '""•"» and secret .ho ;arel.„u e oouli r,''"''?™^^" ''"■■^' ""^ '""^' °f hordored he hoTs of jT^f"' "'"^ "" '™^^ """ it stood. "" '""" "'"' Weconnett, on which foa" r'e^ththtL'i' ''T\'' «"" "''"' " ^^^ --7 '^» top 0^ r:i;"i?iivtr„; f: "- r *- ^««-^'r. Ho hastfln^,! .n , /."""'^'^^^ *^«* ^^ ^I^" sea-beaten ™«d».cad Ci r Ln c L; ' .ll'" "T""" ""> »"- lijht when he behri .1 '■ , ' '^^ '^""«"* '*'* ^e- iWngso cLe to th. 1 ^ °f° , "■"■»-'»"» ^ .he war-ship «hoLr to ewa,^ i\ "' "''" ■""""""<• the Amcricaa 1^^^ ^_^ or to leeward; and hoari the frigate again arc to bring •■"11 ;:i!^l^^^^«^-^^^ Visible on the face I 3""»g nnu, as he saw this play of of the war; as if the darker and 60 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, most hostile cmoiions of bis being bad been called up, nii'i iu.*ji,ih, as her colours flaunted out in view, he recognised the flag of Enffland. With the keenest interest he watched the baffled chase, and his heart leaped at every discharge of the naval artillery, which was reflected from the wall of the beacon- tower with startling distinctness. When he saw the frigato abandon the pursuit, his small, vicious-looking features were lighted up by a redeeming smile. He was evidently too patriotic, too much of an American, to desire one of his own country's vessels to become a prey to tho English. "The schooner's heels have the best of it, and the lubberly frigate may stop and fasten her shoes on before she catches that clipper-looking chap. I 'd like to know what craft tlint is that sails so like a gull." While ho was thus soliloquizing, and wholly absorbed in watching the frigate as she beat back to her former position, a woman — if such an object could be called by so hallowed an nppcllation— -clad in rags that scarcely served to cover ber, crept frc.n an opening in the ruined Beacon, and shufflcJ towards the young man with a sliding limp that produced a gait that added, if possible, to tho hideousness of her aspect and form. She came close up to him unseen, and suddenly clapped her skinny hand upon his shoulder. Harder had too imn a nsrvo to be surr»rised or startled^ and turuinsr round his head, he no sooner saw wlio thus accosted him, than he nhoc'' THE FRIGATE IN THE OFPlNu. lier off, and tr-^'. 1,; l , fi-W"g eyes upoirJJtr, "'""'' '"' ^'^'-^^ h- ier shut k.na:^„,,Cy::u: """""'' """^ ^"^ ^--t Harder!- "^ '""^^ *^^'- ^^" twist the rope, Dirk "I'll not leep ,„ie ■ Z ? l^'f ' ''^~'^- yo» shan't hit Tl l' t" 1 1 rr, '"r"™*!' «"•. «" that - Waot ! Ha, ha ! y^Z tan' . ' """"'^ ^°" '"'"^ what makes it I If j » •„,? ' ■ , """""' """l ^ know ^"^ Hard., r k«o. 2:^ :i::"t ' """ ™^^ »« >•«, J'^t the old One don't whispe "u Z '""'''° *'"''^' ""'I »'f '0 hin,, and mean tcTet 'll J •'"'• ^ '"'''" «»'<' '"^ • ^oul to save as well „«,„„? f""" ''°"' i'' ^r I've got a j;vegotason,tosa::i::^,tr;:-"7'" '^'"-"^^ - How grand the guns sound ! Oh ' Ih ' t "*?'' '""-^'"P • ">y «iaj ! I 'm fifty.eigi,t ,„,„ „ld .?.""■'' "' ''^''"^'^ "^ »^! But I won't talf o'Con s''°« ™ '"■•■"' '" «■« °'<1 -^ «. too old and wretohcX"^ ^1^^^^ "" "^' "ylife was onee so happv-so L "'""^''-o''. joung and fair, and " '" '"'PPy-so happy! I „,, r ' y iX';r::,d-'h!:: r'vr :, -'^ -«»'» -o- f>«"t U, and the thunder roars.; """'' """• "' ■"g^ts '■'-' Oh, some nightsT;:;^'',""' ""' "^ ^"'^ -"^ 6 ^''^^ ^" '»y tongue, the old One t -5* !