ught Zappa, whose suspicions were
keenly alive to treachery. "If she were, would she thus venture out in
the very face of an enemy?" The men, however, seemed convinced that she
came as a friend, and welcomed her with every extravagant sign of joy.
Though so near them, she had to make several tacks before she could
reach them, whereas the brig of war, being before the wind, came down
steadily towards them, and was rapidly approaching within range of her
guns. Zappa watched them both. The mistico was manned by Greeks, for
their picturesque costume was easily distinguishable, but he was not
certain that they were friends; and far rather would he have fallen into
the hands of the English, than into the power of his own countrymen.
Should he continue his course, and should they prove enemies, the moment
he was recognised would probably be his last, and those with him would
be sacrificed; but, on the other hand, if he lowered the sail and
attempted to pull up to the brig, he might lose the chance of saving
himself and his followers. He saw the risk of having to trust to the
clemency of the British authorities, whom he had so often, by his
misdeeds, offended. He was decided on continuing his course by seeing
the mistico get out her sweeps, and from the point where she then was,
she could lay almost up for them. In a short time all doubt was at an
end, well-known faces were recognised on board, and greetings, loud and
frequent, were exchanged between them. A universal cry of sorrow was
uttered as the loss of their favourite _Sea Hawk_ was announced, though
their chief was warmly welcomed, as they saw that he was among those
saved, and no mutinous feeling was perceptible among them. The sail was
lowered, and he raft was soon alongside the mistico. The crew jumped on
board, and pointing to the approaching brig, urged their friends to
instant flight, but Zappa still remained with the rest.

"Lady," he said, addressing Ada, "I leave you here, whence you will
speedily be rescued by your own countrymen, and to your charge also I
leave this poor girl; you will, I feel assured, see her safely restored
to her country and her home; and Nina, listen to me; should I succeed in
escaping my enemies, I will join you there, and in peace and safety
forget the dangers we have passed."

"Listen, Nina," said Ada. "You cannot serve him by accompanying him,
while with me you will speedily, I trust, be in safety."

"What, leave him now i