she cried, appealing to Zappa. "Do not condemn this unhappy man
to death. Towards me he has acted the most cruel part--but I forgive
him. For your own sake, I implore you to do so likewise, for the sake
of that sweet girl. Oh! do not commit so black a crime. It will be a
murder, for he had no intention of injuring you or your followers.
Blinded by an unhappy passion for me, he has done this, fancying that
the man to whom I was to be united is no more; and has been led on in
the vain hope of one day possessing me, and winning the worthless love I
should have to give. Let me now swear that nothing shall ever induce me
to become his--and let it be part of his punishment that he knows what
he has done is in vain; and if, by any means, I can remedy the evil he
has committed, I will do so, if you will allow him to live."

"A lady who pleads so energetically should have her prayers granted,"
said the pirate, with a tone of irony. "But let him beware how he
behaves--unhand him," he said to the men, in their own tongue. "These
ladies have pleaded for the prisoner, and are answerable for his
conduct. And tow, signora," he said, in a blander tone, addressing
himself to Ada, "by what means do you propose to remedy the fault of
that madman?"

Ada was silent for some minutes, during which the pirate stood regarding
her attentively.

"It is fitter for you to point out the means by which I can serve you,
than for me to propose them," she at length replied. "Indeed, I can do
nothing till I am restored to my friends; I am sure that any ransom you
may propose, which they have the power to pay, they will gladly give for
my liberty."

"It is a pity that was not thought of before; but, are you aware, lady,
that it is usual to secure the ransom before the prisoner is restored?"
observed Zappa.

"Touch then at one of the Ionian Islands, where there are English
authorities, and let me write letters in different directions, and
before long, I doubt not, the money will be raised, and will be
deposited wherever you desire. If you will allow me to go on shore, I
will promise to do my very utmost to place the money in your hands, and
will send word to the British cruiser, now in search of this ship, that
I am in safety; and will at the same time exert all the influence I may
possess with my friends to obtain your pardon, should you be captured.
This I promise to do most faithfully."

"Oh, listen to her!" exclaimed Nina, springing t