the assassins, as instantly secured
him, and, finding the fort alarmed, took the Captain in their arms and
returned to the boat.

When they arrived on board, proper applications were used to restore the
Captain, who had been rendered senseless by the blow; and who, after
assuring his nephew he was not materially hurt, inquired after the men
who had assaulted them.

Frederick, whose anxiety for his uncle had till that moment precluded
every other idea, immediately recalled to mind the generous stranger;
and, with the warmest praises on his bravery, related the service he had
rendered them. The glow of impatient gratitude for a moment warmed the
cheek of the Captain, as he looked round for this unknown friend: but
not discovering him, he eagerly asked where he was?--and, to his great
surprise, was informed the men had confined him till his pleasure
respecting him should be known.

"Merciful Heaven!" he ejaculated. "What a return!--Frederick--"

Frederick flew out of the cabin, and in a short time re-entered,
conducting the stranger, who held his cloak to his face, as wishing to
be concealed.

The Captain rose, supported by Harland, and, extending his hand,
said--"I know not, Sir, how to offer an apology for the injurious
treatment you have received, from the honest but mistaken zeal of my
men, but, misled by appearance, they could not distinguish whether you
were friend or foe. To the aid you so generously afforded, I am
undoubtedly indebted for the preservation of my life, for which I return
my most sincere thanks. Will you now inform me to whom I am thus
obliged, that I may likewise by my actions prove my gratitude."

The stranger appeared agitated, clasped his hands, then, hastily
advancing to the Captain, sunk at his feet, and, throwing off the
roquelaure, discovered to his astonished senses--Sir Henry Corbet!

With a countenance pale as though oppressed by death, the Captain
regarded him, whilst Sir Henry, seizing his hand, pressed it to his
breast, and exclaimed--"Repay the obligation, then, by restoring me to
that place in your friendship I once possessed, and granting that
protection I still must entreat!"

The Captain endeavoured to raise and answer him, but, unable to speak,
gave a faint groan, and sunk into the arms of Frederick; who, confounded
and amazed at the apparition, could scarcely credit the evidence of his
senses, or believe the person of his friend to be real.

Sir Henry, equally alarmed