As I handed the glass to Fritz,
I felt a sudden misgiving. `What,' said I to myself, `can this English
vessel be doing thus far from the usual track of ships?' and I called
to mind tales of mutinous crews who have risen against their officers,
have chosen some such sheltered retreat as this; have disguised the
vessel, and then sailed forth to rob and plunder upon the high seas.
Fritz then exclaimed, `I can see the captain, father, he is speaking to
one of the officers, and I can see his face quite well; he is English,
I am certain he is English, and the flag speaks the truth!' and he put
the glass again in my hand that I might see for myself.
Still keeping under the shelter of the cliff, I carefully surveyed the
vessel. There was no doubt that Fritz was right, and my fears were once
more dispelled; all was neatness and regularity on board; the spotless
decks, the burnished steel and brass, and the air of perfect order
which pervaded both ship and camp, betokened that authority and
discipline there reigned.
For some minutes longer we continued our examination of the scene, and
then satisfied by the appearance of the camp on shore, that there was
no chance of the brig quitting the coast for several days, we resolved
to return without betraying our presence, for I was unwilling to appear
before these strangers until we could do so in better form, and in a
manner more in accordance with our actual resources.
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