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W

HEN Theodosia looked around the cabin to which she had been conducted by Captain Thaddeus, she realized at once that he had given her his own apartment. The shades of night closed in about the ship. A young man, presumably a pirate, but very youthful in appearance, entered the room with a candle. This he placed in a small candelabrum on the side of the cabin, and lighted it. Without a word, he left the room, closing the door behind him. He soon returned bearing a tray containing food and a bottle of wine. Again, without a word, he left the

room.

Theodosia could not eat after the experience she had been through; her fortitude seemed to be deserting her; she had escaped the fate of her nine companions but the truth dawned upon her that perhaps she had been reserved for a doom even worse. Still, she felt that she must not give way physically; so seating herself at the table, she managed to swallow a small quantity of food and drink a glass of wine. As the generous liquid. coursed through her frame, all her courage seemed to

return.

At that moment, there was a light knock upon the door. Theodosia said nothing. The knock was repeated, a little louder. "Come in!" she said, in French. The door was opened and Captain Thaddeus stood before her.

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Pardon me, Mam'selle, for this intrusion. I came

only to inform you that this cabin is at your disposal. In that cabinet you will find paper, pens, and ink; " he pointed to the right of the room. Here is the key." He passed her a small silver key. "Everything in this cabin is at your disposal, including myself. If you should need anything, ring this bell," and he placed a small silver bell upon the table. "Once more," continued the captain, "I must ask you to pardon this intrusion. I will call upon you again as soon as my duties will permit." With a low bow, Captain Thaddeus retired from the apartment, and Theodosia was left alone.

The majority of women in such a situation would have passed the night in fear and trepidation. Not so with Theodosia. She was exhausted physically and mentally. The captain's bunk was comfortable, and she was not surprised when she awoke to find the morning sunlight streaming through the port-holes. She had not undressed and so it was but a few moments before she had made her simple toilet. Then she sat down to realize, if possible, her situation, and to what it would probably lead. She finally decided that speculation would do no good; she could only deal with events as they took place, and, feeling hungry, she followed the captain's instructions and rang the little silver bell. The young, mild-looking pirate appeared. Theodosia said but one word, "Breakfast.' The young man retired, but soon returned with a tempting meal, including a cup of smoking coffee which, from the aroma, Theodosia knew must be the real article without adulteration. She ate a good breakfast and at her summons the dishes were removed. Then she made an examination of the cabin. With the little silver key, she opened the cabinet. What the captain had said was true. There were paper, pens, and ink. She would write, but to whom? What prospect was there, if she wrote a letter, that it would ever be delivered?

Then she remembered her father's injunction that, under all circumstances, she should keep a diary or journal of passing events. She took some of the paper and seating herself at the table wrote, in French, a full description of the sailing of the "Patriot," its escape from the storm, its capture by the pirate ship, and the fearful scenes that had followed.

She replaced the sheets in the cabinet and was about to lock it when something caught her eye. It was a small dagger in a jeweled case. She took it and examined it. The blade was slender but sharp. She replaced it in its case and put it in the bosom of her dress. The time might come when she would need it.

Dinner and supper, and another night's undisturbed sleep followed. It was not until the morning of the second day that Captain Thaddeus again entered the cabin.

During the previous day and the second night, Theodosia had had plenty of time for thought. She had gone over in her mind the whole affair since their departure from Charleston. She had decided upon her course and, having done this, she determined to follow it. Thus, her father had always taught her, proceed not hurriedly but advisedly; and when she had once made up her mind that a certain plan of action was right, to let nothing turn her from it.

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As Captain Thaddeus entered the cabin, she arose and stood before him. Captain Thaddeus," she said, I wish to make a confession." She spoke in French. "I do not think," said the captain, with a laugh, that I am a proper person to be father confessor for a young lady like yourself."

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"And yet," said Theodosia, "it is only to you that the confession should and must be made. I never, until day before yesterday, intentionally told and persisted in an untruth; but I did it, as I thought then, for a good purpose; when that purpose is accomplished I

see no reason why you should extend any further protection to me."

"What do you mean?" asked the captain, a look of astonishment showing itself upon his face.

"First, answer me!" said Theodosia. "Tell me, if you can, the name of that young Frenchman who came to your father's house on the night when--"

"I understand," said the captain. "I shall never forget that night. The young man's name, for he told it to me when we parted, after he had reached a place of safety, was Adolphe Arnot."

"I thought so!" cried Theodosia, and a smile illumined her face.

Captain Thaddeus looked at her in astonishment. What woman was this who could smile so sweetly in such a situation.

"I thought so," repeated Theodosia, “and, on my knees, I thank you for your kindness to my father." "Your father!" said Captain Thaddeus, "what do you mean? I have never seen your father."

"Yes, you have," said Theodosia, "although you did not know him. The young man who gave you the name of Adolphe Arnot was not a Frenchman. He was English born but rebelled against British rule; when he claimed shelter at your father's house he was on his way from General Arnold, at Quebec, bearing dispatches to General Montgomery at Montreal. His name was not Arnot. His real name was Aaron Burr. I am not French! I am that young man's daughter and only child; my name is Theodosia Burr. When you told your story, it flashed upon my mind that this young Frenchman must have been my father. I said that I was French, but my object was to do what I have done to thank you for your kindness to my father; for, in having that father, I have enjoyed the greatest blessing that was ever vouchsafed to human being. Now that I have thanked you and you know the truth,

there is no reason why the oath that you have made to your followers should not be kept. I am ready to meet my fate!" As she said this, she faced him proudly. The captain deliberated: "I will think the matter over. You have done right to tell me the truth. I will see you again in a few days and give you my decision." He fixed his eyes upon her; to Theodosia it seemed as if that glance pierced her through and through, but she did not bow her head nor cast down her eyes. With all the grace of a courtier, Captain Thaddeus bowed, and she was again alone.

Each day, she made entries in her journal, still using the French language. One morning there was great excitement on deck. She knew from what she heard, for she did not see, that another vessel had been captured. She threw herself upon her face in her berth and remained there until all was over. Once, she took the little jeweled dagger from its sheath, touched its point with her finger, and even pressed the flesh above her heart. No! She would never kill herself. She would meet death bravely when it came, but never by her own hand.

Several more days passed and still no visit from Captain Thaddeus. Was she to be held as a prisoner? What would be his decision? She was soon to learn and be greatly surprised thereat.

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One morning, the same light knock came at the door. Again, at her bidding, the captain entered. May I be seated," he asked, in a pleasant tone, and in French.

"Certainly, sir, this is your own cabin."

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'Not so, Mam'selle. Did I not say it was yours? Who is there on this vessel to contest my word now that Jules Drebat is no longer with us?"

Theodosia did not reply.

What have you been doing since I last saw you?” asked the captain.