CHAPTER NINETEEN.
On reaching the ruins, the Lady Nina and her companion saw old Vlaccoseated on a rock, at a short distance, whence he could command anextensive view of the sea. He had a spyglass in his hand, which heevery now and then lifted to his eye, to observe the approaching sail,and then he would let it fall again into his lap, as if he wereconsidering what she was.
"Let us go and ask my grandfather what he thinks is the vessel insight," said Mila, and, with some difficulty, they worked their way overthe rocks and ruins towards him.
He turned round rather gruffly at hearing the voice of his grandchild,as she asked him what he thought was the sail nearing the island; for,as he himself had not yet made up his mind on the subject, he was unableto give her a positive answer; and was very unwilling to confess hisignorance, especially in the presence of the Lady Nina.
"She is a brig, child; and I should have thought your own sharp eyeswould have told you that," he answered.
"So they have, grandfather," she replied. "I have seen that she is abrig long ago; but I want to know whether she is the _Sea Hawk_, or astranger."
"A stranger would scarcely be running directly for the port, as thatvessel is; and it is about the time we may expect our chief's return,"answered old Vlacco; "so, if one was unable to distinguish that brigbelow there from any other, we might conclude that she was the _SeaHawk_."
The young Italian stood by, anxiously listening to these observations,for her heart beat eagerly for the return of him who commanded thevessel of which they spoke, and dark were the forebodings of disasterwhich oppressed her at his long absence.
"Then you think she is the _Sea Hawk_?" exclaimed Mila. "I pray she maybe, for the sweet lady's sake."
"If she is not, they have cleverly imitated her to deceive an oldseaman's eyes," returned the old Greek. "You may tell the lady, that,to the best of my belief, yonder vessel is our chief's; but it isnecessary to be cautious, when our strength is so much diminished by theabsence of many of our best men, and when the cursed Turks are sweepingoff the inhabitants from many of the neighbouring islands; and even theBritish have taken upon themselves to interfere with some of thedomestic concerns of our friends."
Nina clasped her hands with an expression of thankfulness, as Milaexplained to her what her grandfather had said, her eyes all the timewatching the vessel.
"Ah!" she exclaimed. "Surely there is a flag flying from the mast-head.That must be a signal to us."
The old Greek again examined the vessel with his telescope.
"It is, lady--it is the rover's flag, under which I have fought in manya hard-contested battle," he exclaimed with animation. "No one elsewould venture to carry that banner, and we will assemble his followersto receive him with honour. Lady, do you retire to the chamber in thetower, where he will, doubtless, hurry on his arrival, and it mightanger him were you not there to welcome him."
Mila repeated what had been said.
"Tell your grandfather I would go down to the beach to receive his chiefthe instant he sets foot on shore," said Nina, with greater resolutionin her tone than she had hitherto expressed when speaking.
The old pirate understood what she said, and turned round on her with anangry frown, which showed that he was a person whom, in his less amiablemood, it would be dangerous to contradict.
"Lady, my orders were, not to allow you out of my sight, except when youwere locked up in the tower. I have already disobeyed them more thanonce, for I knew you would not run away; and I was willing to gratifyyou and my little girl there--I am not going to neglect them just as heis returning, so you must go back to the tower. It is also a far morefitting place for you to receive him, than exposed to the public gaze onthe beach."
A crimson blush overspread the cheek of the lovely Italian, as she heardwhat Vlacco said, and she knew it was hopeless to attempt making himalter his resolution.
"Then I am a prisoner within those walls," she said, slowly bending hersteps towards the tower, accompanied by Mila.
"Very like it, lady," muttered the old pirate. "By my patron saint, Iwould not have ventured to speak in that way a year ago, when her powerwas omnipotent in the island. But her rule would not last for ever withour chief, that I guessed from the first, and I prophesy it will beforelong come to an end altogether. Well, the _Sea Hawk_ will very soon bein the harbour, so I must collect the people to receive him."
Saying this, he climbed to the top of one of the ruined walls of thecastle, and taking a horn, which hung by the girdle at his side, he blewa blast, which sounded far and wide throughout the island. It wasanswered by several sounds in various directions.
In a short time, in twos and threes, armed men were seen approaching;some up the steep path on the side of the ravine, others across thecauseway; and as they assembled, they were marshalled in order by Vlaccoin front of the tower.
Nina and her companion had placed themselves at the window, to watch thevessel, and the proceedings below.
