she had come to remain one or
two nights only, to supply herself with water, for there is a fine
spring there, and perhaps with fuel; but she hoisted no flag, and seemed
to have no intention of communicating with the shore; and, instead of
going away, there she remained, day after day, till my suspicions of her
intentions were excited. I watched her narrowly for some time, and even
pulled close round her two days ago; and I am convinced, from her
appearance, and the language I heard spoken, that she is British. Now,
it struck me, knowing what sort of character were the people of that
nation, that she had come there for the purpose of looking out after the
_Sea Hawk_, or the mistico; and as soon as I arrived at this conclusion,
I hurried off to bring you the information."

"I believe your suspicions are turned in the right direction; and it
will be necessary to be on our guard," replied the pirate, who had
listened somewhat impatiently to the man's account.

"But here comes Vlacco--we will hear what is his opinion on the
subject."

The consultation between the pirate and his lieutenant-governor--for so
we may designate old Vlacco--was earnest and brief.

The result was that Zappa instantly descended the cliffs, down to the
bay, where the loud blast of a horn speedily collected a large number of
his followers, always ready to undertake any exploits in which he led
them.

He selected as many as he required for his purpose, and ordered them to
prepare for embarking in the mistico, called the _Zoe_, in the space of
a quarter of an hour. Meantime, he despatched a messenger to the tower
to bring his arms and some dress, which might serve him as a disguise
should it be necessary.

The island spoken of lay about thirty miles to the westward of the
harbour; and, towards it, the mistico, as she emerged from between the
cliffs, shaped her course under all sail, with the wind on the larboard
beam. The little vessel flew across the water at a rapid rate; for,
though the sea was smooth, there was a fresh breeze to fill the sails.

All the crew were in high spirits--they invariably were when Zappa led
them, as they believed he would always show them where plunder was to be
obtained; and they were not a little disappointed when he thought fit to
inform them that he now required them to perform a service not only of
no profit, but with considerable danger attending it; and yet one which
was absolutely necessary, as the safety