The skipper looked at the mate; in the light of the compass lantern it was to be seen that that worthy had lost his grin. “Where was that, youngster?” asked he. “In the Gulf and West Indian waters,” said Ethan. “My grandfather and my father composed the firm of Clarette & Co.” The schooner was, by this time, rocking idly upon the waters of the bay; and the shallop was drawing nearer with each moment. There was no man who followed the sea in the western world who had not heard of the great firm of Clarette & Co., shipowners, now passed out of existence; and with a quiet smile Ethan noticed the increased respect with which the captain and mate of the schooner regarded him. Just then Longsword came stamping upon deck; he had his huge, double-edged blade belted about him; in his hands he carried Ethan’s sword and a couple of brace of heavy pistols. “We are ready for them, asthore, no matter who they are,” cried he as he handed the boy his weapons, drew his heavy blade and whirled it about his head with a swishing sound that caused the seamen in his neighborhood to duck their heads instinctively. “You two are taking a great deal of pains for nothing,” growled the captain. “I tell you there is no danger of any kind to be expected from that craft there. I’ve known her captain for years.” “Her captain, yes,” said Ethan, evenly. “But you do not know the men who have engaged her from him, nor what their purpose is.” “You are right,” said the captain, after a pause. “He told me only to-night that some people had chartered his vessel for a cruise of some kind. Do you reckon,” and he regarded Ethan closely, “that they are after you folks?” “I’m not at all sure,” answered the lad, “but I am inclined to think that they are.” “And come to look at the thing right between the eyes,” spoke the mate, “I don’t think that was Captain Hutchins or any of his people that hailed us. It was a strange voice to me.” This seemed to settle the matter in the captain’s mind, and whirling about he gave quick, sharp orders to get the vessel into the wind. But he was too late. The Island Queen still hung, when the smart shallop drew alongside. “Ahoy,” shouted a voice from the latter’s deck. “Take care there; you’ll be afoul of us.” “Then sheer off,” yelled the schooner’s captain. “But we want to speak to you.” “Sheer off, I tell you,” bellowed the frightened captain of the schooner, “or I’ll run you down!” “Lay that old tub to, or I’ll send a couple of musket shot into your hide,” shouted the voice threateningly. “He’ll be aboard of us in a minute,” cried the captain. “Have you any arms on board?” asked Ethan quietly, as he looked to the priming of his pistols and slipped his sword in and out of the scabbard to assure himself that it was free. “A couple of cutlasses and pikes,” said the skipper; “and a brace of pistols in the cabin.”