"What a splendid specimen of the powers of the garrote we have lost!" quoth Monsieur Listado, still busied in making a most substantial meal;--"a small cup of that excellent coffee, Miss Helen--bless your lovely fingers--But, my dear boy, flown the villain is," continued the Irishman, addressing me, "however it came about; and before long he will be on the high seas once more, I make no manner of doubt; whether as slaver or pirate, heaven knows. Of course, your friends the Midges, Master Brail, will rejoice at this, as I would at the escape of a snared fox, which might afford sport another day; but, for one, I should be deucedly loath to fall into his hands, that's all." "And I agree with you for once, Listado, for no joy in the world have I, that a scoundrel, who obliged me with six inches of steel under my ribs, should escape." "Pray, Miss Sophie," said he, without noticing the interruption, "have you ever seen him, this Adderfang? Fine man--square shoulders--small waist--a piece of that yam, Mrs Hudson--thank you--but a regular Don Juan--a devil among the ladies--and--oh, Lord, I declare a bone has stuck in my throat." On that day week, the frigate arrived. I was very curious to see how the commodore would meet De Walden; but it seems the latter had written him to Jamaica, and there was no scene, although I could perceive the kind old man's eye sparkle, and a tear of joy trickle down his furrowed cheek, whenever he could steal what he thought an unobserved glance at him. However, it was not my province to pry into his secret, if secret there was. The commodore now determined to sell the Midge all standing, and to draft her crew to Gazelle once more--and it was accordingly done. As old Dogvane came over the side, after having given up charge of her to the Spanish sailors that came to take possession, he grumbled out--"That same wicked little Midge an't done with her buzzing or stinging either, or I mistake. She has fallen among thieves, or little better, that's sartain, judging from the sample we have here,"--eyeing the strangers,--"and I'll lay a pound of baccy, she will either be put in the contraband slaving on the coast of Africay again, or to some worse purpose, among them keys and crooked channels hereaways. I say, my hearties," turning to the Spaniards, "what are your masters agoing to do with this here fellucre?" "To rone between Jamaica and dis wid goods--passengers--one trader to be." "One trader--no honest one, I'll venture--but all's one to old Dogvane." Next morning, De Walden came to my room as I was dressing, with a packet from Jamaica, that had been sent to Batabano, and thence across the island to Havanna. I opened it, and had to read it twice over before I could comprehend the contents, or ascertain what the writer wanted to be at.