The Pilot

Chapter 32

"Nay, answer me: stand and unfold yourself."

_Hamlet_.

During the time occupied by the incidents that occurred after the Pilot

had made his descent on the land, the Alacrity, now under the orders of

Mr. Boltrope, the master of the frigate, lay off and on, in readiness to

receive the successful mariners. The direction of the wind had been

gradually changing from the northeast to the south, during the close of

the day; and long before the middle watches of the night, the wary old

seaman, who, it may be remembered, had expressed, in the council of war,

such a determined reluctance to trust his person within the realm of

Britain, ordered the man who steered the cutter to stand in boldly for

the land. Whenever the lead told them that it was prudent to tack, the

course of the vessel