He did not look behind him to see that the Stars and Stripes were waving above the British vessel, run up when she was called on to show her colors.

He did not note the fact that the deck on which he had lately stood was fast passing from sight while he hasted on his errand.
Two of the privateers kept up their chase of the suspicious craft, while the other hove to, to receive the message which had been signalized as in the hands of the boy in the fast approaching boat.
Blair stepped freely and gladly when he was once more among his own dear countrymen, and it was with a beaming face that he presented his sealed note to the captain of the "Molly." The note was as follows: "We send you herewith an American boy, by chance our prisoner.

We trust that the gaining of such an addition to your crew will make amends for the loss of the British property which this delay gives us a chance to carry off in safety." The captain of the Molly read these few words at a glance; then stamping his foot, he exclaimed, "You young villain! American or no American, you shall suffer for this sneaking trick.

We'll send you back again out of the mouth of our guns, or half-way at least.

It is not worth our while to follow that miserable cheat.