•; '• 62 NORVEL HASTINGS; OR, ' HIS puts other words in place, and so I curse when I would pray ! It is dreadful ! It will be so till I die ; and then I expect angels will take me to Heaven ! Do you believe in Heaven, Dirk ? It is all gold, and green birds, and angels, music, and love ! Love ! I used to love onee. But nobody loves now ! Don't strike me." " Then go away. I want to see what this ship is doing. There is tobacco. Go, now I" " Ah, I knew you 'd have to pay me !" she mumbled, "Tobacco is both bread and rum! How* black your heart looks in your face. Dirk Harder ! And I know — I know !" she chanted wildly, keeping at a safe distance from him, *»■ I know — I know what makes your heart so black in your face !" " Will you leave me; or shall I pitch you into the sea?" " Dirk, you must not have my blood on your soul ! I can serve you if I li/e. Don't you want a thought I have ? Give me more tobacco !" "I have nothing to give for your thoughts!'' he said, gloomily. " Well, I '11 give it to you. Your heart, I 'm thinking, is black in your face, because you love the proud Mary Fielding, the rich Manager's daughter ; and she will none o* your love I You hate her now ! I know all !" " How do you know ? What do you know ?" " I have ears ! Nan is where people dor/t think she is, and when they think they are alone. Ha ! ha ! I would laugb if I was not afraid vou 'd kill me ! I saw and heard !" " What did you hear?" he demanded fiercely, yet with evi- dent curiosity to leara what she had discovered. " I heard you in the walk from Ma'am Gardner's cabin to the big house, when you met her three nights agone I* " You saw me 1" " Yes. Do you think Nan can't sec ? I was roaming to I'HE MIOATE IN THE OFTOO. gg and fro the earth, and wilt;„„ at the mooo, and tllkil™ • « J'"^ ''°»" "' ""d looting for I can never sloo^JZ^l',^^"''^^ '" '^^P "P -* "! a«0 I l.;d in the whe'at, ZTXZj'r'l'C ' '^ ' ^"P' mo would hurt „e ; for I have L friend L^ 7 "r"' "" Mary.-I was onee pretty, too i ft!, v «''°''' P'''="J' hid, and who should it be but il,. ° ''^•«°'"=^ •' ^o I heart daneed to see her tl '*'" "'"'^ '""«'f- My iiio silver dust o" h r Z^a^f. T" ""^ ""'"'"s'" '"^'4 %h'-I was oneo youthfln B f u ''^ " ^°'''''^"' -^ I would have rose, and snoto *o 1, . ^™ ''^■S™^' '-So when I heard another step and onT' •'" ''^^ ^""^ ™'-. a rock, and stood plumb X , ,:,""" ''""'"'"™'» ''^'"■"» "You saw that, you hag!" "Ay, did I! and she did not •„- firm anddidn't seem afraid as l„r '^'' •"" «'»<"' d-, to moot yon alone by i 1,17 7 f ^^' ^'* »"- ^.nd she asked you oalmlv Iff' T .^t^' '^"" "'••'* »"««'•, ".™ heartb-stone, ^' '''° ''"<' ''<"■" ■»' home by he; " ' Dirtman Harder, what do yon desire v nu , . »<1 sweet she spoke I It seemed ,! I ! ' '""' '"•"^ "..ghod to see Dirk Harde da htd t. Z'™ * ^"' »<' ^ f I had to kill yo„ with th h knife T, '""'"""'»<'' '«•; «o I kept quiet-looked on r- ' ^"^ "'"'"''' "»' '""» _'' Take caro of my knife, witch!" I voJ.::^;::,^:!:;-:; a^^-thL'sh^"- ^-r ^-^ -- I She then tnid /ou phinlvv™ . ' """' '"'^™' ^'^ '■ 'hi»q; when y u swore InolM. "T '" '"'P''^ "' ^-o^ « ! "'hen she tried to pass a« Tf K . i ^T '""' ^" J™" •' -.0" *on try to::;r /, : ; ,:- -'» you, oh, i ^an to feel th. .a^. .c^.MT ^''J'''^^ ^^r; and then I ' commanded \ n ,1 - - -""" ('"c uomman t her go, that you obeyed like a slave I you I saw 64 NORVEL HASTINGS; OB, - \ it ! I saw the devil then leap up into your eyes and glare out o' them ! You swore that you knew Norvel Hastings was your rival, and that it was for love of him she rejected you ! You then took an oath- )> " What oath did you hear, woman V " I heard it all ! I ! My ears were sharp ! You swore to her, like a coward, you would be the death of young Norvel for thus crossing your loves. And I heard her words — ^weren't they proud ones, and didn't they cut you. Dirk Harder ! She answered that Norvel Hastings, like other brave men, could defend himself from wild beasts, should they come in his path ! Oh, how you gnashed your teeth, and would have killed her for that speech, if at that instant Pipa, the good Pipa, had not been heard coming up, and calling the maiden, saying he had come after her to escort her home. Then you quit her with a threat of a vengeance that