The man soon effected this purpose; and a large, substantial boat, roomy enough to accommodate Lord Montressor, his attendants and his baggage, was rowed up close alongside the wharf upon which they stood. The trunks were first lowered into the boat, then Lord Montressor, followed by his valet and his groom, entered and seated himself in the stern. The four sailors laid themselves to their oars, and the boat flew over the water. In a few minutes they were alongside the Petrel which, in her neatest trim, was preparing to get under way. They pulled around to the starboard gangway, where Lord Montressor went immediately up the ladder and stood upon the deck. In truth, the vessel presented an animating spectacle. Some of the men were busy with the ropes, others with the windlass. The eldest boy was at the tiller. But most conspicuous upon the deck stood the handsome Amazon, Barbara Brande, in her strong, grey serge dress, but bareheaded, with the fresh wind making free with her blackest of tresses, and flushing with a deeper crimson her sun-burned cheeks. She stood there self-possessed and giving orders in her own clear, ringing, decided tones. Seeing Lord Montressor, she immediately came forward to meet him, saying, in her high, cheerful voice: “Welcome, sir! you are just in time. We shall be under way in half an hour. You know where to find your quarters, sir. Will you go below, or——” “I will remain on deck, if you please, Miss Brande,” said his lordship, who was not a little curious and interested to see how this girl would proceed to get her vessel under sail—feeling doubtful, also, of the sound discretion of embarking his life on such a venture. “Very well, sir! as you please.” And Barbara left him and went forward. “Ahoy, there, Willful! see to getting Lord Montressor’s baggage up.” The lad left the tiller to obey. The hoisting of the trunks occupied but a few minutes; the stowing them but a few more. The deck being then clear again, Barbara went forward to give orders, which she did in short, firm, resonant tones, that must have startled a stranger less prepared for them than Lord Montressor. “All hands up anchor! Each man to his post!—and you, Willful, to the helm!” The orders were obeyed with alacrity. “Man the windlass.” The four sailors came forward and laid themselves to the bars. “Heave! heave hearty, my men! And you, Edwy, play up, my boy!” This last order was given to the younger lad, who raised the fife he held in his hand and began to play a lively inspiring air, while the men with all their strength heaved at the windlass. The anchor was soon apeak, and hauled up to the side of the vessel, catted and fished. “Quick! now, my men!—haul in the larboard braces forward!—haul home the starboard braces abaft!” shouted Barbara. It was done. “Stand by to set the tops’il! Man the lee sheet! Ease down the buntlines and lee clew-line! Haul home the lee sheet! Now then, hoist away! Cheerly, boys—cheerly! Brace all taut!”