t intervals, are rowed off from the warship, fearing to recognise
in one the form of him so dear. Fearing it; for they know that her
lover is not likely to be ashore again, and his coming now could only be
on that errand she, herself, so much dreads--the duel. Duty should
retain him on his, the young officer's, ship, but honour may require him
once more to visit the shore--perhaps never to leave it alive!

Thus gloomily reflects Carmen, imparting her fears to the less
frightened Inez; though she too is not without apprehension. If they
but understood the "Code of Signals," all this misery would be spared
them. Since from the frigate's main-royal masthead floats a blue flag,
with a white square in its centre, which is a portent she will soon
spread her sails, and glide off out of sight--carrying their _amantes_
beyond all danger of duels, or shore-scrapes of any kind.

They observe the "Blue-Peter," but without knowing aught of its
significance. They do not even try to interpret, or think of it; their
thoughts, as their eyes, concentrated upon the boats that pass between
ship and shore.

One at length specially arrests their attention, and keeps it for some
time fixed. A small craft that, leaving the ship, is steered direct for
the town. It passes near enough for them to see there are three men in
it; two of them rowing, the other in the stern--this last in the uniform
of an officer.

Love's glance is keen, and, aided by an opera-glass, it enables Inez
Alvarez to identify the officer in the stern-sheets as Don Gulielmo.
The other two--the oarsmen--are only sailors in blue serge shirts, with
wide collars, falling far back.

For what the young officer is being rowed ashore, the ladies cannot
guess. If for fighting, they know that another, and older, officer,
would be with him. Where is Don Eduardo?

While still conjecturing, the boat glides on towards the town, and is
lost to their view behind some sand-hills inshore.

Their glance going back to the ship, they perceive a change in her
aspect. Her tall tapering masts, with their network of stays and
shrouds, are half-hidden behind broad sheets of canvas. The frigate is
unfurling sail! They are surprised at this, not expecting it so soon.
With the help of their glasses, they observe other movements going on
aboard the war-vessel: signal-flags running up and down their haulyards,
while boats are being hoisted to the davits.

While still watching these man