380 TRAVEL, AD VENTURE, AND SPOUT. 



on the ocean, at every meeting, by American ships 

 over British, it had, nevertheless, produced a general 

 feeling of exasperation. 



The constable stepped aside with several other men, 

 and talked with them in a low voice. "When they 

 returned, and again surrounded the Englishman, their 

 conference had produced a marked change in their 

 manner. Their rough familiarity and friendly in- 

 quisitiveness had given place to a repulsive coldness ; 

 the humorous cheerfulness of their countenances was 

 exchanged for a proud, cold earnestness, and they 

 measured Hodges with keen distrustful glances. 



"Stranger," said the constable, in a tone of command, 

 "you are a suspicious person, and must follow me." 



" And who may you be, who take upon yourself to 

 show me the way ? " demanded the midshipman. 



" You have already heard who I am. These men 

 are citizens of the United States, presently at war 

 with your country, as you probably know." 



The green-clad functionary spoke these words with 

 a certain emphasis, and even dignity, which caused 

 the young man to look with rather less disdain at his 

 shining beaver-hat and verdant inexpressibles. 



" I am ready to follow," said he ; " but I trust I 

 am in safety amongst you." 



"That you will soon see," replied the constable, drily. 



And so saying, he, his prisoner, and the crowd, set 

 off in the direction of the town. 



The young midshipman was taken before our old 