you promised her should make her repent that hour of scorn ! Hah, ha ! Didn't I hear it all? Haven't I told the tale straight? I have your secret, Dirk Harder ! If harm c^~ne to her or Norvel, I know where to lay it, I ! I ! What '11 you give me not to tell it again ?" "Give you ?" he muttered through his shut teeth, while tlie horrible spirit of murder shone in his dark looks ; " I '11 give | thee thy deserts ! Go and tell it to the fiends 1" And spring- ing at her throat, he hurled her light, attenuated form out at I arms' length, and then releasing her let her drop ! A hundriHl feet below she struck the beach, and her mortal shriek echoed in the ears of the murderer soma seconds after the body was j dashed to pieces. " She deserved it ! She was of no use to any body ! She I deserved it ! She maddened me to it ! May the infernal Satan take her ! It '11 be supposed she fell over. No one saw ni^ j do it! She deserved it, and brought it upon herself! Cod[ found the wretch ! I wish I had not seen her ! But let her J go! „ »_ss. THE PRIOAM IN THE OFPIXO, ^ more than once "ffre.! ^f, '™"' '""^ ^I""' '"^-S b-k «a,.cely stopped to glauco at tho'fZ ^ ''^1 Tt' "' was just coming-to in thp nffi„ f ^ ' '''"'^'^ ■"= siw path that led to his huf t?!, "\ ^' '''^"^'P^"^'' <'»™ 'l-^ gate brought an mI "1 ht'htd whVf '^ 'V' ''" «" moment forget his late v,V»ll , "'*'^'' ''''» ''''■• "le satisfaction.^"""- But the drunkard did not heed him i H something in the darlnA,, f .t ,. ^^ ^''""'"^ '» ««» between him and Ms so/lm r '' "'"^"'■''« '» "-^ -'■ mortal vision to behold "' hT,'""" »-P^^''-Wy ^readfu! for sockets ! His fae grew luck^Tf f "«"=' ^'^ ">- fery nostrils dilated qutk^dsWr't '''''"°'"'" "" >.im enchained to the spot m ^""."f ""-o™' tad where the doomed suffer ^!1' ^^'''''' ^'^ « tie place a" its dread Tel^ o^w f s?;!; f l'"'™ rr'^f"^'^" . W out his hanlst i ^^ SttM^f H^t^^^^^^^ With supernatural terror. He imr>lnr.« i ^ i trembled curses! ,^o frantically entJs\:Te';::ln':!''~^'-' "» ™ ! ^^y tX:^IJt "r' "^ '"'" "■^' «- •• S"« .cd-iron! thL re nourr 7 ^T """"^ ^•^'='«'"' ""!' ™ 'earing mhZtr\:?t!f"\T^ «" "' '""^ "-cy- They have me— .'•^„]'^iff- '"'?' "'fy! boar more, suddenly caught him in t , '""' """"" '" I'im down and witM,i= t °"'™8 ""»'' *'"•««' fee his cr esheTd ^ f^' ^r^' "P™ '"^ ««""'' '" «»■ *e wrS e^l XhS ;«, '^ "'' r''''""' of life. "^^pioss, and with scarcely a sign "I let -' '"' ''^'"'' ■"""""S 'f »» -*s well A txpect. lie now xmnf r>»* f„u' „ ii ,.„ l.'^' , i.wvii.g cne nllor, anoar, nnd 68 NORVEL HASTINas; OE; some rigging, and closing the door, lie fastened it on tlic out- side. Then springing into a small black skiff that was tied to a stone near the doorway, he shot out from the shore to the xebec, which was but a tew rods distant. Springing on board, lie slipped the 1 awser which secured it to a buoy, and then with a pole shod with iron, pushed tue xebec out from the pool into the bay. Hero he hoisted the jib to catch the light wind, and, taking the helm, he steered as closely under the cliff as he could with safety. Every few minutes he would cast his eye backwards and upwards, to see if he could be seen from the villa ; but as he advanced farther down the bay he g'-ew bolder, hoisted the main-sheet, and steered straight for the opening that connected the bay with the ocean. lie once thought he could see the form of Mary Fielding on the cliff, and his countenance assumed a look of defiance and triumph. " Pretty beauty I we will see who conquers ! When I com- plete my revenge on Norvel Hastings and thee, I shall forgive you both for humbling me as you have! Norvel Hastings ! the man of all men I hate ! But his time shall come ! A plague on that witch ! that yell keeps ringing in my ears and reminding me of her ! I rid the earth of a nuisance ! She had lived long enough ! Confound her ! I wish I could forget her ! How the old Beacon seems to look down and frow . ! Hark ! somebody said murder ! No, it was the cry of that gull wheeling about the tower ! I am afraid I shall hear that shriek, or see her walking on the water after my boat, if I am ever at sea in the night I" The boat was now rounding the Beacon point, and required his whole attention to manage her ; for, though it was com- paratively calm outside, the wind drew strongly through the gorge. For a few moments the xebec dashed on her passage through with spray under bows; but in five minutes she was THE FRIGATE IN THE OPriNc. Qg outside, the Beacon towerine astern -.n,? tu upon the long shining J^lZf^^^^ Z °"!f ^™ "T'""' and fell with graceful motics. mt~a ™' """ of hi..elf, a. if . 3P011 guided .t CC 5"™;: T mass lying in a heap at the base of 1,. ,•» ? f ^ ^ea ca^e. Ho shudLed, LdTatlin g^tt^ ! n.? divert Ins mind by aivinf? hJ^ off.r,f 7 . ' ^^* *^ 1 • "^ fo^^^"g "IS attention to the xebec imi fiv,-« l"s gaze np#n the frigate, towards which llT ^^^ fi^mg "i:i"sr ^: Slit r"™"" ;-t to be anno,ed;\^SrroJ,^^ : -tt : ascertain, as it seemed, if he were observed. Vhen t ,aw e lugger twice eome to, and onee leep awayli? tZ dihl'od ' "' "^'"'^ ""^ "'^"^^^ '» -<- »' -"e?s hi: ™ . 0. If they do, what is it to me ? I fear no man— „„t T r much in a hurry to sun himself in the little English Jvl c/es to look after my motions, if he suspec^c<^ !~ "f ^I'^ ' I'iii 70 NORVEL HASTINGS; OB, what can he suspect ? The idea is in my own head, and no one has shared with me. So, speed, good bark ! Speed my revenge, and lower the topsails of those that sail too high alof., for their ballast ! In ten minutes I shall know my fate. It is a risk to run to put myself in the hands of John Bull ; but if I can serve him he will use me. So, fly away with us, good boat ! May the fiend have that old woman I I thought I saw her then standing on the bows V ^ Leaving the xebec, visibly haunted to the murderer's con- science by the spirit of the murdered witch-woman^ to pursue its course through the shadows of twilight to the frigate, we will now take our readers to her warlike decks. it T Si*;^.. ..SJ^.i._^ THE FRIGATE IN THE OFFING. 71 CHAPTilK VII. officers were grouped, and on the forcelle w ^ !„ Td ».d»h,pme„ as well a. iu tl.e top a„d „„ the var^s To tmly pervaded the whole interior • from J . , »tH,l hoatswain. whistle, n.in;,:;\I°V'':l;':; tt ZZ'Z "T ""'".f """"■ "''" '"» -P»'«»-bar3 n sending of" r,'."Pf ""'--'• These sounds, witL the stem ^ice of the lieutenant of the dock giving orders «„,)• T t^Z7V""" ,""'"' - f- ift-fdU.;:; hoo rs" 01 Uirk Harder with stunning effect. Tlie approach of the xobcc wa. not unperoeived bv tha aT». . f .' "" "''" "'° '"''S"- ^"'l everything else tI • ."■ ''•"^' """ "'"™'' "P™ «•« "ccan within visioT T e hentcnant of the deck, who was standing on the Trm t r","^ a score of others the frigate had passed, tha " "'"" •'"■'y "^'''''^ '""-out inolest^ition bv shin, of -TtU. »- r~ — "That chap is coming ab«.rd, sir," said the quarlor-nas- : f ^i Mil h I 72 NORVEL HASTINGS J Ctt, ter, removing his spy-glass from his eye. There is but one person in her, and he means to board or hail us V " Perhaps the Yankee -wants to sell us smoked herring caught to-day;" said a forward midshipman. " Or he may be coming off \rith proposals of peace from Jonathan to his majesty/' observed another. , " The fellovr means to demand our business here on the coast of his universal nation. We had better beat to quar- ters !" This witticism proceeded from a youth of sixteen, with flowing locks like a girl, a delicate hand, and handsome, rosy face— a sprig of nobility, evidently from the laughter with which the rest, aud eepecially the white-headed old