"That strange gentleman _has such_ a beautiful tone of voice, uncle," said a little lady--his niece, I believe,--who during our colloquy had taken hold of Mr Roseapple's hand. "Indeed, Miss Tomboy!--Why, there again, Mr Brail. Young and old, male and female--he seems to have fascinated all of them.--But I really cannot give you more information regarding him, than that my friend Turner brought him up in his gig from Falmouth, and sent to ask leave if he might bring him to the party. It seems he came over two days ago from the opposite coast of Cuba, in a felucca, with live stock and dye woods,"--I started at this--"or something equally ungenteel, which he consigned to Turner; and, having got the value of them in advance, he is on his way to Kingston. He says that the cargo was merely to pay his expenses, and seemed desirous of insinuating, I thought, that accident alone had been the cause of his being led to deal in such vulgar articles as Spanish bullocks and Nicaragua wood." "I verily believe him," said I. "He does seem a high sort of fellow," continued Mr Roseapple, without noticing my interruption. "But here is Turner, let us ask him.--I say, Turner, allow me to introduce Mr Brail to you." We bowed to each other. "We have been speaking about your friend." "Well," said Turner, "I believe, Roseapple, you know about as much of him as I do." "Pray," said I, "may I ask what sort of craft this same felucca was?" _The Falmouth gentleman described the Midge exactly_. "Well," thought I, "the vessel _may_ be owned by an honest man after all; at any rate, what does it signify to me whether she be or no?" Nevertheless, I had an itching to know more about her somehow. "Is the felucca still at Falmouth, sir, may I ask?" continued I. "No; she sailed yesterday morning at daylight." "That was something of the suddenest too," said I. "We gave her every expedition, sir." "I don't doubt it--I don't doubt it--Was there a schooner in company, sir?" "No; no schooner----But there is my partner waiting for me, so you'll excuse me, Mr Brail." So saying, away skipped Mr Turner, and I had no other opportunity of asking him any more questions. As I had nothing particular to engage me among the dancers, I again strolled into the dark piazza. Mr Roseapple followed me. "Why, you seem strangely given to the darkness, Mr Brail; it cannot be because your deeds are evil; won't you join the dancers?" "I will presently, sir," said I laughing; "but really I have a great curiosity to know what that ship is about out there. Is there any vessel expected from England, sir?" "Oh, a great many. The Tom Bowline from London has been becalmed in the offing the whole day; I saw her from the piazza some time ago. I fear she will not get in until the sea-breeze sets down to morrow. There," said he, pointing at the lessening vessel, "look! she has stood out to sea yonder. She intends giving the land a good berth until daylight, I suppose."