It is a cowardly blackguard, Seymour, whom I saw cheating at cards at the Assembly Club at the capital.

I had him expelled from the society of gentlemen, where, indeed, he had no right of admittance, and I scarcely know how he got there originally.

He made some threats against me, to which I naturally paid no attention.

But what did you think of the vessel ?" "I confess I saw nothing suspicious about her, sir," replied Seymour.
"She seemed very much like the packets which ply on the river; I only spoke idly of the subject." "But, father, the packet went up last week, the day before you came back, and is due coming down the river now, while this boat is coming up," said Katharine.
"Oh, well, I think we are safe enough now; but, to relieve your unusual anxiety, I will send Blodgett down to the wharf to examine and report .-- Blodgett, do you go down to the boat-landing and keep watch for an hour or two.

Take your musket, man; there is no knowing what you might need it for." The old soldier, who had stationed himself behind the colonel's chair, saluted with military precision, and left the room, saying, "Very good, sir; I shall let nothing escape my notice, sir." "Now, Katharine, I hope you are satisfied." "Yes, father; but if it is the raiders, Blodgett won't be able to stop them." "The raiders," laughed the colonel; and pinching his daughter's ear, he said, "I suspect the only raiders we shall see here will be those who have designs upon your heart, my bonny Kate,--eh, Seymour ?" "They would never dare to wear a British uniform in that case, father," she retorted proudly.
"Well, Seymour, I hear, through an express from Congress to-day, that Captain Jones has been ordered to command the Ranger, and that the new flag--we will drink to it, if you please; yes, you too, Katharine; God bless every star and stripe in it--will soon be seen on the ocean." "It will be a rare sight there, sir," said Seymour; "but it will not be long before the exploits of the Ranger will make it known on the high seas, if rumor does not belie her captain." "I trust so; but do you know this Captain Jones ?" "Not at all, sir, save by reputation; but I am told he has one requisite for a successful officer." "And what is that ?" "He will fight anything, at any time, or at any place, no matter what the odds." Colonel Wilton smiled.