The gathering of the pirate's followers--for so Vlacco had pronouncedthe commander of the approaching brig to be,--continued for some time,till Nina observed upwards of fifty persons collected--some of them werevery old men, and others were boys, but there were few in the prime oflife--all such, it appeared, having been called away on some expeditionwith their thief. They were all armed to the teeth, but with a greatvariety of weapons: some had English muskets, others long Turkishmatchlocks, some rifles and fowling-pieces; every one had a dagger andone or more pistols in their belts, generally of the rich workmanship ofthe East. Their costume, also, was very much varied in character; andthough the red skull-cap was generally worn, some had adorned theirheads with turbans, even of the green colour, which, as if in mockery ofthe Turks, should cover the scalps of none but the true descendants ofthe Prophet. Some wore the white kilt of the mountaineers, others thelong trousers and loose waistcoat of the main; indeed, their costume wasas varied as their arms, and showed that here were collected personsdriven from various parts of Greece by the tyranny of their Ottomanoppressors.
As soon as a sufficient number of the band had assembled, they draggedout, under Vlacco's directions, one of the large guns from the basementstory of the tower to the edge of the cliff, where, between the rocks,there was a sort of natural embrasure, partly aided by art, while aplatform had been formed for the purpose of mounting a gun there. Itwas an admirable position, as it so completely overlooked the entranceto the cave, that a shot sent from it could not fail of hitting a vesselattempting to enter.
As Nina watched these proceedings, she could scarcely tell, from theappearance of the armed band and the manner in which Vlacco was placingthe gun in the battery, whether he was preparing to receive theapproaching vessel in a hostile manner. The idea of treachery cameacross her mind.
"Can the old pirate," she thought, "meditate the destruction of hischief, for the sake of taking possession of all the riches in thetower?" But she soon discarded her fears as improbable, recollectingthat those who were on board with him were all nearly related to thoseremaining behind.
The purpose Vlacco had in placing the gun there was soon made obvious.It was loaded and fired--the report reverberating in thunder among therocks. Scarcely had the noise ceased, when puffs of smoke were seen toissue from the vessel's side, a faint echo was heard from seaward.
"That is the usual signal and answer made when our chief returns," saidMila. "There can be no longer any doubt that it is his vessel. See,she seems to be coming on more rapidly than before."
Such was the case, for the sea breeze had lately somewhat freshened, andevery sail was spread to woo it.
Majestically the brig glided over the blue sea, like a swan skimmingover a tranquil lake. As seen at that distance, she appeared a mass ofwhite canvas; nor did she cause a ripple on the calm, mirror-likesurface. On she came, till her deck seemed almost beneath the rock, andthe young Italian fancied, in her eagerness, that she could see thecountenances of those who walked it, and could di
stinguish the chiefhimself from all the rest. Surely none but those well acquainted withthe spot would venture thus to run on directly against that rocky shore.
The inhabitants of the opposite village had long recognised the _SeaHawk_, and had returned on shore, giving up their anticipations offinding her a stranger, on whom they might pounce unawares, and make hertheir prize. Some of the larger boats remained just at the mouth of theharbour, to assist the vessel in entering, should the wind fail her atthat very juncture, which it was not unlikely to do.
Vlacco had marshalled his men, and leaving a guard of five at the tower,led them down to the beach by the winding path through the ravine. Whenwithin four or five hundred fathoms of the rock, the brig'sstudden-sails came down altogether, every other sail was clewed up, andshe shot like an arrow through the narrow opening, her yard-arms almostbrushing the rocks on either side; her anchor was let go, and she swunground just clear of the other craft in the centre of the basin.
Her arrival was greeted by loud shouts from the people on shore, whichwere answered by the crew, and then succeeded inquiries from those inthe boats for some who did not appear.
"Alas! they have fallen in the fight," was the answer.
A sigh or an expression of sorrow was their only requiem.
"But what success--what booty have you brought?" was the question mosteagerly asked.
"Thanks to our captain's skill and bravery, we have never had moresuccess, or so rich a booty, with so little cost. A few of our bravecomrades have paid the debt all must pay; but we have ever come offvictorious. Huzza for our brave captain! Huzza for Zappa!"
"Huzza for Zappa--huzza for the gallant _Sea Hawk_!" was echoed by thepeople on the beach, taken up by his followers, and repeated by those onthe cliffs above, till Nina heard the cry as she sat in her watch-tower.She trembled and turned pale, for her heart longed to see him; yet shealmost feared his coming. Poor girl! she little knew what was in storefor her.
The captain of the _Sea Hawk_ was the first person to land, accompaniedby the young Italian, Paolo. As he stepped on shore, his own particularadherents welcomed him with loud shouts, and he returned this greetingcourteously.
"Ah! Vlacco, old friend, I rejoice to see you strong and well," hesaid, cordially holding out his hand; and in like manner he spoke toothers of the band. Whatever he was in other places, and whateveropinion the reader may have formed of him, he was, among his own people,and on board his own ship, in every respect, the chieftain. There was aboldness and independence, even a dignity in his manner, which awedinferior spirits, and made them willingly obey him, though he might havebeen at the time thoroughly destitute of every quality which constitutestrue greatness of character. Zappa had always been successful. It wasthe cause of his rise--the only secret of his power. He had beenfortunate in his first speculation--an attack on an unarmed merchantman,most of whose crew were on shore. He carried off a rich booty, and hadthe opportunity of boasting of his deeds among those who would willinglyhave shared in them. His fame spread. He collected followers, andbecame a chieftain.
