CHAPTER TWELVE.
I STATE MY NEWLY-AWAKENED SCRUPLES AS TO THE LAWFULNESS OF APRIVATEERSMAN'S LIFE TO MR. TREVANNION, BUT NEVERTHELESS UNDERTAKEANOTHER CRUISE--SAVE A YOUTH FROM DROWNING, WHO HE PROVES TO BE--CONFLICT WITH A FRENCH PRIVATEER--TAKE HER AND DELIVER A PRIZE--RETURNTO LIVERPOOL--RESIGN THE COMMAND OF THE SPARROW-HAWK, AND AGREE TOSUPERINTEND MR. TREVANNION'S BUSINESS.
Miss Trevannion, my dear Madam, was taller than your sex usually are,her figure slight, and still unformed to a certain degree, but promisingperfection. Her hair was very dark, her features regular and handsome,her complexion very pale, and her skin fair as the snow. As she stoodin silence, she reminded you of a classical antique statue, and hardlyappeared to breathe through her delicate lips; but when she was animatedwith conversation, it almost reminded you of the Promethean fire whichpoets state was stolen from Heaven to animate a piece of marble. Thenthe colour came in her cheeks, intelligence played on her countenance,and everything which at first sight appeared wanting, was, like magic,found to light up her face. Her smiles were the sweetest I ever beheld,and one of those smiles she bestowed upon me as I entered the room andpaid her my obeisance. The night before, I had not observed her much;--I was too busy with her father and Captain Levee, and she sat remotefrom the table and distant from the light, and she never spoke but whenshe took my hand and thanked me, as I mentioned before. I thought thenthat her voice was like a silver bell, but made no other remark uponher. We had, however, exchanged but few words before her father camein, accompanied by Captain Levee, and we sat down to our morning'srepast of chocolate.
After we had broken our fast, Captain Levee hastened away, on board ofhis vessel. My imprisonment had detained him from sailing, and MrTrevannion was anxious that he should be off as soon as possible to makeup for lost time, as the expenses of the vessel were heavy.
"Farewell, Elrington, for the present," said he; "I shall come to you onboard of your schooner some time during the day." When Captain Leveewas gone--for, to tell the truth, I was afraid of his ridicule--Ithought it a good opportunity to give my thoughts to my owner, and as Ihad nothing to say which his daughter might not hear, I began asfollows:
"Mr Trevannion, I think it right to state to you that during myimprisonment a great change has come over my feelings upon certainpoints. I am not ashamed to acknowledge that it has been occasioned bythe death which stared me in the face, and from my having seriouslycommuned with myself, and examined, more than I perhaps have done duringthe whole of my former life, the sacred writings which are given us asour guide. The point to which I refer is, that I have come to aconviction that privateering is not a lawful or honourable profession,and with these feelings I should wish to resign the command of theschooner which you have had the kindness to give me."
"Indeed, Elrington," replied Mr Trevannion. "Well, I should not havethought to have heard this from you, I confess. Much as I respect yourscruples, you are too scrupulous. I can hardly imagine that you haveturned to the sect of the Quakers, and think fighting is contrary to theScriptures."
"No, Sir, not so far as that. I consider war, as a profession, bothnecessary and honourable, and a nation is bound to be prepared for anyforeign attack, and to act upon the defensive, or on the offensive, ifit is necessary. It is not that. I do not consider the soldier whofights for his country is not doing his duty, nor the seamen who areemployed by the state are not equally justified in their profession.What I refer to is privateering. That is, vessels fitted out for thepurpose of aggression by private merchants, and merely for the sake ofprofit. They are not fitted out with any patriotic motives, but merelyfor gain. They are speculations in which the lives of people on bothsides are sacrificed for the sake of lucre--and had you witnessed suchscenes of bloodshed and cruelty as I have, during my career, suchdreadful passions let loose, and defying all restraint, you would agreewith me that he who leads such miscreants to their quarry has much toanswer for. Were it possible to control the men on board of a privateeras the men are controlled in the king's service it might be moreexcusable; but manned, as privateers always will be, with the mostreckless characters, when once they are roused by opposition, stimulatedby the sight of plunder, or drunken with victory, no power on earth canrestrain their barbarity and vengeance, and a captain of a privateer whoattempted would, in most cases, if he stood between them and their will,unless he were supported, fall a victim to his rashness. All this Ihave seen; and all I now express I have long felt, even when younger andmore thoughtless. You know that I did give up privateering at one time,because I was shocked at the excesses to which I was a party. Sincethat I have accepted the command of a vessel, for the idea of beingcaptain was too flattering to my vanity to permit me to refuse; butreflection has again decided me not to engage in it further. I hopethis communication will not displease you, Mr Trevannion. If I amwrong in my opinion at all events I am sincere, for I am giving up myonly source of livelihood from a sense of duty."
