"Mr Delamere," said Captain Vavassour, "take a dozen men, and Mr Gascoigne, and secure possession of that brigantine, if you please. Stay a moment,"--as, touching my hat, I was about to dive below for my chest--"you had better have with you Simmons and Henderson, as two out of your dozen, to take charge of the watches, and take also two extra hands to bring back the boat.  I will remain hove-to until you have secured your prisoners below--I have not time to tranship them now; and when you have done that you will be pleased to bear up and join the convoy.  Now, be as quick as you can, young gentleman, for I am anxious to be off after that merchantman yonder."