influence him. This,
however, I am resolved, without delay, to ascertain, and to employ every
means in my power to liberate my friends. He seems to owe no allegiance
to the Emperor of Morocco, or to any other acknowledged potentate; so
that I will not attempt the long business of negotiation, which would,
too probably, end in disappointment. At first I thought of taking the
lad with me, but then I considered that he would be of more service as a
hostage on board; and I have promised him that, if his information be
correct, and I succeed in recovering my friends, I will give him an
unerring rifle and a silver-mounted dagger, so that I have won him over
completely to our interest. As I speak Arabic as well as any Turk, I
have resolved to assume the character of a Turkish jewel-merchant on a
journey to buy precious stones for the Sultan. I feel that I can act
the part very well. How does the plan strike you?"

"Very good; capital, sir," I answered, the romance of the thing taking
my fancy immensely. "But, as I do not speak a word of Arabic, or any
Eastern language, I do not see how I am to help you."

"I have thought of that," said Mr Vernon. "You must pretend to be
dumb; I hope that you will not have to hold your tongue long. I wish
you also to take your violin. I do not know that the Turks ever play
it; but you must be my slave, you know--a Christian slave, not long
captured,--and that will account for your knowledge of so Nazarene-like
an instrument. Miss Norman heard you play once on board, and you will
thus certainly attract her notice, and be able to hold communication
with her."

"Oh! excellent--excellent," I exclaimed, enchanted at finding the very
event I had once dreamed of about to be realised. "When are we to
commence our adventure?"

"As soon as I can arrange our costumes, and make other necessary
preparations. Captain Poynder, after he has landed us, intends to watch
off the coast, and to stand in at night, to be ready to render us any
assistance we may require."

Two days after this conversation, a party of travellers were seen
issuing from the ancient gates of the city of Tangiers,--in days long
gone by, when Charles the Second ruled the land, held by a British
garrison, till delivered over to the Portuguese. He who seemed to be
the leader of the party rode a strong, active horse, and was habited in
long, dark, flowing robes, a turban of many folds of muslin, long yellow
boots, and spurs