quarter-master received what he said, " That is a handsome villa inland we have had in sight these last five hours," said a lieutenant, with a ;r' iss at hia eye. " I shouldn't wonder if there was beauty there I" " Beauty and booty, both ;" responded a handsome young officer, in undress uniform. " I fancied all would be wild as Scotland on this coast; but the scenery about that bay shows civilization ar-'l wealth." "The Tankces u:q rich enough; aud as they wander all over tho world, they know how to use it, from seeing -how other people live. They are the greatest imitators of any people on earth !" said an old lieutenant with a red nose. "Ye may well ^ay that, dear," answered nn Irish marine captain, gayly attired ; " show them a frigate and they '11 make a better one jist like it, and carry more guns ! It is a botherin' shame that spalpeen of a schooner got away from us so aisy!" " That schooner plainly thought we were a friend," answered the lieutenant before named. " She walked up to us so boldly, and she scampered so quickly when she saw our metal, and found out what we were I" "The craft is coming abonrd, sir!" reported the quartti* master. THE FRIGATE IN THE OPriNQ. 73 "Ay, ay! I'll gee ^^at he wants-" onri fK« «« f> , deck, taking his trumnet w.n. Tl 1 ? ^''''" "^^ *^^ and hailed fhe xebe wLlw ".''"' ^"°^"^^ ^''' "TTo f].. ""^""^'/^^ch was now within cable's length Ho, the smack, ahoy ! Come alongside ' T uff nn M your mainsail! St*and by there ontfT T. ''''' l^'I wish to speak with the captain." "Ay, ay! come aboard. Three or four nf , deck among his ccrantrv'., fn^. . K, . i • . ^^ " ""' ford,. .• »'■'»""•}'» tons; buthis patriotism was buried or tl,e „™e beneath the vindietive emotions of revenue h: Ihhl '"? ;r" "" ™''™"'« "»'' -""^ -i; ofTannon With a sort of e ovation of s-^.inf T^\,ii • u , -^ "^ ^'*°"od, -onnd, most of whom were t i' '" "":'"'' """ "^" Ihcir sunn,>r. .1 • f T ? ^^ ' S™"?"' in messes at le was bewildered irf ■^^'"P""'^-'^""-' ■""• f" " momout rower whtT, ll I "■■" "^■•P°"'"-'='l "i"' "« idea of rowei whieh all he saw oonvoyed to bis mind, "I can tell it only to hin,, sir," answered Dirk, Irmly -:s:ftc''"'''-''''^'''''"^-^-^--'''»««' "Can you tell us where we ean ent out . V.nke. fri.,,* '"}■ man r ■ do„,ando,l the red-nosed lieutenant^ ' ' ' f- "Lo n,e„„whil<., word ha,l be„„ p„™„, ,,y ,|,e officer to : .'1 'r(l •' s, 74 NOBVEL HASTINGS; OR^ the captain, who sent his orderly to escort Dirk to his cabin. The young coaster, sneered at and twitted by the middies and loblolly boys as he went aft, only replied by a look of defiano*, and, following the messenger, he was ushered into the superb cabin of Lord , captain of His Mf^esty's ship Helles- pont. His lordship, a young and effeminate-looking person, was reclining at length upon an oriental couch, when Harder was announced. The state-room was throughout furnished like a boudoir, rather than like the cabin of a fighting ship, very far removed from the plain style in which some of the stout fight- ing captains kept their cabins. But Lord had taste — loved luxury, read, painted, drew, played the flute, and waltzed with himself in a full-length mirror to admiration ! Yet with all his effeminacy, his lordship had courage, and fought his ship like a lion, indeed had the reputation of being a hard fighter; though hi" officers complained that he would appear on deck in the midst of an engagement in kids, and give orders with a bouquet in his hand instead of a sword. The conser- vatory from which he culled these floral luxuries, I)irk passed through on his way to the inner cabin, and not without wonder at seeing "a garden at sea." " You have a — a — wish to a — a — see me, eh ?" and Captain Lord levelled a lorgnette at the young man with delibe- rate inspection. " Bad face— don't like his looks," he mut- tered almost audibly. " What is your country ?" " American." ** Your pursuit ?" " Coasting and fishing." " Your business with me ? Are you not afraid to — a — a trust yourself on board this ship ?" " No, sir. I came for your interests as well as my own." " Let me hear how you can effect our interests, young man !" said his lordship, with an indolent sneer on his fine lip. " Fewer the words the better, T suppose, sir. I can inform THE FRtGATE IN THE OFFINQ. 