The eyes of the old pirate brightened, and a smile even lighted up hisgrim visage, as he received this mark of his leader's regard.
"Yes, I am proud to repeat, that all has gone well during the time youhave been away," he replied.
"And the Lady Nina," said Zappa, taking the old man aside, "has sheappeared to grieve for my absence, and for that of her brother?"
"Grieve--indeed, she has--so says my grandchild Mila. She has donenothing but sigh and sob, and look out on the sea all day long; butwhether it was for you or her brother she mourned I cannot say," was oldVlacco's answer.
"Well, I will--I must try and dry her tears now, so I'll to the tower,"said the pirate, taking the path up the ravine. "Come, Paolo, we'll goand see how fares your sweet sister."
But Paolo had disappeared. The moment he had touched the shore, whilethe chief was addressing his followers, he had slipped off, and withquick steps had hurried up the ravine. He was already out of sight,winding his way up the steep ascent which led to the tower. Zappa wasexcessively angry at this; for he wished to be the first to salute Nina,and he was afraid her brother would inform her of things of which hewished her, at present, to be kept in ignorance. He therefore hurriedafter him, followed at a distance by Vlacco and his band, who could inno way keep pace with his vigorous and active steps. He hoped toovertake the young Italian; but Paolo was also active, and he was eagerto embrace his sister--the only being in the world whom he felt couldlove him--the only one he had loved.
The door of the tower stood open, and with haste he ascended the steepsteps, which led to her chamber. He threw open the door, and stood atthe entrance; her arms were round her brother's neck, and she wasweeping. For an instant she did not perceive that any one else waspresent--she looked up, and beheld the pirate. With a cry, she toreherself from her brother's embrace, and, rushing towards Zappa, threwherself into his arms.
"You see, Paolo," he said, in a taunting tone, "your sister will preferremaining with me, with all my faults on my head, rather than followyour sage advice to return to Italy with you. Is it not so, my Nina--you love me still?"
She hid her face in his bosom, as she murmured,--"It were death, indeed,to quit you."
"You hear her, Paolo. Now listen to me," said Zappa. "For her sake Iforgive you for disobeying my orders, and quitting me just now, while Ihad directions to give you; return on board the ship--you have duties toattend to there, which you must not neglect--there, embrace your sisteronce more if you wish, and go."
The young Italian stood for a minute with his eyes fixed, glaring on thepirate, as if he were about to speak, and give vent to his indignantanger in words; but he said nothing; and, with a groan, which burst fromhis bosom, without giving another look at his sister, he rushed out ofthe door, and down the steps, nor stopped till he reached the beach.
"You look thinner than usual, my Nina; and the brightness of your eyehas lost somewhat of its lustre since I left you," said Zappa, as theysat at the window of the tower, looking out on the moonlit sea; whilewithin the chamber the light of a silver lamp, suspended from the roof,cast a brilliant radiance on every side, and on a table, spread withcrystal goblets, and dishes glittering with silver and jewels, on whicha luxurious repast had been served.
"My health will soon be restored now you have returned," answered Nina,returning the fond pressure of his hand. "But I have been almost aprisoner in this tower; and old Vlacco, whom you left as governor inyour absence, would have made me one completely, had I not insisted onenjoying a little freedom at times with his grandchild, Mila. Yourabsence, too, was so much longer than usual that I feared for yoursafety, and for that of my poor brother."
"Old Vlacco was a strict jailor, was he?" said Zappa. "Why, you know,my pretty bird, I warned him to beware lest you should take flight, asonce you tried to do, urged by the persuasions of your brother; and, Isuppose he thought he was to obey his orders to the letter; but now wehave returned, your cause of anxiety will have ceased, and I believe youlove me too well ever again to wish to leave me. I believe, also, yourbrother has been taught the folly of his conduct too well to attempt itagain. But a truce with subjects which are disagreeable. Here's toyour health, sweet one; I pledge you in this sparkling goblet of Samianwine, and I will try to drive away your melancholy by recounting some ofthe adventures of my voyage." As he spoke, he stretched out his hand tothe table, and seizing a large glass of wine, he drank it off at adraught. "Ah! this cheers the heart after the hardships of the ocean.Wine is a glorious thing, Nina; it banishes the gloomy thoughts whichwill ever and anon intrude into the hearts even of the bravest. But Ipromised you my adventures, sweet one. Soon after we sailed from hence,we had a few skirmishes with Turkish vessels; we captured and destroyedtwo, but they had little on board them of value, and the men began togrow discontented with our want of success, and at last I resolved tofly at nobler game. By the by, I happened to fall in with a N
eapolitanvessel; the crew were your countrymen, Nina, and I would not injurethem, though, I believe, some of my people, unknown to me, bored holesin her to try add sink her. While we were engaged in taking outwhatever was of value, a ship of war hove in sight, and we were obligedto leave her. I then stood towards the coast of Italy--"
"Oh! do not tell me of such dreadful things. I cannot, I do not believeyou. I thought you were only engaged in fighting the enemies of yourcountry, and of the Christian race, and you confess to committing deedswhich would make you a pirate--a foe to all nations. Say that you werejoking."
Zappa laughed heartily as he answered,--"A prejudice, my pretty Nina; itis one you must conquer, too, with all speed. What! despise my free andindependent profession. You, my wife, think ill of piracy, and thebrave rovers who commit it. Ha! ha! ha! that must no longer be, let meassure you. To my story--you interrupt me--where was I--oh, yes!sailing towards the coast of Italy. We ran on till we sighted a loftymountain of Sicily, and just then fell in with a speronara, owned by aman with whom I have had transactions, and whom I knew I could trust. Iengaged him to take me to Malta; and, with your brother as my companion,I visited that place, and learned what vessels were about to sail.
"One bore a rich freight; we followed, and took her. Now, Nina, I amgoing to make you jealous. An English lady was on board; she was young,beautiful, and the heiress, I understand, of much wealth. She is now myprisoner, and I intend to bring her here to place her in your charge,Nina. But remember, no jealousy--for though you are lovely, you willhave to acknowledge that she is so also--yet I say not equal to you,sweet one."
As Zappa was speaking, Nina rose, and as she stood in the recess of thewindow, with the beams of the pale moon lighting up her countenance,which would otherwise have been cast in shadow, her figure appeared togrow more pure and ethereal, even to the eyes of the fierce and lawlesspirate. Her fair and slender hands were clasped on her bosom, while sheturned on him a look in which pain and reproach were mingled, as sheanswered--
"I would gladly do your will in all things; I would willingly afford aidto one in distress, to one who undeservedly suffers, who is torn fromher kindred and friends; but speak not to me of jealousy, Zappa, I havetrusted you too much, I love you too devotedly, as you well know, to beinfluenced by such a feeling. Let the lady arrive when she may she iswelcome."
Poor girl! even as she spoke, the first pangs of the deadly poison hadshot through her heart, though she knew not what was the cause of thefeeling which oppressed her. She thought it was the indifference of histone, the light carelessness of his words which gave her pain, yet hewas always accustomed to speak in that way, for to things serious orsacred he paid little regard.
"I will not, then, suppose you jealous, Nina, since you like it not tobe suspected that you are even capable of the feeling," answered thepirate, throwing himself back on the divan, and laughing; "I shall not,however, yet put you to the test, but when the lady arrives you willtreat her as one to whom all courtesy is due."
"I have promised to do so," replied the Italian girl, still standing inthe position she had assumed at a distance from him.
"Then do not look so cold, and glance your eye repulsively on me,"exclaimed Zappa; "one might suppose that I were a monster unfit for oneso fair and pure as you to gaze on."
Nina burst into tears.
"You are unkind and I am weak," she exclaimed passionately. "Youconfess to me that you are a pirate and a robber, that your hand isstained with the blood of your fellow-men--of men not slain because theyare the enemies of your country, but because they attempted to guard thetreasure committed to their charge, and I ought to loathe and detestyou, and yet I cannot--I love, I love you still."
And she sank down on her knees at his feet, and hiding her face in thecushions of the divan, gave way to a flood of tears, while her bosomheaved as if she were struggling for existence.
Zappa gazed at her for some minutes without speaking, till the paroxysmof the fit had passed away, when compunction, or it might have been aless amiable feeling, seized him, and stooping down, he raised her inhis arms.
"I was but trying you, lovely one," he said, in a soft tone. "I am notthe blood-stained monster I painted myself. My hand has never slain afellow-man except in self-defence; and is not so unworthy as you wouldbelieve to be clasped in yours. Besides, Nina, you are, as far as yourchurch makes you so, my wedded wife--for good or for evil, for wealth orfor poverty, and must not, sweet one, play the tyrant over me. But atruce with this folly--I am weary of it," he cried, starting up; "I havemany directions to give about my brave barque, which I must not forget--even for your sake,--and I must see old Vlacco, and consult with himabout improving the fortifications of our island--for, with enemies onall sides, these are not times when we can trust to our remote positionas before, and to such old defences as nature has provided. Farewell;and when I return, let me see the accustomed smile resting on thosesweet lips."
He kissed her as he spoke; and, without waiting for an answer, hequitted the chamber, and she heard him descending the steps of thetower. She hid her face in her hands, and there seemed but littleprospect of her having the power to obey his commands.