"As I before remarked," said the Lieutenant, noting that Barron had finished the letter, "Captain Humphreys offers you the privilege of a mutual search." Captain Barron smiled. The idea that he should find any of his own men serving on board King George's vessel was rather amusing. "I have missed none of my crew," he said quietly, "and, while grateful for the privilege, I do not desire to make use of it." "And your answer?" broke in the Lieutenant. "You will take this letter, that I shall write, to Captain Humphreys, give him my best compliments, and of course inform him that I regret that I can neither avail myself of his courtesy, nor with honor can I permit a search to be made of my vessel." "As you decide," returned the Lieutenant, sententiously. For some minutes nothing was heard from the cabin. Barron was busily employed in inditing the epistle, and when it was delivered, the two officers came out together. The following is a copy of the letter to Captain Humphreys:-- _To the Commander of His Majesty's ship, "Leopard":_-- AT SEA, June 22d. I know of no such men as you describe. The officers that were on the recruiting service for this ship were particularly instructed by my government through me not to enter any deserters from H.B. Majesty's ships. Nor do I know of any being here. I am also instructed never to permit the crew of any ship under my command to be mustered by any other than their own officers. It is my disposition to preserve harmony, and I hope this answer to your despatch will prove satisfactory. J. BARRON. The Englishman was escorted to the side, and once in his boat, his crew, as if urged to special exertion, made all haste to gain their ship. Allen turned and spoke to Benjamin Smith, the First Lieutenant. "I do not like the look of things," he said. "Nor I," responded Smith, advancing toward the Captain, who had stopped to speak to one of the lady passengers. He saluted his commander, and speaking in a low voice, he suggested the propriety of asking the ladies to retire below, and of clearing ship. "Tut, tut," replied Barron, carelessly; "you are over-nervous, Mr. Smith. My letter to Captain Humphreys will convince him that our actions are perfectly proper and peaceable, while any movement to prove to the contrary might lead him to suppose that I wished to precipitate some trouble. Nothing will occur, I warrant you." "Had we not better open the magazines, sir?" asked Captain Gordon, coming up at this moment. "It is not necessary," Barron returned, and once more joined the ladies.