"On board the frigate," was the reply. "We're looking for a deserter; he started to swim off to you; has he reached here?"
The Lieutenant disdained deception. "We fished a half drowning man out of the water a few minutes since," he replied quietly, leaning over the gangway railing.
"He's a deserter from my ship; I'll be obliged if you will hand him over.—This is Lieutenant Colson, of the Poictiers."
"Sorry not to grant Lieutenant Colson's request; the man claims protection as an American. Captain Hull will have to look into the matter.—This is Lieutenant Morris, of the Constitution."
"I should like to see Captain Hull at once. In bow there, make fast to the gangway."
"Hold hard, sir. The Captain is asleep; I cannot waken him."
"I demand you do—you are in one of His Majesty's ports."
"I know that well enough—keep off the side, sir." There was a moment's silence, and then the same level tone was heard addressing some one on the deck. "Call the guard; let no one come on board the ship to-night."
There was the sound of some movement on the Constitution's deck; the fast ebb tide clopped and gurgled about the vessel's counter mirthfully. The Englishman, standing erect in the stern sheets of the little cutter bobbing against the frigate's side, hesitated.
"On board the frigate, there!"