you in
looking for Signor Zappa; and if you catch him, of course you will be at
liberty to treat him as you think fit. To be frank with you, I do not
think you will find him unprepared in his strong-hold, and he will not
yield up his vessel without many hard blows."

"What! are you acquainted with the situation of his stronghold?"
exclaimed Fleetwood, eagerly.

"Well!" answered the Greek captain. "And if you will step into my
cabin, I will point it out to you on the chart."

By this time the sun had gone down, and the gloom of the evening
prevented the countenances of those surrounding him from being
distinguishable, adding somewhat to the wildness of their appearance and
the fierceness of their moustachioed countenances. As he stood on the
poop he looked over the taffrail, where he could see the two boats
keeping off just within hail, and in the distance the lights hoisted at
the mast-head of his own ship to guide him on his return.

It must not be supposed that Fleetwood had not all this time his
misgivings as to the character of the vessel he was on board. She might
be the famed _Sea Hawk_, Zappa's own brig, and the man he was speaking
to, one of the pirate's lieutenants; for he suspected that Zappa would
not venture to present himself in person for fear of being recognised.
Notwithstanding this, with an unfaltering step he followed the officer
into the cabin.

The cabin was small, and fitted up in a way suitable to that of a vessel
engaged in an arduous and dangerous service--a couple of sofas, a table,
and chairs, were the chief articles of furniture, with some shelves, a
buffet, and a stand for arms.

"I can but offer you rough entertainment," said the Greek, courteously
placing a seat for his guest. "We are so engaged in hunting down those
scoundrel Turks that we have little time to think of luxuries--such as I
have, I shall place before you." As he spoke, he clapped his hands in
oriental fashion, and a servant appeared. "Bring wine and bread, and
such food as you have," he said, and the man vanished.

Fleetwood would have declined the proffered hospitality, on the plea of
being anxious to return to his ship; but his host insisted on having the
refreshment brought in, observing,--"It is the custom in the East,
remember, to eat salt together as a sign of amity, so you cannot refuse
me."

As he spoke, the servant returned, bringing in the very frugal fare he
had ordered--a jar of wine, some olives,