75 hundred thousand dollars!" '"■° ''""' """-^ «""■ »« " Ah '.'■ with animation exclaimed Lord f u not over-opulent for a nnWo »„ i j ■ , ' *'"' '"' '^"a :P-.anonhisinr:1ri.^t"-X: molestation, if the affair .s prudenH T ". "'' ""' "'"""" «nd with me are quiet " P'"""™"? «»■«>»<'«, and those you " What value, say you ?" "Twenty thousand pounds " AuZ;'^:r;sSn;^^:: "•■'-■' ?- -y ^o-. near him. ^ ° ""' '"Keon wh- was sea(».d offi«rs:nlt:w1u;ro';:n"'*:rr^''''™''''y' -o "■<= <•( last week." '^ "" '^'°"' '""""g possession " Where s.ay you this treasure is hid ?" demanded rt torn, whose iudiffcrcneo had given „av to iT. "'^^ acquisitiveness, when arousc,fwm nL, ? '" "^''^ lent minds-even in th!!! ' J i '^ ™ "■ "'" "»<«' i^do- poreeiain ci;;;:rjrd IT:',:! " ™" ""'^ •"" "^ o™ ^^eiddrwh?"" ^r "' "'"' '"^'"«-'°' -." destitute oftfithrpeirifrr:"""""''"''"^ prised his lordship. •' But T wni . * " '''™'"«^' ""- diticn " " "»' I ™» «!"''« yon to it only „n con- " Condition us no condit'oas fellow i T.„ i not used to be dictated to." " ^^ '''""' "" "« , "U3 the audible remark of the surgeon, who was 76 NORVEL HASTINGS; OB, fi amusing himself with turning a wine goblet into a musical glass, by revolving his finger wet with wine, rapidly round the rm; for the dinner was just through. ♦ " Very well, my lord (for I hear you called so), I can keep my own counsel I" answered Dirk almost savagely, as he turned to go. " Stay, fellow ! Do you think you are free to go ? You have placed yourself in my power, and at my fingers' move- ment you are in chains, a prisoner ; or if I will it, turned for- ward among the men, a pressed seaman. You can t leave the frigate without my will !" ''Nor you possess my secret without my will." " Send him to make acquaintance wi*h the boats v\.an's mate, my lord." said the surgeon. " Nay, Audley," responded his lordship sotto voce ; " I see the fellow is game ! There is no use driving or intimidating, I see. We must conciliate bull dogs, not bait them, or we shall get worsted. He evidently has something to tell us wortb the hearing. We will humour the bear. So, what then is thy condition V " That you keep secret the source from which you get your information " "That I am willing to do." " And that you give me five hundred pounds in money when you shall have the whole in your possession." "So, then, it is avarice that hath made thee play traitor'/" "It matters not what motive, my lord." " Very well. If you guide my boats' crews to a treasure of bales of merchandise worth twenty thousand pounds, your conditions shall be agreed to. But what proof have I that you will not lead my people into a trap V and Lord • fixed hia usually quiet eye upon the eyes of Dirk Harder with the searchinc gaze of the war-oaKle. mE rRiOATE W THE orriNO. „ "I care „„j .^ '"''^'^ '« toeachory. Wiltcousent toth■«?" Wot two hours' rowing " o/:Su" ""' ''^ "' '" " ""^ '^" «"•» -■i undercover Hethen^entt^Xto 1j ,rt""^' "■" "°"-»- ™l, and „,ade inowf to thl T, '"'''"'■'••""^ "^ "■» highest He directed four boal two „fl " '=°'"»'»P'''W expedition. -^«niyha.faboat.:r::;;iT:;:^:^-^^^^^^^^ - leave room for stowace /It, i ''^"'' '" ""^^r «W to go in one of fhe btat anT:' " '" '"""^^ '«' '^'- to'he first lientenant, to whot h '"='''" i»3tr„etiona P^'dition, was, to gnard thl . ^T °"'"""*"'' "^ «'<= «-