CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
Never did the _Ione_ go along at greater speed under the same canvasthan she was doing in chase of the Greek brig; but fast as she went, shegained little, if anything, on the vessel she pursued. No two craftscould have been better matched. The chances were all, therefore, infavour of the escape of the latter. She was four miles ahead, and shekept that distance. She might carry away a mast or spar, and thus the_Ione_ might come up with her; or it might fall calm, and she might beoverhauled by the boats, but the pursuer was just as likely to receivesome damage, and thus she had most to fear a calm. If she could manageto hold her own till night came on, she would be able to haul her windon either tack with very little danger of being discovered. Theofficers walked the deck with impatient steps. It was provoking to havea vessel just ahead of them, and which they all felt almost sure was theone they were in search of, and yet be unable to come up with her.
"If we could but get her within range of our guns, there would be somesatisfaction in peppering at her," said Jemmy Duff, who, with several ofhis messmates had gone on the forecastle to have a better view of thechase. "I'd give a month's pay to have only one slap at her."
"That's not any overwhelming sum, Jemmy, though," observed Togle,laughing. "I'd give the whole of my half-pay for a year, and all thefortune you're ever likely to leave me, to have her within range of ourguns for ten minutes."
"Mighty generous you are, indeed," said Jack Raby. "By that way ofreckoning, whoever got the half-pay would be sadly out of pocket, as amidshipman's half-pay is nothing, and find himself; if he accepted theone, he would have to pay for your grub, and whoever gets Jemmy'sfortune won't have much duty to pay, I'll bet."
"No; I must consider my rank in the service my fortune, whenever I haveto propose to a young lady," answered Duff, putting his hand on hisheart, with a sentimental look. "But, I say, can't we do something toget hold of that fellow ahead of us?"
"Why, I suppose he'll fetch the land one of these days, and then, if hecan't sail over it, like the Yankee flat-bottomed crafts, which draw solittle water that they can go across the country, when the dew is on thegrass in the morning, we shall come up with him," replied Togle, withgreat gravity.
"I wonder you can joke about it, Togle," said Duff. "For my part, Ihate the sort of work, it makes one feel all nohow, and sadly injuresthe appetite; I could scarcely eat my dinner to-day."
"One wouldn't have supposed so by the manner you stowed away the grub,"answered Togle. "For my part, I don't feel so anxious, because I'vemade up my mind that we shall catch her some time or other. Let's see,it has just gone seven bells, so we've more than three hours ofday-light, and much may happen in that time."
The men were, meantime, discussing the subject of the chase in their ownfashion; nor did the three warrant officers, Brown, Black, and White,fail to express their opinions on the matter.
"My opinion is," said Mr Brown, "that them Grecian chaps know how tobuild crafts suited for going along in their own waters, as all mustallow is the case in most parts; but just let us catch any one of them--that fellow ahead, for example--outside the straits, wouldn't we justcome alongside him in a quarter less time."
"As it is, he'll lead us a pretty chase, I fear," observed Mr Black."It will be like one I heard of in the war time, when a Jersey privateerchased a French schooner from off the Start right round the Cape, andnever caught her till she ran into the Hoorly."
"Ah! but there was a longer chase than that which I have heard talk of,when the _Mary Dunn_, of Dover, during the Dutch war, followed aDutchman right round the world, and never caught her at all," said MrWhite, who piqued himself on being facetious. "Now, I'm thinking thispresent affair will be, somehow, like that, unless as how we manage togo faster than we now goes along, which ain't very likely, or she goesslower, which she don't seem to have a mind to do."
During the day, Captain Fleetwood scarcely quitted the deck. Up anddown he paced, with his glass under his arm, now and then stopping andtaking an anxious look at the chase, again to continue his walk, or elsehe would stand loaning against the bulwarks for a length of timetogether, without moving, unconscious of its lapse; his thoughtsevidently fixed on the vessel ahead, and penetrating, in fancy, herinterior. Indeed, none of the officers remained below longer than wasnecessary to take their meals, and every glass was in requisition towatch the chase.
