----"The good old plan,
That they should get, who have the power,
And they should keep, who can."--_Wordsworth._
The apartment, in which our adventurer now found himself, afforded no bad
illustration of the character of its occupant. In its form, and
proportions it was a cabin of the usual size and arrangements; but, in its
furniture and equipments, it exhibited a singular admixture of luxury and
martial preparation. The lamp, which swung from the upper deck, was of
solid silver; and, though adapted to its present situation by mechanical
ingenuity, there was that, in its shape and ornaments, which betrayed it
had once been used before some shrine of a far more sacred character.
Massive candlesticks of the same precious metal, and which partook of the
same ecclesiastical formation, were on a venerable table, whose mahogany
was glittering with the polish of half a century, and whose gilded claws,
and carved supporters, bespoke an original destination very different from
the ordinary service of a ship. A couch, covered with cut velvet, stood
along the transom; while a divan, of blue silk, lay against the bulkhead
opposite, manifesting, by its fashion, its materials, and its piles of
pillows, that even Asia had been made to contribute to the ease of its
luxurious owner. In addition to these prominent articles, there were cut
glass, mirrors, plate, and even hangings; each of which, by something
peculiar in its fashion or materials, bespoke an origin different from
that of its neighbour. In short, splendour and elegance seemed to have
been much more consulted than propriety, or conformity in taste, in the
selection of most of those articles, which had been, oddly enough, made to
contribute to the caprice or to the comfort of their singular possessor.
In the midst of this medley of wealth and luxury, appeared the frowning
appendages of war. The cabin included four of those dark cannon whose
weight and number had been first to catch the attention of Wilder.
Notwithstanding they were placed in such close proximity to the articles
of ease just enumerated, it only needed a seaman's eye to perceive that
they stood ready for instant service, and that five minutes of preparation
would strip the place of all its tinsel, and leave it a warm and well
protected battery. Pistols, sabres, half-pikes, boarding-axes and all the
minor implements of marine warfare, were arranged about the cabin in such
a manner as to aid in giving it an appearance of wild embellishment,
while, at the same time, each was convenient to the hand.
Around the mast was placed a stand of muskets, and strong wooden bars,
that were evidently made to fit in brackets on either side of the door,
sufficiently showed that the bulkhead might easily be converted into a
barrier. The entire arrangement proclaimed that the cabin was considered
the citadel of the ship. In support of this latter opinion, appeared a
hatch, which evidently communicated with the apartments of the inferior
officers, and which also opened a direct passage into the magazine. These
dispositions, a little different from what he had been accustomed to see,
instantly struck the eye of Wilder, though leisure was not then given to
reflect on their uses and objects.
There was a latent expression of satisfaction, something modified,
perhaps, by irony, on the countenance of the stranger in green, (for he
was still clad as when first introduced to the reader,) as he arose, on
the entrance of his visiter. The two stood several moments without
speaking, when the pretended barrister saw fit to break the awkward
silence.
"To what happy circumstance is this ship indebted for the honour of such a
visit?" he demanded.
"I believe I may answer, To the invitation of her Captain," Wilder
answered, with a steadiness and calmness equal to that displayed by the
other.
"Did he show you his commission, in assuming that office? They say, at
sea, I believe, that no cruiser should be found without a commission."
"And what say they at the universities on this material point?"
"I see I may as well lay aside my gown, and own the marling-spike!"
returned the other, smiling, "There is something about the
trade--_profession_, though, I believe, is your favourite word--there is
something about the profession, which betrays us to each other. Yes, Mr
Wilder," he added with dignity motioning to his guest to imitate his
example, and take a seat, "I am, like yourself, a seaman bred and happy am
I to add, the Commander of this gallant vessel."
"Then, must you admit that I have not intruded without a sufficient
warrant."
"I confess the same. My ship has filled your eye agreeably; nor shall I be
slow to acknowledge, that I have seen enough about your air, and person,
to make me wish to be an older acquaintance. You want service?"
"One should be ashamed of idleness in these stirring times."
