, also, was very much varied in character; and
though the red skull-cap was generally worn, some had adorned their
heads with turbans, even of the green colour, which, as if in mockery of
the Turks, should cover the scalps of none but the true descendants of
the Prophet. Some wore the white kilt of the mountaineers, others the
long trousers and loose waistcoat of the main; indeed, their costume was
as varied as their arms, and showed that here were collected persons
driven from various parts of Greece by the tyranny of their Ottoman
oppressors.

As soon as a sufficient number of the band had assembled, they dragged
out, under Vlacco's directions, one of the large guns from the basement
story of the tower to the edge of the cliff, where, between the rocks,
there was a sort of natural embrasure, partly aided by art, while a
platform had been formed for the purpose of mounting a gun there. It
was an admirable position, as it so completely overlooked the entrance
to the cave, that a shot sent from it could not fail of hitting a vessel
attempting to enter.

As Nina watched these proceedings, she could scarcely tell, from the
appearance of the armed band and the manner in which Vlacco was placing
the gun in the battery, whether he was preparing to receive the
approaching vessel in a hostile manner. The idea of treachery came
across her mind.

"Can the old pirate," she thought, "meditate the destruction of his
chief, for the sake of taking possession of all the riches in the
tower?" But she soon discarded her fears as improbable, recollecting
that those who were on board with him were all nearly related to those
remaining behind.

The purpose Vlacco had in placing the gun there was soon made obvious.
It was loaded and fired--the report reverberating in thunder among the
rocks. Scarcely had the noise ceased, when puffs of smoke were seen to
issue from the vessel's side, a faint echo was heard from seaward.

"That is the usual signal and answer made when our chief returns," said
Mila. "There can be no longer any doubt that it is his vessel. See,
she seems to be coming on more rapidly than before."

Such was the case, for the sea breeze had lately somewhat freshened, and
every sail was spread to woo it.

Majestically the brig glided over the blue sea, like a swan skimming
over a tranquil lake. As seen at that distance, she appeared a mass of
white canvas; nor did she cause a ripple on the calm, mirror-like
surfac