f the
stranger.

There was a pause.

"The Independent Greek Government's brig, _Ypsilante_," was at length
the answer. "What is your object in visiting us?"

"I am in search of a pirate who has attacked an English ship," replied
Captain Fleetwood; "I wish to gain some information about her."

"I shall be glad to see you on board, then," said the same person.

And he was heard to issue several orders in his own language.

"Keep under her stern in case of treachery," said the captain to Linton
and Tompion. "I will go on board--I still have my doubts about her
character."

In another minute the gallant Fleetwood was ascending the side of the
Greek brig, alone. Side ropes were handed to him, and the side was
manned in man-of-war fashion, and he found a group of officers assembled
at the gangway to receive him. The captain, a fine-looking man, was
distinguishable by the richness of his dress and his dignified bearing.
He received his visitor very courteously.

"I have led you a long chase, I am afraid," he observed, speaking
English, "but the reason I did so you will allow was a good one, for I
was myself chasing another vessel all the time, and of course could not
heave to, that I might inform you, nor had I the means of signalising
you to that effect."

"What do you believe to be the vessel you were chasing?" inquired
Fleetwood, anxiously.

"A Greek, I am sorry to say, and a sister vessel of this brig. She has
lately plundered a vessel laden with arms, and as they are much required
by the patriots, I was dispatched to try and fall in with her."

"What is her name, or rather who commands her?" asked Fleetwood.

"Her name is the _Sea Hawk_, and she is commanded by the noted pirate,
Zappa," replied the Greek captain.

"The very vessel I am in search of," said Fleetwood. "But is it not
more likely that he should have gone somewhere to dispose of his booty
than that he should remain cruising about here?"

"He has had time to deposit his booty, and to return to look for more,"
replied the Greek. "If we could get hold of him, we should make him
disgorge all he possesses as a ransom for himself and followers."

"What, and let him loose again on the world to commit further piracies?"
exclaimed Fleetwood.

The Greek captain laughed, as he replied:--"Why, it would not do to hang
men limply for being guilty of a little piracy. Some of our leading
chiefs might object to the precedent. But I will gladly aid