had been acting the part of a spy at Calcutta, and
it at once occurred to her, that it was probably owing to the
information he had obtained that the "Osterley" had been watched for,
and fallen into the hands of the enemy. Senor Gerardo, as he had called
himself, at the same time paid the greatest attention to Colonel
Armytage, and seemed to anticipate all his wants; indeed, no captors
could have behaved with more attention to their prisoners than did the
officers of "La Sybille" to the passengers of the "Osterley."

The two ships were now sailing together, to the eastward of south, but
where they were going, no one could ascertain. A sentry was stationed
at the compass, and though they were allowed to range anywhere else
about the ship, when any one drew near that, they were civilly ordered
to move away. Ten or more days passed, and the two ships lay at anchor
in a beautiful bay, among a group of islands, some of considerable
elevation, and covered with all the varied productions of the tropics.
There were few signs of cultivation, but there were numerous huts and
tents scattered about, and it was evident that the island had been taken
possession of by the French as a rendezvous for their cruisers. Another
Indiaman lay at anchor with her masts and spars in a shattered
condition, as if she had met with a gale on her passage there, and had
not been in a fit condition to send away. On a near inspection a
battery was discovered thrown up on each side of the bay, while a strong
fort in the centre commanded the anchorage, and sentries were seen
pacing the beach to prevent the possibility of any prisoners escaping.

The passengers remained on board two days, while workmen were seen on
shore, erecting fresh huts. During this time, Lieutenant Gerardo was
constant in his attentions to Edda, but they were so delicately offered,
and his manners were so gentlemanly and refined, that she was almost
angry with herself for not feeling more grateful. At last the whole
party were directed by the French captain who came on board, to prepare
for going on shore, and informed that they were at liberty to take every
part of their private property with them.

"We do not war with individuals, and we feel deeply the necessity we are
under of placing a restraint on your actions."

The young lieutenant expressed his great regret at no longer being
allowed to have charge of them. "Still I trust, Miss Armytage, that you
will allow me occ