"Here they are," cried the seamen; "and they have brought the prize along with them! Three cheers for the Arrow!"
"Hilloa! you'll be on board of us?" cried Hautaine.
"That's exactly what I intended to be, sir," replied Pickersgill, jumping on the quarter-deck, followed by his men.
"Who the devil are you?"
"That's exactly the same question that I asked Lord B. when he boarded us," replied Pickersgill, taking off his hat to the ladies.
"Well, but what business have you here?"
"Exactly the same question which I put to Lord B.," replied Pickersgill.
"Where is Lord B., sir?" said Cecilia Ossulton, going up to the smuggler; "is he safe?"
"Yes, madam, he is safe; at least he is in his boat with all his men, and unhurt: but you must excuse me if I request you and the other ladies to go down below while I speak to these gentlemen. Be under no alarm, miss; you will receive neither insult nor ill-treatment—I have only taken possession of this vessel for the present."
"Take possession," cried Hautaine, "of a yacht."