THE  SATTC7  JACK.  27

Some  may  have  private  infonnation  of  the
intended  war,  and  will  sail  before  it  is  declared ;
we  must  present  them,  too,  at  all  risks :  such
orders  will  be  certainly  forwarded  from  Madrid,
and  the  ships  hurried  to  Europe.  As  our  fleets
will  be  so  much  occupied  with  the  Monsieurs
and  the  Dons  at  home,  there  will  not  be  a  ship
to  spare  to  increase  the  naval  force  in  these
parts.  I  have  been  out  here  before ;  no  matter
when,  or  in  what  capacity,  but  I  will  shew  you
I  am  a  pilot  for  these  seas ;  there  is  not  a  port
on  the  Spanish  main  with  which  I  am  unac-
quainted ;  I  know  the  whole  coast,  from  Cape
Boque  to  Vera  Cruz,  and  most  of  the  islands
besides.  Our  agents  are  appointed  at  Jamaica,
not  only  at  Kingston,  but  at  other  ports  of  the
island  to  which  it  may  be  convenient  to  send
our  captured  vessels  should  we  be  fortunate ;
and  this  precaution  has  been  taken^  to  prevent
our  people  who  may  conduct  a  prize  into  har-
bour from  being  pressed  on  board  a  king's  ship.
c2


28  THB  8AUCT  JACK.
I  have  now  clearly  explained  the  object  of  our
voyage  ;  you  like  our  prospects,  I  hope  ?^

"  Excellent,  Captam,"  exclaimed  the  young
men,  "  and  beyond  our  utmost  expectations.''

^'  Good  night,  then,  gentlemen,"  replied  the
Captain,  "  and  remember  to  be  secret"  The
officers  bowed,  and  retired.
Now  came  my  turn.  I  expected  a  long  lec-
ture, but  was  dismissed  with  a  simple  ^^good
night,"  and  an  order  to  hold  myself  in  readi-
ness to  copy  some  documents  on  the  next
morning  at  eight  o'clock.
THE  SAUCY  JACK.  29


<i


CHAPTER  m.
