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 unwelcome eyes were near to watch their
proceedings. Having convinced himself that he was unobserved, he again
beckoned the English 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 shadow of which now served to aid in concealing them from any
person who might; by chance, be crossing the more open ground.
As Fleetwood was passing beneath Nina's tower he looked up at her
casement under the vague impression that he should there find her whom
he was so eager to meet; but no light was visible, either there or in
any part of the building; and he had little time for observation, for
his guide led him on with a step so light and rapid that he had to do
his best to keep up with him. The night was one of the most perfect
with which that eastern clime is blessed. The air though warm was pure
and fresh after the storm--the golden stars were shining forth with a
brilliant lustre, from the intense blue of the sky, on the dark tranquil
sea, which lay in calm majesty at their feet, the gentle hush of its
slumbering waves being the only sound to break the tranquil silence of
the hour.
It was a night formed for the holy meeting of those whose hearts, though
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 him. A moon reduced to a
thin crescent was sinking towards the horizon, and casting a bright
shining 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 summits with a silvery hue.
The guide every now and then stopped and listened, as if apprehensive
that some one might be abroad, and interrupt their proceedings; and then
hearing nothing, on he went again as rapidly as before; Fleetwood each
time imitating his example, and stopping also. He had scarcely before
remarked his conductor's appearance; but he now observed, while thus
stopping, that his figure was small and light, 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 form. They went on till they got 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 time to say all you long to utter; but remember what might
happen were you discovered. I will remain below to watch and warn you
of danger, 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 me; what you have to
do, do quickly. Now go--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 empty thanks. He thought he could do that as
well on his return, but sprang towards the door, which she opened for
him, as she spoke; and again taking the lantern from beneath her cloak
showed him some steps by which he might ascend the tower.
"Be cautious," she whispered, seeing that he was about to leap up them
at the rate his impatience would have urged him to proceed. "Tread
lightly, and speak not loud, lest any one passing may hear you. Now,
go."
She held the light to show him the turnings in the stairs. He stepped
up two or three at a time, with the light tread of a seaman; and on the
summit a door stood open, a bright gleam of light streaming through it.
A female figure stood in the centre of the apartment. He would have
known her among a thousand. She sprang 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 by many never,
was their predominant feeling. How much of the precious time allowed
them to be together they had thus spent, I do not know, when Marianna,
who had been standing retired in a corner of the room, thought it
incumbent on her to make her appearance, and embracing Fleetwood's knees
in her delight, she poured out a torrent of thanks to him for his having
come to rescue them. However much they might have wished the good
little girl anywhere but where she was, her presence was very useful to
them, as it sobered Fleetwood down to the things of this world; and
reminded him that he had all his plans and arrangements to explain to
his mistress, and numerous directions to give 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 my sake; and I fear the treacherous and fierce man who brought
me here will wreak his vengeance on your head, when he finds himself
disappointed in obtaining a large ransom for me--his object, I expect,
in carrying me off."
"But, my sweet Ada, I do not intend to give him the power of so doing,"
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, damp your generous energy with my own,
perhaps too weak, fears," answered Ada. "But I am ready to do whatever
you think best."
"That is my own brave girl," said Fleetwood, pressing her to his heart.
"We must succeed; and now, Ada, listen to what I have to tell you."
"I will--but first tell me, for I have been undutiful in not asking
before, 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 companions of my adventure," replied Fleetwood. "The gallant
fellow insisted that, as you had been in a manner under his charge, when
you were carried off, it was his duty to come in search of you; and I
was too glad 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 ship," said Ada, smiling. "Indeed, his nature is
generous, 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 similar position; and I may,
recollecting that he was your uncle, have shown him more respect and
tenderness than I might otherwise have done; but, at all events, he
appears well disposed towards me. However, in two days, I hope you will
have the means of judging for yourself."
"So soon!" exclaimed Ada. "Is your ship so near?"
"But a few hours' sail from hence; and I would, this very night, have
put our plan in execution to carry you away, had we been at liberty; but
first, the kindness of the pirate's young wife prevented our examining
the harbour and the boats in it; and we afterwards found ourselves
locked up in the room allotted us to sleep in. I do not, in
consequence, think we are suspected; for it is very natural that the
gruff old pirate, who seems to act as lieutenant-governor, or
major-domo, of the castle--I scarcely know what to call him--should not
think fit to leave a party of strangers at liberty to wander about and
examine into the state of his defences. I have now to thank the Signora
Nina for the happiness I enjoy of seeing you. But, tell me, Ada, do you
think she is to be thoroughly trusted?"
