gold."

Gascoigne pulled out his doubloons--and Jack did the same, coolly
observing:

"I thought we were only to show silver, Ned!"

"It needed not that," replied the gentleman; "your conduct in this
affair, your manners and address, fully convince me that you are what
you represent--but were you common peasants, I am equally indebted to
you for my life, and you may command me. Tell me in what way I can be
of service."

"In giving us something to eat, for we have had nothing for many, many
hours. After that we may, perhaps, trespass a little more upon your
kind offices."

"You must, of course, be surprised at what has passed, and curious to
know the occasion," said the gentleman; "you have a right to be informed
of it, and shall be, as soon as you are more comfortable; in the
meantime, allow me to introduce myself as Don Rebiera de Silva."

"I wish," said Jack, who, from his knowledge of Spanish, could
understand the whole of the last part of the Don's speech, "that he
would introduce us to his breakfast."

"So do I," said Gascoigne; "but we must wait a little--he ordered the
ladies to prepare something instantly."

"Your friend does not speak Italian," said Don Rebiera.

"No, Don Rebiera, he speaks French and Spanish."

"If he speaks Spanish my daughter can converse with him; she has but
shortly arrived from Spain. We are closely united with a noble house in
that country."

Don Rebiera then led the way to another room, and in a short time there
was a repast brought in, to which our midshipmen did great justice.

"I will now," said the Don, "relate to you, sir, for the information of
yourself and friend, the causes which produced this scene of violence,
which you so opportunely defeated. But first, as it must be very
tedious to your friend, I will send for Donna Clara and my daughter
Agnes to talk to him; my wife understands a little Spanish, and my
daughter, as I said before, has but just left the country, where, from
circumstances, she remained some years."

As soon as Donna Clara and Donna Agnes made their appearance and were
introduced, Jack, who had not before paid attention to them, said to
himself, "I have seen a face like that girl's before." If so, he had
never seen many like it, for it was the quintessence of brunette beauty,
and her figure was equally perfect; although, not having yet completed
her fifteenth year, it required still a little more development.

Donna Clara was extremely g