orette stood by the
side of Julia.

"Lady," said she, "I overheard your conversation with the captain of
this brig, and I pity you most truly."

"Pity will little avail," replied Julia.

"That is true, yet I would aid you if possible."

"And you--do not you, too, desire to escape from this savage?"

"Alas! lady, I have learned to love him."

"_Love_ him!"

"I have now been on this brig more than three years. I was taken from
a French merchant vessel in which I was proceeding to French Guinea,
to live with a relative there, having lost all my immediate kindred in
France. While crossing the Bay of Biscay, a heavy storm drove us out
to sea, and while endeavoring to return in shore, we fell in with this
vessel--all on board were murdered but myself, so I have been told. I
was borne to this cabin, which has since been my home. I was treated
with much respect by the captain, and being all alone, I don't know
why it was, I forgot all his crimes, and at length became his willing
mistress. You turn from me in disgust, and in pity--yet so it is. And
now, lady, if you are bold enough to risk your life, you may escape."

"I would gladly give my life to save my honor."

Florette gazed with a melancholy smile upon her companion; perhaps
thoughts of her own former purity came over her mind.

"It is a bold plan," said she, "but it is on that account that I am
more confident of success, as all chance of escape will be deemed
hopeless."

"What is your plan?"

"Night is now approaching, and it is probable the pursuing brig will
not gain on us before dark. I have noticed that the ship's boat hangs
at the stern, only fastened by the painter. If you have courage enough
to descend to the boat by the painter, I will cut it, and you will
then be directly in the course of the pursuing brig, and will be
easily picked up."

"But how can I get to the vessel's deck without being seen?"

"I have thought of that; we will wait till dark, when you shall put on
a similar dress with mine, and then you can go to any part of the
vessel you choose without being suspected. You must watch your time to
steal unobserved behind the man at the helm, and drop yourself into
the boat; I will soon after appear on deck, and if you are successful
in escaping observation, I shall be able then to cut the painter
without difficulty, as the darkness will conceal my movements. Do you
understand the plan?"

"I do."

"And you are not afraid to put it into