"Poor girl, I believe so," said Ada. "Intentionally, I feel sure she
would not betray us, but will do her very utmost to aid us."
Ada did not give the reasons for her confidence. Her maiden modesty
made her unwilling to tell her lover that she believed that Nina,
besides her wish to do what was right, was also influenced by her
anxiety to get her out of her husband's way.
"She has already given proof of her willingness to serve us; but, in her
brother I have not the same confidence, and you must be cautious not to
let him discover who you are. I may wrong the unhappy youth, for he
appears to have many generous and good qualities--and his devotion to
his sister, the original cause of his misfortunes, is extraordinary.
However, he, at times, appears to wander in his mind; and, except in a
case of urgent necessity, do not trust him; and, if you have occasion to
do so, appeal to his generosity and honour, and he is more likely to
serve you."
"I will do as you advise, Ada; and I confess that I would rather trust
to that beautiful Italian girl, than to the sort of person you describe
her brother to be;" said Fleetwood. "But our time is short; and I have
not told you one word of our plan. You must know that I was fortunate
enough to fall in with a Greek captain, who knows the island, and
entertains a laudable hatred for Signor Zappa; and he undertook to pilot
us here, either in the _Ione_, or in any way I proposed; but strongly
urged me to employ stratagem to recover you. I accordingly resolved to
pretend to be a Maltese seaman, as the character I could best personate,
and to be unfortunately wrecked on the island. Once here, I felt sure I
should find means to communicate with you; and I then proposed to cut
out a boat from the harbour, and to carry you off in her. I directed
our pinnace and jollyboat to wait every night just out of sight of land,
to the windward of the harbour, with the men well armed, all the time I
am here, to assist us should we be followed when escaping. I, at first,
intended to have come alone; but my Greek friend first insisted on
coming, then so did Bowse, in a manner I could not refuse; and I was
glad when a real Maltese volunteered, as he could act as spokesman if
necessary. Young Jack Raby also begged very hard to be allowed to
accompany me; and, as he can speak Maltese and looks his character, I
felt that he would be of great use; as, if it were necessary, while he
remained hid away in the bottom of the boat, you might make your escape
in his dress. The party I have mentioned left the ship yesterday
morning in a mistico I bought for the purpose; and we agreed to pretend
to have lost our own ship, and to be endeavouring to find our way back
to Malta. Though we wished for a strong breeze to give a plausibility
to our being wrecked, we did not bargain for quite so much wind as we
had, and we were fortunate in having so good a pilot as the Greek. I
have not much hope of getting the mistico off--and scarcely intend to
use her if we do--but she will be very useful in turning suspicion
aside; and if the pirates think fit to watch us, they will keep their
eyes in that direction while we are taking our departure in another. By
the by, as I felt sure Marianna would be with you, from the account
Bowse gave of having seen you both carried off together, it was arranged
that young Raby should pretend to be her brother, that we might the more
easily make the necessary arrangements: so the moment he sees her, if
they meet by chance, she is to rush into his arms and cover him with
kisses. What do you say to the arrangement, Marianna?"
"Me no mind it," answered the little Maltese, laughing. "But, signor,
say which the brother is, that me no kiss the wrong person. No do well
to have brother who won't say me is his sister."
"He is a little dark fellow, with a face as brown as mine, for we
painted from the same pot," said Fleetwood. "But if I know Master Jack
Raby well, he will not leave you long in doubt. He has seen you with
Miss Garden, and you will very soon have proof of his fraternal
affection, so pray remember to acknowledge him."
"Me take great care to kiss very much," said Marianna, simpering.
"I shall trust to you; but be careful not to recognise any of the rest
of us; and now, my sweet Ada, I must bid you farewell. Be prepared
to-morrow night for our exploit. Somewhere about midnight I hope to be
with you. Put on some dark, close-fitting dress, which is less likely
to be seen in the dusk than a light-coloured one; and if you could
procure capotes from Signora Nina, such as she now wears, it will be
still better. Should we be met by any of the islanders we may be
mistaken for their friends. Our present purpose is to escape from the
harbour, and to leave the mistico in lieu of the boat we take. Young
Raby and I will come up for you and Marianna, while the rest prepare the
boat. Once outside, I have little fear of what may happen, for we shall
soon be under shelter of the _Ione's_ boats, and they will be a match
for all the craft of this place, with the exception of the brig, which
they will scarcely think of taking out after us. I must keep the
Signora Nina no longer waiting. Again, dearest, farewell!"
