take the
commands of his passengers as to the hour they would prefer having their
meals. He was most anxious that they should enjoy every accommodation
his ship could afford. He had not forgotten their kindness; and if they
were destined to be made prisoners he was too happy to be their captor
that he might prove to them his gratitude.

Though Captain Gerardin's countenance was sufficiently battered and
weather-worn, there was an honest, good-natured expression about it
which made Mrs Armytage feel far more confidence in his expressions
than in those of his son.

It was not till the next day that Edda could be persuaded to go on deck;
the sea was smooth, and the air soft and balmy, and she could not help
looking out on the blue ocean which she had learned to love so much.
Alfonse Gerardin only occasionally approached her. When he did so his
manner was so gentle and courteous that she could not help acknowledging
to herself that she had no reason to complain of him. Captain Gerardin
was good-natured and hearty, and laughed and talked with her and her
father and mother with well-bred ease and freedom.

The frigate, he told them, was attached to a squadron now at anchor near
Rochelle, and that she was now on her way back to rejoin it.

The next morning land was seen ahead, and soon afterwards the frigate
came up with a small lateen-rigged craft standing the same way. Captain
Gerardin hailed, and asked where she was bound? In return, a person who
said he was the captain, replied that he was in search of a French
squadron which would soon be ready to sail, and that he had very
important information to communicate.

"We will heave-to, and you can come on board," answered the captain of
the French frigate.

In a short time a boat was launched from the deck of the little felucca,
and pulled towards the frigate. She was soon alongside, and a tall thin
old man made his appearance on deck. Captain Gerardin scrutinised him
severely, and he stared at the captain in return.

"We have met before, my friend, if I mistake not," exclaimed the former.
"I see before me Don Annibal Tacon."

"The same, though changed, I suspect, since we last parted," said
Captain Tacon. "And I may venture to say that I behold one with whom I
have exchanged some hard knocks, but love not the worse, and whom I once
knew as Pedro Alvarez; though from the flag under which you serve I
presume you have changed your name as well as your nation."