The men laid themselves with a good-will to their ropes, and the heavy bales and boxes soon swung between the boats below and the bulwarks above. Lord Montressor turned to ascertain whence the cheery voice came; and he saw, standing upon the deck, with a small speaking-trumpet in her white hand, a tall, handsome young woman, with a finely developed form, broadly-expanded chest, frank, resolute countenance, shining black hair, and flashing black eyes. Her dress and hood of coarse grey serge could not disguise her singular beauty. “So——That’s it! Haul hearty! cheerly boys!—cheerly!—so——!” called the same animating voice, as the men hoisted in the freight. Then she lowered the little speaking-trumpet, and advanced to receive Lord Montressor, who was going toward her. “Some sister, or daughter, or perhaps wife of the skipper, doing duty in his absence. Some shore-mate acting as shipmate—a very piquante position, upon my word!” thought Lord Montressor, as he paused before the young Amazon, and lifted his hat. “How do you do, sir? Have you any business with me?” asked Barbara. The tone was frank, short, decided, almost abrupt. “I have business with the skipper, if you will be so kind as to direct me where to find him, young lady.” “Ah! you wish to see Brande, Master?” “Yes, Madam.” “Here he is, then,” said Barbara, laying her hand proudly and fondly on the head of the elder boy, who stood at her side. Lord Montressor looked surprised and perplexed. “Excuse me, Madam, did I understand you to say——” “That this lad is Brande—Master? Yes, sir! The vessel belongs to him and his brother, and sails under his name. But until he attains his majority and acquires a competent knowledge of navigation and seamanship, I, his sister, am Acting Master. I am the responsible person here, sir, if you have business with the ship. (Ahoy, there! Bob! man the long-boat and go on shore to bring off those bales.) Now I am ready to listen to you, sir.” “Excuse me, Madam! but expecting to find Captain Brande to treat with, I came on board hoping to be able to secure a passage to the West Indies for myself and men.” “Who are you, sir?” The question was frank, direct, and abrupt like all her talk. “Pardon me, I should have anticipated your question; I am the Viscount Montressor.” “And how many men have you, sir?” “Two—a valet and a groom.” “Well, sir, I know of no reason why you should not find a berth here. We are prepared to accommodate a limited number of passengers. (Look alive there, boys!) We sail on the first of October, sir, wind and tide favoring, and shall be glad of your company.” Here was a dilemma! Lord Montressor was, of course, far too high bred to _express_ his surprise, perplexity and doubt, and he was also too self-possessed to _betray_ those emotions to any creature less quick-sighted and penetrating than the Amazon before him.