You know, we have much to fear from the barbarians along all that coast; and last season, when the peace with France kept the Inglesi at a distance--I know not how it is, signore, but they say the barbarians are always hardest on the enemies of Inghilterra--but, the past season a boat, from a rover had seized upon my uncle and myself and were carrying us off into captivity, when a Frenchman and his lugger rescued us.

From that time we became friends; and our friend has often stopped near our towers to visit us.

To-day we found him in a boat by the side of the English admiral's ship; and, as an old acquaintance, he undertook to bring us to the Sorrentine shore, where we are at present staying with my mother's sister." This was told so naturally as to carry with it the conviction of its truth; and when Griffin had translated it, he did not fail to assure his superior that he would pledge himself for the accuracy of the statement.
"Aye, you young luffs, Griffin, are never backward with your vows _for_ or _to_ pretty girls," answered Cuffe.

"The girl does seem honest, however; and, what is more extraordinary, for the company she is in, she seems modest too.

Tell her she shall not be harmed, though we cannot deprive ourselves of the pleasure of her company immediately.