Now let's come to business." "I'm ready," answered the man.
"Where did the ships go ?" "To the Island of Barrataria." "To treat with Jean Lafitte, the pirate ?" exclaimed Sam.
"Yes, to enlist him and his cut-throats in the war against you." "Did they succeed ?" "I don't know.

The officers dined with Lafitte, and treated him like a prince.

They came away in good spirits, and must have succeeded, else they'd a' been glum enough." "What do they propose to do next ?" "They're a goin' to sail again in a few days, and the boys say it's for Mobile this time.

The men had orders yesterday to get ready." "What preparation are they making ?" "They're storing the ships and taking water aboard.

The marines are kept in quarters on shore, and a lot o' them red savages is in camp at the fort, with Captain Woodbine in command." "Well, now," said Sam, "tell me why you think the next movement will be against Mobile?
May it not be New Orleans instead ?" "Well, you see them pirates is wanted for the New Orleans work.