Towards the evening, the wind, although keeping steady in the samequarter, gave indications of falling light, and there seemed everyprobability of what most on board had prognosticated would not takeplace--a calm.
"The wind has dropped very much, sir," said Mr Saltwell to the captain.
"It has," replied Captain Fleetwood. "I know what you would say--Getthe boats ready for hoisting out. We'll overhaul her in them, if itfalls calm, as I trust it will. As yet, she goes faster ahead than weshould pull. I will go with them, and you, Saltwell, must take chargeof the ship."
The first lieutenant signified his comprehension of his commander'sorders, and immediately set about carrying them into execution.
The prospect of a calm was seen by all on board, and the news that thechase was to be attacked with the boats, should such happen, gave thegreatest satisfaction, every one being anxious to go in them.Notwithstanding the dangers and hardships of boat service, it is oneJack likes excessively, on account of its excitement and variety. Thecommander intended to lead in the first gig. Linton was to command thecutter, and Tompion, one of the mates, the second gig, which were theonly boats to be employed.
The arrangements had scarcely been concluded, when a loud flap of thecanvas against the masts gave indication of the cessation of the breeze.Still, however, the brig had considerable way through the water.Linton was looking through his glass at the vessel ahead.
"She still seems to have the breeze," he observed to Saltwell. "I hopethe fellow is not going to carry it off with him."
"I suspect he'll soon find it leave him," replied Saltwell. "But I wishit would be quick about it, for otherwise it will be getting dark beforewe get alongside."
"As long as we can make out the enemy, that will not much signify,"replied Linton. "There will be less chance of our being hit."
"Yes; but remember, in boarding in the dark, you are fighting on theenemy's ground," observed Saltwell. "He knows his position andresources, and has you at a disadvantage. Give me daylight, and let mesee my enemy's face."
"Ah! there seems a prospect of our having it, for the sails begin toflap heavily, and, by Jove, the chase is no better off," exclaimedLinton. "See, he has got the wind already up and down his mast."
"Huzza!" cried Jemmy Duff, who was midshipman of the cutter. "There'sfarewell to the wind for Mr Grego."
"Lower the boats, Mr Saltwell," was heard in the deep tones of thecaptain's voice.
The first lieutenant repeated the order. Mr Brown's whistle was nextheard piping the boats away, and getting out the cutter, and in anotherminute the crews and the respective officers were in them, waiting forthe commander to shove off. He had gone below for an instant for hissword, and when he stepped into his boat, though he looked pale, therewas resolution in his eye to dare the worst, and if needs be to sufferthe worst. With a hearty cheer from their shipmates, the boats shovedoff, and pulled with lusty strokes towards the stranger. They had nopositive right as yet to consider her an enemy, except from the fact ofher having led them a somewhat longish chase; but as it was not much outof their course, they had no reason to complain. The _Ione_ still keptunder sail, slowly drawing ahead.
The stranger appeared to be no way disconcerted at their approach, butas she was almost entirely becalmed, she hauled up her foresail to getit out of the way, and seemed quietly to be waiting for them.
"Can you make out what those fellows are about, sir?" asked Jemmy Duffof his superior. "They don't seem to be afraid of us."
"Just stand up in the bows, and try what you can do to arouse theirfears, Duff," said Linton, laughing. "We must
have sharp eyes to knowhow they look at this distance, and perhaps as they know that theycannot get away from us, they think it better to put a bold face on thematter."
The sun was just about to sink in the waves as the boats came withinrange of the stranger's guns, but she allowed them to pull on withoutmolestation, and as they got still nearer, they saw that she had noboarding nettings triced up, though, through the open ports, the crewwere seen at their quarters, and the guns were run out ready for action.She appeared to be crowded with men in the Greek costume. They had butlittle time for observing anything before they were close to her.
"What do those boats want here?" hailed the voice of some one standingon her poop.
