lous
voyage, and refreshed by their night's slumber, notwithstanding their
extraordinary position and the rudeness of their couch.

Zappa's first care was to arrange the provisions in the centre of the
raft; over them he erected the tent, which, though much reduced in size,
afforded sufficient shelter for the ladies. He then summoned them to
take the seats he had arranged; but it was not without some fear and
hesitation that they left the firm rock for so frail an ark, and it was
not till Ada recollected the danger of remaining, that she could
persuade herself to go on board, followed by Nina.

Leaving them under charge of Paolo, Zappa summoned his men, and each of
them was seen to take a bundle of the burning embers in their hands, and
to proceed with them to the ship. Once again they came back for more
embers, and the remainder of the wood, and almost before they could
return to the ship, a bright volume of flame was seen to burst forth
from every part of the wreck. The pirate hurried on board, followed by
his men. Two went on either side to work the oars; the others tended
the halyards and sheet, while he stood at the helm. The ropes which
secured the raft to the rock were cast off, the crew gave way with the
oars, the sail was hoisted to catch a light northerly air, and a strong
shove sent it gliding through the water at a rapid rate.

"Farewell, farewell," exclaimed Zappa, turning round to gaze at the
burning wreck. "No enemy can now boast that they have made a prize of
the bark which has for so long been the terror of the seas, nor even of
her shattered timbers. Long, long will it be before your like is met
with again."

The raft glided onward, guided by the flames. The light was seen far
off by many eyes; but little wist they at the time that there was
consuming the last remnant of the long much dreaded _Sea Hawk_.

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.

The bright sun at length arose, and as his warming rays fell on the
raft, they served to cheer the hearts of the adventurers. The raft had
made but little way, for the wind had failed them completely, and the
sail had been lowered as totally useless, so that they had to depend
entirely on their oars, to make progress towards the south, while the
current still carried them along at a faster rate to the westward. The
pirates were, as may be supposed, excessively anxious to get on shore as
soon as possible, it mattered little to them where, because, while they
r