They were built at the same time, from the same molds, and were intended for the sandal-wood trade between these islands and Calcutta, Manila, and Australia.

One of them, the Avenger, was seized on her first voyage by this Durward, then mate of the schooner, and has ever since scoured the South Seas as a pirate; the other, named the Foam, which I have the misfortune to command, still continues the traffic for which she was originally built." "Ha!" exclaimed Montague, turning suddenly round with an inquiring gaze at the stalwart figure of the sandal-wood trader; "it is most fortunate that I have met with you, Mr.Gascoyne.I doubt not that you can conduct me to this vessel of yours, so that I may know the pirate when I fall in with him.

If the two vessels resemble each other so closely, a sight of the Foam will be of great service to me in my search after the Avenger." "You are most welcome to a sight of my craft," replied Gascoyne.

"The only difference between the two is, that the figurehead of the pirate is a griffin's head, painted scarlet; that of my schooner is a female, painted white.

There is also a red streak round the sides of the pirate; the hull of the Foam is entirely black." "Will you come on board my vessel, and accompany me in one of my boats to yours ?" inquired Montague.
"That is impossible," replied Gascoyne.