“Thank you; they would be an inconvenience if we had them, especially the kid gloves. Do you know when the ship sails again?” “In three or four days. She is anchored here for repairs of injuries received in the late gale.” “And your party goes with her, of course?” “Yes. We shouldn’t like to stay here and chance the coming of another ship.” “Whither goes she?” “Cruising after privateers.” “After privateers! I’ll be——” (and here the captain swore a tremendous oath) “if I don’t hope she’ll overhaul the _Sea Scourge_! That has turned pirate unquestionably, and I should like to see all those mutinous rascals hung in a row from the yard arms.” “The arms would break with their weight,” laughed Justin. “Then they’d be killed by the fall, and that would be just as well.” The cheerful bustle of a numerous arrival startled Justin, and with a nod to the rebel sailor, he left the room and hurried to the hall door to receive his guests. There was the florid captain, the two lieutenants, the chaplain, the surgeon, the doctor and the purser—a party of six, come to dine with Justin. “How do you do? how do you do?” said the captain, heartily shaking Justin’s offered hands. “That pair of fowls was delicious, I tell you; and the fish and eggs were a fine addition to my breakfast this morning. Let me introduce these gentlemen: the Rev. Mr. White, ship’s chaplain; Lieutenant Ethel, you know; Lieutenant Robins; Dr. Brown, ship’s surgeon; Mr. Bruce, ship’s purser. Gentlemen, Mr. Rosenthal.” Having accomplished this introduction with a great deal of ceremony, the captain, with his officers, followed his host into the parlor, where there was another introduction—namely, to Miss Conyers, who received the party with graceful courtesy. “And now, Mr. Rosenthal,” said the captain, as soon as they were all seated, “my men with the boat are down below there waiting your orders concerning the shipping of those provisions you talked of. If you will send one of your hands to show them where they are, they will go to work immediately.” “You forget,” said Justin, smiling, “that I have no hands but those with which nature has provided me. I should not like to part with either of them. But, if you will be good enough to excuse me for fifteen minutes, and allow Miss Conyers to entertain you, I will go and show the men where the provisions are stored, and set them to work.” “Do so, then, my young friend! Of course, we will excuse you for so good a work,” said the captain. Justin bowed and left the room. But, before leaving the house, he put his head into the bedroom door and looked to see if the rebel captain was ready for the interview with the Union officer. He saw Captain Spear, with his head in the wash-basin, engaged in a very much-needed ablution. “You will be ready in fifteen minutes?” inquired Justin. “Yes, or in twenty.” “Then I will come for you.” “Thank you.”