"And now, as to this seventy-four of yours.  She is a fore-and-aft schooner of one hundred and ten tons, said to have been built at Baltimore.  She is something of a freak, her designer having apparently turned his lines end for end and put his bows where his stern should be, and _vice versa_.  Nevertheless, his theory seems to have been sound, for I'm told that she is a perfect witch for speed, especially in light weather, and speed is one of the qualities which you must have.  She was caught smuggling, and was condemned to be sawn in two; but I thought we might perhaps be able to find a better use for her than that, so I have postponed the operation.  She is called the _Wasp_, and if you have as much enterprise as I give you credit for, you ought to make her sting to some purpose.  You will find her in Hulk Hole, and--Stop a minute."  He rang a bell and a messenger entered.