e sixteenth day the _Rebiera_ and her convoy anchored in Palermo
Bay. The wind was light in the morning that they stood in, and as Jack
had a large blue flag with _Rebiera_ in white letters hoisted at the
main, Don Philip and Don Martin were on board and greeting our hero,
before the _Rebiera's_ anchor had plunged into the clear blue water.

The information which our hero received, after having been assured of
the health of Agnes and her parents, was satisfactory. The
disappearance of the friar had, at first, occasioned much surprise;--but
as the servants of Don Rebiera swore to his return without the black,
and the letter of Don Rebiera, sent to the convent, requesting his
presence, was opened and read, there was no suspicion against the
family. A hundred conjectures had been afloat, but gradually they had
subsided, and it was at last supposed that he had been carried off by
the banditti, some of whom had been taken, and acknowledged that they
had seized a friar on a day which they could not recollect. The reader
will remember that it was Mesty.

The _Rebiera_ received pratique, and Jack hastened on shore with Don
Philip and his brother, and was once more in company of Agnes, who, in
our hero's opinion, had improved since his departure. Most young men in
love think the same after an absence, provided it is not too long. The
prizes were sold and the money distributed, and every man was satisfied,
as the cargoes fetched a larger sum than they had anticipated.

We must pass over the _pros_ and _cons_ of Don Rebiera and his lady, the
pleading of Jack for immediate nuptials, the unwillingness of the mother
to part with her only daughter, the family consultation, the dowry, and
all these particulars. A month after his arrival Jack was married, and
was, of course, as happy as the day was long.

A few days afterwards, Mr Oxbelly advised departure, as the expenses of
the vessel were heavy, and it was his duty so to do. Don Philip and Don
Martin obtained leave to go to England, with their sister and her
husband. Nevertheless, Jack, who found Palermo a very pleasant
residence, was persuaded by the Don and his wife to remain there a
month, and then there was crying and sobbing, and embracing, and
embarking; and at last the _Rebiera_, whose cabins had been arranged for
the reception of the party, weighed and made sail for Malta, Jack having
promised to call upon the Governor.

In four days they anchored in Valette harb