"It is well. This is an oddly-constructed world in which we live, Mr
Wilder! Some think themselves in danger, with a foundation beneath them no
less solid than _terra firma_, while others are content to trust their
fortunes on the sea. So, again, some there are who believe praying is the
business of man; and then come others who are sparing of their breath, and
take those favours for themselves which they have not always the leisure
or the inclination to ask for. No doubt you thought it prudent to inquire
into the nature of our trade, before you came hither in quest of
employment?"
"You are said to be a slaver, among the townsmen of Newport."
"They are never wrong, your village gossips! If witchcraft ever truly
existed on earth, the first of the cunning tribe has been a village
innkeeper; the second, its doctor; and the third, its priest. The right to
the fourth honour may be disputed between the barber and the
tailor.--Roderick!"
The Captain accompanied the word by which he so unceremoniously
interrupted himself, by striking a light blow on a Chinese gong, which,
among other curiosities, was suspended from one of the beams of the upper
deck, within reach of his hand.
"I say, Roderick, do you sleep?"
A light and active boy darted out of one of the two little state-rooms
which were constructed on the quarters of the ship, and answered to the
summons by announcing his presence.
"Has the boat returned?"
The reply was in the affirmative.
"And has she been successful?"
"The General is in his room, sir, and can give you an answer better than
I."
"Then, let the General appear, and report the result of his campaign."
Wilder was by far too deeply interested, to break the sudden reverie into
which his companion had now evidently fallen, even by breathing as loud as
usual. The boy descended through the hatch like a serpent gliding into his
hole, or, rather, a fox darting into his burrow, and then a profound
stillness reigned in the cabin. The Commander of the ship leaned his head
on his hand, appearing utterly unconscious of the presence of any
stranger. The silence might have been of much longer duration, had it not
been interrupted by the appearance of a third person. A straight, rigid
form slowly elevated itself through the little hatchway, very much in the
manner that theatrical spectres are seen to make their appearance on the
stage, until about half of the person was visible, when it ceased to rise,
and turned its disciplined countenance on the Captain.
"I wait for orders," said a mumbling voice, which issued from lips that
were hardly perceived to move.
Wilder started as this unexpected individual appeared; nor was the
stranger wanting in an aspect sufficiently remarkable to produce surprise
in any spectator. The face was that of a man of fifty, with the lineaments
rather indurated than faded by time. Its colour was an uniform red, with
the exception of one of those expressive little fibrous tell-tales on each
cheek, which bear so striking a resemblance to the mazes of the vine, and
which would seem to be the true origin of the proverb which says that
"good wine needs no bush." The head was bald on its crown; but around
either ear was a mass of grizzled hair, pomatumed and combed into formal
military bristles. The neck was long, and supported by a black stock; the
shoulders, arms, and body were those of a man of tall stature; and the
whole were enveloped in an over-coat, which, though it had something
methodical in its fashion, was evidently intended as a sort of domino. The
Captain raised his head as the other spoke, exclaiming,--
"Ah! General, are you at your post? Did you find the land?"
"Yes."
"And the point?--and the man?"
"Both."
"And what did you?"
"Obey orders."
"That was right.--You are a jewel for an executive officer, General; and,
as such, I wear you near my heart. Did the fellow complain?"
"He was gagged."
"A summary method of closing remonstrance. It is as it should be, General;
as usual, you have merited my approbation."
"Then reward me for it."
"In what manner? You are already as high in rank as I can elevate you. The
next step must be knighthood."
"Pshaw! my men are no better than militia. They want coats."
"They shall have them. His Majesty's guards shall not be half so well
equipt. General, I wish you a good night."
The figure descended, in the same rigid, spectral manner as it had risen
on the sight, leaving Wilder again alone with the Captain of the ship. The
latter seemed suddenly struck with the fact that this odd interview had
occurred in the presence of one who was nearly a stranger, and that, in
his eyes at least, it might appear to require some explanation.
"My friend," he said, with an air something explanatory while it was at
the same time not a little naughty, "commands what, in a more regular
cruiser, would be called the 'marine guard.' He has gradually risen, by
service, from the rank of a subaltern, to the high station which he now
fills. You perceive he smells of the camp?"
"More than of the ship. Is it usual for slavers to be so well provided
with military equipments? I find you armed at all points."