"These are the boats of His Britannic Majesty's brig, _Ione_," answeredCaptain Fleetwood, standing up in the stern sheets of his gig. "Whatbrig is that?"
Linton every instant expected a shower of grape as the answer of thestranger.
There was a pause.
"The Independent Greek Government's brig, _Ypsilante_," was at lengththe answer. "What is your object in visiting us?"
"I am in search of a pirate who has attacked an English ship," repliedCaptain Fleetwood; "I wish to gain some information about her."
"I shall be glad to see you on board, then," said the same person.
And he was heard to issue several orders in his own language.
"Keep under her stern in case of treachery," said the captain to Lintonand Tompion. "I will go on board--I still have my doubts about hercharacter."
In another minute the gallant Fleetwood was ascending the side of theGreek brig, alone. Side ropes were handed to him, and the side wasmanned in man-of-war fashion, and he found a group of officers assembledat the gangway to receive him. The captain, a fine-looking man, wasdistinguishable by the richness of his dress and his dignified bearing.He received his visitor very courteously.
"I have led you a long chase, I am afraid," he observed, speakingEnglish, "but the reason I did so you will allow was a good one, for Iwas myself chasing another vessel all the time, and of course could notheave to, that I might inform you, nor had I the means of signalisingyou to that effect."
"What do you believe to be the vessel you were chasing?" inquiredFleetwood, anxiously.
"A Greek, I am sorry to say, and a sister vessel of this brig. She haslately plundered a vessel laden with arms, and as they are much requiredby the patriots, I was dispatched to try and fall in with her."
"What is her name, or rather who commands her?" asked Fleetwood.
"Her name is the _Sea Hawk_, and she is commanded by the noted pirate,Zappa," replied the Greek captain.
"The very vessel I am in search of," said Fleetwood. "But is it notmore likely that he should have gone somewhere to dispose of his bootythan that he should remain cruising about here?"
"He has had time to deposit his booty, and to return to look for more,"replied the Greek. "If we could get hold of him, we should make himdisgorge all he possesses as a ransom for himself and followers."
"What, and let him loose again on the world to commit further piracies?"exclaimed Fleetwood.
The Greek captain laughed, as he replied:--"Why, it would not do to hangmen limply for being guilty of a little piracy. Some of our leadingchiefs might object to the precedent. But I will gladly aid you inlooking for Signor Zappa; and if you catch him, of course you will be atliberty to treat him as you think fit. To be frank with you, I do notthink you will find him unprepared in his strong-hold, and he will notyield up his vessel without many hard blows."
"What! are you acquainted with the situation of his stronghold?"exclaimed Fleetwood, eagerly.
"Well!" answered the Greek captain. "And if you will step into mycabin, I will point it out to you on the chart."
By this time the sun had gone down, and the gloom of the eveningprevented the countenances of those surrounding him from beingdistinguishable, adding somewhat to the wildness of their appearance andthe fierceness of their moustachioed countenances. As he stood on thepoop he looked over the taffrail, where he could see the two boatskeeping off just within hail, and in the distance the lights hoisted atthe mast-head of his own ship to guide him on his return.
It must not be supposed that Fleetwood had not all this time hismisgivings as to the character of the vessel he was on board. She mightbe the famed _Sea Hawk_, Zappa's own brig, and the man he was speakingto, one of the pirate's lieutenants; for he suspected that Zappa wouldnot venture to present himself in person for fear of being recognised.Notwithstanding this, with an unfaltering step he followed the officerinto the cabin.
The cabin was small, and fitted up in a way suitable to that of a vesselengaged in an arduous and dangerous service--a couple of sofas, a table,and chairs, were the chief articles of furniture, with some shelves, abuffet, and a stand for arms.
"I can but offer you rough entertainment," said the Greek, courteouslyplacing a seat for his guest. "We are so engaged in hunting down thosescoundrel Turks that we have little time to think of luxuries--such as Ihave, I shall place before you." As he spoke, he clapped his hands inoriental fashion, and a servant appeared. "Bring wine and bread, andsuch food as you have," he said, and the man vanished.
