the by, as I felt sure Marianna would be with you, from the account
Bowse gave of having seen you both carried off together, it was arranged
that young Raby should pretend to be her brother, that we might the more
easily make the necessary arrangements: so the moment he sees her, if
they meet by chance, she is to rush into his arms and cover him with
kisses. What do you say to the arrangement, Marianna?"

"Me no mind it," answered the little Maltese, laughing. "But, signor,
say which the brother is, that me no kiss the wrong person. No do well
to have brother who won't say me is his sister."

"He is a little dark fellow, with a face as brown as mine, for we
painted from the same pot," said Fleetwood. "But if I know Master Jack
Raby well, he will not leave you long in doubt. He has seen you with
Miss Garden, and you will very soon have proof of his fraternal
affection, so pray remember to acknowledge him."

"Me take great care to kiss very much," said Marianna, simpering.

"I shall trust to you; but be careful not to recognise any of the rest
of us; and now, my sweet Ada, I must bid you farewell. Be prepared
to-morrow night for our exploit. Somewhere about midnight I hope to be
with you. Put on some dark, close-fitting dress, which is less likely
to be seen in the dusk than a light-coloured one; and if you could
procure capotes from Signora Nina, such as she now wears, it will be
still better. Should we be met by any of the islanders we may be
mistaken for their friends. Our present purpose is to escape from the
harbour, and to leave the mistico in lieu of the boat we take. Young
Raby and I will come up for you and Marianna, while the rest prepare the
boat. Once outside, I have little fear of what may happen, for we shall
soon be under shelter of the _Ione's_ boats, and they will be a match
for all the craft of this place, with the exception of the brig, which
they will scarcely think of taking out after us. I must keep the
Signora Nina no longer waiting. Again, dearest, farewell!"

They parted as lovers under such circumstances would part; and when he
reached the foot of the tower he found that nearly an hour had elapsed
since he left the Italian lady.

She had remained outside the tower, under the deep shadow in the angle
formed by it and the ruined wall, which ran off towards the other tower.

"I fortunately calculated on your want of punctuality," she whispered.
"But delay might be dangerous, so y