e. On she came, till her deck seemed almost beneath the rock, and
the young Italian fancied, in her eagerness, that she could see the
countenances of those who walked it, and could distinguish the chief
himself from all the rest. Surely none but those well acquainted with
the spot would venture thus to run on directly against that rocky shore.

The inhabitants of the opposite village had long recognised the _Sea
Hawk_, and had returned on shore, giving up their anticipations of
finding her a stranger, on whom they might pounce unawares, and make her
their prize. Some of the larger boats remained just at the mouth of the
harbour, to assist the vessel in entering, should the wind fail her at
that very juncture, which it was not unlikely to do.

Vlacco had marshalled his men, and leaving a guard of five at the tower,
led them down to the beach by the winding path through the ravine. When
within four or five hundred fathoms of the rock, the brig's
studden-sails came down altogether, every other sail was clewed up, and
she shot like an arrow through the narrow opening, her yard-arms almost
brushing the rocks on either side; her anchor was let go, and she swung
round just clear of the other craft in the centre of the basin.

Her arrival was greeted by loud shouts from the people on shore, which
were answered by the crew, and then succeeded inquiries from those in
the boats for some who did not appear.

"Alas! they have fallen in the fight," was the answer.

A sigh or an expression of sorrow was their only requiem.

"But what success--what booty have you brought?" was the question most
eagerly asked.

"Thanks to our captain's skill and bravery, we have never had more
success, or so rich a booty, with so little cost. A few of our brave
comrades have paid the debt all must pay; but we have ever come off
victorious. Huzza for our brave captain! Huzza for Zappa!"

"Huzza for Zappa--huzza for the gallant _Sea Hawk_!" was echoed by the
people on the beach, taken up by his followers, and repeated by those on
the cliffs above, till Nina heard the cry as she sat in her watch-tower.
She trembled and turned pale, for her heart longed to see him; yet she
almost feared his coming. Poor girl! she little knew what was in store
for her.

The captain of the _Sea Hawk_ was the first person to land, accompanied
by the young Italian, Paolo. As he stepped on shore, his own particular
adherents welcomed him with loud shouts, and h