my passengers, and giving them all the information they may
require," said the master. "Hark you, Manuel--put your head nearer--my
boy's life is answerable for their safety--so, as you love me, take care
that they get into no trouble. They seek a passage to some part of
their own country on board a merchantman, and have come here to look for
one to suit them."

"I understand clearly, signor," said the boatman, significantly. "But
who are they? What is their calling, or occupation?"

"Oh! mother of Heaven, don't ask me!" answered the padrone, with a
terrified look. "They may overhear you. It is not my business to put
questions to them. It is enough that they pay well, and do not wish to
be known. Besides, they would not scruple to cut my throat if they were
offended--and most assuredly their friends would string up my poor boy,
if anything went wrong with them. Even now, look at the captain--I mean
the best dressed of the two. How he is playing with the hilt of his
dagger there. He is meditating sticking it into my ribs because I am
talking so long to you. I tell you, you must watch over their safety;
and, in the name of the saints, aid them to get away as fast as
possible--for, till they are out of the place, I shall not feel my head
secure on my shoulders."

"Oh! I understand. They are political offenders disguised as Greeks,
who do not wish their movements to be known;" said the sharp-witted
boatman, jumping at a conclusion. "I'll undertake to serve you and
them--not forgetting myself--and, I trust, that they will make it worth
my while."

"No fear of that," the padrone was saying, when the Greek's voice
summoned him aft.

"What were you saying to the boatman?" he asked in an angry tone.

"I was making arrangements with him to take you on shore, signor, and do
your bidding," was the answer.

"Well, he may land me at once," said the Greek. "Paolo, do you remain
on board till I send for you, and let not a man quit the vessel on any
excuse," he whispered. "Such provisions as they require, the boatman
can bring off for them, and I will manage to make him faithful."

The Greek, without further remarks, swung himself over the side of the
vessel and took his seat in Manuel's boat.

"Hist, Manuel," he said, in the _lingua Franca_, well understood by the
Maltese boatmen; "you are debating in your mind whether you will inform
the authorities that a suspicious character has landed on the island,
and