“The men of the yawl report that the rover shows this symbol in many parts of his vessel, and we know he had the impudence to set it yesterday in our presence, even on his ensign.” “True—true; take you the glass, Mr. Luff, and tell me if there be not a woman’s face sketched in front of that light—we certainly near him fast—let there be silence, fore and aft the ship. The rogues mistake our bearings!” “A saucy-looking jade, as one might wish to see!” returned the lieutenant. “Her impudent laugh is visible to the naked eye.” “See all clear for laying him aboard! Get a party to throw on his decks, sir! I will lead them myself.” These orders were given in an undertone, and rapidly. They were promptly obeyed. In the meantime, the Coquette continued to glide gently ahead, her sails thickening with the dew, and every breath of the heavy air acting with increased power on their surfaces. The boarders were stationed, orders were given for the most profound silence, and as the ship drew nearer to the light, even the officers were commanded not to stir. Ludlow stationed himself in the mizen channels, to con the ship; and his directions were repeated to the quarter-master, in a loud whisper. “The night is so dark, we are certainly unseen!” observed the young man to his second in command; who stood at his elbow. “They have unaccountably mistaken our position. Observe how the face of the painting becomes more distinct—one can see even the curls of the hair.—Luff, sir! luff—we will run him aboard! on his weather-quarter.” “The fool must be lying-to!” returned the lieutenant. “Even your witches fail of common sense; at times! Do you see which way he has his head, sir?” “I see nothing but the light. It is so dark that our own sails are scarcely visible—and yet I think here are his yards, a little forward of our lee beam.” “’Tis our own lower boom. I got it out, in readiness for the other tack, in case the knave should ware. Are we not running too full?” “Luff you may, a little,—luff, or we shall crush him!” As this order was given, Ludlow passed swiftly forward. He found the hoarders ready for a spring, and he rapidly gave his orders. The men were told to carry the brigantine at every hazard, but not to offer violence, unless serious resistance was made. They were thrice enjoined not to enter the cabins, and the young man expressed a generous wish that, in every case, the ‘Skimmer of the Seas’ might be taken alive. By the time these directions were given, the light was so near that the malign countenance of the sea-green lady was seen in every lineament. Ludlow looked, in vain, for the spars, in order to ascertain in which direction the head of the brigantine lay; but, trusting to luck, he saw that the decisive moment was come.