Year: 1862

S,f of cannon curled up from the deck. It was the first signal. The commander of the brig was in the field of my glass and my worst fears were dispelled.

 Look r said I to my husband giving him the glass; that man is not pirate I could not be mistaken. He was a fine looking man of thirty-6ve or forty, in an un- dress naval uniform. His bearing was manly, and his face, when got look at it, was clear and opeu My captain took the glass and gave an anxious look.

 I believe you are right, my darling,' said he. The man is no pirate. Then it is war, and we shall soon be his prisoners. It is hard case, but there is no help for it.

 Do not be cast down, my brave captain, said l. 'Father has more ships, and he can deduct this from my portion.'

 Just then another shot came alongside, and showed that we were within point blank range. The order was given to take in sail, and we waited for the brig to come up. As she came on, dashing gallantly through tie waves, my captain took his trumpet and hailed her. The hail was courteously responded to. It was a Yankee privateer, demanding our surrender.

 %! for tier of guns, and half chance at him!' exclaimed my captain; but the GEparlty of force was too overwhelming. In answer 10 that question, he gave the name Of our good ship and his own.

 Then I, who was watching the deck of the the enemy still through the glass, tho"eh We were so near, saw strange movement 1he captain of the brig suddenly put np lis glass which he had turned or my husband Then he appeared to give some order to his lieutenant who was peparing to board us, and soon sprang into the boat and came on board of us.

 He was received with not very cheerful DO liteness, but his manner, as he stepped upon our deck, justified the opinion had formed ot him. He raised his hat with a graceful bow ; and my husband invited him to enter our cabin. which he did with every courtesy. Wine and other refreshments were brought out in plenty, and the stranger told us of the outbreak of war with America, and also ut ether events which wee :. IS 10 us at that t'n2.

 Were wa -, soncrs? Was thi oul cartor cuittly conversng with uS, ;ni ,C";'coasiy drinking to o..r prosperity? He looked at me attentive.y when my eyes were turned away, and I thought saw strange smile upon his face.

 Ny husband opened locker, and taking out the ships papers, laid them on the table with a heavy heart; but he would not show it, and said with an air of assumed cheerfuness:

 { IL is the fortune of war. My ship is your priza, captain; aud since l must surrender her. I am glad it is to gentleman. Where do you propose to send Us 2

 The stranger moved into the light, brushed bac,, the curIs of his dark hair, and turning to my husband, said

 Is it possible, Captain Walter, that you do not know me? Have you forgotten man whose life you saved, and who owes you so much 2

 Hardy! Frank Hardy! Is it really you?

 Yes, old fellow, he said, it is really nc with better memory than you have, Hho saved my life at the risk of your own. And this Is your wife? I congratulate you-I congratulate you with all my heart. Madam, he took me off a wreck, where every man but me had persisted Thank God I can show you that am not un- grateful. shall appoint you prize master, and you shall take your ship, p!easeAAd! ! into her own harhor.

 But can you do this safely, Frank 2 asked my captain.

 Safeiy!' His lip curlcd. would like to See the danger would not confront for you. If were naval officer it would be different matter but a privateer has some discretion. My pretty brig is my own. The war is an ugly business-but you know me of old. We are enemies in war-n peace, friends-all but you, old fellow. am your friend always, as you know!'

 And how will the crew stand the loss of their prize money?' asked the captain.

 They are pretty likely to stand what re- qure them to, said the Yankee, proudly. But can make it all right for them. Prizes are not very scarce articles. Here, give me the pa pers! Who is your owner?'

 My father,' said l.

 All right! ma dam,' said he, lowing, T wish to make you small present..

 If you wish to dc me d favor, said I, make your present to my husband

 He smiled, as he looked from one to the oth CT. and seemed to understand the state of the case in an instant.

 You are quite right, madam, said he; it shall be as you desire

 Then lie endorsed the ships manifest with the fact of her capture, and he made over ship and cargo to Captain Walter

 It was not legal document, of course but it had its weight with my father. Our captor took his leave, with such stores as we could get him to accept. His boats crew looked at them wonderfully as they were passed over o them and still more wonderingly at the manner in which their captain took his leave of US.

 In week more we were safe in an English hasbor, an1lrlgh again ou English ground The var lasted two or three years, and many prizes were taken on both sides and some hard battles fought by land and sea, but never heard that any ship ever escaped as we did,

 This was my dear little aunt's story as we sa1 !