At length an opportunity offered, Cuffe suddenly rousing himself, and giving an order in relation to the canvas the ship was under.
"Here are the two Italian gentlemen, Captain Cuffe." observed Winchester, "desirous of speaking to the prisoner.

I did not think it right, sir to let him have communication with any one, without first ascertaining your pleasure." "Poor fellow! His time is getting very short, unless we hear from Clinch; and there can be no harm in granting him every indulgence.

I have been thinking of this matter, and do not possibly see how I can escape ordering the execution, unless it be countermanded from Nelson himself." "Certainly not, sir.

But Mr.Clinch is an active and experienced seaman, when he is in earnest; we may still hope something from him.

What is to be done with the Italians, sir ?" "Let them, or any one else that poor Yvard is willing to see, go below." "Do you mean to include old Giuntotardi and his niece, Captain Cuffe ?--and this deserter of our own, Bolt--he, too, has had something to say of a wish to take leave of his late shipmate ?" "We might be justified in denying the request of the last, Mr.
Winchester, but hardly of the others.