Chapter 11 - Page 2

brigantine, certain incidents which have occurred to myself this
night, your presence here, that bale of articles forbidden by the law,
create suspicions that must be satisfied. Who are you?"

"The flagrant wanderer of the ocean--the outcast of society--the
condemned in the opinions of world--the lawless 'Skimmer of the Seas!'"

"This cannot be! The tongues of men speak of the personal deformity of
that wanderer, no less than of his bold disregard of the law. You would
deceive me."

"If then men err so much in that which is visible and unimportant,"
returned the other, proudly, "is there not reason to doubt their accuracy
in matters of more weight. I am surely what I seem, if I am not what I
say."

"I will not credit so improbable a tale;--give me some proof that what I
hear is true."

"Look at that brigantine, whose delicate spars are almost confounded with
the back-ground of trees," said the other, approaching the window, and
directing the attention of his companion to the Cove: "'Tis the bark that
has so often foiled the efforts of all thy cruisers, and which transports
me and my wealth whither I will, without the fetters of arbitrary laws,
and the meddling inquiries of venal hirelings. The scud, which floats
above the sea, is not freer than that vessel, and scarcely more swift.
Well is she named the Water-Witch! for her performances on the wide ocean
have been such as seem to exceed all natural means. The froth of the sea
does not dance more lightly above the waves, than yonder graceful fabric,
when driven by the breeze. She is a thing to be loved, Ludlow; trust me, I
never yet set affections on woman, with the warmth I feel for the faithful
and beautiful machine!"

"This is little more than any mariner could say, in praise of a vessel
that he admired."

"Will you say it, Sir, in favor of yon lumbering sloop of Queen Anne? Your
Coquette is none of the fairest, and there was more of pretension than of
truth, at her christening."

"By the title of my royal mistress, young beardless, but there is an
insolence in this language, that might become him you wish to represent!
My ship, heavy or light of foot, as she may be, is fated to bring yonder
false trader to the judgment."

"By the craft and qualities of the Water-Witch! but this is language that
might become one who was at liberty to act his pleasure," returned the
stranger tauntingly imitating the tone, in which his angry companion had
spoken. "You would have proof of my identity: listen. There is one who
vaunts his power, that forgets he is a dupe of my agent, and that even
while his words are so full of