"I know that you are sincere, Elrington," replied Mr Trevannion, "butat the same time I think that you are much too strait-laced in youropinions. When nations are at war, they mutually do all the mischiefthat they can to each other, and I cannot see what difference there isbetween my fitting out a privateer under the king's authority, or theking having vessels and men for the national service. The governmentfit out all the vessels that they can, and when their own funds areexhausted they encourage individuals to employ their capital in addingto the means of distressing the enemy. If I had property on the highseas, would it be respected any more than other English property by theenemy? Certainly not; and, therefore, I am not bound to respect theirs.The end of war is to obtain an honourable peace; and the more the enemyis distressed, the sooner are you likely to obtain one. I do not,therefore, consider that privateering is worse than any other species ofwarfare, or that the privateersman is a whit more reckless or brutalthan soldiers or men-of-war's men in the hour of victory in the king'sservice."
"There is this difference, Sir," replied I; "first, in the officerscommanding; although glad to obtain prize-money, they are stimulated bynobler feelings as well. They look to honour and distinction; they havethe feeling that they are defending their king and country, to supportthem and throw a halo on their exertions; and they have such controlover their men, that, although I admit they are equally inclined toexcess as the privateersman, they are held in check by the authoritywhich they dare not resist. Now, Mr Trevannion, privateersmen seek nothonour, and are not stimulated by a desire to serve the country; allthey look to is how to obtain the property of others under sanction; andcould they without any risk do so, they would care little whether it wasEnglish property or not, provided that they put the money into theirpockets. If I held this opinion as a seaman on board of a privateer,what must I feel now, when I am the leader of such people, and theresponsibility of their acts is thrown upon my shoulders, for such Ifeel is the case!"
"I think," replied Mr Trevannion, "that we had better not discuss thisquestion any further just now. Of course you must decide for yourself;but I have this favour to ask of you. Trusting to your resuming thecommand of the vessel, I have no one to replace you at present, and Ihope you will not refuse to take the command of her for one more cruise:should you on your return and on mature reflection be of the sameopinion as you are now, I certainly shall no longer press you to remain,and will do all I can to assist you in any other views you may have."
"To that, Sir, I can have no objection," replied I; "it would be unfairof me to leave you without a captain to the vessel, and I am thereforeready to sail in her as soon as you please, upon the understanding thatI may quit her, if I am of the same opinion as I am now, upon my returnto port."
"I thank you, my dear Sir," said Mr Trevannion, rising; "that is all Irequest. I must now go to the counting-house."
So saying, he left the room, but his countenance showed that he was farfrom pleased.
Miss Trevannion, who had been a silent listener to the c
onversation, assoon as her father had closed, the door after him, thus spoke:
"Captain Elrington, the opinion of a young maiden like me can be oflittle value, but you know not how much pleasure you have given me bythe sentiments you have expressed. Alas! That a man so good, sogenerous, and so feeling in every other respect, should be led away bythe desire of gain, to be the owner of such a description of property.But in this town wealth is everything; the way by which it is obtainedis not thought of. My father's father left him a large property invessels employed wholly in the slave-trade, and it was through thepersuasions of my poor mother that my father was induced to give up thatnefarious traffic. Since that his capital has been chiefly employed inprivateering, which, if not so brutal and disgraceful, is certainlynearly as demoralising. I have been home but a short time, and I havealready ventured to express my opinion, certainly not so forcibly and sowell as you have, upon the subject; but I was laughed at as atender-hearted girl, who could not be a fit judge of such matters. Butnow that you, a captain of one of his vessels, have expressed yourdislike to the profession, I think some good may arise. If my fatherwere a poor man, it would be more excusable, if excuse there can be; butsuch is not the case. He is wealthy, and to whom has he to leave hiswealth but to me, his only child? Captain Elrington, you are right--befirm--my father's obligations to you are very great and your opinionwill have its influence. I am his daughter--his only daughter--his lovefor me is great, I know, and I also have my power over him. Supportedas I have been by you, I will now exert it to the utmost to persuade himto retire from further employment of his means in such a speculation.
