have heard paid were barefaced falsehoods, and I have
wondered how men could make them, and how women could even affect to
believe in them; but, on the other hand, I suppose that when people are
in love, they really do think the person they are in love with is
prettier and more charming, or braver and more handsome, than anyone
else in the world, and that though it may be flattery, it is really
true in the opinion of the person who utters it."

"And now let us leave the matter alone for the present, Francisco. We
are dying to hear all about your adventures, and especially that fight
with the pirates. The captain, in his letter, merely said that you were
attacked and beat the pirates off, and that you would have been sunk if
it hadn't been that, at your suggestion, they lowered bales of cloth
over to break the shock; and that so many men were killed and so many
wounded; and that you were hit twice by arrows, but the wounds were
healing. That's all he said, for papa read that portion of his letter
out to us. Now we want a full and particular account of the affair."

Francis gave a full account of the fight, and then related the other
incidents of the voyage.

"We know many of the ports you touched at," Maria said when he had
finished, "for when we were little girls, papa took us sometimes for
voyages in his ships, when the times were peaceful and there was no
danger. Now let us order a gondola, and go for a row. Papa is sure to
be occupied for ever so long with your captain."

Chapter 9: The Capture Of The Lido.

Signor Polani told Francis, that evening, that he was much pleased with
the report that the captain had given of his eagerness to acquire
information both in mercantile and nautical matters, and of the manner
in which he had kept the ship's books, and the entries of the sales,
and purchases of goods.

"Many young fellows at your age, Francis, when there was no compulsion
for them to have taken these matters into their charge, would have
thought only of amusement and gaiety when they were in port, and I am
glad to see that you have a real interest in them. Whatever the line in
life a young man takes up, he will never excel in it unless he goes
into it with all his heart, and I am very glad to see that you have
thrown yourself so heartily into your new profession. The Bonito made a
most satisfactory voyage, far more so than I anticipated, when I found
that she would not be able to carry out the programm