When we were within the vicinity of the capes, there came a calm spell in which our schooner barely moved. While we were fretting at this snail's pace, a frigate, enjoying a wind that had not come our way, overhauled us and hove to across our bows, displaying the British flag.
"Have your protections ready, lads," the mate said, squinting across the water, "that ship is looking for men to impress!"
A boat put out from the frigate's side and came towards us.
"On board the cutter, there," called our mate, "what do you want with us?"
"On board the schooner," came the reply, "we're looking for deserters from the British navy. Let drop your ladder!"
We obeyed. A spruce, slender, important, yet surprisingly youthful lieutenant came over the side.
"Compliments of Captain Van Dyke, of His Majesty's ship Elizabeth," he said to the skipper and the mate, "we desire to inspect your crew."
"It's a high-handed proceeding," said Murad, his black eyes snapping, "but since we are only slightly armed, I suppose we must submit. My men are all American citizens. Each has proof of it." He turned to the mate, "Mr. Bludsoe, have the men lined up."
The lieutenant passed down the line, scrutinizing the protection papers and asking searching questions. I was the last one, and as my turn came, I began to turn cold with dread, for, fearing that I would be kept from shipping, I had neglected to get a protection paper. Putting on as bold a front as I could muster, I looked up at the lieutenant. He had friendly blue eyes—he was not at all like the dreadful impressment officer of my imagination.
"Please sir," I said, "I shipped without taking the trouble to get a protection. I'm an American to the backbone, though. I was born in Baltimore and my father was killed fighting the British during the war of Independence. He was on the Hyder Ally when she captured the English ship, the General Monk. I don't want you to take me because I have a brother who is a prisoner in Algiers, and I expect to join the new American navy and go to fight for his release!"