"I thanked you yesterday, when I first saw you, for your noblebehaviour; I little thought that I should have again, in so short atime, to express my thanks." Miss Trevannion did not wait for any replyfrom me, but then quitted the room.
I must say, that, although so young a person, I was much pleased at MissTrevannion's approval of my sentiments. She appeared, from the veryshort acquaintance I had had with her, to be a person of a firm anddecided disposition, and very different from the insipid class offemales generally met with. Her approval strengthened my resolution;still, as I had promised her father that I would go another cruise inthe privateer, I left the house and went on board to resume the command.My return was joyfully hailed by the officers and men, which is notalways the case. I found her, as may be supposed, ready for sea at aminute's warning, so that I had nothing to do but embark my effects,which I did before the noon was passed, and then went on shore to MrTrevannion, to receive his orders. I found him with Captain Levee inthe back room; and I told Mr Trevannion that I had resumed the command,and was ready to sail as soon as he pleased.
"We must make up for lost time, Elrington," replied he; "I have orderedCaptain Levee to cruise to the northward of the Western Isles,occasionally working up as far as the Scilly Isles. Now I think you hadbetter take your ground in the Channel, between Dunkirk and Calais.There is as much to be made by salvage in recapturing English vessels inthat quarter as there is in taking the enemy's vessels; and I am sure,"added Mr Trevannion, smiling, "you will think that legitimate warfare."
At this Captain Levee laughed, and said, "I have been told what you saidto Mr Trevannion, Elrington. I said that it was the effects of beingcondemned for high treason, and would wear off in a three-months'cruise."
"Good impressions do wear off very soon, I fear," replied I; "but I hopethat it will not be the case in this instance."
"We shall see, my good fellow," replied Captain Levee; "for my part Ihope they will, for otherwise we shall lose the best privateersman Iever fell in with. However, it's no use bringing up the question now;let us wait till our cruises are over, and we meet again. Good bye,Elrington, and may you be fortunate. My anchor is short stay apeak, andI shall be under sail in half an hour."
Captain Levee sailed at the time that he mentioned; I remained at anchortill the next morning, and then once more was running down the IrishChannel before a stiff breeze. I forgot to mention that while at MrTrevannion's I had looked at the address of the Catholic priest who hadannounced to me my release from prison, and had left copies of it, aswell as of that of the lady at Paris, in the care of Mr Trevannion. Itwas now cold, autumnal weather, and the Channel was but roughsailing-ground. During the first fortnight we were fortunate enough tomake two recaptures of considerable value, which arrived safely in theThames, after which we had a succession of gales from the southward, itbeing the time of the equinox, which drove us close to the sands ofYarmouth, and we even had difficulty in clearing them and getting intosea-room by standing to the eastward. The weather still continued verybad, and we were lying-to under storm sails for several days, and atlast found ourselves a degree and a half to the northward, off the coastof Norfolk, when the weather moderated, and the wind changed to thenorthward. It was a fine clear night, but with no moon, and we wererunning before the wind to regain our cruising-ground; but the windagain shifted and baffled us, and at last it fell light, and, being on awind, we did not make more than four miles an hour, although there wasvery little sea. About one o'clock in the morning I had gone on deck,and was walking to and fro with the first officer, Mr James, when Ithought that I heard a faint halloo from to windward.
"Stop," said I; "silence there forward."
I listened, and thought that I heard the cry again. "Mr James," saidI, "did you not hear some one shout?"
"No, Sir," replied he.
"Wait, then, and listen."
