"As you desire it, gentlemen, I will have them brought," replied Captain Dupin; and he spoke in French to one of the people in attendance, who in a short time returned, accompanied by two other persons bringing in numerous parcels and cases, pieces of cloth, satin and silk. The captain called for a book, and read out the quantities of each, requesting his guests in the mean time to examine them. "They are sold in good faith, and I believe you will not be disappointed," he observed. "Now, gentlemen," he continued, "I am in want of a considerable amount of fresh provisions and stores for my ship, and with which I feel sure you will be ready to supply me. I have, however, to remark that I require them immediately, and I shall feel obliged to you if you will send on shore and order them to be brought off without delay. From among so many honourable merchants I have no doubt that I can be speedily provided with the whole amount." "Will you furnish us with a list of your wants?" asked Mr Ferris, "and I and my friends will gladly send them on board as soon as we return on shore." "I do not mistrust your good intentions," answered Captain Dupin, "but as time is precious to me, and I should be sorry to lose you, I must request you to despatch orders to your managers and clerks to send off the stores while you remain on board." "I thought so!" exclaimed the old sea-captain, bringing his fist down on the table. "What fools we were to be so caught! May I ask you, Captain Dupin, how long you have carried the British ensign at your peak?" "Since I came in sight of Waterford harbour," answered Captain Dupin. "To confess the truth, I have practised a slight ruse on you; but be assured that I would not cause you or your friends, who are now so happily amusing themselves on deck, the slightest annoyance beyond the detention of a few hours--indeed, only until the stores you send for arrive." "Is this vessel, then, not a Jersey privateer, as we were led to suppose?" asked Mr Ferris, with some little trepidation in his voice. "No, sir; I must own that she is the _Coquille_, belonging to Dunkirk, and that I am Captain Thurot, of whom you may possibly have heard," answered the captain. "Thurot! the most daring smuggler that ever crossed the Channel," whispered Captain O'Brien, in a low voice, to his neighbour; "we are caught like rats in a trap. He is as cunning as he is daring, and will keep us in durance till he gets what he wants." CHAPTER SIX. CAPTAIN THUROT DEMANDS A SUPPLY OF PROVISIONS--THE MERCHANTS SEND, FOR THEM--CAPTAIN THUROT'S HISTORY--THE DISCOVERY--MOST OF THE GUESTS ALLOWED TO TAKE THEIR DEPARTURE--MR. FERRIS, WITH ELLEN AND CAPTAIN O'BRIEN, REMAIN AS HOSTAGES--THE CHAMPION APPEARS IN THE OFFING--CAPTAIN THUROT ALLOWS THE HOSTAGES TO GO ON SHORE IN THE DINGHY.