"Ahoy there!" the deep voice roared, now angrily.
"The brig Adventure from Boston, bound on a legitimate trading voyage to the Guinea coast," Captain North replied. "Where are you from?"
To his question they returned no answer. The curt order that the speaking-trumpet sent out to us was:—
"Standby! We're sending a boat aboard."
We were caught by a cruiser, and there was evidence below that would send us, guilty and guiltless alike, to the very gallows if the courts should impose on us the extreme penalty.
Up to this point we had not been certain of the nationality of our pursuers. Too often flags were used to suit the purpose of the moment. But there was now no doubt that the uniforms in the boat were those of our own countrymen.
With long, hasty strides, Gleazen crossed the deck to the captain. In his face defiance and despair were strangely mingled. He was nervously working his hands. "Quick now," he cried. "Haul down the flag, Captain North. Break out the red and yellow. Throw over the papers. Over with them, quick!"
"I am not sure I wish to change my registry," Gideon North quietly returned.
Gleazen swore furiously. "You'll hang with the rest of us," he cried,