even feigning that religion which he certainly did not feel, and the want of which was the sole obstacle to the union he had now solicited for near a twelvemonth, and which, of all others, was the object by far the closest to his heart.  With Andrea Barrofaldi and Vito Viti, and most especially with the hated English, it was a very different thing, however; and seldom was Raoul happier than when he was employed in precisely such a scene of mystification as that in which he was at that moment engaged.

The vice-governatore having established relations so completely amicable with the “Signor Smees,” could do no less than invite his guest to enter the palazzo, along with himself and the podesta.  As it was yet too light for the sailor to seek an interview with Ghita, he cheerfully accepted the offer; making a careful examination of the whole of the northern margin of the sea, from his elevated position, however, before he crossed the threshold.  This little delay on Raoul’s part enabled the podesta to have a passing word with his friend unobserved.

“You have found ‘Sir Smees,’” said Vito Viti, with earnestness, “all that your wisdom and prudence could desire, I trust?  For my part, I consider him a most interesting youth; one destined at some future time to lead fleets and dispose of the fortunes of nations.”

“He is more amiable and even better informed than I had thought, neighbor Vito Viti.  He gives up his Sir Cicero with a grace that causes one regret it was necessary; and, like yourself, I make no doubt of his becoming an illustrious admiral in time.  It is true his father, ’Milordo Smees,’ has not done justice to his education; but it is not too late yet to repair that evil.  Go, desire him to enter; for I am impatient to draw his attention to certain works that may be useful to one in his line of life.”

At this suggestion the podesta returned to the door in order to usher the imaginary Guernsey-man into the residence.  He found Raoul still standing on the entrance, examining the sea, There were two or three coasters, feluccas, as usual, stealing along the coast, in the Italian fashion, equally afraid of the barbarians of the south shore and of the French of the north.  All these would have been good prizes; but, to do the privateersman justice, he was little in the habit of molesting mariners of so low a class.  There was one felucca, however, that was just rounding the promontory, coming in from the north; and with the people of this craft he determined to have some communication as soon as he returned to the port, with a view to ascertain if she had fallen in with the frigate.  Just as he had come to this resolution, the podesta joined him, and he was ushered into the house.