"You would know more of us, before we proceed to drive our bargain?" the
Captain answered, with a smile. He then opened a little casket that stood
on the table, and drew from it a parchment, which he coolly handed to
Wilder, saying, as he did so, with one of the quick, searching glances of
his restless eye, "You will see, by that, we have 'letters of marque,' and
are duly authorized to fight the battles of the King, while we are
conducting our own more peaceable affairs."
"This is the commission of a brig!"
"True, true. I have given you the wrong paper. I believe you will find
this more accurate."
"This is truly a commission for the 'good ship Seven Sisters;' but you
surely carry more than ten guns, and, then, these in your cabin throw nine
instead of four pound shot!"
"Ah! you are as precise as though you had been the barrister, and I the
blundering seaman. I dare say you have heard of such a thing as stretching
a commission," continued the Captain drily, as he carelessly threw the
parchment back among a pile of similar documents. Then, rising from his
seat, he began to pace the cabin with quick steps, as he continued, "I
need not tell you, Mr Wilder, that ours is a hazardous pursuit. Some call
it lawless. But, as I am little addicted to theological disputes, we will
wave the question. You have not come here without knowing your errand."
"I am in search of a birth."
"Doubtless you have reflected well on the matter and know your own mind as
to the trade in which you would sail. In order that no time may be wasted
and that our dealings may be frank, as becomes two honest seamen, I will
confess to you, at once, that I have need of you. A brave and skilful man,
one older, though, I dare say, not better than yourself occupied that
larboard state-room, within the month; but, poor fellow, he is food for
fishes ere this."
"He was drowned?"
"Not he! He died in open battle with a King's ship!"
"A King's ship! Have you then stretched your commission so far as to find
a warranty for giving battle to his Majesty's cruisers?"
"Is there no King but George the Second! Perhaps she bore the white flag,
perhaps a Dane. But he was truly a gallant fellow; and there lies his
birth, as empty as the day he was carried from it, to be cast into the
sea. He was a man fit to succeed to the command, should an evil star shine
on my fate, I think I could die easier, were I to know this noble vessel
was to be transmitted to one who would make such use of her as should be."
"Doubtless your owners would provide a successor in the event of such a
calamity."
"My owners are very reasonable," returned the other, with a meaning smile,
while he cast another searching glance at his guest, which compelled
Wilder to lower his own eyes to the cabin floor; "they seldom trouble me
with importunities, or orders."
"They are indulgent! I see that flags were not forgotten in your
inventory: Do they also give you permission to wear any one of all those
ensigns, as you may please?"
As this question was put, the expressive and understanding looks of the
two seamen met. The Captain drew a flag from the half-open locker, where
it had caught the attention of his visiter, and, letting the roll unfold
itself on the deck, he answered,--
"This is the Lily of France, you see. No bad emblem of your stainless
Frenchman. An escutcheon of pretence without spot, but, nevertheless, a
little soiled by too much use. Here, you have the calculating Dutchman;
plain, substantial, and cheap. It is a flag I little like. If the ship be
of value, her owners are not often willing to dispose of her without a
price. This is your swaggering Hamburgher. He is rich in the possession of
one town, and makes his boast of it, in these towers. Of the rest of his
mighty possessions he wisely says nothing in his allegory These are the
Crescents of Turkey; a moon-struck nation, that believe themselves the
inheritors of heaven. Let them enjoy their birthright in peace; it is
seldom they are found looking for its blessings on the high seas--and
these, the little satellites that play about the mighty moon; your
Barbarians of Africa. I hold but little communion with these
wide-trowsered gentry, for they seldom deal in gainful traffic. And yet,"
he added, glancing his eye at the silken divan before which Wilder was
seated, "I have met the rascals; nor have we parted entirely without
communication! Ah! here comes the man I like; your golden, gorgeous
Spaniard! This field of yellow reminds one of the riches of her mines; and
this Crown! one might fancy it of beaten gold, and stretch forth a hand to
grasp the treasure What a blazonry is this for a galleon! Here is the
humbler Portuguese; and yet is he not without a wealthy look. I have
often fancied there were true Brazilian diamonds in this kingly bauble.
