The Pilot

onius,

a

taking their stations, however, a quiet but rigid observance was paid to the rights of seniority and rank. On the right of the captain was placed Griffith, as next in authority; and opposite to him was seated the commander of the schooner. The officer of marines, who was included in the number, held the next situation in point of precedence, the s

n," he said, "after making the coast

for silence, and the veteran paused, with a loo

toward the part of the cabin where the pilot stood, lean

e from its close survey of a chart that lay near him on the deck. The

be necessary on the occasion, and there

men; but Griffith bowing his silent acquiescence in

ons as enabled us to stand into the bay we entered last night. We have now obtained a pilot, and one who has proved himself a skilful ma

iments on this important point. Receiving no other reply than the one conveyed by the silent inclinations

l purposes, it has become an object of solicitude with our commissioners in Paris to obtain a few individuals of character from the enemy, who may be held as a check on their proceedings, while at the same

n of the object of their cruise. After a short pause, the

you advise me to pu

with the other he conveyed a pen to his mouth, which was apparently masticated with all the relish that he could possibly have felt had it been a leaf from the famous Virginian weed. But perceiving that he was expected to a

account must be closed, or there will be a false muster. Well, if the thing is to be done, the next question is, how is it to be done? There is many a man that knows there is too much canvas on a ship, who can't tell how to shorten sail. Well, then, if the thing is really to be done, we must either land a gang to seize them, or we must show false lights and sham colors, to lead them off to the ship. As for landing,

the climax of all discussion; but his commander, who was but a more improved scholar from the same rough school, appeared to underst

distinct than that uttered by the master, and was very much to the same purpose, with the ex

the captain of marines to speak. There was a trifling exhibition of professional pride about the soldier, in delivering his sentiments

n such a manner as to throw in a flanking fire on the point of debarkation. The arrangements for the order of march must a good deal depend on the distance to go over; though I should think, sir, an advanced party of seamen, to act as pioneers for the column of marines, should be pushed a short distance in front, while the baggage and baggage-guard might rest upon the frigate, until the enemy was driven into the interior, when

should never let salt-water mould your buttons; but in Washington's camp, ay! and in Washington's t

an to mount guard and pay salutes." Then, turning haughtily from his antagonist, he continued to address himself to their common superior, as if disdaining further intercourse with one who, from the nature of the case, must be unable to comprehend the force of what he said. "It will be prudent, Captain Munson, to send out a party to reconnoitre, before we march; and as i

to conceal the smile that was gathering on his own face, perceived the fierce glance which the pilot threw at the merry seaman, and wondered at its significance and impatie

, "and should be sent off express to Congress,

propose, Mr. Barnstable?" i

trouble, to execute it," cried the other; "'tis a seam

lar vein was entirely absorbed in his military pride; "if there be

from the other?" returned the reckless sailor. "Do you think that a barge or a cutter is to be beached in the same manner y

your project, Mr. Barns

me, for you carry as true a map of the bottom of these seas in your head as ever was made of dry ground. I will look out for good anchorage; or if the wind should blow off shore, let the schooner stand off and on, till we should be ready to take the broad sea again. I would land,

" proceeded the captain, "when, by comparing opi

ct, and might have been, on that account, better prepared to give his opinion with effect

on that man shall a

t

e necessary information, si

altogethe

the lieutenant, bowing slightly to the stranger, who received the compliment by a cold inclination of his head. "I must desire t

the schooner," exclaimed

at was instantly comprehended. "I neither agree wholly with the one nor the other of these gentlemen. 'Tis said that, since our ap

dvancing among them with a sudden

e lieutenant, when the momen

u vouch

c

n individual, that

and yielding to his native pride, hesitated to reply. But mindful of the declarations of his capt

ling of a Colonel Howard, who resides

countenance. But the action, and the pause that followed, were of short continuance. His lip slightly curled, whether in scorn or with a conce

d if I might presume to advise Captain Munson,

ranger than his words expressed, but his face was again shaded by his hand, and his

e to claim it. I certainly do not think the preparation that Captain Manual advises necessary; neither would I undertake the duty with as little caution as Mr. Barnstable proposes. If there are soldiers to be enco

eplied, witho

offer you the service, and I rejoice

ith which he listened to his commander, and a radiant

gentleman does not dislike the duty." The marine bowed, and cast a glance of triumph at Barnstable. "I will take my own cutter, with

ack the triumphant look of the marine

e necessary, you shall see her anchored in one of their duck-ponds, with her broadside to bear on the parl

prudent," returned Griffith. "More

rstood his allusion,

nless at a drill. One will take the room of two sailors; they swing their hammocks athwart-ships, heads to leeward, and then tu

t marine, "and we will follow Mr. Griffith in an open boat,

ld all become so many Jonahs in uniform, and I doubt whether the fish could digest your cartridge-boxes and bayonet-belts.

ooks on the speakers, as if he sought more in their characters than was exhibited by the gay trifling of the moment. Captain Munson seldom allowed a muscle of his wrinkled features to disturb their repose; and if he had not the real dignity to repress the untimely mirt

ir potations as in council, and helping himself to an allowance which retained its

here is one man, and he is sailing-master of this ship, who saw land enough last night, to last him a twelvemonth. But if you will go, here's a good land-fall, and a better offing to you. Captain Munson, my respects to you. I say, sir, if we s

the other, during this speech, his companions were compelled to listen to his eloquence, or depart with their thirst unassuaged. Barn

little water as the Ariel, and is as hard to find the bottom. If your spirit-room enjoys the same

ass altogether. Captain Munson continued standing, and his officers, perceiving that their presence was no longer necessary, bowed, and took th

the frigate, "the occurrences of the last night should teach us confiden

loyalty to the cause of America-and yet I trust myself on hostile ground, in the midst of enemies, with a weak arm, and under circumstances where treachery would prove my ruin.

stranger, at one part of this speech, and at its close h

mplicit obedience is what I have a right to expect. I have not your pretensions, sir, by birth or educa

like the proud and fearless eye of the young man, and while he dreads a gibbet from my hands, I w

a massive seal, which he opened, and laid on the table before the youth. As he pointed with his finger impressively to different parts o

tate to bear witness in my favor, and that is

t when his eye obeyed the signal of the stranger, and rested on the body of the instrument, he started back from the ta

ll follow yo

rm of the young man and led him into a stateroom, leaving the commander of the frigate st