CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.
Captain Fleetwood followed his unknown guide into the open air without aword having been exchanged between them. He felt no fear, and scarcelyany 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 otherconnected with Ada Garden, and that he was either to hear of her, or tobe conducted into her presence. The guide stopped at the door of thebuilding to conceal the light, and looked cautiously around toascertain, apparently, that no unwelcome eyes were near to watch theirproceedings. Having convinced himself that he was unobserved, he againbeckoned the English officer to advance, leading him round close to theline 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 anyperson who might; by chance, be crossing the more open ground.
As Fleetwood was passing beneath Nina's tower he looked up at hercasement under the vague impression that he should there find her whomhe was so eager to meet; but no light was visible, either there or inany part of the building; and he had little time for observation, forhis guide led him on with a step so light and rapid that he had to dohis best to keep up with him. The night was one of the most perfectwith which that eastern clime is blessed. The air though warm was pureand fresh after the storm--the golden stars were shining forth with abrilliant lustre, from the intense blue of the sky, on the dark tranquilsea, which lay in calm majesty at their feet, the gentle hush of itsslumbering waves being the only sound to break the tranquil silence ofthe hour.
It was a night formed for the holy meeting of those whose hearts, thoughbound together, had long been parted, a night for pure happiness andlove. Fleetwood felt its benign influence, and had he before beeninclined to despair, it would have reassured him. A moon reduced to athin crescent was sinking towards the horizon, and casting a brightshining line across the ocean, its light being just sufficient to throwthe tall shadows of the towers and ruins along the open ground, and totinge their summits with a silvery hue.
The guide every now and then stopped and listened, as if apprehensivethat some one might be abroad, and interrupt their proceedings; and thenhearing nothing, on he went again as rapidly as before; Fleetwood eachtime imitating his example, and stopping also. He had scarcely beforeremarked his conductor's appearance; but he now observed, while thusstopping, 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 concealhis features and to envelope his form. They went on till they got closeto the tower in which Ada resided, when the guide once more came to astop, and beckoned Fleetwood to approach.
"_Zitto_, hush!" said the guide, in the softest Italian. "I have riskedmuch to serve you, and her you love--my life--and even more than mylife--yours also, perhaps--and, therefore be cautious. I can allow youonly a short time to say all you long to utter; but remember what mighthappen were you discovered. I will remain below to watch and warn youof danger, and afterwards to conduct you back to your lodging, as I mustlock you in there. No one yet suspects you; but when our chief returnsI know not how that may be--therefore be advised by me; what you have todo, do quickly. Now go--a short half-hour is all the time I can allowyou."
Fleetwood, as he listened, was certain that he knew the accents of thevoice, and that the speaker could be no other than the Signora Nina; buthe did not stay to utter empty thanks. He thought he could do that aswell on his return, but sprang towards the door, which she opened forhim, as she spoke; and again taking the lantern from beneath her cloakshowed him some steps by which he might ascend the tower.
"Be cautious," she whispered, seeing that he was about to leap up themat the rate his impatience would have urged him to proceed. "Treadlightly, 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 steppedup two or three at a time, with the light tread of a seaman; and on thesummit a door stood open, a bright gleam of light streaming through it.A female figure stood in the centre of the apartment. He would haveknown her among a thousand. She sprang forward to meet him, and inanother instant Ada Garden was clasped in her lover's arms. For someminutes the hearts of both were too full to allow them to speak, and joysuch as is experienced but seldom in the life of any, and by many never,was their predominant feeling. How much of the precious time allowedthem 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 itincumbent on her to make her appearance, and embracing Fleetwood's kneesin her delight, she poured out a torrent of thanks to him for his havingcome to rescue them. However much they might have wished the goodlittle girl anywhere but where she was, her presence was very useful tothem, as it sobered Fleetwood down to the things of this world; andreminded him that he had all his plans and arrangements to explain tohis mistress, and numerous directions to give her for her guidance. Adaalso was recalled to her present position, and as the first ecstasies ofher joy subsided, fears for her lover's safety took possession of hermind.
"Oh! Fleetwood," she exclaimed; "you have risked your liberty and yourlife for my sake; and I fear the treacherous and fierce man who broughtme here will wreak his vengeance on your head, when he finds himselfdisappointed 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 ourarrangements are excellent, so that provided we are not suspected wehave 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 whateveryou 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 askingbefore, have any tidings been received of my poor uncle, and the bravecrew of the _Zodiac_?"
