Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 2.djvu/275

 the American seamen to come on board again, and to bring their clothes with them. I did not remark the unwillingness of the captain to obey this order, until told of it by the midshipman; his chest and goods were immediately handed in upon deck, and the signal from the frigate being repeated, with a light for the boat to return (for it was now dark), she shoved off hastily, and was soon out of sight.

"Stop the boat! for God's sake stop the boat!" cried the captain.

"Why should I stop the boat?" said I; "my orders are positive, and you must remain with me." I then went below for a minute or two, and the captain followed me. "As you value your life, Sir," said he, "stop the boat."

"Why?" asked I, eagerly.

"Because, Sir," said he, "the ship has been scuttled by the men, and will sink in a few