"I think," said I, "she is going about eleven knots; and, as she is six miles astern of you, that she will be within gun-shot in less than four hours." "Part of that time shall be spent in paying our debts for this favour," said the captain. "Mr Solomon, let them seize that _no-nation_ rascal up to the main rigging, and hand up two of your most hungry cats. Where is Dick Twist, he that was boatswain's mate of the _Statira_; and that red-haired fellow, you know, that swam away from the _Maidstone_ in the Rappahanock?" "You mean carroty Sam, I guess--pass the word for Sam Gall." The two operators soon appeared, each armed with the instruments of his office; and I must say that in malignity of construction they were equal to anything used on similar occasions, even by Captain G---. The culprit was now brought forward, and to my surprise, it was the very man whom Thompson, when in the boat had thrown overboard for mutiny. I cannot say that I felt sorry for the cause or the effect that was likely to be produced by the disputes of the day. "Seize him up," said the captain; "you were sent to the mast-head in your regular turn of duty; and you have neglected that duty, by which means we are likely to be taken: so, before my authority ceases, I will show you a Yankee trick." "I am an Englishman," said the man; "and appeal to my officer for protection." The captain looked at me. "If I am the officer you appeal to," said I, "I do not acknowledge you. You threw off your allegiance when you thought it suited your purpose, and you now wish to resume it to screen yourself from a punishment which you richly deserve. I shall certainly not interfere in your favour." "I was born," roared the cockney, "in Earl Street, seven Dials--my mother keeps a tripe-shop--I am a true-born Briton, and you have no right to flog me." "You was a Yankee sailor from New London, yesterday, and you are a tripe-seller from Old London to-day; I think I am right in calling you a no-nation rascal: but we will talk about the right another time," said the captain; "meanwhile Dick Twist, do you begin." Twist obeyed his orders with skill and accuracy; and having given the prisoner three-dozen that would not have disgraced the legerdemain of my friend the Farnese Hercules in the brig, Sam Gall was desired to take his turn. Sam acquitted himself _a merveille_ with the like number; and the prisoner after a due proportion of bellowing was cast loose. I could not help reflecting how very justly this captain had got his vessel into jeopardy by first allowing a man to be seduced from his allegiance, and then placing confidence in him. "Let us now take a look at the chase," said the captain. "Zounds, she draws up with us. I can see her bowsprit-cap hen she lifts; and half an hour ago I only saw her foreyard. Cut away the jolly-boat from the stern, Solomon."