We were in no trim for receiving broadsides, or grappling with sea-dogs, however merry the ports might be for a man in my plight.

Our business was to bring the _Misericorde_ safe into Leith Roads, and to that venture we stood pledged.
Ludar ordered the maiden to her quarters and me to my cabin.
"In this calm," said he, "'twill be hours before we foregather if foregather we may.

So below, while the poet and I whistle for a breeze." Towards afternoon we lay much as we were, drifting a little westward.
But then came some clouds up from the south-east and with them a puff into our canvas.
"We may be glad to take in a reef on her before daybreak, Captain," said the seaman.
"Time, enough till then," said Ludar.

"Take all you can now." We had not long to wait before the _Misericorde_ had way on once more.
Then Ludar called his crew to him and said: "To-night, be yonder stranger who she may, we run a race.

Maiden, you have the keenest eyes; keep the watch forward.