Fleetwood would have declined the proffered hospitality, on the plea ofbeing anxious to return to his ship; but his host insisted on having therefreshment brought in, observing,--"It is the custom in the East,remember, to eat salt together as a sign of amity, so you cannot refuseme."
As he spoke, the servant returned, bringing in the very frugal fare hehad ordered--a jar of wine, some olives, and bread of rather brownishhue, with some goats' milk cheese, were placed on the table.
"It is not the sort of fare you would give me on board your ship; but,such as it is, I offer it to you," said the Greek captain.
"It is more than I expected," answered Fleetwood, bowing. "But may Iask, have you been on board any British ship of war?"
"I have served on board on the _L--_ as a midshipman, and have since, onseveral occasions, acted as pilot and interpreter. You see in me,Captain Fleetwood, one who is solicitous to be of use to you; and, asyou appear to be anxious to meet this Signor Zappa, I will now show youwhere you are most likely to fall in with him."
The evident frankness and cordiality of these expressions at oncedissipated all Fleetwood's previous misgivings, and in a few words,while he was partaking of the refreshment placed before him, he detailedwhat had occurred, and his belief that the pirate had made prisoner ofan English lady, even if he had not murdered the rest of those on board.
While he was speaking, the Greek brought down a chart of theArchipelago, and pointed out the island of Lissa, a minute descriptionof which he gave.
"But, Captain Fleetwood," he observed, "with your brig, or indeed withthe whole British navy at command, you can scarcely capture that island,especially while the pirate holds hostages so dear to you in his hands.Take my advice, attempt nothing by force; your only chance of success isby stratagem. By following a plan I will venture to suggest to you, ifyou will undergo the danger, which I will not deny is very great, Ithink there is a prospect of your being able to rescue your friends.Once, however, arouse the suspicions of the pirate and his followers,they will put the place in so strong a state of defence, and will keepso vigilant a watch over their prisoners, that an attack on the islandwill be useless. Remember, when I tell you this, I am well acquaintedwith the place and the people, and I feel assured of the soundness of myadvice."
Captain Fleetwood thanked him very much, and assured him that he waseager to hear the plan he would advise him to follow.
On this, Captain Teodoro Vassilato, for such was the name of his newGreek friend, explained it to him, and promised him his assistance incarrying it out. What it was it is not necessary here to detail, as itwill be fully developed in a future part of this story.
Linton sat in the boat keeping way with the Greek brig, which stillglided slowly ahead, till he began to lose his patience, and a
t last hegrew alarmed at the non-arrival of his commander. Could any treacheryhave been practised? he thought, and had Fleetwood's generous boldnessled to his destruction? He longed to penetrate the intention of thatdark mass ahead of him, which lay rolling uneasily, as the glassy swellat long intervals heaved noiselessly under her keel, as it glidedonwards. He remembered, too, all the suspicions which had beenentertained of the craft, and he longed to pull alongside, and to demandwhat had become of his captain. But he had been directed to remainwhere he was till his return, and he was too good a disciplinarian notto obey orders. The gig, he believed, was still alongside, with thepeople in her, but it was so dark, it was difficult to make that out.He had almost resolved to send Tompion in the second gig to ascertainthis, when he heard the splash of oars in the water, and his doubts weresoon after relieved by the return of Captain Fleetwood.
"I have kept you some time, gentlemen," said the captain. "But I havegained some important information to guide our proceedings. Now giveway and follow me."
The boats were soon on board, and hoisted in, and during the night abreeze from the northward springing up, the _Ione_ continued her voyageto Cephalonia, which it was expected she would make during the course ofthe day. The forenoon watch had just been set, and the officers weregoing to breakfast, when the look-out at the mast-head, who had justgone aloft, hailed the deck to say that there was an object on the leebow, floating deep in the water, but he could not distinguish what itwas.
"What does it look like, though?" asked the first lieutenant.
