In five minutes, soldiers were seen in the batteries, and preparations were made for levelling an eighteen-pounder in the direction of the stranger.

Most of the females turned aside, and stopped their ears, the battery being within a hundred yards of the spot where they stood; but Ghita, with a face that was pale certainly, though with an eye that was steady, and without the least indications of fear, as respected herself, intensely watched every movement.

When it was evident the artillerists were about to fire, anxiety induced her to break silence.
"They surely will not aim _at_ the lugger!" she exclaimed.

"_That_ cannot be necessary, Signor Podesta, to make the stranger hoist his flag.

Never have I seen _that_ done in the south." "You are unacquainted with our Tuscan bombardiers, Signorina," answered the magistrate, with a bland smile, and an exulting gesture.