“I have promised them their freedom,” Sir John said; “and they shall have it, even if I have to pay their value into the treasury.  As I told you, we were hotly pursued, for the craft with her sail went faster than we with our oars; and, knowing the importance of bringing the news here, I encouraged them by promising them their freedom, should we get away.  Not only did they row right manfully, but they proved faithful in our extremity, and, when all seemed lost, stuck to us instead of deserting and joining the pirates.”

“But how did you get away, Sir John, if their craft outsailed you?”

“I owe my life entirely to the quick wit of my young countryman, Sir Gervaise Tresham here.”  And Sir John then related the incidents of their adventure on the island, his narrative eliciting warm expressions of approval from the knights.

“Of course, you will go with us, Boswell?” Don Santoval said, when the master of the slaves announced that these had eaten their meal, and were ready.

“I must do so,” Sir John replied.  “I want you, on your way, to look in at that island where we had so narrow an escape, and if we find their craft still there we can destroy it.  The place is directly in our course; we shall, therefore, lose but little time in looking in.  Of course, they may have gone as soon as they got their vessel afloat, but it is hardly likely.  They would have no idea of my returning with a galley so soon, and will probably set to to make a dozen more oars before they start, for she had but four on board, which will scarce suffice to send her a mile an hour through the water.  Therefore, I fancy they will not put off until tomorrow morning.  If that is so, and we destroy their craft, they will be trapped in the islet, and on our return we can capture them all.  I think of leaving Harcourt and Tresham in the boat, in order that when Piccolomini’s galley comes in, they may direct him also to join us.”

“He may be in at any moment; we met him three days since.  He had captured a pirate, and sent her off under charge of ten of his knights.  We agreed to meet him this evening; and as he is not here, he will probably be in the first thing in the morning.”

Gervaise and Harcourt took their places in the boat again.  The galley got up its anchor and started.  Just as she reached the mouth of the inlet another galley rounded the point and nearly ran into her.

“I am going to Ricord’s assistance, Piccolomini,” Don Santoval shouted.

“Is it urgent?” the commander of the galley shouted back.  “We have had a very long row, and can go no farther, unless his strait is a very sore one.”

“No.  Come on in the morning.  You will hear all the news from a boat lying two hundred yards astern.  Two young English knights are waiting in her to give you the news.  Ricord has made a fine capture.  Row on, men.”  And the galley proceeded on her way, while the newcomer proceeded up the harbour.