He continued, however, to eye Willis curiously.
The _Hoboken_, for that was the name of the strange ship, was an American cruiser, carrying twelve ship guns and a long paixhan.

She was attached to the Chinese station, but had recently obtained information that war had been declared between England and the States.
She was now making her way to the west by a circuitous route to avoid the British squadron, and, at the same time, with a view to pick up an English merchantman or two.
Fritz and Jack being citizens of a sister republic, and subjects of a neutral power, were received on board with a hearty welcome, and with the hospitality due to their interesting position.

Willis also received some attention, and was treated with all the courtesy that could be shown to the native of an enemy's country.
The pinnace was taken in tow till the young men made up their minds as to the course they would adopt.

A free passage to the States was kindly offered to them, and even pressed upon their acceptance; but the captain left the matter entirely to their own option.
Fritz and Jack were delighted with the warmth of their reception; and, after being so long cooped up in the narrow quarters of the pinnace, looked upon the Yankee cruiser, with its men and officers in uniform, as a sort of floating palace.

The _Nelson_ having been only a despatch-boat, it had given them but an indifferent idea of a man-of-war.