rs with the pirates of the
northern seas. Here it occurred to Alexander that the swordsmanship of
pirates is distinguished by its peculiar cuts and thrusts, with the
exercise of which he was but too familiar. He therefore brought out
his weapons and gave Paul some lessons in these useful devices, so
that he might be able to put them into practice if he should again
find himself in any piratical fray.

How happy he felt in having for once the companionship of a lad like
himself--a true playmate. How his heart throbbed with joy when he
looked at this brother of his. How glad he was, too, to find that Paul
was such a fine strong fellow. As they fought, he took good care not
to hit his opponent with his blunted weapon so hard as to hurt him.
And if Paul, in return, chanced to give him a good sturdy blow, he
would laughingly cry, "No, no; it didn't hurt at all!" And then he
would praise him for his dexterity.

Mashinka stood at her window and silently looked on as they knocked
each other about in the garden. And as she looked up she wiped away
the tears that rose to her eyes. They were indeed tears of joy.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER IX

The Minster Bell

The Master of the tower and Count Zeno were still conversing together.
The marines had now searched every corner of the building, and their
leader returned with the report that nothing of a suspicious nature
was to be found.

Feodor hereupon took a speaking-trumpet in his hand.

"Permit me," said he, "to give my castellan orders for the refreshment
of your brave men. The fellow hears badly."

So saying he spoke through the trumpet into the porter's ear. No one
else was able to make out what he said. The castellan, however,
appeared to understand the command. He made a sign to the sailors and
marines who stood at the door, and begged them to seize hold of the
beer-cask on the floor and carry it out. Of this, surely, they might
quite safely drink. The liquor, they reflected, could not well be
poisoned, for both the Master and their own commander had drunk from
the cask.

When the men had disappeared Feodor rose and took from a small
cupboard in the wall a bottle of sherry and two wine glasses, which he
filled. The two men were once more alone.

"I am in no great hurry to leave this place," observed Count Zeno,
after a pause. "I should like to take advantage of your hospitality
for the night, if you can make that convenient. I will explain to you
my motive