We did so, but I could not hear it repeated.
"I am certain that I heard a voice as if on the waters," said I."Perhaps some one has fallen overboard. Turn the hands up to muster,and haul the fore-sheet to windward."
The men were mustered, but no one was missing.
"It was your fancy, Sir," observed the first officer.
"It may have been," replied I; "but I am still in my own mind persuadedthat such was the case. Perhaps I was mistaken."
"Shall we let draw the fore-sheet, Sir?" said Mr James.
"Yes, we may as well; but the wind is lighter than it was. I think weshall have a calm."
"It will be as much as she can do to stem the tide and hold her own,"observed Mr James. "Let draw the fore-sheet, my lads."
Somehow or another I had a feeling which I could not surmount, that Icertainly had heard a faint shout; and although, admitting such to bethe case, there was little chance of being of service to any one, I felta reluctance to leave the spot, and as I walked the deck silent andalone this feeling became insurmountable.
I remained on deck till the tide turned, and then, instead of takingadvantage of it so as to gain to the southward, I put the schooner'shead the other way, so as to keep as near as I could to the spot where Iheard the voice, reducing her sail so as just to stem the tide. Icannot now account for my anxiety, which, under the circumstances, Imost certainly never should have felt, unless it was that Providence waspleased to interpose on this occasion more directly than usual. I couldnot leave the deck; I waited for daylight with great impatience, and asthe day dawned I had my telescope in my hand looking round the compass.
At last, as the sun rose from the fog on the horizon, somethingattracted my eye, and I made it out to be the two masts of a vesselwhich had sunk in about six fathoms of water. Still I could see nothingexcept the masts. However, to make sure, I made sail on the schooner,and stood towards them. A short tack enabled us to fetch, and in halfan hour we passed the wreck about a half-musket-shot to windward, whenwe perceived an arm lifted up out of the water, and waved to us.
"There is somebody there," said I, "and I was right. Quickly, my lads;fore-sheet to windward, and lower down the stern-boat."
This was done in a minute, and in a short time the boat returned,bringing with them a lad about sixteen years old, whom they had found inthe water, clinging to the masts of the vessel. He was too muchexhausted to speak or move. He was put into bed, covered up withblankets, and some warm spirits and
water poured down his throat. Wethen hoisted up the boat, and made sail upon the schooner, and I wentdown below to breakfast, rejoicing that I had acted upon the impulsewhich I had felt, and had thus been instrumental in saving the life of afellow-creature. A few minutes after he was put into bed the lad fellinto a sound sleep, which continued during the whole of the day. Thenext morning he awoke greatly recovered, and very hungry, and as soon ashe had eaten he rose and dressed himself.
I then sent for him, as I was impatient to see him and learn hishistory. When he entered the cabin, it struck me I had seen hisfeatures before, but where I could not say. To my inquiries he statedthat the brig was the Jane and Mary, of Hull, laden with coals; thatthey had started a wooden end during the gale, and that she had filledso rapidly that they got the boat from off the boom to save their lives,but from the heavy sea running, and the confusion, the boat had beenbilged against the bulwarks, and went down as they were shoving off;that he had supported himself by one of the oars, and was soon separatedfrom his companions who floated around him; that during this time thebrig had sunk, and he, clinging to the oar, had been drawn towards heras she sank, and carried some feet under water. On his rising heperceived the top-gallant masts above water, and had made for them, andon looking round he could not see any of the rest of the crew, who musthave all perished; that he had been two days on the mast, and wasperished with cold. Finding that his feet, which hung down on thewater, were much warmer than the other portions of his body exposed tothe wind, he had sunk himself down in the water, and remained there, andhad he not done so he must have perished.
I asked him how long he had been at sea, and he said he had only goneone voyage, and had been but three months on board. There was somethingin his manner so superior to the condition of apprentice (which hestated himself to be) on board of such a vessel, and I felt such aninterest, which I could not account for, towards the lad, that I thenasked who were his friends. He replied, stammering, that he had not afriend in the world except a brother older than himself by many years,and he did not know where he was.
"But your father's name? Is he alive, and who is he? You must tell methat, or I shall not know where to send you."