They parted as lovers under such circumstances would part; and when he
reached the foot of the tower he found that nearly an hour had elapsed
since he left the Italian lady.
She had remained outside the tower, under the deep shadow in the angle
formed by it and the ruined wall, which ran off towards the other tower.
"I fortunately calculated on your want of punctuality," she whispered.
"But delay might be dangerous, so you must hasten back to your
dormitory, and breathe not, even to your companions, that you have
quitted it this night. They sleep soundly, and will not awake."
"I forgot to watch how time passed, and I thought not it had flown so
rapidly by," said Fleetwood. "I should deeply grieve were I to cause
you greater risk than you have already run for Ada Garden's sake."
"No harm is yet done," replied Nina. "I took care, thanks to my
brother's knowledge of drugs, that all who were likely to interfere
should sleep soundly to-night. I tried it as an experiment, that, on
another occasion, I might be able to assist you in the same way. Now
let us hasten back."
"Stay, lady, for one moment," exclaimed Fleetwood, who had the natural
horror of all right-minded Englishmen to the employment of any but open
and fair means to obtain even the most important object, and an especial
disgust at the thoughts of having drugs used to send his enemies to
sleep; though, whether, in that respect he was over particular, we will
not stop to discuss; at all events, being very certain that if there was
a doubt, he kept on the right side of the question. "Stay," he said;
"you risk too much for our sake. Give us but our liberty. Take care
that we are not locked up again, as to-night, and we will manage every
other arrangement. The means you hint at employing are dangerous; and,
I believe, we have no right to use them. I again repeat my promise,
that I will not use force nor injure any one for whom you have regard,
unless driven to it by the most dire necessity."
"You act, signor, nobly, according to the dictates of your conscience,"
answered Nina. "Perhaps you are right, and I will follow your wishes,
unless absolutely obliged to encounter force and injustice by stratagem
and fraud, the only resource of the weak. It is agreed then. To-morrow
I will manage that you and your companions shall be allowed to range at
will over the island. I need not counsel you to make use of your time.
And now we must delay no longer, or the morning light will be breaking
in the sky before I have returned to my tower."
Saying this she hurried back, followed closely by Fleetwood, towards the
other part of the ruins. She observed the same precautions as before on
approaching the building.
On a sudden she stopped, and drew back close to him, beneath the shade
of the wall. A footfall was heard; and he saw that she trembled in
every limb. Presently a figure emerged from behind the tower, and
stood, for some minutes, gazing up in the sky, as if contemplating the
glorious galaxy of stars, which shone down from it. At length it
advanced towards the spot where they were standing, and Fleetwood felt
that they were about to be discovered, and prepared for the emergency.
"I must save this poor girl at every cost," he thought. "Whatever be
her motive, she has placed herself in peril on my account."
Just as the person came close to them, he turned round, evidently not
observing them, and walked forward in the very direction from whence
they had come.
As soon as he was out of sight, Fleetwood heard the Italian lady
whisper,--"It is poor Paolo. He would rather aid than betray us; but,
for his sake, while I have other means, I would not willingly employ
him. He has suffered much for me, and I would not bring further
vengeance on his head. Now go in and sleep till the morning."
The door was carefully closed, and Fleetwood heard it locked after he
entered the room, where his companions slept soundly.
Nina, mean time, hurried back to her tower, where she found little Mila
sleeping on her couch. She awoke her with a kiss.
"Your task is nearly over for to-night," she whispered, putting, at the
same time, two keys into her hand. "Go, now, and lock me in, and return
those keys whence you took them. I am grateful for your zeal, and you
shall have your reward. Keep your own counsel as before; and no one
will suspect you."
Mila nodded, took up the keys, and slipped noiselessly back to the house
tenanted by her grandfather.
Fleetwood tried to follow the example of his friends, but it was not
till daylight broke that he closed his eyes in a deep slumber.
"Humph," muttered old Vlacco, as he came into the room in the morning
rubbing his eyes. "There was little use locking up these lazy Maltese,
unless they are addicted to walking in their sleep. At all events they
are honest, or they would not snore so loudly."