ment thereof, but keeping watchful guard over the dangerous Zubby,
so that that Zaharan specimen of humanity inflicted a perceptibly
smaller percentage of bumps on the head of Master Jim than in former
times. Paulina's baby, too, began to indicate signs of intelligence by
crowing, knocking over whatever it came within reach of, and
endeavouring to dig the eyes out of every one who permitted
familiarities, especially the eyes of Master Jim, who, it is but fair to
add, soon displayed superior capacity in the same line, so that the
parents agreed mutually that they would soon be sweet playmates to each
other, and that they were the most delicious babes that ever were or
could be born. Ted Flaggan also remained a happy inmate of the consul's
abode, awaiting the arrival of a British vessel which might enable him
to depart, but not at all anxious for that consummation, and, in the
meantime, making himself generally useful.

Down at the Marina, too, the state of things was a little, though not
much, improved. Another guardian of the slaves had been appointed,--the
former one having been strangled on account of some wickedness reported
by enemies to have been done by him, and of which he was afterwards
found to be entirely innocent.

His successor was a man of better nature, who, although he kept the
slaves hard at their toil, and did not abate the lash or bastinado,
nevertheless supplied them with occasional comforts, such as an extra
roll of bread when extra work had to be done, or even a glass of spirits
when, as was often the case, they were called up at nights, in drenching
rain and cold, to protect the shipping in the harbour, and prevent
wreck, when sudden gales arose.

Thus the aspect of things in the pirate city, bad though it was, became
a little brighter, and continued so for some time, until an event
occurred which flung a darker cloud than usual over the ever changing
scene.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

THE PLOT THICKENS, AND MARIANO'S FORBEARANCE AND COURAGE ARE TESTED.

When the commander-in-chief of cavalry condescended to pay a visit to a
Jew, it was a sign that events of considerable importance were hovering
in the air. The approach, therefore, of Sidi Hamet to the residence of
Bacri one night, under cover of the darkness, was regarded by the Jew
with feelings of misgiving, which caused his face to become suddenly
very grave, as he looked through the little iron-bound hole, or window,
which commanded a v