ato came on board, and expressed his
delight at meeting him again, insisting on being allowed to accompany
him on his search.

"I was once taken prisoner by the rascals myself, and narrowly escaped
with my life, and I may have some little expectation of satisfaction in
punishing them," he observed. "Indeed, without my assistance, I do not
think you have much chance of success."

This last argument prevailed, and Fleetwood, warmly pressing his new
friend's hand, assured him of his gratitude for his promised assistance.
The two brigs, therefore, sailed in company to search for the pirate's
island.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

Captain Fleetwood followed his unknown guide into the open air without a
word having been exchanged between them. He felt no fear, and scarcely
any doubt as to the object of the summons he had received; for he had,
from the first, persuaded himself that it was in some way or other
connected with Ada Garden, and that he was either to hear of her, or to
be conducted into her presence. The guide stopped at the door of the
building to conceal the light, and looked cautiously around to
ascertain, apparently, that no unwelcome eyes were near to watch their
proceedings. Having convinced himself that he was unobserved, he again
beckoned the English officer to advance, leading him round close to the
line of ruins, which at one time formed the outer walls of the castle,
and the shadow of which now served to aid in concealing them from any
person who might; by chance, be crossing the more open ground.

As Fleetwood was passing beneath Nina's tower he looked up at her
casement under the vague impression that he should there find her whom
he was so eager to meet; but no light was visible, either there or in
any part of the building; and he had little time for observation, for
his guide led him on with a step so light and rapid that he had to do
his best to keep up with him. The night was one of the most perfect
with which that eastern clime is blessed. The air though warm was pure
and fresh after the storm--the golden stars were shining forth with a
brilliant lustre, from the intense blue of the sky, on the dark tranquil
sea, which lay in calm majesty at their feet, the gentle hush of its
slumbering waves being the only sound to break the tranquil silence of
the hour.

It was a night formed for the holy meeting of those whose hearts, though
bound together, had long been parted, a night for pure happin