I learned, however, that the schooner was a comfortable vessel, about a hundred tons burden, called the Mary, belonging to Newbern in North Carolina.

The name of the captain was Thompson.

The schooner was taking in cargo for Newbern, and would soon be ready for sea.

Towards evening I accompanied Schmidt to the wharf where the Mary lay, and went on board, my bosom agitated with hopes and fears.

The captain was on deck, a sturdy, rough-looking man.