"It was a losing game for her, true enough."
"Lay the brig alongside of her," shouted Captain Greene to his men.
As his men with a cheer began to unfurl all sail, Captain Horton approached the commander of the privateer. He had up to this period ventured no interference, both from matter of delicacy, and because he saw nothing to disapprove of in the course pursued by Captain Greene.
"My dear sir," said he, as he laid his hand upon the arm of the captain of the privateer, "allow me to say a word."
"Certainly, sir," replied the courteous commander. "I ought sooner than this to have asked your advice."
"I would not place too great confidence in the pirate's signal of surrender."
"Do you apprehend foul play?"
"Recollect the savage brutality which the fiend has already evinced, and judge for yourself whether he is worthy of being trusted at all."
"You are right, sir. Lieut. Morris," continued he, turning to his young officer.
"Ay, ay, sir."