Part 37 (1/2)
Such, however, was a conjecture a lover would naturally for on board; but, perhaps, the reater attractions, as well as the prospect of a large sum for her ransom He was not aware that, at that very time, Zappa had sent to Aaron Bannech, the old Jew of Malta, to negotiate with her friends for that very purpose The colonel, of course, remained on board to assist in the search for his niece, while Bowse begged that he ht be allowed to remain also for the same object, and his men entered on board the _Ione_, which was some hands short
A feords must explain the appearance of Captain Bowse and his crew and passengers on the rock When Zappa had left the _Zodiac_ he had bored holes in her, for the purpose of sending her to the bottom; she, however, did not sink as soon as expected; and Boith some of his people ere unhurt, were able to put a boat to rights, and to launch her The boat carried the for the nearest coast when they were picked up by a French man-of-war The French shi+p was soon after wrecked on a barren rock, on which they existed without food for many days, and where many of the Frenchmen went mad Here they remained till the _Ione_ took the been coet rid of the French in, when just off thehe had chased before touching at Cephalonia, the _Ypsilante_ Captain Teodoro Vassilato caain, insisting on being allowed to accompany him on his search
”I was once taken prisoner by the rascals myself, and narrowly escaped with my life, and I may have so them,” he observed ”Indeed, without my assistance, I do not think you have u his new friend's hand, assured hiratitude for his pros, therefore, sailed in company to search for the pirate's island
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Captain Fleetwood followed his unknown guide into the open air without a word having been exchanged between them He felt no fear, and scarcely any doubt as to the object of the summons he had received; for he had, from the first, persuaded himself that it was in some way or other connected with Ada Garden, and that he was either to hear of her, or to be conducted into her presence The guide stopped at the door of the building to conceal the light, and looked cautiously around to ascertain, apparently, that no unwelco convinced hilish officer to advance, leading him round close to the line of ruins, which at one time formed the outer walls of the castle, and the shadohich now served to aid in concealing the thebeneath Nina's tower he looked up at her caseue ier to ht was visible, either there or in any part of the building; and he had little tiuide led hiht and rapid that he had to do his best to keep up with hiht was one of the most perfect hich that eastern clih as pure and fresh after the stor forth with a brilliant lustre, from the intense blue of the sky, on the dark tranquil sea, which lay in cal waves being the only sound to break the tranquil silence of the hour
It was a night forh bound together, had long been parted, a night for pure happiness and love Fleetwood felt its benign influence, and had he before been inclined to despair, it would have reassured hi towards the horizon, and casting a bright shi+ning line across the ocean, its light being just sufficient to throw the tall shadows of the towers and ruins along the open ground, and to tinge their suuide every now and then stopped and listened, as if apprehensive that sos; and then hearing nothing, on he went again as rapidly as before; Fleetwood each ti also He had scarcely before remarked his conductor's appearance; but he now observed, while thus stopping, that his figure was sht, and that he wore a dark _capote_, with the hood drawn over his head, so as completely to conceal his features and to envelope his forot close to the tower in which Ada resided, when the guide once more came to a stop, and beckoned Fleetwood to approach
”_Zitto_, hush!+” said the guide, in the softest Italian ”I have risked much to serve you, and her you love--my life--and even more than my life--yours also, perhaps--and, therefore be cautious I can allow you only a short tiht happen were you discovered I will reer, and afterwards to conduct you back to your lodging, as I must lock you in there No one yet suspects you; but when our chief returns I know not how that may be--therefore be advised by o--a short half-hour is all the time I can allow you”
Fleetwood, as he listened, was certain that he knew the accents of the voice, and that the speaker could be no other than the Signora Nina; but he did not stay to utter eht he could do that as well on his return, but sprang towards the door, which she opened for hi the lantern froht ascend the tower
”Be cautious,” she whispered, seeing that he was about to leap up theed hihtly, and speak not loud, lest any one passing ht to show his in the stairs He stepped up two or three at a tiht tread of a sealeaure stood in the centre of the apart forward to meet him, and in another instant Ada Garden was clasped in her lover's arms For some minutes the hearts of both were too full to allow them to speak, and joy such as is experienced but seldom in the life of any, and byHow ether they had thus spent, I do not knohen Marianna, who had been standing retired in a corner of the rooht it incu Fleetwood's knees in her delight, she poured out a torrent of thanks to hiht have wished the good little girl anywhere but where she was, her presence was very useful to thes of this world; and reeive her for her guidance Ada also was recalled to her present position, and as the first ecstasies of her joy subsided, fears for her lover's safety took possession of her mind
”Oh! Fleetwood,” she exclaimed; ”you have risked your liberty and your life for ht eance on your head, when he finds hie ranso ive hi,”
returned Fleetwood ”We have stanch friends to assist us, and our arrangements are excellent, so that provided we are not suspected we have every chance of success”
”I will not then, Fleetwood, day with my own, perhaps too weak, fears,” answered Ada ”But I am ready to do whatever you think best”
”That isher to his heart
”We must succeed; and now, Ada, listen to what I have to tell you”
”I will--but first tellbefore, have any tidings been received of my poor uncle, and the brave crew of the _Zodiac_?”
”Your uncle is safe on board the _Ione_, and our good friend Bowse is one of the coallant fellow insisted that, as you had been in a e, when you were carried off, it was his duty to colad to have his assistance”
”Thank Heaven for my uncle's safety! And I trust, Fleetwood, that he has conquered the prejudices he entertained against you since he has been on board your shi+p,” said Ada, senerous, and I know that he must”
”I trust that he has, dearest,” returned Fleetwood ”I have treated him as I believe I should any other person in a si that he was your uncle, have shown hiht otherwise have done; but, at all events, he appears well disposed towards me However, in two days, I hope you will have thefor yourself”
”So soon!” exclaimed Ada ”Is your shi+p so near?”