precious set of villains?" observed
Easy, as he surveyed the faces of the men who were chained.

"No," replied Gascoigne; "and I think if the captain had seen them as we
have, that he would have left them where they were."

"I don't know--but however, our orders are positive. Armourer, knock
off all the padlocks, beginning aft; when we have a cargo we will land
them. How many are there?--twelve dozen; twelve dozen villains to let
loose upon society. I have a great mind to go on board again and report
my opinion to the captain--one hundred and forty-four villains, who all
deserve hanging--for drowning is too good for them."

"Our orders are to liberate them, Jack."

"Yes; but I should like to argue this point with Captain Wilson."

"They'll send after them fast enough, Jack, and they'll all be in limbo
again before long," replied Gascoigne.

"Well, I suppose we must obey orders; but it goes against my conscience
to save such villainous-looking rascals. Armourer, hammer away."

The armourer, who, with the seamen, appeared very much of Jack's
opinion, and had not commenced his work, now struck off the padlocks,
one by one, with his sledge-hammer. As soon as they were released the
slaves were ordered into the cutter, and when it was sufficiently loaded
Jack shoved off, followed by Gascoigne as guard, and landed them at the
point about a cable's length distant. It required six trips before they
were all landed: the last cargo were on shore, and Easy was desiring the
men to shove off, when one of the galleriens turned round, and cried out
to Jack in a mocking tone, "Addio signor, a reveder la." Jack started,
stared, and in the squalid, naked wretch who addressed him, he
recognised Don Silvio!

"I will acquaint Don Rebiera of your arrival, signor," said the
miscreant, springing up the rocks, and mixing with the rest, who now
commenced hooting and laughing at their preservers.

"Ned," observed Easy to Gascoigne, "we have let that rascal loose."

"More's the pity," replied Gascoigne; "but we have only obeyed orders."

"It can't be helped, but I've a notion there will be some mischief out
of this."

"We obeyed orders," replied Gascoigne.

"We've let the rascals loose not ten miles from Don Rebiera's."

"Obeyed orders, Jack."

"With a whole gang to back him, if he goes there."

"Orders, Jack."

"Agnes at his mercy."

"Captain's orders, Jack."

"I shall argue this point when I go on board," replied Jac