"Yes, by Captain Ratlin," continued the mother, "permit me to introduce
you, gentlemen. Captain Bramble, this is Captain Ratlin; you are both
seamen, and there is no need of compliments, though I am seriously
indebted to you both."

"Of the merchant service, I presume?" said the English officer,
regarding the young and handsome commander of the "Sea Witch" with a
somewhat suspicious eye.

"From childhood," was the cool reply, while, as though by a feeling of
common content, both turned away from each other, to other objects.

Captain Bramble saw that she whom he had so profitlessly saved,--she
whose smile would have been invaluable to him, now spoke low and gently
to the merchant captain; and even smiled kindly upon his remarks to her,
of whatever nature they might be. Doubtless, from the moment of their
introduction, a vague suspicion of his true character crossed the
English officer's thoughts, but now he needed no other incentive, than
the fact that Miss Huntington received and entertained his addresses so
agreeably, and with such evident pleasure, to make him more than
watchful, and resolved to find out the truth.

"You are not long arrived, Captain Ratlin?" asked the other.

"Within these two weeks," was the calm reply.

"Not seeing your vessel, I presume she has gone to the windward, for
ivory."