When I came into the presence of the captain to whom I was now a prisoner, I saw a face and heard a voice that seemed familiar to me. For a moment I could not identify their owner, but very quickly I made out who he was, though I gave no sign of recognition. "I am Captain Crane of the American privateer, Marguerite," said I. "I surrender my vessel and crew to you!" "Your schooner is sinking," was the reply; "how long can she keep afloat?" "Perhaps for two or three hours," I answered. "Your guns were well served, and have done you credit." Then he told his first officer to bring the crew of the Marguerite on board as soon as possible, save all the property that could be saved from the wreck, and then let her sink. Turning to me, he said,-- "Captain Crane, will you come below?" Of course I accepted the invitation, and followed him to his cabin. As we took seats at the table he announced that I had surrendered to the British privateer, Reindeer, Captain Woods; and then he shook my hand heartily. "It's a long time since we met after the loss of the Evelyn," said he, "and for your sake I'm sorry for the circumstance of our meeting to-day. I've heard of the Marguerite and the mischief she has been doing, but had no suspicion that her captain and I were acquainted." He told me that he had been in command of the Reindeer for more than a year, and had taken several American prizes, and sunk two privateers by the same ruse he practised on me. "With your crew we shall have all the prisoners we can care for; and I shall now steer for England. If I fall in with a vessel which I can convert into a cartel I will stay on the seas a while longer; but if not, I shall hope to land you in Plymouth in a week or ten days." Then we had a general conversation on various topics, the steward serving us with refreshments while our talk was going on. Altogether, I was made to forget, in some degree, the misfortune that had overtaken me; and I certainly congratulated myself that, if fate had decreed that I was to be captured, she had allowed me to fall into the hands where I found myself. I gave my parole that I would make no attempt to escape, or countenance any insurrection on the part of the prisoners; and after remaining below for half an hour or so, went on deck with Captain Woods.