appeared to be searching. He shouted to them; and the next moment he was
released.

"He is one of our crew--belongs to the Stars and Stripes," said the
American, arresting Salvé, who, as long as he got out of this accursed
town now, did not care in what capacity it might be, and offered no
opposition.

"You have not improved your beauty, my lad," said his rescuer,
derisively, as he held up the light to his face.

"I should like to have one word with the tavern-keeper before I go,"
said Salvé.

"And that is what we have not the slightest inclination for," said the
American--who, it now appeared, was boatswain on board--in a dry tone of
authority. "We are not going larking with the police. Besides, having
once recovered that trifle of wages, I don't mean to risk losing it
again."

The Yankees made a close ring round their prisoner, and there was
nothing for it but to follow as he was directed. A look, however, at the
boatswain gave him to understand that that question of the wages would
be settled between them when they got on board.




CHAPTER XVI.