n the same tack.

The Greek had for some time been looking through a spy-glass towards
Malta, which lay like a line of blue hillocks rising from the sea.

"Here Paolo," he said, at length. "Do you take the glass, and tell me,
what vessels you see, which appear to have come out of the port we left
this morning."

For some time Paolo made no answer. He was examining the intervening
space between them and the shore.

The Greek, meantime, reclined on a seat to rest, for he was weary with
his exertions.

Paolo at last addressed him.

"I make out a square-rigged vessel of some sort, steering this way. She
looms large."

The Greek sprang to his feet, and took the glass.

"She is the one we are in search of," he exclaimed. "Up with the helm
and let draw the head sheets."

The orders were obeyed, and the speronara ran off again before the wind
towards the brig, with which she had communicated, and the head of whose
topsails were just seen above the horizon. It took a couple of hours
before the speronara hove to close to her, by which time the day was
almost over.

The brig was a remarkably fine looking vessel, with a long low hull,
painted black, with sharp bows, a clean run and a raking counter. She
was what is denominated polacca-rigged; a name given to designate those
vessels which have their lower masts and topmast in one piece; thus
evading the necessity of tops and caps, and much top-weight. Her yards
were very square; her masts, which were polished, raked somewhat; her
rigging was well set up, and very neat; and her canvas looked white and
new. She was in truth a very rakish-looking and beautiful craft. As
the speronara drew near, a boat was lowered from the brig and manned,
and now came alongside.

As soon as the boat, which was full of armed men in the picturesque
costume of Greek sailors, came alongside, Caramitzo turned to the
padrone of the speronara:--

"Alessandro," he said, "your personal services to me are over, for the
present; but I have occasion for the use of your vessel for a few hours
longer. Do you and your people go quietly on board the brig, and remain
till my return. Some few of my followers will man the speronara in the
mean time."

The padrone of the speronara would have expostulated, but the Greek cut
him short, and intimated that, as just then his will was law, if he did
not consent with a good grace, he would be compelled to do so--pointing
at the same time to the boatl