Those on board, particularly the ladies, were alarmed; the fog was very thick, and they could not distinguish the length of the vessel. They had seen the boat board, but had not seen her turned adrift without oars, as the fog came on just at that time. The yacht was left with only three seamen on board, and should it come on bad weather, they were in an awkward predicament. Mr. Hautaine had taken the command, and ordered the guns to be fired that the boat might be enabled to find them. The fourth gun was loading, when they perceived the smuggler's cutter close to them looming through the fog. 'Here they are,' cried the seamen; 'and they have brought the prize along with them! Three cheers for the _Arrow_!' 'Hilloa! you'll be on board of us!' cried Hautaine. 'That's exactly what I intended to be, sir,' replied Pickersgill, jumping on the quarter-deck, followed by his men. 'Who the devil are you?' 'That's exactly the same question that I asked Lord B. when he boarded us,' replied Pickersgill, taking off his hat to the ladies. 'Well, but what business have you here?' 'Exactly the same question which I put to Lord B.,' replied Pickersgill. 'Where is Lord B., sir?' said Cecilia Ossulton, going up to the smuggler; 'is he safe?' 'Yes, madam, he is safe; at least he is in his boat with all his men, and unhurt; but you must excuse me if I request you and the other ladies to go down below while I speak to these gentlemen. Be under no alarm, miss, you will receive neither insult nor ill-treatment--I have only taken possession of this vessel for the present.' 'Take possession,' cried Hautaine, 'of a yacht?' 'Yes, sir, since the owner of the yacht thought proper to attempt to take possession of me. I always thought that yachts were pleasure vessels, sailing about for amusement, respected themselves, and not interfering with others; but it appears that such is not the case. The owner of this yacht has thought proper to break through the neutrality and commence aggression, and under such circumstances I have now, in retaliation, taken possession of her.' 'And pray what do you mean to do, sir?' 'Simply for a few days to make an exchange. I shall send you on board of my vessel as smugglers, while I remain here with the ladies and amuse myself with yachting.' 'Why, sir, you cannot mean----'