eetwood. "The gallant
fellow insisted that, as you had been in a manner under his charge, when
you were carried off, it was his duty to come in search of you; and I
was too glad to have his assistance."

"Thank Heaven for my uncle's safety! And I trust, Fleetwood, that he
has conquered the prejudices he entertained against you since he has
been on board your ship," said Ada, smiling. "Indeed, his nature is
generous, and I know that he must."

"I trust that he has, dearest," returned Fleetwood. "I have treated him
as I believe I should any other person in a similar position; and I may,
recollecting that he was your uncle, have shown him more respect and
tenderness than I might otherwise have done; but, at all events, he
appears well disposed towards me. However, in two days, I hope you will
have the means of judging for yourself."

"So soon!" exclaimed Ada. "Is your ship so near?"

"But a few hours' sail from hence; and I would, this very night, have
put our plan in execution to carry you away, had we been at liberty; but
first, the kindness of the pirate's young wife prevented our examining
the harbour and the boats in it; and we afterwards found ourselves
locked up in the room allotted us to sleep in. I do not, in
consequence, think we are suspected; for it is very natural that the
gruff old pirate, who seems to act as lieutenant-governor, or
major-domo, of the castle--I scarcely know what to call him--should not
think fit to leave a party of strangers at liberty to wander about and
examine into the state of his defences. I have now to thank the Signora
Nina for the happiness I enjoy of seeing you. But, tell me, Ada, do you
think she is to be thoroughly trusted?"

"Poor girl, I believe so," said Ada. "Intentionally, I feel sure she
would not betray us, but will do her very utmost to aid us."

Ada did not give the reasons for her confidence. Her maiden modesty
made her unwilling to tell her lover that she believed that Nina,
besides her wish to do what was right, was also influenced by her
anxiety to get her out of her husband's way.

"She has already given proof of her willingness to serve us; but, in her
brother I have not the same confidence, and you must be cautious not to
let him discover who you are. I may wrong the unhappy youth, for he
appears to have many generous and good qualities--and his devotion to
his sister, the original cause of his misfortunes, is extraordinary.
However, he, at time