vessel was wrecked, and becoming the purchasers of the mistico, we
endeavoured to find our way home in her. None of us, however,
understanding navigation, we were afraid to continue our voyage till we
found some one to supply their place. This, lady, is the story we have
to tell, to account for our appearance on the island; but, in one point,
believe me, I do not deceive you, when I assure you, that we come not
here to injure, in any way, the chief of this island."

"Enough, signor; I trust to you," replied Nina. "I will now have you
and your companions conducted to the apartments prepared for you. There
is but small habitable space in the castle, extensive as it once was,
and it would lead to suspicions were you to be better lodged."

She clapped her hands, and little Mila appeared, to conduct the
strangers to the abode Nina had selected for them.

Left alone, she stood, for an instant, a picture of misery.

"Alas, alas!" she repeated to herself, "everything I hear and see
convinces me that his course is one full of danger, if not, also, of
crime. But I am acting for the best, and am gaining a power which may
serve him at his utmost need. I am doing what is right."

Poor Nina, the idol she had set up was gradually changing his god-like
radiance for a sombre hue, his heavenly countenance for one of dark
malignity. So must all false idols change. The brighter and more
beautiful they appear at first, the blacker and more hideous will they
become.

The adventurers had retired to rest. Their couches were composed of
heather, scattered along the sides of the room; but it was covered with
thick cloths and rugs, and formed no contemptible resting-place; their
drenched clothes had been well dried, and they had enjoyed a plentiful
meal. Even Fleetwood had done justice to it; and the Maltese lad, who
was no other than our friend Jack Raby, astonished little Mila by the
prodigious extent of his midshipman's appetite.

Another seeming Maltese was a person the reader is probably not prepared
to meet. He was our friend Bowse, late master of the _Zodiac_, who,
having been rescued from the fate which hung over him, had entreated
Captain Fleetwood to be permitted to accompany him, and to share his
dangers in recovering Miss Garden.

The Greek captain, Teodoro Vassilato, was the person who had acted as
interpreter. He had once been taken prisoner by the pirates, and having
a little private revenge of his own to satisf