k within her. It was the first time he had treated
her with cold neglect and indifference. Ada Garden saw also that
something was wrong: she had observed the two wounded men landed from
the mistico, and she remarked the angry brow of the pirate; so she came
to the conclusion that he had been defeated in some skirmish or other,
and that, very probably, he was expecting the island to be attacked by
the Turks, as had been the case with others, when most of the population
had been put to the sword. She mentioned her fears to Jack Raby.

"I don't think it's anything very bad, for the young pirates and
piratesses are still dancing away as merrily as before," he answered.
"But I'll soon know all about it."

And once more he rejoined his friends, and exchanging a few words with
them, ran back to Marianna.

"It's a warmer matter than I thought; but still there is nothing to be
alarmed about, Miss Garden," he said, as soon as he had recovered his
breath. "The Greek officer, who is with us, hears from the people that
their chief had the impudence to go on board an English brig-of-war--
that he was pursued by her boats, and very nearly captured. I wish to
goodness he had been--but nothing more is known on the subject. There
is no doubt he has visited the _Ione_, and I only hope he has got no
inkling of what she is there for, and what we are about. If he has, you
see, why that is only a still greater reason for not letting the grass
grow under our feet."

The news brought by the midshipman of course alarmed Ada very much, as
she saw all the dreadful consequences which would too probably ensue,
should Zappa discover who he had in his power. He had the reputation of
being treacherous, vindictive, and cruel; and he was not likely to grow
merciful towards men who had ventured into his island in disguise, for
the purpose, he would naturally suspect, not only of rescuing her, but
of observing his means of defence, in order afterwards to attack him.

The evening was drawing to a close--the dancers had grown weary, and the
elders had begun to retire to their homes; so Ada gladly acceded to
Nina's wish to turn their steps up the ravine.

They parted at the foot of Nina's tower; and, as Ada bade her new friend
farewell--as she believed, for the last time--her heart bled for her
unhappy position and too probable fate. Ada hurried to her tower,
followed by Jack Raby and Marianna, fearful of meeting with the pirate,
lest he should