state, that
it was impossible to count the number of the enemy killed.

"You, Fleetwood, do as you think best," said Captain Grantham. "If you
wish to get under weigh, do so; but, tell me, what plan do you propose
to pursue?"

"I think, while the present gale lasts, of standing across to examine
the island to the westward of this; and when it moderates, or if the
wind shifts, I shall stand to the northward, towards the Gulf of
Salonica, where there are numerous hordes of pirates, with whom Zappa is
certain to find friends."

"I am not quite so sure of that--remember, two of a trade can never
agree. However, it is as well to try in that direction. I will stand
to the southward and westward, and will send Rawson to the eastward, and
we will then rendezvous off this island, unless we happen to catch sight
of our friend in the meantime, in a week or ten days--Heaven grant that
we may have success!"

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

When Zappa saw, by the overwhelming number of his enemies who poured
into the fort, that he must perish or make good his retreat from the
island, he ordered those of the _Sea Hawk's_ crew who were on shore to
accompany him; and retreating from the fight, he left them below while
he rushed up into Ada's tower, and gained the chamber where the
terrified females were assembled.

"Fond girl, I will not leave you to perish or to be branded as the
pirate's mistress," he exclaimed, clasping Nina in his arms. "I will
not quit you till I can place you in safety--come with me."

"We will live or die together," murmured Nina, forgetting, in that
moment of defeat and disaster, all the cruelty of which he had been
guilty towards her.

"Lady, your friends have gained the day," he continued, turning to Ada.
"You have brought rain on my head, and you have your revenge--farewell."

Miss Garden's heart beat quick with hope. The moment of her
emancipation had at last arrived, and he whom she loved had come to her
rescue. At the instant the pirate disappeared, a person rushed forward,
and seizing her in his arms, exclaimed,--"Haste, signora, from hence, or
destruction awaits us."

She knew Paolo Montifalcone's voice; and believing that the pirate had
intended to blow up the tower, she fancied that he had come to save her,
nor attempted to struggle in his grasp. She shrieked out to Marianna to
follow her, but the poor girl was so petrified with horror at the death
of little Mila, which had just taken p