the bold onset and then
again they quickly retired to the safer attitude of defence. From the
self-possession and the quiet unremitting anger with which both the
combatants fought, it was evident that one of the two would find his
grave under the overhanging branches of the orange-tree, which were now
tinged with the red glow of morning, and this would undoubtedly have
been the case had not the report of a cannon from the harbor sounded
through the silence of the twilight.

The combatants paused, as if at some word of command to be obeyed by
both, and listened, counting to themselves; then, as each uttered the
number thirty, a second gun was heard. "It is the signal for immediate
embarkation, Senor," said Don Fadrique; "we are now in the emperor's
service, and all dispute ceases which is not against the foes of Charles
the Fifth." "Right," replied Heimbert, "but when there is an end of
Tunis and the whole war. I shall demand satisfaction for that 'dallying
coward.'" "And I for that in intercourse with my sister," said Fadrique.
"Certainly," rejoined the other; and, so saying, the two captains
hurried down to the strand and arranged the embarkation of their troops;
while the sun, rising over the sea, shone upon them both in the same
vessel.

CHAPTER V.

The voyagers had for some time to battle with contrary winds, and when
at length they came in sight of the coasts of Barbary the darkness of
evening had closed so deeply over the sea that no pilot in the little
squadron ventured to ride at anchor on the shallow shore. They cruised
about on the calm waters, waiting for the morning; and the soldiers,
full of laudable ambition for combat, stood impatiently in crowds on the
deck, straining their longing eyes to see the theatre of their future
deeds.

Meanwhile the heavy firing of besiegers and besieged thundered
unceasingly from the fortress of Goletta, and as the night darkened the
scene with massy clouds, the flames of burning fragments became more
visible, and the fiery course of the red bullets was perceptible as
they crossed each other in their path, while their effects in fire and
devastation were fearful to behold. It was evident that the Mussulmans
had been attempting a sally, for a sharp fire of musketry burst forth
suddenly amid the roaring of the cannon. The fight was approaching the
trenches of the Christians, and on board the vessels none were agreed
whether the besiegers were in danger or not. At