uisers
after us. These and other little similar incidents have not escaped
your memory, most noble marquis."

Don Anibal winced not a little while the pirate--for such he avowed
himself to be--was speaking; but he notwithstanding held out his hand
and hailed him as an old shipmate, "My memory is as good as you suppose,
my friend," he remarked; "but we will not dwell on those matters. There
are some things a man would gladly forget if he could. However, there
is an affair in which an intelligent fellow like you would be useful, if
you will undertake it."

"Name your price, Don Anibal, and I will tell you if I can undertake
it," answered Captain Tacon; "my fortunes are somewhat at a low ebb, and
I am ready to engage in any enterprise which promises sufficient
remuneration."

"You were always a reasonable man. What do you say to two thousand
dollars? It would be worth a little exertion to gain that," observed
the marquis.

"Tell me what you require to be done, and I will then give you a direct
answer," said the pirate.

The marquis thought for some time before he replied. "I must swear you
to secrecy in the first place, and in the next, that you will decide,
when I have put before you the outline of the work required, without
obliging me to descend to particulars."

"Depend on me, marquis," exclaimed the pirate. "As I see a crucifix at
the other end of the room, I will take the oath; and now hasten on with
your sketch; I am a man of action, and will speedily decide."

"Listen, then," said Don Anibal. "You can, I doubt not, obtain command
of one of the numerous vessels fitting out as privateers; I will use my
influence. I can speak to your character for bravery, enterprise,
sagacity--you understand me: you must use every exertion to find a
craft. I know your talents--you will not fail."

Captain Tacon smiled grimly at the compliments the marquis paid him.
"But the enterprise, the work you require of me, most noble marquis?" he
said, with a slight gesture of impatience.

"I am coming to that, my friend," was the answer. "It lies in a
nutshell: in a northern region there exists a child, of whose person,
for certain reasons, unnecessary now to state, I wish to obtain
possession. He lives in a mansion capable of defence; you may possibly,
therefore, have to use force, but that of course will only make the work
more agreeable to you. On your bringing me satisfactory assurance that
you have disposed of th