straight for the
northern gate of the town, casting an uneasy glance at his now white
legs, of which at least the ankles and beginning of the brawny calves
were visible. We use the term "white" out of courtesy, and in reference
to the distinct difference between the bold seaman's limbs and those of
the brown-skinned Arabs. In reality they were of a very questionable
neutral tint, and covered with a large quantity of hair.

Their appearance, however, signified little, for by that time the whole
town was in an uproar of active preparation and excitement.

Men of various colours--black, brown, and yellow, with every
intermediate shade, and in many different garbs--were hastening to the
ramparts, while anxious women of the lower orders, and frightened
children, were rushing to and fro, either engaged in some duties
connected with the defence, or simply relieving their feelings by
violent action: while bodies of janissaries were hastening to their
various stations, or came trooping in from all the outposts of the
surrounding country.

In the midst of such confusion our tall Arab attracted no notice. He
passed through the streets unmolested, and out at the Bab-el-Oued gate
unchallenged.

It was little more than daybreak at the time, for Arabs are early risers
at all times, and on the present occasion they had reason to be earlier
than usual.

The moment our tar caught sight of the sea, his heart gave a wild bound
of exultation, for on the horizon appeared a few white specks, like
sea-mews, which he now knew to be the British fleet.

Without any definite intention as to what he meant to do, Flaggan sped
along the road leading to his cave at Point Pescade, his chief feeling
being a strong desire to get out of the sight of natives, that he might
meditate alone on his future movements, which he felt must be prompt and
decisive.

Before quite reaching his destination fortune favoured him. Coming
round a rocky point of the coast, he observed a boat with one man in it
rowing close inshore.

"That'll do," whispered Ted to himself, as he went behind a rock and
hastily smeared his face and limbs with earth.

When the boat approached he went to the edge of the sea and made signs
to the fisherman, for such he was, to approach, at the same time
pretending to take something out of a wallet at his side, to which he
pointed with eager interest, as though he had something important to say
about it.

The man lay on his oars