"It's more like a boat bottom up, or a thick piece of timber, thananything else," was the answer; "but I think it's a boat, sir."
"It's not worth while going out of our course to ascertain," observedLinton.
"I am not so certain of that," exclaimed Saltwell. "It may be part ofthe wreck of the _Zodiac_. At all events, I shall inform the captain."
He accordingly went into the cabin, and on his return the ship was keptaway, and Captain Fleetwood came on deck.
"Aloft there, can you see it now?" hailed Mr Saltwell.
"Yes, sir, we're steering right for it, and I make no doubt it's aboat."
The brig was making good way through the water, and soon approached theobject, which proved to be a boat with her keel up. She was thenhove-to, a boat was lowered to tow the swamped boat alongside. Whenthis was done, a rope was passed under her stern, she was lifted tillthe tackle fall could be hooked on to the ring-bolt in it, when she waseasily turned over, and as she was hoisted up the water was baled out.Every one was eager to learn what boat she was.
It was soon perceived that she had been much shattered and damaged, forthe gunnel on one side had been almost knocked away, and the bows hadbeen stove in; but the injury had been repaired by one or more coats oftarred canvas, nailed over her bow and bottom, in a very rough way. Thecaptain at once pronounced her to be an English-built boat, but she hadno name by which it could be discovered to what vessel she belonged.
"Some poor fellows have been cast away on the rocks, and tried to maketheir escape in her," remarked Linton. "They must have encounteredanother squall in that ricketty craft, and she must have capsized anddrowned them all."
"It looks too like it," said Saltwell. "But if they had got on anyrocks they would have taken a longer time to put her to rights. Whatthink you of her being launched from the deck of a sinking vessel?"
"The same idea struck me," observed Mr Norton, the master. "I suspect,if we had the means of ascertaining, that she will be found to be one ofthe boats of the lost _Zodiac_."
"I fear it; and if so, all must have perished," said Saltwell. "Itwould be cruel to suggest it to the captain."
"He already has thought of that," observed the master.
"What shall we do with the boat, sir?" inquired the first lieutenant ofthe captain. "Shall we cast her adrift?"
"No--get her in on deck, and overhaul her more thoroughly," was theanswer.
This was done; and while the carpenter was examining her, and makingremarks on the curious way she had been patched up, he found, in thestern sheets, a silk handkerchief, which had been thrust into a hole,over which, evidently, there had not been time to nail any canvas. Ithad thus been fixed in so tightly, that the water had not been able towash it out.
The carpenter drew it forth, and opened it.
"Ah, here is a name in a corner, which will go far to prove to whom theboat belonged," he exclaimed. "If I know how to read, these letters onit spell--`J. Bowse.' What do you say, Brown?"
"There's no doubt about it," answered the boatswain, shaking his head."And by the same token, it belonged to the master of the _Zodiac_, forhe used to be very proud of having his handkerchief marked in that way,as it was Mistress Bowse's own handy work; and, t'other day, when he wasaboard of us, he, poor fellow, showed me that very handkerchief, andsaid his missis had worked him another set just afore he came away."
The discovery was reported to the captain; but he made no remark on it.He, apparently, had before come to the conclusion, that the boat hadbelonged to the unfortunate _Zodiac_.
"Land ahead," was cried out from aloft, and resounded through the ship;and before the middle of the afternoon-watch, the lofty mountains ofCephalonia rose in view, with the lower lands of Zante to the southward.
The wind freshened, and backing round more to the westward, the _Ione_stood boldly in for the entrance of the magnificent harbour ofArgostoli, and, before nightfall, anchored within a mile of the town.
Captain Fleetwood immediately hurried on shore. With a heart beatingwith anxiety, he made inquiries about the _Zodiac_; but nothing had beenheard of her, or her passengers and crew. He did not yet despair, andtaking an interpreter with him, who was strongly recommended, hereturned on board, the anchor was got up, and the _Ione_ stood out ofthe harbour of Argostoli.
There was little chance of the grass growing under her keel.