Yonder crucifix, which you see hanging in pious proximity to my state-room
door, is a specimen of the sort I mean." Wilder turned his head, to throw
a look on the valuable emblem, that was really suspended from the
bulkhead, within a few inches of the spot the other named. After
satisfying his curiosity he was in the act of giving his attention again
to the flags, when he detected another of those penetrating, but stolen
glances with which his companion so often read the countenance of his
associates. It might have been that the Captain was endeavouring to
discover the effect his profuse display of wealth had produced on the mind
of his visiter. Let that be as it would, Wilder smiled; for, at that
moment, the idea first occurred that the ornaments of the cabin had been
thus studiously arranged with an expectation of his arrival, and with the
wish that their richness might strike his senses favourably. The other
caught the expression of his eye; and perhaps he mistook its meaning, when
he suffered his construction of what it said to animate him to pursue his
whimsical analysis of the flags, with an air still more cheerful and
vivacious than before.
"These double-headed monsters are land birds and seldom risk a flight over
deep waters. They are not for me. Your hardy, valiant Dane; your sturdy
Swede; a nest of smaller fry," he continued, passing his hand rapidly over
a dozen little rolls as they lay, each in its own repository, "who spread
their bunting like larger states; and your luxurious Neapolitan. Ah! here
come the Keys of Heaven! This is a flag to die under! I lay yard-arm and
yard-arm, once, under that very bit of bunting, with a heavy corsair from
Algiers"--
"What! Did you choose to fight under the banners of the Church?"
"In mere devotion. I pictured to myself the surprise that would overcome
the barbarian, when he should find that we did not go to prayers. We gave
him but a round or two, before he swore that Allah had decreed he might
surrender. There was a moment while I luffed-up on his weather-quarter, I
believe, that the Mussulman thought the whole of the holy Conclave was
afloat, and that the downfall of Mahomet and his offspring was ordained. I
provoked the conflict, I will confess, in showing him these peaceful Keys,
which he is dull enough to think open half the strong boxes of
Christendom."
"When he had confessed his error, you let him go?"
"Hum!--with my blessing. There was some interchange of commodities between
us, and then we parted. I left him smoking his pipe, in a heavy sea with
his fore-topmast over the side, his mizzenmast under his counter, and some
six or seven holes in his bottom, that let in the water just as fast as
the pumps discharged it. You see he was in a fair way to acquire his
portion of the inheritance. But Heaven had ordained it all, and he was
satisfied!"
"And what flags are these which you have passed? They seem rich, and
many."
"These are England; like herself, aristocratic, party-coloured, and a good
deal touched by humour. Here is bunting to note all ranks and conditions,
as if men were not made of the same flesh, and the people of one kingdom
might not all sail honestly under the same emblems. Here is my Lord High
Admiral; your St. George; your field of red, and of blue, as chance may
give you a leader, or the humour of the moment prevail; the stripes of
mother India, and the Royal Standard itself!"
"The Royal Standard!"
"Why not? A commander is termed a 'monarch in his ship.' Ay; this is the
Standard of the King and, what is more, it has been worn in presence of
an Admiral!"
"This needs explanation!" exclaimed his listener who seemed to feel much
that sort of horror that a churchman would discover at the detection of
sacrilege. "To wear the Royal Standard in presence of a flag! We all know
how difficult, and even dangerous, it becomes, to sport a simple pennant,
with the eyes of a King's cruiser on us--"
"I love to flaunt the rascals!" interrupted the other, with a smothered,
but bitter laugh. "There is pleasure in the thing!--In order to punish,
they must possess the power; an experiment often made, but never yet
successful. You understand balancing accounts with the law, by showing a
broad sheet of canvas! I need say no more."
"And which of all these flags do you most use?" demanded Wilder, after a
moment of intense thought.
"As to mere sailing, I am as whimsical as a girl in her teens in the
choice of her ribbons. I will often show you a dozen in a day. Many is the
worthy trader who has gone into port with his veritable account of this
Dutchman, or that Dane, with whom he has spoken in the offing. As to
fighting, though I have been known to indulge a humour, too, in that
particular, still is there one which I most affect."
