Pointing to the man who yet
stood behind him, leaning on a gun, he commenced by asking:
"Is it your intention that man shall accompany the party?"
"It is."
"And from him you expect the necessary information, sir, to guide our
movements?"
"You are altogether right."
"If, sir, he has but a moiety of the skill on the land that he possesses
on the water, I will answer for his success," returned the lieutenant,
bowing slightly to the stranger, who received the compliment by a cold
inclination of his head. "I must desire the indulgence of both Mr.
Barnstable and Captain Manual," he continued, "and claim the command as
of right belonging to my rank."
"It belongs naturally to the schooner," exclaimed the impatient
Barnstable.
"There may be enough for us all to do," said Griffith, elevating a
finger to the other, in a manner and with an impressive look that was
instantly comprehended. "I neither agree wholly with the one nor the
other of these gentlemen. 'Tis said that, since our appearance on the
coast, the dwellings of many of the gentry are guarded by small
detachments of soldiers from the neighboring towns."
"Who says it?" asked the pilot, advancing among them with a suddenness
that caused a general silence.
"I say it, sir," returned the lieutenant, when the momentary surprise
had passed away.
"Can you vouch for it?"
"I can."
"Name a house, or an individual, that is thus protected?"
Griffith gazed at the man who thus forgot himself in the midst of a
consultation like the present, and yielding to his native pride,
hesitated to reply.
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