“The usual apology, no doubt, sir—­a desire to serve his one and undivided republic!  If we should believe all such chaps tell us, Captain Cuffe, we might go home and send deputies to the National Convention; if, indeed, they would do us the favor to admit them to seats.”

“Gentlemen,” said Raoul, in English, “there is no longer any occasion for an interpreter between us; I speak your language sufficiently well to make myself understood.”

“I am sorry for your situation, Mr. Yvard,” said Cuffe, “and wish with all my heart you had fallen into our hands in open battle instead of in this irregular way.”

“In which case, Monsieur le Capitaine, le Feu-Follet would have been in your power also!” returned Raoul, smiling ironically; “but, messieurs, words are idle now; I am your prisoner and must take my chance with you.  There is no necessity, however, for causing others to suffer for my indiscretion.  I shall esteem it a favor, messieurs, if you will let the good people in the boat alongside pull ashore, without molestation.  It is getting late, and we must now be nearly or quite abeam of the place where they wish to land, which is the marina grande of Sorrento.”

“Do you wish us to understand that your companions are not French, Monsieur Yvard?”

“Oui, Monsieur le Captaine; there is not a Frenchman among them, I give you my parole d’honneur”

“Of that fact it may be well to satisfy ourselves by an examination, Captain Cuffe,” put in Griffin, dryly.

“I have sent up to beg Mr. Winchester would get these people on board—­”

“There is a young woman in the boat who is unaccustomed to entering ships,” interrupted Raoul, hastily, “and I implore your tenderness in her behalf.  Let the men come on board, if you think it necessary; but the signorina can never climb this frigate’s sides!”

“We will see to that, more especially, Monsieur Yvard, as you appear to be so much interested in the lady’s comfort.  At present it will be my duty to put you under a sentry’s charge; and that it may be done in a way the least offensive to yourself, your prison, for the night at least, shall be this cabin.  Mr. Griffin, give orders to the marine officer accordingly.”

In a few minutes a soldier was introduced into the forward cabin, and Raoul was regularly placed under his charge.  Not till then did the officers return to the quarter-deck.  All this time Ithuel and his companions in the yawl were left to their own reflections, which were anything but agreeable.  Matters had been conducted so quietly inboard, however, that they possessed no clew to what had actually occurred; though Ghita, in particular, was full of forebodings and apprehensions.  The frigate towed them along at a rate which, as Raoul said, had brought them quite abreast of their landing and within a league of it; and yet she showed no signs of an intention to abate her speed, nor did any one appear at the gangway to