safe keeping of one whom he, all of a sudden, chose to consider as
his rival.

"No matter," he muttered. "I must teach her to forget him."

He sauntered about the room for a short time by himself, paying little
attention to the fair ladies who surrounded him, and it must be owned,
was sadly indifferent to the charms of most of them. He then sought
Colonel Gauntlett, whom he endeavoured to engage in conversation. It
was certainly of a peculiar nature, and the meaning was not always clear
to either party; but he gleaned much useful information, and suggested
many things to the colonel in return. Among other pieces of advice, he
recommended him to carry as much gold as he could with him, telling him
that he would find it more convenient than bills. He strongly advised
him also to keep it in his trunks, as they, in case of shipwreck, would
more probably be saved than other things. It is extraordinary how very
attentive and full of forethought he was.

The ball was at length over. Jack Raby and Jemmy Duff vowed that they
had never enjoyed themselves more in their lives, thanks to their
captain's management; and they had made an agreement to introduce one
another to each other's partners, and, at the same time, to puff off
each other's wealth and connections, which plan they found answer very
satisfactorily.

The Prince Caramitzo, as he threw a sea-cloak over his shoulder in front
of the hotel, took the arm of Captain Dunnup, and warmly pressed his
hand.

"I have much reason to thank you for your politeness, sir, and shall be
glad to welcome you to Greece."

The captain expressed his satisfaction at having been useful to him, and
signified the very great probability there was of his shortly having to
pay a visit to that country, at all events, of having to leave Malta.
They then parted with mutual expressions of esteem.

The Greek then took the arm of his Italian friend, and together they
sauntered down the street, every now and then stopping to ascertain
whether any person from the ball was watching where they went.

Captain Fleetwood walked to his lodgings in an unusually melancholy
humour. He had forebodings of disaster, which even his strong mind
could not at once overcome, though he knew they arose from being
fatigued and worried.

To-morrow he must take his farewell of his beloved Ada for an indefinite
period; for, though he intended to hurry back from England as soon as
possible, he knew that number