“Captain Sutherland, I see that fellow is getting ready to give us a warm reception, and may I have the honor of leading one of your boats’ crews against him?”
“No, sir,” replied the captain imperatively. “I have strict orders to land you safely on the Jersey shore in Little Egg River, and I can not take any risks. You better repair at once to your cabin, and remain there during the engagement, sir,” continued the captain, as he turned to order his men. Barclugh could say nothing to these orders, and he went below to mingle with the crew of the frigate.
Among the men he noticed a good-natured looking fellow; going up to him, he said in an undertone:
“I want to speak to you, my good man. Kindly come to my cabin.”
“Certainly, sir,” replied the man-o’-war’s man, as he ambled along with Barclugh.
When they reached his cabin, Barclugh said:
“For certain private reasons, I desire to go aboard that brig when she is taken. Here are five guineas, my man, if you exchange your uniform for my suit. You remain closely in my cabin and keep the door fastened until I return. Give me your name and station and I will take your place in the boarding party.”
“My name is William Atkinson, hand as hit’s to obleege a gentleman I’m willin’. We ’ave more’n this business than a poor man’s pay allows. Hi belongs to boat’s crew number one,” replied the sailor as he hitched up his trousers and put the guineas in a bag around his neck.
When Barclugh had changed his garb, Atkinson looked at him and remarked:
“Keep in the dark and go along with the rest. Hin the hexcitement you will not be knownst. Howsomever, you better get a little grease to blacken ’em hup a little.”