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He was able to say a few words to the interpreter, who immediately asked "Has the lady been long in the island, or has she lately arrived, friend?" "I am not going to answer any more of your questions," replied old Vlacco, who had gradually been losing the little amiability he ever possessed. "I don't know why I said anything at all to you.
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 the causeway; and as they assembled, they were marshalled in order by Vlacco in front of the tower. Nina and her companion had placed themselves at the window, to watch the vessel, and the proceedings below.
"A stranger would scarcely be running directly for the port, as that vessel 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 brig below there from any other, we might conclude that she was the Sea Hawk."
We left the old pirate, Vlacco, on his way, by Nina's directions, to give his assistance to any who might have survived the wreck of the Greek mistico.
"Humph," muttered Vlacco, as he began to climb the ravine, "the fellow gives a ready answer, and I suspect we have got the wrong sow by the ear." Or at least he made use of an equally elegant expression answering to the above in the Romaic. "We must adhere firmly to our story," said Captain Vassilato, as they followed the pirate.
This they accomplished by dropping down from the little stump of a bowsprit as the water receded, and running up on to the dry sand before it returned. "You are lucky fellows to get on shore so easily," muttered old Vlacco. "But now you are there, you are very like mice in a trap, you cannot get out without my assistance."
"The chief lady of the island," repeated the Maltese, who saw that it would be folly to take notice of the rude tone a the old man's observations. "Who is she, friend?" "Who is she? Why, the wife, or mistress, or lady love, or whatever you like to call her, of our chief, Zappa," answered Vlacco.
They found that the vessel had not been disturbed indeed, old Vlacco, having claimed her for their chief, no one would have ventured to take anything from her.
"My health will soon be restored now you have returned," answered Nina, returning the fond pressure of his hand. "But I have been almost a prisoner in this tower; and old Vlacco, whom you left as governor in your absence, would have made me one completely, had I not insisted on enjoying a little freedom at times with his grandchild, Mila.
Old Vlacco, who was now in his element, and delighted at the decision of his chief indeed, he longed to propose that Ada and Marianna should be made to bear them company seized the unfortunate men, and was dragging them off with the aid of others of the pirates, when Nina flew to the door to bar their exit.
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