, where a
low sand hill, close by, hid them from the sight of anyone on the
lookout. A few minutes later the ship's boat arrived.

Francis now led the way direct for the hut, accompanied by Polani and
six men, while four sailors advanced, at a distance of a hundred yards
on either flank, to cut off anyone making for the water.

"We may as well go fast," he said, "for we can scarcely get there
without being seen by a lookout, should there be one on the sand hills,
and the distance is so short that there will be no possibility of their
carrying your daughters off, before we get there."

"The faster the better," the merchant said. "This suspense is
terrible."

Accordingly, the party started at a brisk run. Francis kept his eyes on
the spot where he believed the hut lay.

"I see no one anywhere near there," he said, as they came over one of
the sand ridges. "Had there been anyone on the watch I think we should
see him now."

On they ran, until, passing over one of the sand hills, Francis came to
a standstill. The hut lay in the hollow below them.

"There is the house, signor. Now we shall soon know."

They dashed down the short slope, and gathered round the door.

"Within there, open!" the merchant shouted, hammering with the hilt of
his sword on the door.

All was silent within.

"Break it down!" he said; and two of the sailors, who had brought axes
with them, began to hew away at the door.

A few blows, and it suddenly opened, and two men dressed as fishermen
appeared in the doorway.

"What means this attack upon the house of quiet people?" they demanded.

"Bind them securely," Polani said, as he rushed in, followed closely by
Francis, while those who followed seized the men.

Polani paused as he crossed the threshold, with a cry of
disappointment--the hut was empty. Francis was almost equally
disappointed.

"If they are not here, they are near by," Francis said to Polani. "Do
not give up hope. I am convinced they are not far off; and if we search
we may find a clue. Better keep your men outside. We can search more
thoroughly by ourselves."

The merchant told his men, who had seized and were binding the two
occupants of the hut, to remain outside. The inside of the hut differed
in no way from the ordinary dwelling of fishermen, except that a large
table stood in the middle of it, and there were some benches against
the walls. Some oars stood in one corner, and some nets were piled
close to them. A f