"And that is?----"
The Captain kept his hand, for a moment, on the roll he had touched, and
seemed to read the very soul of his visiter, so intent and keen was his
look the while. Then, suffering the bunting to fall, a deep, blood-red
field, without relief or ornament of any sort, unfolded itself, as he
answered, with emphasis,--
"This."
"That is the colour of a Rover!"
"Ay, it is _red_! I like it better than your gloomy fields of black, with
death's heads, and other childish scare-crows. It threatens nothing; but
merely says, 'Such is the price at which I am to be bought.' Mr Wilder,"
he added, losing the mixture of irony and pleasantry with which he had
supported the previous dialogue, in an air of authority, "We understand
each other. It is time that each should sail under his proper colours. I
need not tell you who I am."
"I believe it is unnecessary," said Wilder. "If I can comprehend these
palpable signs, I stand in presence of--of--"
"The Red Rover," continued the other, observing that he hesitated to
pronounce the appalling name. "It is true; and I hope this interview is
the commencement of a durable and firm friendship. I know not the secret
cause, but, from the moment of our meeting, a strong and indefinable
interest has drawn me towards you. Perhaps I felt the void which my
situation has drawn about me;--be that as it may, I receive you with a
longing heart and open arms."
Though it must be very evident, from what-preceded this open avowal, that
Wilder was not ignorant of the character of the ship on board of which he
had just ventured, yet did he not receive the acknowledgment without
embarrassment. The reputation of this renowned freebooter, his daring, his
acts of liberality and licentiousness so frequently blended, and his
desperate disregard of life on all occasions, were probably crowding
together in the recollection of our more youthful adventurer, and caused
him to feel that species of responsible hesitation to which we are all
more or less subject on the occurrence of important events, be they ever
so much expected.
"You have not mistaken my purpose, or my suspicions," he at length
answered, "for I own have come in search of this very ship. I accept the
service; and, from this moment, you will rate me in whatever station you
may think me best able to discharge my duty with credit."
"You are next to myself. In the morning, the same shall be proclaimed on
the quarter-deck; and, in the event of my death, unless I am deceived in
my man, you will prove my successor. This may strike you as sudden
confidence. It is so, in part, I must acknowledge; but our shipping lists
cannot be opened, like those of the King, by beat of drum in the streets
of the metropolis; and, then, am I no judge of the human heart, if my
frank reliance on your faith does not, in itself, strengthen your good
feelings in my favour."
"It does!" exclaimed Wilder, with sudden and deep emphasis.
The Rover smiled calmly, as he continued,--
"Young gentlemen of your years are apt to carry no small portion of their
hearts in their hands. But, notwithstanding this seeming sympathy, in
order that you may have sufficient respect for the discretion of your
leader, it is necessary that I should say we have met before. I was
apprised of your intention to seek me out, and to offer to join me."
"It is impossible!" cried Wilder, "No human being--"
"Can ever be certain his secrets are safe," interrupted the other, "when
he carries a face as ingenuous as your own. It is but four-and-twenty
hours since you were in the good town of Boston."
"I admit that much; but--"
"You will soon admit the rest. You were too curious in your inquiries of
the dolt who declares he was robbed by us of his provisions and sails. The
false-tongued villain! It may be well for him to keep from my path, or he
may get a lesson that shall prick his honesty. Does he think such pitiful
game as he would induce me to spread a single inch of canvas, or even to
lower a boat into the sea!"
"Is not his statement, then, true?" demanded Wilder, in a surprise he took
no pains to conceal.
"True! Am I what report has made me? Look keenly at the monster, that
nothing may escape you," returned the Rover, with a hollow laugh, in which
scorn struggled to keep down the feelings of wounded pride. "Where are the
horns, and the cloven foot? Snuff the air: Is it not tainted with sulphur?
But enough of this. I knew of your inquiries, and liked your mien. In
short, you were my study; and, though my approaches were made with some
caution they were sufficiently nigh to effect the object. You pleased me,
Wilder; and I hope the satisfaction may be mutual."