The youth was very confused, and would not give me any answer.
"Come, my lad," I said, "I think as I have saved your life I deserve alittle confidence, and it shall not be misplaced. I perceive that youhave not been brought up as a lad for the sea, and you must thereforetrust me."
"I will, Sir," he replied, "if you will not send me back to my fatherand mother."
"Certainly not against your will, my good lad," I replied, "although Ishall probably persuade you all I can to return to them. I presume youran away from your home?"
"Yes, Sir, I did," replied he; "for I could not possibly stay there anylonger, and my brother did so before me, for the same reason that Idid."
"Well, I promise you, if you will confide in me, that I will not forceyour inclinations; so now tell me who are your father and mother, andwhy you left home. You want a friend now, and without confidence youcannot expect friendship."
"I will tell you all, Sir," he replied, "for I see by your face that youwill not take advantage of me."
He then commenced, and you may imagine my surprise, my dear Madam, whenI found that it was my own brother Philip, whom I had left a child often years old, who was addressing me. He had, as he had asserted, lefthis home and thrown himself on the wide world for the same reason whichI had; for his spirit, like mine, could not brook the treatment which hereceived. I allowed him to finish his narrative, and then made myselfknown to him.
You may imagine the scene, and the delight of the poor fellow, who, ashe encircled me in his arms, clinging to me with the tears of joy on hischeeks, told me that his great object had been to find me out, and that,although he had no idea what had become of me, he thought it most likelythat I had taken to a seafaring life.
I now felt certain that Providence had specially interposed in thisbusiness, and had, for its own good reasons, created those unusualfeelings of interest which I described to you, that I might be thesaviour of my brother; and most grateful was I, I can assure you. I hadnow a companion and friend, one to love and to cherish. I was no longeralone in the world and I do not know when I had felt so happy for a longwhile.
I left my brother below in the cabin, and went on deck to acquaint theofficers with this strange meeting. The intelligence soon ran throughthe vessel, and of course the poor shipwrecked boy became an object ofunusual interest. That whole day I was interrogating and receivingintelligence from him relative to our family. I made him describe hissisters and every member of it, even the servants and our neighbourswere not forgotten, and for the first time since I had quitted home, Iknew what had occurred during the six years of my absence. From theaccounts he gave me, I certainly had no inclination ever to return aslong as certain parties were in existence; and my brother declared thatnothing but force should ever induce him. The more I talked with him,the more I was pleased with him. He appeared of a frank, nobledisposition, full of honour and high sentiments, winning in his manners,and mirthful to excess. Indeed, his handsome countenance implied andexpressed as much, and it did not deceive.
I hardly need say that he took up his quarters in my cabin, and, havingprocured for him more suitable apparel, he looked what he was,--theperfect young gentleman. He was soon a general favourite on board, notonly with the officers but with the men. One would have thought thatthe danger and distress we had found him in would have sickened him forthe sea for ever; but it was quite the contrary. He delighted in hisprofession, and was certainly born to be a sailor. I asked him what hefelt when he had remained so long clinging to the mast; if he had notgiven up all hopes of being saved? And he replied no, that he had not;that he did not know how long he might have had to remain there, butthat he had never abandoned the idea of being taken off by some vesselor another, and that he thought that he might have continued there fortwenty-four hours longer without being exhausted, as after he had sunkhimself into the water he felt warm, and no exertion was necessary. Itis of such buoyant spirits as these, Madam, that seamen should be made.
