the spoons before referred to, and when
they rose from table, the Sultana presented her and Agnes with those
that they had used.

After giving them coffee and making another vain attempt to extract
information, Ashweesha dismissed her guests, who returned home charmed
with the novelty of their reception and entertainment.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

RELATES SOMETHING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS, SURPRISES, AND CHANGES IN THE
STATE OF AFFAIRS.

In consequence of the opportune interference of the British consul, and
of the good-will which Lucien had inspired in the breast of the Dey, a
ray of light stole into the gloomy Bagnio, and tended to cheer at least
two of the slaves.

This ray was conveyed by means of the Padre Giovanni, whom we have
elsewhere mentioned as being the friend and benefactor of the slaves.

Previous to his visit a cloud had overshadowed the prison. Several
chaouses had entered, and, after loading Castello and the other runaways
with chains, had led them forth to death. It would be painful as well
as unnecessary to detail the terrible tortures under which these
wretched men perished. The remaining slaves knew well the nature of the
fate that awaited them, and the blank caused by the disappearance for
ever of their well-known faces, was fitted to restrain all thoughts of
rebellion, had such existed. Some surprise was felt at first by all the
slaves at the delay of punishment in the case of Francisco and Mariano,
but after the first hour or two had passed, they ceased to give the
matter a thought.

When, therefore, the old man Giovanni entered the Bagnio and informed
these two that the Dey had reprieved them, and commanded their
attendance at the palace, their surprise was re-awakened, and
speculation as to the cause of such unusual proceedings was revived.

"I am the bearer of still further tidings," said the old man, taking a
letter from a sort of wallet that hung from his shoulder, and handing it
to Francisco.

"From Juliet!" exclaimed Francisco, tearing it open and reading aloud
eagerly:--

"`Dearest Father,--It is not possible to express to you the agony that
we endured on hearing that you had been taken captive by the
Algerines. Oh, why are such monsters allowed to live? ("Why,
indeed!" interjected Francisco, bitterly.) But take comfort. God
watches over us all. Some of your old friends here have begun to
collect money for your ransom, and I work hard to increase the sum--