The quarter-deck was crowded by a set of ragamuffins whose appearance beggared every previous description, and among whom I sought in vain for some one who looked like a gentleman.

The stench and filth exceeded anything I had ever witnessed in any ship, and the noise and confusion gave me some idea of their famous Mountain.

I was ushered into the Commodore's cabin, who at least received me civilly.

His name was Citizen Allemand.

He did not appear to have the right of excluding any of his fellow-citizens even from this place.