You cannot have an idea of the pleasure which I experienced at thisfalling in with my brother Philip. It appeared to have given a newstimulus to my existence; even privateering did not appear so hateful tome, after I had heard him express his delight at being likely to be soemployed, for such he stated had long been his ardent wish. Two daysafterwards we had regained our cruising-ground, and perceived a Frenchprivateer steering for the port of Calais, in company with a largemerchant vessel which she had captured. The wind was light, and wediscovered her at daybreak, just as the fog cleared away, she being thenabout mid-channel, and not more than five miles distant. We made allsail, and soon were within gun-shot. The Frenchman appeared determinednot to part with his prize without a trial of strength, but as thecaptured vessel was the nearest to us, I decided to retake her first,and then fight him if he wished. I therefore steered to lay the prizeby the board. The Frenchman, a lugger of twelve guns, perceiving ourintention, made also for the prize to defend her, he steering up for herclose-hauled, we running down to her free, the prize lying between us,and sheltering each of us from the other's guns. It is difficult to saywhether the Frenchman or we were the first to touch her sides with ourrespective vessels; I rather think that the Frenchman was a second ortwo before us. At all events they were quicker than we were, and wereon the deck first, besides having the advantage of the assistance oftheir men already on board, so that we were taken at a greatdisadvantage. However, we did gain the deck by boarding at two points,forward and aft, and a fierce contest ensued. The French were morenumerous than we were, but my men were better selected, being all verypowerful, athletic fellows. Philip had boarded with the other partyforward, which was led by my chief officer. My party, who were abaft,not being so numerous, were beaten back to the taffrail of the vessel,where we stood at bay, defendi
ng ourselves against the furious assaultsof the Frenchmen. But if we lost, the other party gained, for the wholebody of the Frenchmen were between us and them, and those who facedPhilip's party were driven back to abaft the mainmast. It so happenedthat Philip was thrown down on the deck, and his men passed over him;and while in that position, and unable to rise from the pressure uponhim, he heard a calling out from below: this told him that the Englishprisoners were in the hold; and as soon as he could rise he threw offthe hatches, and they rushed up, to the number of twenty-three stoutfellows, to our support, cheering most manfully, and by their cheersannouncing to the French that we had received assistance. This gavefresh courage to my men, who were hard pressed and faint with theirgreat exertion. We cheered, and rushed upon the enemy, who were alreadyweakened by many of them having turned round to resist the increasedimpetus from forward. Our cheers were replied to by Philip's party andthe prisoners, and the French were losing the day. They made anotherdesperate rush upon Philip's men, and succeeded in driving them back tobefore the main-hatches; but what they gained forward, they lost abaft,as we pushed on with vigour. This was their last attempt. Themain-hatch being open, several of them in the confusion fell into it,others followed them of their own accord, and at last every one of themwas beaten down from the deck, and the hatches were put over them, withthree cheers.
"Now for the privateer--she is our own," cried Philip; "follow me, mymen," continued he, as he sprang upon the bulwarks of the prize, andfrom thence into the main rigging of the lugger alongside.
Most of my men followed him; and as there were but few men left on boardof the lugger, she was soon in our possession, and thus we had both theenemy and the prize without firing a cannon-shot. It was strange thatthis combat between two privateers should thus be decided upon the deckof another vessel, but such was the fact. We had several men badlywounded, but not one killed. The French were not quite so fortunate, asseven of their men lay dead upon the decks. The prize proved to be theAntelope West-Indiaman, laden with sugar and rum, and of considerablevalue. We gave her up to the captain and crew, who had at afforded ussuch timely assistance, and they were not a little pleased at being thusrescued from a French prison. The privateer was named the Jean Bart, oftwelve guns, and one hundred and fifteen men, some away in prizes. Shewas a new vessel, and this her first cruise. As it required many men toman her, and we had the prisoners to encumber us, I resolved that Iwould take her to Liverpool at once; and six days afterwards we arrivedthere without further adventure. Philip's gallant conduct had won himgreat favour with my officers and men, and I must say that I felt veryproud of him.
As soon as we had anchored both vessels, I went on shore with Philip toMr Trevannion's to give him an account of what had occurred during theshort cruise, and I hardly need say that he was satisfied with theresults, as we had made three recaptures of value besides a privateer.I introduced Philip to him, acquainting him with his miraculouspreservation, and Mr Trevannion very kindly invited him for the presentto remain in his house. We then took our leave, promising to be back bydinner-time, and I went with Philip to fit him out in a more creditableway; and having made my purchases and given my orders, (it being thenalmost two o'clock _post meridiem_,) we hastened to Mr Trevannion's,that we might be in time for dinner. I was, I must confess, anxious tosee Miss Trevannion, for she had often occupied my thoughts during thecruise. She met me with great friendliness and welcomed me back. Ourdinner was very agreeable, and Philip's sallies were much approved of.He was, indeed, a mirthful, witty lad, full of jest and humour, and witha good presence withal. Mr Trevannion being called out just as dinnerwas finished, Miss Trevannion observed--"I presume, Mr Elrington, thatyour good fortune and the reputation you have acquired in so short atime, have put an end to all your misgivings as to a privateersman'slife?"
