"You were talking of the article in the New Orleans Messenger, are you not, gentlemen?" he said.
"We are, captain," replied Augustus, "and here is the author," he added, pointing to Craig.
"Then allow me to compliment you, sir!" said the captain, addressing Silas. "You have done a service to society, and I hope the colonists will take warning."
"That they will never do," said Adelaide Horton, advancing to the center of the group, "while you permit a mulattress to take her place on board your boat amongst the free citizens of New Orleans."
She pointed as she spoke to Cora, who had advanced with Gilbert Margrave.
There was a simultaneous movement of surprise amongst the passengers, as if a pistol had been suddenly fired upon the deck.
As Adelaide uttered these words, Mrs. Montresor and Mortimer Percy emerged from the saloon, and watched the scene which was taking place.
"What do you mean, Miss Horton?" asked the captain. "Oh! Adelaide, Adelaide," murmured Mortimer, "this is despicable!"
Terrified at, and ashamed of, what she had done, the jealous girl hid her face in her hands and retired rapidly from the deck, followed by her aunt.
"I will tell you, sir, what Miss Horton meant," said Cora, advancing to the captain; "she would have told you that I am Gerald Leslie's daughter."