ike rifle reports, with the crashing of wood and the tramp of
men, Captain Weber's voice dominating the confusion.

Isabel was engaged in prayer, her eyes were closed, for the riot above,
produced by the tumbling masts, was something fearful. The tramp of
feet on the deck, and the hurrying to and fro as the captain shouted to
his men to clear away the wreck of the brig's spars which she had lost
from the fire of the enemy, added to what for a few minutes seemed
inextricable confusion.

Dejected and discouraged, Hughes had remained below, taking no notice of
what was passing on deck, and perfectly aware that his presence was
useless. He sat looking into Isabel's face, and quietly waiting for the
time when the schooner should bear down on the helpless brig to take
possession, and the moment for the closing actions of life should come.
Beside them sat the old noble, his face showing signs of deep emotion,
as he too grieved, not for himself, but for his daughter. She looked
very beautiful as she lay back, her head supported on her lover's
shoulder, her lips parted showing the white teeth, the eyes closed, and
the long dark lashes wet with tears, with one hand clasped in her
father's.

"Captain Weber would be glad to speak to you, sir," said the steward
Masters, touching his cap.

"I will come," replied Hughes.

Gently placing Isabel in her father's arms, the soldier leaned over the
half unconscious girl, and pressed his lips to her forehead, then turned
to go.

The action seemed to rouse her, for rising suddenly, she threw her arms
round him. "Enrico mio, do not leave me. If die we must, let us die
together." A flood of tears came to her relief, and she sobbed
hysterically.

"I will return, Isabel--fear not," he said, as he gently unloosed the
arms which held him, and led her back to her father. "There may be some
better prospect in store for us. I will return."

When Captain Hughes reached the deck, he at once saw that if their
chance of escape before was small, it had greatly diminished. An
eighteen-pound shot had buried itself in the heart of the main-topmast,
the wind was coming in hot puffs from the land, and the sails just at
that moment feeling a heavier strain than usual, the wounded mast had
gone over the side with a loud crash, carrying with it sails and yards,
and now floated astern clear of the brig, leaving her running before the
wind, with only her main fore and fore-topmast standing, the st