“What is her name?”
“The Ebba.”
“She is commanded by?—”
“Captain Spade.”
“What is his nationality?”
“Hindo-Malay.”
The officer scrutinized the schooner’s flag, while the Count d’Artigas added:
“Will you be good enough to tell me, sir, to what circumstance I owe the pleasure of your visit on board my vessel?”
“Orders have been received,” replied the officer, “to search every vessel now anchored in Pamlico Sound, or which attempts to leave it.”
He did not deem it necessary to insist upon this point since the Ebba, above every other, was to be subjected to the bother of a rigorous examination.