He may take us over to France to-night,
or anywhere else. Has he not possession of the vessel?"
"Yes," replied Cecilia; "but we flatter ourselves that we have _the
command_. Shall we call him down, papa?"
"Ring for Maddox. Maddox, tell Mr Pickersgill, who is on deck, that I
wish to speak with him, and shall be obliged by his stepping down into
the cabin."
"Who, my lord? What? _Him_?"
"Yes, _him_," replied Cecilia, laughing.
"Must I call him, my lord, now, miss?"
"You may do as you please, Maddox; but recollect, he is still in
possession of the vessel," replied Cecilia.
"Then, with your lordship's permission, I will; it's the safest way."
The smuggler entered the cabin; the ladies started as he appeared in his
rough costume, with his throat open, and his loose black handkerchief.
He was the _beau ideal_ of a handsome sailor.
"Your lordship wishes to communicate with me?"
"Mr Pickersgill, I feel that you have had cause of enmity against me,
and that you have behaved with forbearance. I thank you for your
considerate treatment of the ladies; and I assure you, that I feel no
resentment for what has passed."
"My lord, I am quite satisfied with what you have said; and I only hope
that, in future, you will not interfere with a poor smuggler, who may be
striving, by a life of danger and privation, to procure subsistence for
himself and, perhaps, his family. I stated to these ladies my intention
of anchoring the yacht this night at Cowes, and leaving her as soon as
she was in safety.
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