"Are you an American?" "Yes, sir; God's truth, I am." "Your name?" "McGovern, sir." "Where were you born, McGovern?" The stern, matter-of-fact inquiry could scarce conceal the pity in the tone; but it was the officer-voice speaking. "In Water Street, New York, sir, not far from the big church--Oh, for the love of----" "You speak like an Irishman." "My parents were Irish, your honor, but I was born in the little house fourth from the corner. You won't let them---- Oh, God help me!" The sturdy rocking beat of oars near to hand off the port quarter caused an interruption. The fugitive gave a quick glance full of terror in the direction of the sound; then he dropped forward upon his knees; his whimpering changed to a hoarse weeping whisper. "Don't give me up; I'd rather die--save me--save me," he croaked. One of the watch came hurrying aft. "There's a cutter here at the gangway," he said in a low voice, saluting the Lieutenant. "Very good, my lad," responded the latter. "Take this man below, give him dry clothes and a place to sleep." Two men helped the abject creature to his feet and led him sobbing to the forward hatchway. The Lieutenant stepped to the side. "On board the cutter there," he called, "what do you want at this hour of night?" Well he knew, and he spoke as if the answer had been given. "On board the frigate," was the reply. "We're looking for a deserter; he started to swim off to you; has he reached here?" The Lieutenant disdained deception. "We fished a half drowning man out of the water a few minutes since," he replied quietly, leaning over the gangway railing. "He's a deserter from my ship; I'll be obliged if you will hand him over.--This is Lieutenant Colson, of the _Poictiers_." "Sorry not to grant Lieutenant Colson's request; the man claims protection as an American. Captain Hull will have to look into the matter.--This is Lieutenant Morris, of the _Constitution_." "I should like to see Captain Hull at once. In bow there, make fast to the gangway." "Hold hard, sir. The Captain is asleep; I cannot waken him." "I demand you do--you are in one of His Majesty's ports." "I know that well enough--keep off the side, sir." There was a moment's silence, and then the same level tone was heard addressing some one on the deck. "Call the guard; let no one come on board the ship to-night." There was the sound of some movement on the _Constitution's_ deck; the fast ebb tide clopped and gurgled about the vessel's counter mirthfully. The Englishman, standing erect in the stern sheets of the little cutter bobbing against the frigate's side, hesitated. "On board the frigate, there!" "Well, sir, in the cutter!" "Heark'ee! You'll repent this rashness, I can warrant you that, my friend; you will pay high for your damned Yankee insolence, mark my words. Shove off there forward" (this to the bowman)--"shove off there, you clumsy fool! Let fall!"