re's no doubt about it," answered the boatswain, shaking his head.
"And by the same token, it belonged to the master of the _Zodiac_, for
he used to be very proud of having his handkerchief marked in that way,
as it was Mistress Bowse's own handy work; and, t'other day, when he was
aboard of us, he, poor fellow, showed me that very handkerchief, and
said his missis had worked him another set just afore he came away."

The discovery was reported to the captain; but he made no remark on it.
He, apparently, had before come to the conclusion, that the boat had
belonged to the unfortunate _Zodiac_.

"Land ahead," was cried out from aloft, and resounded through the ship;
and before the middle of the afternoon-watch, the lofty mountains of
Cephalonia rose in view, with the lower lands of Zante to the southward.

The wind freshened, and backing round more to the westward, the _Ione_
stood boldly in for the entrance of the magnificent harbour of
Argostoli, and, before nightfall, anchored within a mile of the town.

Captain Fleetwood immediately hurried on shore. With a heart beating
with anxiety, he made inquiries about the _Zodiac_; but nothing had been
heard of her, or her passengers and crew. He did not yet despair, and
taking an interpreter with him, who was strongly recommended, he
returned on board, the anchor was got up, and the _Ione_ stood out of
the harbour of Argostoli.

There was little chance of the grass growing under her keel.

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

On reaching the ruins, the Lady Nina and her companion saw old Vlacco
seated on a rock, at a short distance, whence he could command an
extensive view of the sea. He had a spyglass in his hand, which he
every now and then lifted to his eye, to observe the approaching sail,
and then he would let it fall again into his lap, as if he were
considering what she was.

"Let us go and ask my grandfather what he thinks is the vessel in
sight," said Mila, and, with some difficulty, they worked their way over
the rocks and ruins towards him.

He turned round rather gruffly at hearing the voice of his grandchild,
as she asked him what he thought was the sail nearing the island; for,
as he himself had not yet made up his mind on the subject, he was unable
to give her a positive answer; and was very unwilling to confess his
ignorance, especially in the presence of the Lady Nina.

"She is a brig, child; and I should have thought your own sharp eyes
would have told you