An officer sprang on board, followed by several sailors.
With an off-hand, swaggering air, the officer addressed Captain Tilton, demanding where we were from, whither we were bound, and the character of our cargo.

He then expressed an intention to examine the ship's papers, and went with the captain into the cabin for that purpose.

When they returned on deck, Captain Tilton ordered the mate to summon aft the crew.

This was not a work of difficulty, for they were standing in the waist, deeply interested spectators of the proceedings.

At least three of them were trembling with fear, and speculating on the chances of being again impressed on board an English man-of-war.
"Where are these men's protections ?" demanded the lieutenant.
By "protection," was meant a printed certificate, under the signature and seal of the collector of one of the revenue districts in the United States, stating that the person, whose age, height, and complexion were particularly described, had adduced satisfactory proof of being an American citizen.