and bread of rather brownish
hue, with some goats' milk cheese, were placed on the table.

"It is not the sort of fare you would give me on board your ship; but,
such as it is, I offer it to you," said the Greek captain.

"It is more than I expected," answered Fleetwood, bowing. "But may I
ask, have you been on board any British ship of war?"

"I have served on board on the _L--_ as a midshipman, and have since, on
several occasions, acted as pilot and interpreter. You see in me,
Captain Fleetwood, one who is solicitous to be of use to you; and, as
you appear to be anxious to meet this Signor Zappa, I will now show you
where you are most likely to fall in with him."

The evident frankness and cordiality of these expressions at once
dissipated all Fleetwood's previous misgivings, and in a few words,
while he was partaking of the refreshment placed before him, he detailed
what had occurred, and his belief that the pirate had made prisoner of
an English lady, even if he had not murdered the rest of those on board.

While he was speaking, the Greek brought down a chart of the
Archipelago, and pointed out the island of Lissa, a minute description
of which he gave.

"But, Captain Fleetwood," he observed, "with your brig, or indeed with
the whole British navy at command, you can scarcely capture that island,
especially while the pirate holds hostages so dear to you in his hands.
Take my advice, attempt nothing by force; your only chance of success is
by stratagem. By following a plan I will venture to suggest to you, if
you will undergo the danger, which I will not deny is very great, I
think there is a prospect of your being able to rescue your friends.
Once, however, arouse the suspicions of the pirate and his followers,
they will put the place in so strong a state of defence, and will keep
so vigilant a watch over their prisoners, that an attack on the island
will be useless. Remember, when I tell you this, I am well acquainted
with the place and the people, and I feel assured of the soundness of my
advice."

Captain Fleetwood thanked him very much, and assured him that he was
eager to hear the plan he would advise him to follow.

On this, Captain Teodoro Vassilato, for such was the name of his new
Greek friend, explained it to him, and promised him his assistance in
carrying it out. What it was it is not necessary here to detail, as it
will be fully developed in a future part of this story.

Linton sat in t