All we ask of you is to detain the lugger until morning; then _we_ will see to it that she will never trouble the Italian coast again." "Nay, Signore, we have guns of our own and could easily dispose of so small a vessel, once assured of her being an enemy," returned the vice-governatore, with a little pride and loftiness of manner; "convince us of that fact, and we'll sink the lugger at her anchors." "That is just what we do not wish you to do, Signore," answered the lieutenant, with interest.

"From what passed this morning, Captain Cuffe has thought it probable that Monsieur Yvard, for some reason best known to himself, would come back here as soon as he was rid of us, or that, finding himself on the south side of the island, he might put into Porto Longone; and, had I not met him here, I was to get a horse and ride across to the latter place and make my arrangements there.

We wish by all means to get possession of the lugger, which, in smooth water, is the fastest craft in the Mediterranean, and would be of infinite service to us.

We think the Proserpine would prove too much for her, blowing fresh; but in moderate weather she will go six feet to our five.

Now if you open on her she will either escape or be sunk; for Raoul Yvard is not a man to strike to a town.