"I am not quite so light and inconstant, Miss Trevannion," replied I; "Irejoice that in this cruise I have really nothing to lament or blushfor, and trust at the same time we have been serviceable to our country;but my opinion is the same, and I certainly wish that I had fought underthe king's pennant instead of on board of a privateer."
"You are, then, of the same mind, and intend to resign the command?"
"I do, Miss Trevannion, although I admit that this lad's welfare makesit more important than ever that I should have some means oflivelihood."
"I rejoice to hear you speak thus, Mr Elrington, and I think myfather's obligations to you are such, that if he does not assist you, Ishould feel ashamed of him--but such I am certain will not be the case.He will forward your views, whatever they may be, to the utmost of hispower--at the same time, I admit, from conversations I have had withhim, that he will be mortified at your resigning the command."
"And so shall I," said Philip, "for I do not agree with you or mybrother: I see no more harm in privateering than in any other fighting:I suppose, Miss Trevannion, you have been the cause of my brother'sscruples, and I tell you candidly to your face, that I do not thank youfor it."
Miss Trevannion coloured up at this remark, and then replied, "I do notthink, Mr Philip, that I have had the pleasure of seeing your brothermore than three times in my life, and that within this last six weeks,and sure I am that we have not had a quarter of an hour's conversationaltogether. It is, therefore, assuredly, too much to say that I am thecause, and your brother will tell you that he expressed these opinionsbefore I ever had had any conversation with him."
"That may be," replied Philip, "but you approved of his sentiments, andthat concluded the business, I am sure, and I don't wonder at it. Ionly hope that you won't ask me to do anything I do not wish to do; forI am sure that I could never refuse you anything."
"I am glad to hear you say so, Mr Philip; for if I see you do thatwhich I think wrong, I shall certainly try my influence over you,"replied Miss Trevannion, smiling. "I really was not aware that I hadsuch power."
Here Mr Trevannion came in again, and the conversation was changed; andshortly afterwards Miss Trevannion left the room. Philip, who was tiredof sitting while Mr Trevannion and I took our pipes, and who wasanxious to see the town, also left us; and I then stated to MrTrevannion that having now completed the cruise which I had agreed thatI would, I wished to know whether he had provided himself with anothercaptain.
"As you appear so determined, my dear Elrington, I will only say that Iam very sorry, and will not urge the matter any longer. My daughtertold me since your absence that she was certain you would adhere to yourresolution; and, although I hoped the contrary, yet I have beenconsidering in which way I can serve you. It is not only my pleasurebut my duty so to do; I have not forgotten, and never will forget, thatyou in all probability saved my life by your self-devotion in the affairof the Jacobites. When you first came to me, you were recommended as agood accountant, and, to a certain degree, a man of business; and, atall events, you proved yourself well acquainted and apt at figures. Doyou think that a situation on shore would suit you?"
"I should endeavour to give satisfaction, Sir," I replied; "but I fearthat I should have much to learn."
"Of course you would; but I reply that you would soon learn. Now,Elrington, what I have to say to you is this: I am getting old, and in afew years shall be past work; and I think I should like you as anassistant for the present, and a successor hereafter. If you would liketo join me, you shall superintend the more active portion of thebusiness; and I have no doubt but that in a year or two you will bemaster of the whole. As you know, I have privateers and I have merchantvessels, and I keep my storehouses. I have done well up to the present;not so well, perhaps, now, as I did when I had slave-vessels, which weremost profitable; but my deceased wife persuaded me to give up thattraffic, and I have not resumed it, in honour of her memory. Thesefoolish women should never interfere in such matters; but let that pass.What I have to say is, that if you choose after a year to join me as apartner, I will give you an eighth of the business, and as we continue Iwill make over a further share in proporti
on to the profits; and I willmake such arrangements as to enable you at my death to take the wholeconcern upon favourable terms."