"Your uncle is safe on board the _Ione_, and our good friend Bowse isone of the companions of my adventure," replied Fleetwood. "The gallantfellow insisted that, as you had been in a manner under his charge, whenyou were carried off, it was his duty to come in search of you; and Iwas too glad to have his assistance."
"Thank Heaven for my uncle's safety! And I trust, Fleetwood, that hehas conquered the prejudices he entertained against you since he hasbeen on board your ship," said Ada, smiling. "Indeed, his nature isgenerous, and I know that he must."
"I trust that he has, dearest," returned Fleetwood. "I have treated himas 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 andtenderness than I might otherwise have done; but, at all events, heappears well disposed towards me. However, in two days, I hope you willhave 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, haveput our plan in execution to carry you away, had we been at liberty; butfirst, the kindness of the pirate's young wife prevented our examiningthe harbour and the boats in it; and we afterwards found ourselveslocked up in the room allotted us to sleep in. I do not, inconsequence, think we are suspected; for it is very natural that thegruff old pirate, who seems to act as lieutenant-governor, ormajor-domo, of the castle--I scarcely know what to call him--should notthink fit to leave a party of strangers at liberty to wander about andexamine into the state of his defences. I have now to thank the SignoraNina for the happiness I enjoy of seeing you. But, tell me, Ada, do youthink she is to be thoroughly trusted?"
"Poor girl, I believe so," said Ada. "Intentionally, I feel sure shewould not betray us, but will do her very utmost to aid us."
Ada did not give the reasons for her confidence. Her maiden modestymade her unwilling to tell her lover that she believed that Nina,besi
des her wish to do what was right, was also influenced by heranxiety to get her out of her husband's way.
"She has already given proof of her willingness to serve us; but, in herbrother I have not the same confidence, and you must be cautious not tolet him discover who you are. I may wrong the unhappy youth, for heappears to have many generous and good qualities--and his devotion tohis sister, the original cause of his misfortunes, is extraordinary.However, he, at times, appears to wander in his mind; and, except in acase of urgent necessity, do not trust him; and, if you have occasion todo so, appeal to his generosity and honour, and he is more likely toserve you."
"I will do as you advise, Ada; and I confess that I would rather trustto that beautiful Italian girl, than to the sort of person you describeher brother to be;" said Fleetwood. "But our time is short; and I havenot told you one word of our plan. You must know that I was fortunateenough to fall in with a Greek captain, who knows the island, andentertains a laudable hatred for Signor Zappa; and he undertook to pilotus here, either in the _Ione_, or in any way I proposed; but stronglyurged me to employ stratagem to recover you. I accordingly resolved topretend 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 Ishould find means to communicate with you; and I then proposed to cutout a boat from the harbour, and to carry you off in her. I directedour 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 Iam here, to assist us should we be followed when escaping. I, at first,intended to have come alone; but my Greek friend first insisted oncoming, then so did Bowse, in a manner I could not refuse; and I wasglad when a real Maltese volunteered, as he could act as spokesman ifnecessary. Young Jack Raby also begged very hard to be allowed toaccompany me; and, as he can speak Maltese and looks his character, Ifelt that he would be of great use; as, if it were necessary, while heremained hid away in the bottom of the boat, you might make your escapein his dress. The party I have mentioned left the ship yesterdaymorning in a mistico I bought for the purpose; and we agreed to pretendto have lost our own ship, and to be endeavouring to find our way backto Malta. Though we wished for a strong breeze to give a plausibilityto our being wrecked, we did not bargain for quite so much wind as wehad, and we were fortunate in having so good a pilot as the Greek. Ihave not much hope of getting the mistico off--and scarcely intend touse her if we do--but she will be very useful in turning suspicionaside; and if the pirates think fit to watch us, they will keep theireyes in that direction while we are taking our departure in another. Bythe by, as I felt sure Marianna would be with you, from the accountBowse gave of having seen you both carried off together, it was arrangedthat young Raby should pretend to be her brother, that we might the moreeasily make the necessary arrangements: so the moment he sees her, ifthey meet by chance, she is to rush into his arms and cover him withkisses. 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 wellto have brother who won't say me is his sister."
