he judged it prudent to stand-off out of their reach. Mr
Dunnage obtained this important information, and instantly brought it on
board. Mr Vernon's eye brightened as he heard it; for hope, almost
extinguished, once more dawned within him.

Captain Poynder, who felt a deep interest in the fate of Major Norman
and his daughter, easily managed to get ordered down to the Barbary
coast to examine into the matter. Having ascertained from the master of
the merchantman the spot, as nearly as he could describe it, where he
had seen the wreck, we made sail for the westward. We came off the
coast about dusk, and then hove-to. "Boats away!" was on this occasion
a welcome sound; for we knew that it portended that there was work to be
done. Mr Vernon commanded one of the boats, and I went with him.
Stallman had charge of a second, and Dicky Sharpe, who since our trip to
Smyrna had much improved in steadiness, accompanied him; while
Stanfield, another mate, went in a third. A light gun was placed in the
bow of each boat; and each man had a musket and brace of pistols, as
well as his cutlass; so that we were well-armed and ready for anything.
We were in high spirits, though we knew full well that it was no party
of pleasure we were on; for, if discovered, we might expect some pretty
sharp fighting, as the inhabitants of that part of the coast are the
most warlike and determined pirates along the shores of the
Mediterranean. With muffled oars and in perfect silence we pulled
towards where the wreck was supposed to be. There was no moon; but the
stars of a southern clime were shining--as they well know how to do in
that region,--so that we could distinguish the dark outline of the
coast, backed by a range of high mountains. The only sound was from the
splash of our oars, which, as they rose rapidly from the water, let drop
a sparkling shower of phosphorescent fire. I steered, while Mr Vernon
with his night-glass swept the coast, in the hopes of discovering the
wreck. We got close in with the shore; but not a sign of her was to be
seen.

"Avast pulling, and let the other boats close up," he whispered.

When the boats had got near enough, he ordered Stallman to pull to the
eastward, and directed me to steer to the west, and Stanfield to follow
us. That the coast was pretty thickly inhabited we had strong evidence;
for so close in with it were we, that we could hear dogs barking, and
music, and even human voices; while now