Mr Trevannion knocked the ashes out of his pipe, and, as heconcluded,--"I am," I replied, "as you may imagine, Sir, much gratifiedand honoured at your proposal, which I hardly need say that I willinglyaccept. I only hope you will make allowance for my ignorance at firstsetting off, and not ascribe to any other cause my imperfections. Youmay assure yourself that good-will shall never be wanting on my part,and I shall work day and night, if required, to prove my gratitude forso kind an offer."
"Then, it is settled," said Mr Trevannion; "but what are we to do withyour brother Philip?"
"He thinks for himself, Sir, and does not agree with me on the questionin point. Of course, I have no right to insist that my scruples shouldbe his; indeed, I fear that I should have little chance in persuadinghim, as he is so fond of a life of adventure. It is natural in one soyoung. Age will sober him."
"Then you have no objection to his going on board of a privateer?"
"I would rather that he was in any other service, Sir; but as I cannotcontrol him I must submit, if he insist upon following that profession.He is a gallant, clever boy, and as soon as I can, I will try to procurehim a situation in a king's ship. At present he must go to sea in someway or the other, and it were, perhaps, better that he should be in goodhands (such as Captain Levee's for instance) on board of a privateer,than mix up with those who might demoralise him more."
"Well, then, he shall have his choice," replied Mr Trevannion. "He isa smart lad, and will do you credit wherever he may be."
"If I may take the liberty to advise, Sir," replied I, "I think youcould not do better than to give the command of the Sparrow-hawk to thechief officer, Mr James; he is a good seaman and a brave man, and Ihave no doubt will acquit himself to your satisfaction."
"I was thinking the same; and as you recommend him he shall take yourplace. Now, as all this is settled, you may as well go on board andmake known that you have resigned the command. Tell Mr James that heis to take your place. Bring your clothes on shore, and you will findapartments ready for you on your return, for in future you will ofcourse consider this house as your residence. I assure you that, nowthat you do not leave me, I am almost glad that the affair is arrangedas it is. I wanted assistance, that is the fact, and I hold myselffortunate that you are the party who has been selected. We shall meetin the evening."
Mr Trevannion then went away in the direction of his daughter's roominstead of the counting-house as usual, and I quitted the house. I didnot go immediately down to the wharf to embark. I wanted to have ashort time for reflection, for I was much overpowered with MrTrevannion's kindness, and the happy prospects before me. I walked outinto the country for some distance, deep in my own reflections, and Imust say that Miss Trevannion was too often interfering with my train ofthought.
I had of course no fixed ideas, but I more than once was weighing in mymind whether I should not make known to them who I was, and how superiorin birth to what they imagined. After an hour passed in buildingcastles, I retraced my steps, passed through the town, and, going downto the wharf, waved my handkerchief for a boat, and was soon on board.I then summoned the officers and men, told them that I had resigned thecommand of the vessel, and that in future they were to consider MrJames as their captain. I packed up my clothes, leaving many articlesfor my successor which were no longer of any use to me, but which hewould have been compelled to replace.
Philip I found was down in the cabin, and with him I had a longconversation, he stated his wish to remain at sea, saying that hepreferred a privateer to a merchant vessel, and a king's ship to aprivateer. Not being old enough, or sufficient time at sea to beeligible for a king's ship, I agreed that he should sail with CaptainLevee, as soon as he came back from his cruise. He had already sent ina good prize. As soon as my clothes and other articles were put intothe boat, I wished them all farewell, and was cheered by the men as Ipulled on shore.
My effects were taken up to Mr Trevannion's house by the seamen, towhom I gave a gratuity, and I was met by Mr Trevannion, who showed meinto a large and well-furnished bed-room, which he told me was in futureto be considered as my own. I passed away the afternoon in arranging myclothes, and did not go down to the parlour till supper-time, where Ifound Miss Trevannion, who congratulated me upon my having changed myoccupation to one more worthy of me. I made a suitable reply, and wesat down to supper. Having described this first great event in my life,I shall for the present conclude.
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