The newly engaged buccanier bowed to the compliment of his superior, and
appeared at some little loss for a reply: As if to get rid of the subject
at once, he hurriedly observed,--
"As we now understand each other, I will intrude no longer, but leave you
for the night, and return to my duty in the morning."
"Leave me!" returned the Rover, stopping short on his walk, and fastening
his eye keenly on the other. "It is not usual for my officers to leave me
at this hour. A sailor should love his ship, and never sleep out of her,
unless on compulsion."
"We may as well understand each other," said Wilder, quickly. "If it is to
be a slave, and, like one of the bolts, a fixture in the vessel, that you
need me, our bargain is at an end."
"Hum! I admire your spirit, sir, much more than your discretion. You will
find me an attached friend and one who little likes a separation, however
short Is there not enough to content you here? I will not speak of such
low considerations as those which administer to the ordinary appetites.
But, you have been taught the value of reason; here are books--you have
taste; here is elegance--you are poor, here is wealth."
"They amount to nothing, without liberty," coldly returned the other.
"And what is this liberty you ask? I hope, young man, you would not so
soon betray the confidence you have just received! Our acquaintance is but
short, and I may have been too hasty in my faith."
"I must return to the land," Wilder added, firmly, "if it be only to know
that I am intrusted, and am not a prisoner."
"There is generous sentiment, or deep villany, in all this," resumed the
Rover, after a minute of deep thought. "I will believe the former. Declare
to me, that, while in the town of Newport, you will inform no soul of the
true character of this ship."
"I will swear it," eagerly interrupted Wilder.
"On this cross," rejoined the Rover, with a sarcastic laugh; "on this
diamond-mounted cross! No, sir," he added, with a proud curl of the lip,
as he cast the jewel contemptuously aside, "oaths are made for men who
need laws to keep them to their promises; I need no more than the clear
and unequivocal affirmation of a gentleman."
"Then, plainly and unequivocally do I declare, that, while in Newport, I
will discover the character of this ship to no one, without your wish, or
order so to do. Nay more"--
"No more. It is wise to be sparing of our pledges, and to say no more than
the occasion requires. The time may come when you might do good to
yourself, without harming me, by being unfettered by a promise. In an
hour, you shall land; that time will be needed to make you acquainted with
the terms of your enlistment, and to grace my rolls with your
name.--Roderick," he added, again touching the gong, "you are wanted,
boy."
The same active lad, that had made his appearance at the first summons,
ran up the steps from the cabin beneath, and announced his presence again
by his voice.
"Roderick," continued the Rover, "this is my future lieutenant, and, of
course, your officer, and my friend. Will you take refreshment, sir? there
is little, that man needs, which Roderick cannot supply."
"I thank you; I have need of none."
"Then, have the goodness to follow the boy. He will show you into the
dining apartment beneath, and give you the written regulations. In an
hour, you will have digested the code, and by that time I shall be with
you. Throw the light more upon the ladder, boy; you can descend _without_
a ladder though, it would seem, or I should not, at this moment, have the
pleasure of your company."
The intelligent smile of the Rover was unanswered by any corresponding
evidence from the subject of his joke, that he found satisfaction in the
remembrance of the awkward situation in which he had been left in the
tower. The former caught the displeased expression of the other's
countenance, as he gravely prepared to follow the boy, who already stood
in the hatchway with a light. Advancing a step with the grace and tones of
sensitive breeding, he said quickly,--
"Mr Wilder, I owe you an apology for my seeming rudeness at parting on the
hill. Though I believed you mine, I was not sure of my acquisition. You
will readily see how necessary it might be, to one in my situation, to
throw off a companion at such a moment."
Wilder turned, with a countenance from which every shade of displeasure
had vanished, and motioned to him to say no more.
"It was awkward enough, certainly, to find one's self in such a prison;
but I feel the justice of what you say. I might have done the very thing
myself, if the same presence of mind were at hand to help me."
"The good man, who grinds in the Newport ruin, must be in a sad way, since
all the rats are leaving his mill," cried the Rover gaily, as his
companion descended after the boy. Wilder now freely returned his open,
cordial laugh, and then, as he descended, the cabin was left to him who, a
few minutes before, had been found in its quiet possession.