"He is a little dark fellow, with a face as brown as mine, for wepainted from the same pot," said Fleetwood. "But if I know Master JackRaby well, he will not leave you long in doubt. He has seen you withMiss Garden, and you will very soon have proof of his fraternalaffection, 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 restof us; and now, my sweet Ada, I must bid you farewell. Be preparedto-morrow night for our exploit. Somewhere about midnight I hope to bewith you. Put on some dark, close-fitting dress, which is less likelyto be seen in the dusk than a light-coloured one; and if you couldprocure capotes from Signora Nina, such as she now wears, it will bestill better. Should we be met by any of the islanders we may bemistaken for their friends. Our present purpose is to escape from theharbour, and to leave the mistico in lieu of the boat we take. YoungRaby and I will come up for you and Marianna, while the rest prepare theboat. Once outside, I have little fear of what may happen, for we shallsoon be under shelter of the _Ione's_ boats, and they will be a matchfor all the craft of this place, with the exception of the brig, whichthey will scarcely think of taking out after us. I must keep theSignora Nina no longer waiting. Again, dearest, farewell!"
They parted as lovers under such circumstances would part; and when hereached the foot of the tower he found that nearly an hour had elapsedsince he left the Italian lady.
She had remained outside the tower, under the deep shadow in the angleformed 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 yourdormitory, and breathe not, even to your companions, that you havequitted it this night. They sleep soundly, and will not awake."
"I forgot to watch how time passed, and I thought not it had flown sorapidly by," said Fleetwood. "I should deeply grieve were I to causeyou greater risk than you have already run for Ada Garden's sake."
"No harm is yet done," replied Nina. "I took care, thanks to mybrother's knowledge of drugs, that all who were likely to interfereshould sleep soundly to-night. I tried it as an experiment, that, onanother occasion, I might be able to assist you in the same way. Nowlet us hasten back."
"Stay, lady, for one moment," exclaimed Fleetwood, who had the naturalhorror of all right-minded Englishmen to the employment of any but openand fair means to obtain even the most important object, and an especialdisgust at the thoughts of having drugs used to send his enemies tosleep; though, whether, in that respect he was over particular, we willnot stop to discuss; at all events, being very certain that if there wasa 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 carethat we are not locked up again, as to-night, and we will manage everyother 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 stratagemand fraud, the only resource of the weak. It is agreed then. To-morrowI will manage that you and your companions shall be allowed to range atwill 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 breakingin the sky before I have returned to my tower."
Saying this she hurried back, followed closely by Fleetwood, towards theother part of the ruins. She observed the same precautions as before onapproaching the building.
On a sudden she stopped, and drew back close to him, beneath the shadeof the wall. A footfall was heard; and he saw that she trembled inevery limb. Presently a figure emerged from behind the tower, andstood, for some minutes, gazing up in the sky, as if contemplating theglorious galaxy of stars, which shone down from it. At length itadvanced towards the spot where they were standing, and Fleetwood feltthat they were about to be discovered, and prepared for the emergency.
"I must save this poor girl at every cost," he thought. "Whatever beher motive, she has placed herself in peril on my account."
Just as the person came close to them, he turned round, evidently notobserving them, and walked forward in the very direction from whencethey had come.
As soon as he was out of sight, Fleetwood heard the Italian ladywhisper,--"It is poor Paolo. He would rather aid than betray us; but,for his sake, while I have other means, I would not willingly employhim. He has suffered much for me, and I would not bring furthervengeance on his head. Now go in and sleep till the m
orning."
The door was carefully closed, and Fleetwood heard it locked after heentered the room, where his companions slept soundly.
Nina, mean time, hurried back to her tower, where she found little Milasleeping on her couch. She awoke her with a kiss.
"Your task is nearly over for to-night," she whispered, putting, at thesame time, two keys into her hand. "Go, now, and lock me in, and returnthose keys whence you took them. I am grateful for your zeal, and youshall have your reward. Keep your own counsel as before; and no onewill suspect you."
Mila nodded, took up the keys, and slipped noiselessly back to the housetenanted by her grandfather.
Fleetwood tried to follow the example of his friends, but it was nottill daylight broke that he closed his eyes in a deep slumber.
"Humph," muttered old Vlacco, as he came into the room in the morningrubbing his eyes. "There was little use locking up these lazy Maltese,unless they are addicted to walking in their sleep. At all events theyare honest, or they would not snore so loudly."