n or pirate ships had been attacked by a foreign squadron.

Margaret was eagerly talking to Martin, whose attention was more
occupied by Audrey than by what she was saying. The moment his sense of
propriety would allow, coming forward, he took her hand and poured out
the feelings of his heart at having recovered her.

Before many minutes had passed, the clashing of swords and Lancelot's
voice shouting for assistance reached our ears. Dick, followed by
several of the men, rushed in the direction he had taken, when they
found him defending himself from the attack of a sturdy old Moor and
three attendants, who, however, on seeing the British seamen
approaching, took to flight. The sailors pursued, and coming up with
the old Moor we were about to cut him down, when a man with a hoe in his
hand sprang out from behind some bushes, exclaiming--

"Spare his life, friends; though he has kept me in slavery, and is
somewhat a hard taskmaster, we should return good for evil."

Then, turning to the old Moor, he made a sign to him that he should
remain quiet while he eagerly questioned the seamen. Lancelot by this
time had come up, and I saw him spring forward and embrace the stranger,
who was, I had no doubt, his long-lost father, although so greatly
changed that I had not recognised him.

Such he was, but as not a moment could be spared, after a few words had
been exchanged, we were summoned by Lieutenant Aylett to commence our
retreat. We did not stop to bid farewell to Mustapha and his family,
but placing the two girls with Margaret in our midst, we recommenced our
march.

Not a moment did we halt, for we had many miles to travel before we
could reach the water, while at any instant we might be attacked by
overwhelming numbers of enraged Moors.

My fear was that the rescued ones, unaccustomed to rapid walking, might
sink from fatigue, but the joy of having recovered their liberty kept up
their strength. The firing had ceased, but as we looked towards the
city we could see a cloud of smoke still hanging over it. The last
height we had to cross was gained. The sea lay before us, when one of
the men on our left flank shouted out he saw a large body of Moors
approaching. We all soon saw them, and it seemed doubtful whether we
could reach the boats before they were upon us, but as we pushed on the
frigate came in view, standing close in with the shore, towards which
her guns were directed. The Moors were rushing on, a