"'Tis not the first time, Captain Hammond," replied Jeremy composedly. "What is it this time?"
"The sheriff hath taken possession of your house, and it and all its contents are to be sold by candle auction."[1]
"'Tis the fortune of war," said Captain Miles, removing his long clay pipe from his lips and puffing out a thick cloud of smoke. "I expected it, and provided for it ere I left for Monmouth's camp. What money I possess, beyond what I require for my present disbursements, I have stowed away in the hold of the good ship 'Never-Sink'--to wit, Mother Earth. But there is one thing I'd be glad to lay my hands on. Wouldst be willing to buy a certain article out of my house?"
"Would I could buy the lot!"
"Nay, 'tis but a picture--a painting of my good barque the Venture, done in oils by a rascally Neapolitan, for which he charged me five ducats, though he did place the chain plates too far aft, and the spritsail yard above the bowsprit."
"'Tis a common fault with a landlubber," said my parent. "Nevertheless, I'll see to it."
"I prize the painting but lightly," continued Jeremy; "but there's more in it than meets the eye."
"I do not understand."
"Captain Hammond, you've treated me right nobly, and 'twould ill become me were I not to repay you to the utmost of my power. I'll be straightforward in this matter. Listen!"
My father motioned to me to leave them, but, perceiving the gesture, Captain Jeremy exclaimed: