WlING-ANDhWING;
ONl
LE FEU-FOLLET.


A TALE.
Bv J. FENIMORE COOPER,
OT~fh.)t, 0ax or angel for their guide,
wirv w-rsnip God shall find him."
COMPLETE YN ONE VOLUME.
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON.
Camribtffise: Rberditr j~c#
1871.





WING-AND-WING.
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by
J. FENIMORE COOPER,
In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the
Northern District of New York.





PREFACE.


THE question, of how much of the following legena
is severely true, and how much fiction, is left in
doubt, with the express intention, that such historians, as having nothing useful to do, may employ
their time in drawing the lines for their own amusement.
As to the scene chosen for this tale, no apology is
deemed necessary. To invent excuses for carrying
a man, either physically or in the imagination, into a
sea like the Mediterranean, and on a coast like that
of Italy, would be an affectation of which we have
no idea of being guilty. It is true-nay, it is probable-that we may render the execution unequal to
the design, but there can be no great harm in nobly
daring, except to him who is injured by his own
failure. We hope that they who have ever beheld the
scenes we have faintly and so imperfectly described,
will pardon our defects, for the good we have intended
them; and that those who have never been so fortunate, will find even our tame pictures so much
superior to the realities they have elsewhere witness
ed, as to fancy we have succeeded.
Of Raoul Yvard Ghita Caraccioli, and the Little
Folly, we have no more to say than is to be found in
the body of the work. As Sancho told the knight, they
3)





IV


PREFACE.


who gave us the facts connected with all three-w
class a vessel among animals-said they were so certain, that we might safely swear they were absolutely
true. If we are in error, it is a misfortune we share
in common with honest Panza, and that, too, on a
subject about equal, in moment, to the one in which
he was misled.
After all, the world hears little, and knows less, of
the infinity of details that make up the sum of the
incidents of the sea. Historians glean a few prominent circumstances, connected perhaps with battles,
treaties, shipwrecks, or chases, and the rest is left
a blank to the great bulk of the human race. It has
been well said, that the life of every man, if simply
and clearly related, would be found to contain a fund
of useful and entertaining information; and it is
equally true, that the day of every ship would furnish something of interest to relate, could the dry
records of the log-book be given in the graphic language of observation and capacity. A ship, alone,
in the solitude of the ocean, is an object for reflection,
and a source of poetical, as well as of moral feeling;
and as we seldom tire of writing about her, we have
more than a sympathetic desire, that they who do us
the honour to form a sort of literary clientelle, will
never tire of reading.
Our chief concern, on the present occasion, is on
the subject of the contrast we have attempted to
diaw between profound belief and light-hearted infidelity  We think both pictures true to the periods





PREFACE.


v


and the respective countries, and we have endeavoured to draw both with due relief, and totally without
exaggeration. That strong natural sympathies can
exist between those who are widely separated on such
a subject, every day's experience proves; and that
some are to be found in whom principle is stronger
than even the most insinuating and deceptive of all
our passions, we not only hope, but trustfully believe.
We have endeavoured to assign the higher and most
enduring quality to that portion of the race, in which
we are persuaded it is the most likely to be found.
This is the seventh sea-tale we have ventured to
offer to the pu:blic. When the first was written, our
friends confidently predicted its failure, on account
of the meagreness of the subject, as well as of its
disagreeable accompaniments.- Not only did that prediction prove untrue, as to our own humble effort,
but the public taste has lasted sufficiently long to
receive, from other quarters., a very respectable progeny of that parent of this class of writing. We
only hope that, in the present instance, there may be
fourtd a sufficient family resemblance, to allow of this
particular bantling to pass in the crowd, as one of a
numerous family.










LE FEU-FOLLET.
CHAPTER I.
* Filled with the face of heaven, which from afar,
Comes down upon the waters; all its hues,
From the rich sunset to the rising star,
Their magical variety diffuse:
And now they change; a paler shadow strews
Its mantle o'er the mountains; parting day
Dies like the dolphin, whom each pang imbues
With a new colour as it gasps away,
The last still loveliest, till-'tis gone-and all is grey."
Childe Harold
THE charms of the Tyrrhenian Sea have been sung since
the days of Homer. That the Mediterranean, generally,
and its beautiful boundaries of Alps and Apennines, with its
deeply indented and irregular shores, forms the most delightful
region of the known earth, in all that relates to climate,
productions, and physical formation, will be readily enough
conceded by the traveller. The countries that border on
this midland water, with their promontories buttressing a
mimic ocean-their mountain-sides teeming with the pictu
resque of human life - their heights crowned with watchtowers---their rocky shelves consecrated by hermitages, and
their unrivalled sheet dotted with sails, rigged, as it might be,
expressly to produce effect in a picture, form a sort of world
apart, that is replete with delights to all who have the happy
fortune to feel charms, which not only fascinate the beholder,
but which linger in the memories of the absent like visions
of a glorious past.
Our present business is with this fragment of a creation
that is so eminently beautiful, even in its worst aspects, but
(7)





LE FEU-FOLL.ET.
which is so often marred by the passions of man, in its besL.
While all admit how much nature has done for the Mediterranean, none will deny that, until quite recently, it has been
the scene of more ruthless violence, and of deeper personal
wrongs, perhaps, than any other portion of the globe. With
different races, more widely separated by destinies, than even
by origin, habits and religion, occupying its northern and
southern shores, the outwork, as it might be, of Christianity
and Mohammedanism, and of an antiquity that defies history,
the bosom of this blue expanse has mirrored more violence,
has witnessed more scenes of slaughter, and heard more
shouts of victory, between the days of Agamemnon and
Nelson, than all the rest of the dominions of Neptune together.
Nature and the passions have united to render it like the
human countenance, which conceals by its smiles and godlike expression, the furnace that so often glows within the
heart, and the volcano that consumes our happiness. For
centuries, the Turk and the Moor rendered it unsafe for the
European to navigate these smiling coasts; and when the
barbarian's power temporarily ceased, it was -merely to give
place to the struggles of those who drove him from the
arena by their larger' resources.
The circumstances which rendered the period that occurred
between the years 1790 and 1815, the most eventful of
modern times, are familiar to all; thoughthe incidents which
chequered that memorable quarter of a century, have already
passed into history. All the elements of strife that then
agitated the world, appear now to have subsided as completely as if they owed their existence to a remote age; and
living men recall the events of their youth, as they regard
the recorded incidents of other centuries. Then, each month
brought its defeat, or its victory; its account of a government overturned, or of a province conquered. The world
was agitated like men in a tumult. On that epoch the timid
Look back with wonder; the young, with doubt; and the
restless, with envy.
The years 1798 and 1799 were two of the most memorable of this ever-memorable period; and to that stirring and
teeming season we must carry the mind of the reader, in
order to place it in the midst of the scenes it is our object to
portray.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


2~


Towards the close of a fine day in the month of August,
a light fairy-like craft was fanning her way, before a gentle
westerly air, into what is called the Canal of Piombino,
steering easterly. The rigs of the Mediterranean are proverbial for their picturesque beauty and quaiotness, embracing the xebeque, the felucca, the polacre, and the
bombarda, or ketch; all unknown, or nearly so, to our own
seas; and occasionally the lugger. The latter, a species o0
craft, however, much less common in the waters of Italy
than in the Bay of Biscay and the British Channel, was the
construction of the vessel in question; a circumstance that
the mariners who:eyed her from the shores of Elba, deemed
indicative of mischief. A three-masted lugger, that spread
a wide breadth of canvass, with a low, dark hull,relieved
by a single and almost imperceptible line of red beneath her
channels, and a waist so deep that nothing was visible above
it but the hat of some mariner, taller than common, was
considered a suspicious vessel, and not even a fisherman
would have ventured out within reach of a shot, so long as
her character was unknown. Privateers, or corsairs, as it
vas the fashion to term them, (and the name, with even its
English signification, was often merited by their acts,) not
unfrequently glided down that coast; and it was sometimes
dangerous for those who belonged to friendly nations to
meet them, in moments when the plunder that a relic of
oarbarism still legalizes, had failed.
The lugger was actually of about one hundred and fifty
tons admeasurement; but her dark paint, and low hull, gave
her an appearance of being much smaller than she really
was; still, the spread of her canvass, as she came down
before the wind wing-and-wing, as seamen term it, or with
a sail fanning like the heavy pinions of a sea-fowl, on each
side, betrayed her pursuits; and, as has been intimated, the
mariners on the shore, who watched her movements, shook
their heads in distrust, as they communed among themselves,
in very indifferent Italian, concerning her destination and
object. This observation, with its accompanying discourse,
occurred on the rocky bluff above the town of Porto Ferrajo,
in the Island of Elba, a spot that has since become so renowned as the capital of the mimic dominion of Napoleon.,ndeed, t'le very dwelling which was subsequently used by





10


LE FEU-FOLLET.


the fallen emperor as a palace, stood within a hundred yards
of the speakers, looking out towards the entrance of the
canal, and the mountains of Tuscany; or rather, of the
little principality of Piombino, the system of merging the
smaller in the larger states of Europe not having yet been
brought into extensive operation. This house, a ouilding
of the size of a better sort of country residence of our own,
was then, as now, occupied by the Florentine governor of
the Tuscan portion of the island. It stands on the extremity
of a low rocky promontory that forms the western ramparts
of the deep extensive bay, on the side of which, ensconced
behind a very convenient curvature of the rocks, which here
incline westward in the form of a hook, lies the small port,
completely concealed from the sea, as if in dread of visits
like those which might be expected from craft resembling
the suspicious stranger. This little port, not as large in
itself as a modern dock in places like London or Liverpool,
was sufficiently protected against any probable dangers, by
suitable batteries; and as for the elements, a vessel laid upon
a shelf in a closet would be scarcely more secure. In this
domestic little basin, which, with the exception of a narrow
entrance was completely surrounded by buildings, lay a
few feluccas, that traded between the island and the adjacent main, and a solitary Austrian ship, which had come
from the head of the Adriatic, in quest of iron, as it was
pretended, but as much to assume the appearance of trade
with the Italian dependency, as with any other purpose.
At the moment of which we are writing, however, but a
dozen living beings were visible in or about all these craft.
The intelligence that a strange lugger, resembling the one
described, was in the offing, had drawn nearly all the mari.
ners ashore; and most of the habitues of the port had fol.
lowed them up the broad steps of the crooked streets which
led to the heights behind the town; or to the rocky elevation that overlooks the sea from north-east to west. The
approach of the lugger had produced some such effect on the
mariners of this unsophisticated and little-frequented port,
as that of the hawk is known to excite among the timid
tenants of the barn-yard. The rig of the stranger, in itself
a suspicious circumstance, had been noted two hours before,
ny one or Iwo old coasters, who habitually passed their idle





LE FEU-FOLLET.


11


moments on the heights, examining the signs of the weather,
and indulging in gossip; and their conjectures had drawn to
the Porto Ferrajo mall some twenty men, who fancied themselves, or who actually were, cognoscenti in matters of the
sea. When, however, the low, long, dark hull, which
upheld such wide sheets of canvass, became fairly visible,
the omens thickened, rumours spread, and hundreds collected
on the spot, which, in Manhattanese parlance, would probably have been called a battery. Nor would the name have
been altogether inappropriate, as a small battery was established there, and that, too, in a position which would easily
throw a shot two-thirds of a league, into the offing; or about
the distance that the stranger was now from the shore.
Tommaso Tonti was the oldest mariner of Elba, and
luckily, being a sober, and usually a discreet man, he was
the oracle of the island, in most things that related to the
sea. As each citizen, wine-dealer, grocer, innkeeper, or
worker in iron, came upon the height, he incontinently inquired for Tonti, or 'Maso, as he was generally called; and
getting the bearings and distance of the grey-headed old
seaman, he invariably made his way to his side, until a
group of some two hundred men, women and children, had
clustered near the person of the pilota, as the. faithful
gather about a favourite expounder of the law, in moments
of religious excitement. It was worthy of remark, too, with
how much consideration this little crowd of gentle Italians
treated their aged seaman, on this occasion; none bawling
out their questions, and all using the greatest care not to get
in front of his person, lest they might intercept his means
of observation. Five or six old sailors, like himself, were
close at his side: these, it is true, did not hesitate to speak
as became their experience. But Tonti had obtained no
small part of his reputation by exercising great moderation
in delivering his oracles, and, perhaps, by seeming to know
more than he actually revealed. He was reserved, therefore;
and while his brethren of the sea ventured on sundry conflicting opinions concerning the character of the stranger,
and a hundred idle conjectures had flown from mouth to.nouth, among the landsmen and females, not a syllable that
ruld commit the old man, had escaped his lips. He let the
others talk at will; as for himself, it suited his habits, and





I t


LE FEU-FOLLET.


possibly his difficulties in deciding, to mainiain a grave and
portentous silence.
We have spoken of females: as a matter of course, an
event like this, in a town of some three or four thousand
souls,, would be likely to draw a due proportion of the gentler
sex to the heights. Most of them contrived to get as near
as possible to the aged seaman, in order to obtain the first
intelligence, that it might be the sooner circulated; but, it
would seem, that among the younger of these, there was
also a sort of oracle of their own, about whose person
gathered a dozen of the prettiest girls; either anxious to hear
what Ghita might have to say in the premises, or, perhaps,
influenced by the pride and modesty of their sex and condition, which taught them to maintain a little more reserve
than was necessary to the less refined portion of their companions. In speaking of condition, however, the word must
be understood with an exceedingly limited meaning. Porto
Ferrajo had but two classes of society, the trades-people and
the labourers; although there were, perhaps, a dozen exceptions, in the persons of a few humble functionaries of the
government, an avvacato, a medico, and a few priests. The
governor of the island was a Tuscan of rank, but he seldom
honoured the place with his presence, and his deputy was a
professional man, a native of the town, whose original
position was too'well known to allow him to give himself airs
on the spot where he was born. Ghita's companions, then,
were daughters of shopkeepers, and persons of that class,
who, having been taught to read, and occasionally going to
Leghorn, beside being admitted by the deputy to the presence
of his housekeeper, had got to regard themselves as a little
elevated above the more vulgar curiosity of the less cultiv'ated girls of the port. Ghita herself, however, owed her
ascendency to her qualities, rather than to the adventitious
advantage of being a grocer's or an inkeeper's daughter, her
origin being unknown to most of those around her, as indeed
was her family name. She had been landed six weeks
before, and left by one who passed for her father, at the inn
of Cristoforo Dovi, as a boarder, and had acquired all her
influence, as so many reach notoriety in our own simple
society, by the distinction of having travelled; aided, some,
what, by her strong sense, great decision of character, per





LE F.E'U-POLLE.


13


troc modesty and propriety of deportment, with a form which
was singularly graceful and feminine, and a face, that, while
it could scarcely be called beautiful, was, in the highest
degree, winning and attractive. No one thought of asking
her family name; and she never appeared to deem it necessary
to mention it. Ghita was sufficient; it was familiar to every
one; and, although there were two or three others of the'
same appellation, in Porto Ferrajo, this, by common consent,
got to be the Ghita, within a week after she had landed.
Ghita, it was known, had travelled, for she had publicly
reached Elba in a felucca, coming, as was si.,d, from the
Neapolitan states. If this were true, she was probably the
only person of her sex in the town, who had -,er seen Vesuvius, or planted her eyes on the wonders of a part of Italy
that has a reputation second only to that of P >me. Ofcourse,
if any girl in Porto Ferrajo could imagine 1 ie character of
the stranger, it must be Ghita; and it wai on this supposition that she had unwittingly, and, if the trui a must be owned,
unwillingly, collected around her a client.le of at least a
dozen girls of her own age, and apparentl) of her own class.
The latter, however, felt no-necessity for -he reserve maintained by the curious who pressed near 'Maso; for, while
they respected their guest and friend, and would rather listen
t) her surmises than those of any other person, they had
such a prompting desire to hear their own voices, that not a
minute escaped without a question, or a conjecture, both
volubl-y and quite audibly expressed. The interjections, too,
were somewhat numerous, as the guesses were crude and
absurd. One said it was a vessel with despatches from
Livorno, possibly with " His Eccellenza" on board; but she
was reminded that Leghorn lay to the north, and not to
the west. Another thought it was a cargo of priests, going
from Corsica to Rome; but she was told that priests were
not in sufficient favour, just then, in France, to get a vessel
so obviously superior to the ordinary craft of the MediteJranean, to carry them about. While a third, more imaginative than either, ventured to doubt whether it was a vessel
at all; deceptive appearances of this sort not being of rare
occurrence, and usually taking the aspect of something out
of the ordinary way.
" Si." said Annina, " but that would be a miracle, Maria
2





14


LE FEU-FOLLET.


and why should we have a miracle, now that Lent and most
of the holidays are past? I believe it is a real vessel."
The others laughed, and, after a good deal of eager chat.
tering on the subject, it was quite generally admitted that
the stranger was a bond fide craft, of some species or an.
other, though all agreed she was not a felucca, a bombarda,
or a sparanara. All this time Ghita was thoughtful and
silent; quite as much so, indeed, as Tommaso himself, though
from a very different motive. Notwithstandihg all the gossip,
and the many ludicrous opinions of her companions, her
eyes scarcely turned an instant from the lugger, on which
they seemed to be riveted by a sort of fascination. Had
there been one, there, sufficiently unoccupied to observe this
interesting girl, he might have been struck with the varying
expression ofa countenance that was teeming with sensibility,
and which too often reflected the passing emotions of its
mistress's mind. Now an expression of anxiety, and even
of alarm, would have been detected by such an observer, if
acute enough to separate these emotions, in the liveliness of
sentiment, from the more vulgar feelings of her companions;
and now, something like gleamings of delight and happinese
flashed across her eloquent countenance. The colour came
and went often; and there was an instant, during which the
lugger varied her course, hauling to the wind, and then falling off again, like a dolphin at its sports, when the radiance
of the pleasure that glowed about her soft blue eyes, rendered
the girl perfectly beautiful. But none of these passing
expressions were noted by the garrulous group around the
stranger female, who was left very much to the indulgence
of the impulses that gave them birth, unquestioned, and
altogether unsuspected.
Although the cluster of girls had, with feminine sensitiveness, gathered a little apart from the general crowd, there
were but a few yards between the spot where it stood, and
that occupied by 'Maso; so that when the latter spoke, an
attentive listener among the former might hear his words.
This was an office that Tonti did not choose to undertake,
however, until he was questioned by the podesta, Vito Viti,
who now appeared on the hill in person, puffing like a whale
that rises to breathe, from the vigour of his ascent.
'" What dost thou make of her, good 'Maso?" demanded





LE FEU-FOLLET.


1f


the. magistrate, after he had examined the stranger himself
some time in silence, feeling authorized. irn virtue of his
office, to question whom he pleased.
" Signore, it is a lugger;" was the brief, and, certainly, the
accurate reply.
" Ay, a lugger; we all understand that, neighbour Tonti
but what sort of a lugger? There are felucca-luggers, and
polacre-luggers, and bombarda-luggers, and all sorts of lug.
gers; which sort of lugger is this?"
"Signor Podesta, this is not the language of the port.
We call a felucca, a felucca; a bombarda, a bombarda; a
polacre, a polacre; and a lugger, a lugger. This is, therefore, a lugger."
'Maso spoke authoritatively, for he felt that he was now
not out of his depth, and it was grateful to him to' let the
public know how much better he understood all these matters than a magistrate. On the other hand, the podesta was
nettled, and disappointed into the bargain, for he really
imagined he was drawing nice distinctions, much as it was
his wont to do in legal proceedings; and it was his ambition
to be thought to know something of every thing.
" Well, Tonti," answered Signor Viti, in a protecting
manner, and with an affable smile, "as this is not an affair
that is likely to go to the higher courts at Florence, your
explanations may be taken as sufficient, and I have no wish
to disturb them-a lugger, is a lugger."
"Si, Signore; that is just what we say in the port. A
lugger, is a lugger."
"And yonder strange craft, you maintain, and at need
are ready to swear, is a lugger?"
Now 'Maso seeing no necessity for any oath in the affair,
and being always somewhat conscientious in such matters,
whenever the custom-house officers did not hold the book,
was a little startled at this suggestion, and he took another,
and a long look at the stranger, before he answered.
" Si, Signore," he replied, after satisfying his mind once
more, through his eyes, "I will swear that the stranger,
yonder, is.a lugger."
" And canst thou add, honest Tonti, of what nation? The
nation is of as much moment, in these troubled times, as the
rig "





6


LE FEU-FOLLET.


" You say truly, Signor Podest; for if an Algerine, or a
Moor, or even a Frenchman, he will be an unwelcome visiter
in the Canal of Elba. There are many different signs about
him, that sometimes make me think he be.ongs to one people,
and then to another; and I crave your pardon, if I ask a
little leisure, to let him draw nearer, before I give a positive
opinion."
As this request was reasonable, no objection was raised.
The podesta turned aside, and observing Ghita, who had
visited his niece, and of whose intelligence he entertained
a favourable opinion, he drew nearer to the girl, determined
to lose a moment in dignified trifling.
" Honest 'Maso, poor fellow, is sadly puzzled," he ob.
served, smiling benevolently, as if in pity for the pilot's embarrassment; "he wishes to persuade us that the strange craft
yonder is a lugger, though he cannot, himself, say to what
country she belongs!"
" It is a lugger, Signore," returned the girl, drawing a long
breath, as if relieved by hearing the sound of her own voice.
" How. dost thou pretend to be so skilled in vessels, as
to distinguisn hese particulars at the distance of a league?"
" I do not think it a league, Signore-not more than half
a league; and the distance lessens fast, though the wind is
so light. As for knowing a lugger fiom a felucca, it is as
easy as to know a house from a church; or one of the
reverend padri, in the streets, from a mariner."
" Ay, so I would have told 'Maso on the spot, had the
obstinate old fellow been inclined to hear me.  The distance is just about what you say; and nothing is easier than
to see that the stranger is a lugger. As to the nation?-'
"That may'not be so easily told, Signore, unless the vessel show us her flag."
" By San Antonio! thou art right, child; and it is fitting
she should show us her flag. Nothing has a right to approach so near the port of his Imperial and Royal Highness,
that does not show its flag, thereby declaring its honest
purpose, and its nation. My friends, are the guns in the
nattery loaded, as usual?"
The answer being in the affirmative, there was a hurried
consultation among some of the principal men in the crowd,
and then the podesta walked towards the government-house





LE FEU-FOLLET


17


with an important air. 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, ihe 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. " It is well for Europe that the
grand duchy is so small, since such troops might prove even
rore troublesome than the French!"
Ghita, however, paid no attention to this touch of provincial pride, but pressing her hands on her heart, she stood
like a statue of suspense, while the men in the battery executed their duty. In a minute the match was applied, and
the gun was discharged.  Though all her companions
uttered invocations to the saints, and other exclamations, and
some even crouched to the earth in terror, Ghita, the most
delicate of any, in appearance, and with more real sensibility
than all united expressed in her face, stood firm and erect.
The flash and the explosion evidently had no-effect on her;
not an artillerist among them was less unmoved in frame, at
the report, than this slight girl. She even imitated the
mannei of the soldiers, by turning to watch the flight of the
*hot, though she clasped her hands as she did so, and appeared to await the result with trembling. The few seconds
of suspense were soon past, when the ball was seen to strike
the water fully a quarter of a mile astern of the lugger, and
to skip along the placid sea for twice that distance further,
when it sunk to the bottom by its own gravity.
" Santa Maria be praised!" murmured the girl, a smile
half pleasure, half irony, lighting her face, as unconsciously
S2               2





18


LE FEU-FOLLET.


to herself she spoke, " these Tuscan artillerists are no fatal
marksmen!"
" That was most dexterously done, bella Ghita!" ex.
claimed the magistrate, removing his two hands from his
ears; " that was amazingly well aimed! Another such
shot as far ahead, with a third fairly between the two, and
the stranger will learn to respect the rights of Tuscany.
What say'st thou now, honest 'Maso- will this lugger tell
us her country, or will she further brave our power?"
"If wise, she will hoist her ensign; and yet I see no signs
of preparation for such an act."
Sure enough, the stranger, though quite within effective
range of shot from the heights, showed no disposition to
gratify the curiosity, or to appease the apprehensions of
those in the town. Two or three of her people were visible
in her rigging, but even these did not hasten their work, or
in any manner seem deranged at the salutation they had
just received. After a few minutes, however, the lugger
jibed her mainsail, and then hauled up a little, so as to look
more towards the head-land, as if disposed to steer for the
bay, by doubling the promontory. This movement caused
the artillerists to suspend their own, and the lugger had fairly
come within a mile of the cliffs, ere she lazily turned aside
again, and shaped her course once more in the direction of
the entrance of the Canal. This drew another shot, which
effectually justified the magistrate's eulogy, for it certainly
flew as much ahead of the stranger, as the first had flown
astern.
"There, Signore," cried Ghita eagerly, as she turned to
the magistrate, " they are about to hoist their ensign, for
now they know your wishes. The soldiers surely will not
fire again!"
" That would be in the teeth of the law of nations, Signo.
rina, and a blot 3n Tuscan civilization. Ah! you perceive
the artillerists are aware of what you say, and are putting
aside their tools. Cospetto! 'tis a thousand pities, too, they
zouldn't fire the third shot, that you might see it strike the
ugger; as yet, you have only beheld their preparations."
" It is enough, Signor Podesta," returned Ghita, smiling,
for she could smile now that she saw the soldiers intended
no furthermischief; " we have all heard of your Elba gunners,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


19


and what I have seen convinces me of what they can do,
when there is occasion. Look, Signore! the lugger is about
to satisfy our curiosity."
Sure enough, the stranger saw fit to comply with the
usages of nations. It has been said, already, that the lugger was coming down before the wind wing-and-wing, or
with a sail expanded to the air on each side of her hull, a
disposition of the canvass that gives to the felucca, and to
the lugger in particular, the most picturesque of all their
graceful attitudes. Unlike the narrow-headed sails that a
want of hands has introduced among ourselves, these foreign,
we might almost say classical mariners, send forth their
long pointed yards aloft, confining the width below by the
necessary limits of the sheet, making up for the difference
in elevation, by the greater breadth of their canvass. The
idea of the felucca's sails, in particular, would seem to have
been literally taken from the wing of the large sea-fowl, the
shape so nearly corresponding, that, with the canvass spread
in the manner just mentioned, one of those light craft has a
very close resemblance to the gull or the hawk, as it poises
itself in the air, or is swooping down upon its prey. The
lugger has less of the beauty that adorns a picture, perhaps
than the strictly latine rig; but it approaches so near it as
to be always pleasing to the eye, and, in the particular evolution described, is scarcely less attractive. To the seaman,
however, it brings with it an air of greater service, being a
mode of carrying canvass that will buffet with the heaviest
gales, or the roughest seas, while it appears so pleasant to
the eye in the blandest airs, and smoothest water.
The lugger that was now beneath the heights of Elba had
three masts, though sails were spread only on the two that
were forward. The third mast was stepped on the taffrail;
it was small, and carried a little sail, that, in English, is
termed a jigger, its principal use being to press the bows of
the craft up to the wind, when close hauled, and render her
what is termed weatherly. On the present occasion, there
could scarcely be said to be anything deserving the name of
wind, though Ghita felt her cheek, which was warmed with
he rich blood of her country, fanned by an air so gentle,.hat occasionally it blew aside tresses, that seemed to vie
with the floss silk of her native land. Had the natural





20


LE FEU-FOLLET.


ringlets been less light, however, so gentle a respiration of
the sea air could scarcely have disturbed them. But the
lugger had her lightest duck spread - reserving the heavier
canvass for the storms - and it opened like the folds of a
balloon, even before these gentle impulses; occasionally collapsing, it is true, as the ground-swell swung the yards to
and fro, but, on the whole, standing out and receiving the
air, as if guided more by volition than any mechanical power.
The effect on the hull was almost magical; for, notwithstanding the nearly imperceptible force of the propelling
power, owing to the lightness and exquisite mould of the
craft, it served to urge her through the water at the rate of
some three or four knots in the hour; or quite as fast as an
ordinarily active man is apt to walk. Her motion was
nearly unobservable to all on board, and might rather be
termed gliding than sailing, the ripple under her cut-water
not much exceeding that which is made by the finger, as it
is moved swiftly through the element; still the slightest
variation of the helm changed her course, and this so easily
and gracefully, as to render her deviations and inclinations
like those of the duck. In her present situation, too, the
jigger, which was brailed, and hung festooned from its light
yard, ready for use, should occasion suddenly demand it,
added singularly to the smart air which everything wore
about this craft, giving her, in the Seaman's eyes, that particula.ly knowing and suspicious look, which had awakened
'Maso's distrust.
The preparations to show the ensign, which had caught
the quick and understanding glance of Ghita, and which had
not escaped even the duller vision of the artillerists, were
made at the outer end of this jigger-yard. A boy had
appeared on the taffrail, and he was evidently clearing the
ensign-halyards for that purpose. In half a minute, however, he disappeared, and then a flag rose steadily, and by
a continued pull, to its station. At first the bunting hung
suspended in a line, so as to evade all examination; but, as
if everything on board this light craft were on a scale as
airy and buoyant as herself, the folds soon expanded, showng a white field, traversed at right angles with a red cross,
and having a union of the same tint in its upper and inner
corner





LE FEU-FOLLET.                   21
' Inglese!" exclaimed 'Maso, infinitely aided in this con.
jecture by the sight of the stranger's ensign - " Si, Signore;
it is an Englishman; I thought so, from the first, but as the
lugger is not a common rig for vessels of that nation, I did
not like to risk anything, by saying it."
" Well, honest Tommaso, it is a happiness to have a mariner as skilful as yourself, in these troublesome times, at one's
elbow! I do not know how else we should ever have found
out the stranger's country. An Inglese! Corpo di Bacco!
Who would have thought that a nation so maritime, and
which lies so far off, would send so small a craft this vast
distance! Why, Ghita, it is a voyage from Elba to Livorno,
and yet, I dare say, England is twenty times farther."
" Signore, I know little of England, but I have heard that
it lies beyond our own sea. This is the flag of the country,
however; for that have I often beheld. Many ships of that
nation come upon the coast, further south."
" Yes, it is a great country for mariners; though they
tell me it has neither wine nor oil. They are allies of the
emperor, too, and deadly enemies of the French, who have
done so much harm in upper Italy. That is something,
Ghita, and-every Italian should honour the flag. I fear this
stranger does not intend to enter our harbour!"
" He steers as if he did not, certainly, Signor Podesta,"
said Ghita, sighing so gently that the respiration was audible
only to herself. " Perhaps he is in search of some of the
French, of which they say so many were seen, last year,
going east."
" Ay, that-was truly an enterprise!" answered the magistrate, gesticulating on a large scale, and opening his eyes
by way of accompaniments. " General Bonaparte, he who
had been playing the devil in the Milanese, and the states
of the Pope, for the last two years, sailed, they sent us word,
with two or three hundred ships, the saints, at first, knew
whither. Some said, it was to destroy the holy sepulchre;
some, to overturn the Grand Turk; and some thought, to
seize the islands. There was a craft in here, the same
week, which said he had got possession of the Island of
Malta; in which case we might look out for trouble in Elba.
I had my suspicions, from the first!"





22


LE FEU-FOLLET.


" All this I heard, at the time, Signore, and my uncle probably could tell you more-how we all felt at the tidings!".
"Well, that is all over now, and the French are in Egypt
Your uncle, Ghita, has gone upon the main, I hear?" this
was said inquiringly, and it was intended to be said care
lessly; but the podesta could not prevent a glance of suspicion
from accompanying the question.
(Signore, I believe he has; but I know little of his affairs.
The time has come, however, when I ought to expect him.
See, Eccellenza," a title that never failed to mollify the
magistrate, and turn his attention from others entirely to
himself, " the lugger really appears disposed to look into
your bay, if not actually to enter it!"
This sufficed to change the discourse. Nor was it said
altogether without reason; the lugger, which by this time
had passed the western promontory, actually appearing disposed to do as Ghita conjectured. She had jibed her mainsail - brought both sheets of canvass on her larboard side,
and luffed a little, so as to cause her head to look towards
the opposite side of the bay, instead of standing in, as before,
in the direction of the canal. This change in the lugger's
course produced a general movement in the crowd, which
began to quit the heights, hastening to descend the terraced
streets, in order to reach the haven. 'Maso and the podesta
led.the van, in this descent; and the girls, with Ghita in their
midst, followed with equal curiosity, but with eager steps.
By the time the throng was assembled on the quays, in the
streets, on the decks of feluccas, or at other points that
commanded the view, the stranger was seen gliding past, in
the centre of the wide and deep bay, with his jigger hauled
out, and his sheets aft, looking up nearly into the wind's eye,
if that could be called wind, which was still little more than
the sighing of the classical zephyr. His motion was necessarily slow, but it continued light, easy, and graceful. After
passing the entrance of the port a mile or more, he tacked
ind looked up towards the haven. By this time, however,
he had got so near in to the western cliffs, that their lee deprived him of all air; and after keeping his canvass open
half an hour in the little roads, it was all suddenly drawn to
the yards, and the lugger anchored.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


CHAPTER II.
SHis stock, a few French phrases, got by heart,
With much to learn, but nothing to impart;
The youth obedient to his sire's commands,
Sets off a wanderer into foreign lands."
COWPER.
IT was now nearly dark, and the crowd, having satisfied
its idle curiosity, began slowly to disperse. The Signor
Viti remained till the last, conceiving it to be his duty to be
on the alert, in such troubled times; but with all his bustling
activity, it escaped his vigilance and means of observation
to detect the circumstance that the stranger, who, while he
steered into the bay with so much confidence, had contrived
to bring up at a point where not a single gun from the batteries could be brought to bear on him; while his own shot,
had he been disposed to hostility, would have completely
raked the little haven. But Vito Viti, though so enthusiastic
an admirer of the art, was no gunner himself, and little
liked to dwell on the effect of shot, except as it applied to
others, and not at all to himself.
Of all the suspicious, apprehensive and curious, who had
been collected in and about the port, since it was known the
lugger intended to come into the bay, Ghita and 'Maso
alone remained on watch, after the vessel anchored. A loud
hail had been given by those entrusted with the execution
of the quarantine laws, the great physical bug-bear and
moral mystification of the Mediterranean; and the questions
put had been answered in a way to satisfy all scruples fo:
the moment. The " From whence came ye?" asked, how.
ever, in an Italian idiom, had been answered by " Inghilterra,
touching at Lisbon and Gibraltar," all regions beyond dis
trust, as to the plague, and all happening, at that moment,
to give clean bills of health. But the name of the craft, herself, had been given in a way to puzzle all the proficients in
Saxon English that Porto Ferrajo could produce. It had
been distinctly enough pronounced by sorie one on board,
and at the request of the quarantine department, had boen





24


LB FEU-FOLLET.


three times slowly repeated, very much after the following
form; viz." Come chiamate il vostro bastimento?"
" The Wing-And-Wing."
" Come?"
"The Wing-And-Wing."
A long pause, during which the officials put their heads
together, first to compare the sounds of each with those of
his companions' ears, and then to inquire of one who pro.
fessed to understand English, but whose knowledge was such
as is generally met with in a linguist of a little-frequented
port, the meaning of the term.
" Ving-y-ving!" growled this functionary, not a little'
puzzled, "what ze devil sort of name is zat! Ask zem
again."
" Come si chiama la vostra barca, Signori Inglesi?"
repeated he who hailed.
" Diable!" growled one back, in French, " she is called
ze Wing-And-Wing, 'Ala e Ala,'" giving a very literal
translation of the name, in Italian.
" Ala e ala!" repeated they of the quarantine, first looking at each other in surprise, and then laughing, thoifgh in
a perplexed and doubtful manner; " Ving-y-Ving!"
This passed just as the lugger anchored, and the crowd
had begun to disperse. It caused some merriment, and it
was soon spread in the little town that a craft had just
arrived from Inghilterra, whose name, in the dialect of that
island, was " Ving-y-Ving;" which meant " Ala e ala," in
Italian; a cognomen that struck the listeners as sufficiently
absurd. In confirmation of the fact, however, the lugger
hoisted a small square flag, at the end of her mainqyard, on
which were painted, or wrought, two large wings, as they
are sometimes delineated in heraldry, with the beak of a
galley between them; giving the whole conceit something
very like the appearance that the human imagination has
assigned to those heavenly beings, cherubs. This emblem
seemed to satisfy the minds of the observers, who were too
much accustomed to the images of art, not to obtain some
tolerably distinct notions, in the end, of what " Ala e ala'
meant.
But 'Maso, as has been said,.remained after the rest had





LE FEU-FOLLET                     D
departed to their homes and their suppers, as did Ghita.
The pilot, for such was Tonti's usual appellation, in conse.
quence of his familiarity with the coast, and his being principally employed to direct the navigation of the different
craft in which he served, kept his station on board a felucca
to which he belonged, watching the movements of the logger,
while the girl had taken her stand on the quay, in a position
that better became her sex, since it removed her from immediate contact with the rough spirits of the port, while it enabled her to see what occurred about the Wing-And-Wing.
More than half an hour elapsed, however, before there were
any signs of an intention to land; but, by the time it was
dark, a boat was ready, and it was seen making its way to
the common stairs, where one or two of the regular officials
were ready to receive it.
It is unnecessary to dwell on the forms of the pratique
officers. These troublesome persons had their lanterns, and
were vigilant in examining papers, as is customary; but it
would seem, the mariner in the boat had everything en
rgle, for, he was soon suffered to land. At this instant
Ghita passed near the group, and took a close and keen sur.
vey of the stranger's form and face, her own person being
so enveloped in a mantle, as to render a recognition of it
difficult, if not impossible. The girl seemed satisfied with.
this scrutiny, for she immediately disappeared. Not so with
'Maso, who by this time had hurried round from the felucca,
and was at the stairs in season to say a word to the stranger.
"Signore," said the pilot, " his Eccellenza, the podesta,
has bidden me say to you, that he expects the honour of your
company, at his house, which stands so near us, hard by
here, in the principal street, as will make it only a pleasure
to go there; I know he would be disappointed, if he failed
of the happiness of seeing you."
" His Eccellenza is a man not to be disappointed,".returned the stranger, in very good Italian, " and five minutes
shall prove to him how eager I am to salute him;" then
turning to the crew of his boat, he ordered them to return on
board the lugger, and not to fail to look out for the signal by
which he might call them ashore.
'Maso, as he led the wiay to the dwelling of Vito Viti,
3





t)


LF IEU-FOLLET.


would fain ask a few questions, in the hope of appeasing
certain doubts that beset him.
" Since when, Signor Capitano," he inquired, " have you
English taken to sailing luggers? It is a novel rig for one
of your craft."
" Corpo di Bacco!" answered the other, laughing, " friend
of mine, if you can tell the precise day when brandy and laces
were first smuggled from France into my country I will
nswer your question. I think you have never navigated
as far north as the Bay of Biscay and our English Channel
or you would know that a Guernsey-man is better acquainted
with the rig of a lugger, than with that of a ship."
" Guernsey is a country I never heard of," answered
'Maso, simply; " is it like Holland-or more like Lisbon?"
" Very little of either. Guernsey is a country that was
once French, and where many of the people still speak the
French language, but of which the English have been masters this many an age. It is an island subject to King
George, but which is still half Gallic in names and usages.
This is the reason why we like the lugger better than the
cutter, which is a more English rig."
'Maso was silent, for, if true, the answer at once removed
many misgivings. He had seen so much about the strange
craft which struck him as French, that doubts of her charac.
ter had obtruded; but, if her captain's account could only
be substantiated, there was an end of distrust. What could
be more natural than the circumstance that a vessel fitted
out in an island of French origin, should betray some of the
peculiarities of the people who built her?
The podesta was at home, in expectation of this visit, and
'Maso was first admitted to a private conference, leaving the
stranger in an outer room. During this brief conference,
the pilot communicated all he had to say - both his suspicions and the seeming solution of the difficulties; and then
he took his leave, after receiving the boon of a paul. Vito
Viti now joined his guest, but it was so dark, lights not
having yet been introduced, that neither could distinguish
the other's countenance.
" Signor Capitano," observed the magistrate, " the deputy.
governor is at his residence, on the hill, a d he will expect





LE FEU-FOLLET.


27


nm to do him the favour to bring you thither, that he may
Jo you the honours of the port."
This was said so civilly, and was, in itself, both so reason.
able and so much in conformity with usage, that the other
had not a word to say against it. Together, then, they left
the house, and proceeded towards the government-dwelling
-a building which has since become celebrated as having
been the residence of a soldier who came so near subjugating
Europe. Vito Viti was a short, pursy man, and he took his
time to ascend the stairs-resembling street; but his companion stepped from terrace to terrace with an ease and
activity that, of themselves, would have declared him to be
young, had not this been made apparent by his general
bearing and his mien, as seen through the obscurity.
Andrea Barrofaldi, the vice-governatore, was a very different sort of person from his friend the podesta. Although
little more acquainted with the world, by practice, the vicegovernatore was deeply read in books; owing his situation,
in short, to the circumstance of his having written several
clever works, of no great reputation, certainly, for genius,
but which were useful in their way, and manifested scholarship. It is very seldom that a man of mere letters is qualified for public life; and yet there is an affectation, in all
governments, most especially in those which care so little
for literature in general, as to render some professions of
respect for it necessary to their own characters, of protecting
it; and thus it is, that among ourselves, where the laws are so
indifferent to the rights and interests of men of this class as
to subject them to costs and penalties, in the prosecution of
their ordinary labours, that no other Christian nation dreams
of exacting, we hear high-sounding pretensions to this species of liberality, although the system of rewards and punishments* that prevails, usually requires that its beneficiary
* So much is said in the journals of this country concerning the
patronage the public bestows on letters, a patronage which is very much
confined to buying such works as the reader wants, and not purchasing
hose for which he feels no occasion, that it forcibly reminds one of the
story of the Creole woman, who was descanting on the subject of ruling
negroes, among some friends. " If you will gouverne negres," she
said, "you moost have systeme. I have syst6me. Mon syst6me h moi,
is systmrn of reward and poonishment." Then she turns to her negruee, and addresses them, desiring her friends to note the effect.





W               ILE FEU-FOLLET.
should first rat, in order to prove his adaptation to the du.
Andrea Barrofaldi, however, had thrown no political summe'
set, and had consequently been inducted into his present
office without even the sentimental profession of never having
asked for it. The situation had beer. given to him by the
Fossombrone of his day, without a word having been said
in the journals of Tuscany of his doubts about accepting it,
nd everything passed, as things are apt to pass when there
are true simplicity and good faith at the bottom, without
pretension or comment. He had now been ten years in
office, and had got to be exceedingly expert in discharging all the ordinary functions of his post, which he certainly did with zeal and fidelity. Still, he did not desert
his beloved books, and, quite apropos of the matter about to
come before him, the Signor Barrofaldi had just finished a
severe, profound, and extensive course of study in geo.
graphy.
The stranger was left in the ante-chamber, while Vito
Viti entered an inner room, and had a short communication
with his friend, the vice-governatore. As soon as this was
ended, the former returned, and ushered his companion into
the presence of the substitute for a grand duke, if not for a
king. As this was the sailor's first appearance within the
influence of a light sufficiently strong to enable the podesta
to examine his person, both he and Andrea Barrofaldi turned
their eyes on him with lively curiosity, the instant the rays
of a strong lamp enabled them to scrutinize his appearance.
Neither was disappointed, in one sense, at least; the counte.
nance, figure, and mien of the mariner much more than
equalling his expectations.
The stranger was a man of six-and-twenty, who stood five
feet ten in his stockings, and whose frame was the very.
figure of activity, united to a muscle that gave very fan
indications of strength. He was attired in an undress nava)
uniform, which he wore with a smart air, that one. who
understood these matters, more by means of experience, and
" Mes amis," she begins, "zo-morrow ze cane will be roipe, and you
inoost roosh vork. You know me- you know mon systbme - it is
systeme of reward and poonishment. If you shall not vork, you shall
be flog; zat is poonishment; mais if you shall very monsh--very
poosh vork; you shall no be flog - zat is ze reward."





LE PET - FO LLET.               <
tess by means of books, than Andrea Barrofaldi, would at
once have detected did not belong to the manly simplicity of
the English wardrobe. Nor were his features, in the slightest degree, those of one of the islanders, the outline being
beautifully classical, more especially about the mouth and
chin, while the cheeks were colourless, and the skin swarthy.
His eye, too, was black as jet, and his cheek was half covered
in whiskers of a hue dark as the raven's wing. His face,
as a whole, was singularly beautiful - for handsome is a
word not strong enough to express all the character that
was conveyed by a conformation that might be supposed to
have been copied from some antique medal, more especially
when illuminated by a smile that, at times, rendered the
whole countenance almost as bewitching as that of a lovely
woman. There was nothing effeminate in the appearance of the young stranger, notwithstanding; his manly
though sweet voice, well-knit frame, and firm look, affording every pledge of resolution and spirit.
Both the vice-governatore and the podesta were struck
with the unusual personal advantages and smart air of the
stranger, and each stood looking at him half-a-minute in
silence, after the usual salutations had passed, and before the
party was seated. Then, as the three took chairs, on a
motion from Signor Barrofaldi, the latter opened the discourse.
" They tell me that we have the honour to receive into
our little haven a vessel of Inghilterra, Signor Capitano,"
observed the vice-governatore, earnestly regarding the other
through his spectacles as he spoke, and that, too, in a manner not altogether free from distrust.
" Signor Vice-governatore, such is the flag under which I
have the honour to serve:" returned the mariner.
"You are an Inglese, yourself, I trust, Signor Capitano--
what name shall I enter in my book, here?"
" Jaques Smeet," answered the other, betraying what
iight have proved two very fatal Shibboleths,. in the ears
of those who were practised in the finesse of our very unmusical language, by attempting to say "Jack Smith."
" Jiques Smeet!" repeated the vice-governatore - "that
is, Giacomo, in our Italian -"
" No -no-Signore," hastily interrupted Captain Smeet.
n





130


LE FEU-FOLLET.


" not Jaqueomlo, but Jaques - Giovanni, turned into Jaques
by the aid of a little salt water."
" Ah!- I begin to understand you, Signore; you English have this usage in your language, though you have
softened the word a little, in mercy to our ears. But we
Italians are not afraid of such sounds; and I know the name.
S-' Giac Smeet' - Il Capitano Giac Smeet - I have long
suspected my English master of ignorance, for he was
merely one of our Leghorn pilots, who has sailed in a bas.
timento de guerra of your country - he called your honour.
able name 'Smees,' Signore."
" He was very wrong, Signor Vice-governatore," an.
swered the other, clearing his throat by a slight effort; " we
always call our family ' Smeet.' "
" And the name of your lugger, Signor Capitano Smeet?"
suspending his pen over the paper in expectation of the
answer.
" Ze Ving-And-Ving;" pronouncing the w's in a very
different way from what they had been sounded in answering the hails.
"Ze Ving-y-Ving," repeated Signor Barrofaldi, writing
the name in a manner to show it was not the -first time he
had heard it; "ze Ving-y-Ving; that is a poetical appellation, Signor Capitano; may I presume to ask what it sig.
nifies?"
" Ala e ala, in your Italian, Mister Vice-governatore.
When a craft like mine has a sail spread on each side, reembling a bird, we say, in English, that she marches ' Vingand-Ving.' "
Andrea Barrofaldi mused, in silence, near a minute.
During this interval, he was thinking of the improbability
of any but a -bona fide Englishman's dreaming of giving a
v( ssel an appellation so thoroughly idiomatic, and was fast
mystifying himself, as so often happens by tyros in any
particular branch of knowledge, by his own critical acumen.
Then he half whispered a conjecture on the subject to Vito
Viti, influenced quite as much by a desire to show his neighbour his own readiness in such matters, as by any other
feeling. The podesta was less struck by the distinction than
his superior, but, as became one of his limited meaps, he
did not venture an objection.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


31


"Signor Capitano," resumed Andrea Barrofaldi, " since
when have you English adopted the rig of the lugger? It
-s an unusual craft for so great a naval nation, they tell me."'
"Bah! I see how it is, Signor Vice-governatore - you
suspect me of being a Frenchman, or a Spaniard, or something else than I claim to be. On this head, however, you
may set your heart at rest, and put full faith in what I tell
you. My name is Capitaine Jaques Smeet; my vessel is
ze Ving-and-Ving; and my service that of the king of Eng
land."
" Is your craft, then, a king's vessel; or does she sail
with the commission of a corsair?"
" Do I look like a corsair, Signor?" demanded le Capitaine Smeet, with an offended air; "I have reason to feel
myself injured by so unworthy an imputation!"
" Your pardon, Signor Capitano Smees-but our duty
is a very delicate one, on this unprotected island, in times as
troubled as these in which we live. It has been stated to
me, as coming from the most experienced pilot of our haven,
that your lugger has not altogether the appearance of a
vessel of the Inglese, while she has many that belong to the
corsairs of France; and a prudent caution imposes on me
the office of making certain of your nation. Once assured
of that, it will be the delight of the Elbans to prove how
much we honour and esteem our illustrious allies."
" This is so reasonable, and so much according to what I
do myself, when I meet a stranger at sea," cried the captain,
stretching forth both arms in a frank and inviting manner,
" that none but a knave would object to it. Pursue your
own course, Signor Vice-governatore, and satisfy all your
scruples, in your own manner. How shall this be done -
will you go on board ze Ving-and-Ving, and look for yourself-- send this honourable magistrate, or shall I show you
my commission? Here is the last, altogether at your ser.
vice, and that of his Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke."
" I flatter myself with having sufficient knowledge of
Inghilterra, Signor Capitano, though it be by means of books,
to discover an impostor, could I believe you capable. of ap)earing in so unworthy a character; and that, too, in a
very brief conversation. We book-worms," added Andrea
Barrofaldi, with a glance of triumph at his neighbour, for he





32             LE FEU-FOLLET.
now expected to give the podesta an illustration of the prac.
tical benefits of general learning, a subject that had ofter
been discussed between them," we book-worms can manage
these trifles in our own way; and if you will consent tc
enter into a short dialogue on the subject of England, hei
habits, language and laws, this question will be speedily put
at rest."
" You have me at command; and nothing would delight
me more than to chat for a few minutes about that little
island. It is not large, Signore, and is doubtless of little
worth; but, as my country, it is much in my eyes."
"This is natural. And now, Signor Capitano, added
Andrea, glancing at the podesti, to make sure that he was
listening, " will you have the goodness to explain to me
what sort of a government this Inghilterra possesses -
whether monarchy, aristocracy or democracy?"
"Peste!-that is not so easily answered. There is a king,
and yet there are powerful lords; and a democracy, too, that
sometimes gives trouble enough.  Your question might
puzzle a philosopher, Signor Vice-governatore."
" This may be true enough, neighbour Vito Viti, for the
constitution of Inghilterra is an instrument of many strings!
Your answer convinces me you have thought on the subject
of your government, Capitano, and I honour a reflecting
man, in all situations in life. What is the religion of the
country?"
"Corpo di Bacco! that is harder to answer than all the
rest! We have as many religions, in England, as we have
people. It is true, the law says one thing, on this head, but
then the men, women and children say another. Nothing
has troubled me more than this same matter of religion."
" Ah! you sailors do not disquiet your souls with such
thoughts, if the truth must be said. Well, we will be indul.
gent on this subject-though, out of doubt, you and all your
people are Luterani?"
" Set us down as what you please," answered the captain.
with an ironical smile. "Our fathers, at any rate, were
all good Catholics once. But seamanship and the altar are
the best of friends, living quite independent of each other."
"T That I will answer fbr. it 4 much the same here, caro





LE FEU-FOLLET.


33


Vito Vitt, though our mariners do burn so many lamps, and
offer up so many aves."
" Your pardon, Signor Vice-governatore," interrupted the
Signor Smeet, with a little earnestness;" this is the great
mistake of your seamen, in general. Did they pray less,
and look to their duties more, their voyages would be shorter,
and the profits more certain."
" Scandalous!" exclaimed the podesta, in hotter zeal than
it was usual for him to betray -
"( Nay, worthy Vito Viti, it is even so," interrupted the
deputy, with a wave of the hand, that was as authoritative as
the concession was liberal and indicative of a spirit enlightened by study; " the fact must be conceded. There
is the fable of Hercules and the wagoner, to confirm it. Did
our men first strive, and then pray, more would be done,
than by first praying and then striving; -and now, Signor
Capitano, a word on your language, of which I have some
small knowledge, and which doubtless you speak like a
native."
" Sairtainlee," answered the captain, with perfect selfcomposure, changing the form of speech from the Italian to
the English with a readiness that proved how strong he felt
himself on this point; " one cannot fail to speak ze tongue
of his own mozair."
This was said without any confusion of manner, and with
an accent that might very well mislead a foreigner, and it
sounded imposing to the vice-governatore, who felt a secret
consciousness that he could not have uttered such a sentence,
to save his own life, without venturing out of his depth:
therefore, he pursued the discourse in Italian.
"Your language, Signore," observed Andrea lBarrofaldi,
with warmth, " is no doubt a very noble one, for the lan.
guage in which Shakspeare and Milton wrote cannot be else
but, you will permit me to say that it has a 'uniformity of
wound, with words of different letters, that I find as unreasonable as it is embarrassing, to a foreigner."
" I have heard such complaints before," answered the
captain, not at all sorry to find the examination, which had
)roved so awkward to himself, likely to be transferred to a,anguage about which he cared not at all, " and have little
3





34


LE FEU FOLLET.


to say in its defence. But, as an example of what yo'i
mean -"
" Why, Signore, here are several words that I have written on this bit of paper, which sound nearly alike, though, as
you perceive, they are quite differently spelled. Bix, bax,
box, bux, and bocks," continued Andrea, endeavouring to
pronounce, " big,". " bag," " bug," " bog," and " box," all
of which, it seemed to him, had a very close family resem.
blance, in sound, though certainly spelled with different
letters; " these are words, Signore, that are enough to drive
a foreigner to abandon your tongue in despair."
"Indeed they are; and I often told the person who taught
me the language -"
" How; did you not learn your own tongue as we all get
our native forms of speech, by ear, when a child?" demanded
the vice-governatore, his suspicions suddenly revived.
"Without question, Signore, but I speak of books, and of
learning to read. When 'big,' 'bag,' 'bug,' 'bog,' and
' box,'" reading from the paper, in a steady voice, and a
very tolerable pronunciation, "first came before me, I felt
all the embarrassment of which you speak."
" And did you only pronounce these words when first
taught to read them?"
This question was an awkward one to answer; but Vito
Viti began to weary of a discourse in which he could take
no part, and, most opportunely, he interposed an objection
of his own.
" Signor Barrofaldi," he said, " stick to the lugger. All
our motives of suspicion came from Tommaso Tonti, and all
of his from the rig of Signor Smees' vessel. If the lugger
can-be explained, what do we care about bixy, buxy, boxy!
The vice-governatore was not sorry to get creditably out
of the difficulties of the language, and, smiling on his friend,
he made a gentle bow of compliance. Then he reflected a
moment, in' order to plan another mode of proceeding, and
pirsued the inquiry.
" Mly neighbour Vito Viti is right," he said, " and we will
stick to the lugger. Tommaso Tonti is a mariner of experi.
ence, and the oldest pilot of Elba. He tells us that the
lugger is a craft much in use among the French, and not at
all among the English. so far as he has ever witnessed."





LAS PE1U-FOLLET.
" In that To.nmaso Tonti is no seaman. Many luggers are,o be found among the English; though more, certainly,
among the French. But I have already given the Signor
Vili to understand that there is such an island as Guernsey,
which was once French, but which is now English, and that
accounts for the appearances he has observed. We are
Guernsey-men- the lugger is from Guernsey -- and, no
doubt, we have a Guernsey look. This is being half French
I allow."
"That alters the matter, altogether. Neighbour Viti,
this is all true about the island, and about its habits and its
origin; and if one could be as certain about the names,
why nothing more need be said. Are Giac Smees, and
Ving-y-Ving, Guernsey names?"
"They are not particularly so," returned the sailor, with
difficulty refraining from laughing in the vice-governatore's
face; "Jaques Smeet' being so English, that we are the
largest family, perhaps, in all Inghilterra. Half the nobles
of the island are called Smeet', and not a few are named
Jaques. But little Guernsey was conquered; and our ancestors, who performed that office, brought their names with
them, Signore. As for Ving-And-Ving, it is capital English."
"I do not see, Vito, but this is reasonable. If the capitano, now, only had his commission with him, you and 1
might go to bed in peace, and sleep till morning."
" Here, then, Signore, are your sleeping potions," continued the laughing sailor, drawing from his pocket several
papers. "These are my orders from the admiral; and, as
they are not secret, you can cast your eyes over them.
This is my commission, Signor Vice-governatore - this is
the signature of the English minister of marine - and here
is my own, ' Jaques Smeet', as you see, and here is the
order to me, as a lieutenant, to take command of the Ving.
4nd-Ving."
All the orders and names were there, certainly, written in
i. clear, fair hand, and in perfectly good English. The only
thing that one who understood the language perfectly would
have been apt to advert to, was the circumstance that the
words which the sailor pronounced " Jaques Smeet'," were
written, plainly enough, " Jack Smith" -  mn innovation on
the common practice, which, to own the truti, had proceeded





30


LE PEU -FOLLET


from his own obstinacy, and had been done,n the very teeth
of the objections of the scribe who had forged the papers.
But Andrea was still too little of an English scholar to understand the blunder, and the Jack passed, with him, quite
as currently as would " John," " Edward," or any other
appellation. As to the Wing-And-Wing, all was right;
though, as the words were pointed out and pronounced by
both parties, one pettinaciously insisted on calling them
" Ving-And-Ving," and the other, " Ving-y-Ving." All this
evidence had a great tendency towards smoothing down
every difficulty, and 'Maso Tonti's objections were pretty
nearly forgotten by both the Italians, when the papers were
returned to, and pocketed again by, their proper owner.
" It was an improbable thing that an enemy, or a corsair,
would venture into this haven of ours, Vito Viti," said the
vice-governatore, in a self-approving manner; " for we have
a reputation for being vigilant, and for knowing our business,
as well as the authorities of Livorno, or Genova, or Napoli."
" And that too, Signore, with nothing in the world to gain
but hard knocks and a prison," added the Captain Smeet',
with one of his most winning smiles--a smile that even
softened the heart of the podesta, while it so far warmed that
of his superior, as to induce him to invite the stranger to
share his own frugal supper. The invitation was accepted
as frankly as it had been given, and, the table being ready
in an adjoining room, in a few minutes I Capitano Smees
and Vito Viti were sharing the vice-governatore's evening
meal.
From this moment, if distrust existed any longer in the
breasts of the two functionaries of Porto Ferrajo, it was so
effectually smothered as to be known only to themselves.
The light fare of an Italian kitchen, and the light wines of
Tuscany, just served to strengthen the system, and enliven
the spirits; the conversation becoming general and lively,
as the business of the moment proceeded. At that day, tea
was known throughout southern Europe as an ingredient
only for the apothecary's keeping; nor was it often to be
found among his stores; and the convives used, as a substitute, large draughts of the pleasant mountain liquors of the
adjacent main, which produced an excitement scarcely
greater, while it may be questioned if it did as much injury





LE  FEU-FOLLET.


37


to the health. T'he stranger, however, both eat and drank
sparingly, for while he affected to join cordially in the discourse and the business of restoration, he greatly desired to
be at liberty to pursue his own designs.
Andrea Barrofaldi did not let so excellent an opportunity
to show his acquirements to the podesta go by neglected.
He talked much of England, its history, its religion, government, laws, climate, and industry; making frequent appeals
to the Capitano Smees for the truth of his opinions. In
most cases the parties agreed surprisingly, for the stranger
started with a deliberate intention to assent to everything;
but even this compliant temper had its embarrassments, since
the vice-governatore so put his interrogatories. as occasionally to give to acquiescence the appearance of dissent. The
other floundered through his difficulties tolerably well, not
withstanding; and so successful was he, in particular, in flat
tering Andrea's self-love by expressions of astonishment
that a foreigner should understand his own country so well
--better, indeed, in many respects, than he understood it
himself- and that he should be sd familiar with its habits,
institutions and geography, that, by the time the flask was
emptied, the superior functionary whispered to his inferior,
that the stranger manifested so much information and good
sense, he should not be surprised if he turned out, in the
long run, to be some secret agent of the British government,
employed to make philosophical inquiries as to the trade and
navigation of Italy, with a view to improve the business
relations between the two countries.
" You are an admirer of nobility, and a devotee of aristo.
cracy," added Andrea Barrofaldi, in pursuit of the subject
then in hand; "if the truth were known, a scion of some
noble house, yourself, Signore?"
SI? - Peste! - I hate an aristocrat, Signor Vice-governatore, as I do the devil!"
This was said just after the freest draught the stranger
iad taken, and with an unguarded warmth that he himself
immediately regretted.
" This is extraordinary, in an Inglese? Ah - I see how
it is - you are in the opposizione, and find it necessary to
say this. It is most extraordinary, good Vito Viti, that these
Inglese are divided into two political castes, that contradict
4





38              LE FEU-FOLLET.
each other in everything. If one maintains that an object
is white, the other side swears it is black; and so vice versd.
Both parties profess to love their country better than any.
thing else; but the one that is out of power abuses even
power itself, until it falls into its own hands."
" This is so much like Giorgio Grondi's course towards
me, Signore, that I could almost swear he was one of these
very opposizione! I never approve of a thing that he
does not condemn, or condemn, that he does not approve.
Do you confess this much, Signor Capitano?"
" II vice-governatore knows us better than we know ourselves, I fear. There is too much truth in his account of
our politics; but, Signori," rising from his chair, " I now
crave your permission to look at your town, and to return
to my vessel. The darkness has come, and discipline must
be observed."
As Andrea Barrofaldi had pretty well exhausted his stores
of knowledge, no opposition was made; and, returning his
thanks, the stranger took his departure, leaving the two
functionaries to discuss his appearance and character over
the remainder of the flask.
CHAPTER III.
There's Jonathan, that lu'ky lad,
Who knows it from the root, sir; -
He sucks in all that's to be had,
And always trades for boot, sir.
14,763d verse of Yankee Doodle.
IL CAPITANO SMEET' was not sorry to get out of the
government-house - palazzo, as some of the simple people
of Elba called the unambitious dwelling. He had been well
badgered by the persevering erudition of the vice-governatore; and, stored as he was with nautical anecdotes, and a
olerable personal acquaintance with sundry sea-ports, for
any expected occasion of this sort, he had never anticipated
a conversation which would aspire as high as the institutions,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


39


religion and laws of his adopted country. Had the worthy
Andrea heard the numberless maledictions, that the stranger
muttered between his teeth, as he left the house, it would
have shocked all his sensibilities, if it did not revive his suspicions.
It was now night; but a starry, calm, voluptuous evening
such as are familiar to those who are acquainted with the
Mediterranean and its shores. There was scarcely a breath
of wind, though the cool air, that appeared to be a gentle
respiration of the sea, induced a few idlers still to linger on
the heights, where there was a considerable extent of land,
that might serve for a promenade. Along this walk the
mariner proceeded, undetermined, for the moment, what to
do next. He had scarcely got into the open space, however
before a female, with her form closely enveloped in a mantle
brushed near him, anxiously gazing into his face. Hei
motions were too quick and sudden for him to obtain a look
in return; but, perceiving that she held her way along the
heights, beyond the spot most frequented by the idlers, he
followed until she stopped.
" Ghita!" said the young man, in a tone of delight, when
he had got near enough to the female to recognise a face
and form she no longer attempted to conceal; " this is being
fortunate, indeed, and saves a vast deal of trouble. A thousand, thousand thanks, dearest Ghita, for this one act of
kindness. I might have brought trouble on you, as well as
on myself, in striving to find your residence."
"It is for that reason, Raoul, that I have ventured so
much more than is becoming in my sex, to meet you. A
thousand eyes, in this gossiping little town, are on your
lugger, at this moment, and be -certain they will also be on
its captain, as soon as it is known he has landed. I fear
you do not know for what you and your people are suspected, at this very instant!"
"For nothing discreditable, I hope, dear Ghita, if it be
only not to dishonour your friends!"
" Many think, and say, you are Frenchmen, and that the
English flag is only a disguise."
"If that be all, we must bear the infamy," answered
Raoul Yvard, laughing. "Why, this is just what we are,
to a man, a single American excepted; who is an excellent





40


LE FEU-FOLLET.


fellow to make out British commissions, and help us to a
little English when harder pushed than common; and why
should we be offended, if the good inhabitants of Porto Fer.
rajo take us for what we are!"
'( Not offended, Raoul, but endangered. If the vice-governatore gets this notion, he will order the batteries to fire
upon you, and will destroy you as an enemy."
" Not he, Ghita. He is too fond of le Capitaine Smeet',
to do so cruel a thing; and then he must shift all his guns,
before they will hurt le Feu-Follet, where she lies. I never
leave my little Jack-o'Lantern* within reach of an enemy's
hand. L'ok here, Ghita; you can see her through this
opening in the houses - that dark spot on the bay, there -
and you will perceive no gun from any battery in Porto
Ferrajo can as much as frighten, much less harm her."
"I know her position, Raoul, and understood why you
anchored in that spot. I knew, or thought I knew you,
from the first moment you came in plain sight; and so long
as you remained outside, I was not sorry to look on so old
a friend - nay, I will go farther, and say I rejoiced, for it
seemed to me, you passed so near the island, just to let some,
whom you knew to be on it, understand you had not forgotten them; but when you came into the bay, I thought
you mad!"
" Mad I should have been, dearest Ghita, had I lived
longer without seeing you. What are these mistrables of
Elbans, that I should fear them! They have no cruiser -
only a few feluccas, all of which are not worth the trouble
of burning. Let them but point a finger at us, and we will
tow their Austrian polacre out into the bay, and burn her
before their eyes. Le Feu-Follet deserves her name; she
is here, there, and everywhere, before her enemies suspect
her."
" But her enemies suspect her now, and you cannot be
too cautious. My heart was in my throat a dozen times,
while the batteries were firing at you, this evening."
"And what harm did they?-they cost the Grand Duke
two cartridges, and two shot, without even changing the
lugger's course! You have seen too much of these things
Ghita, to be alarmed by;moke and noise."
* The English of Feu.Follet.





LE FEU-FO LLET.


41


"I have seen enough of these things, Ranul, to know
that a heavy shot, fired from these heights, would have.
gone through your little Feu-Follet, and, coming out under
water, would have sunk you to the bottom of the Mediterranean."
" We should have had our boats, then," answered Raoul
Yvard, with an indifference that was not affected, for reckless daring was his vice, rather than his virtue; "besides,
a shot must first hit, before it can harm, as the fish must be
taken, before it can be cooked. But enough of this, Ghita;
I get quite enough of shot, and ships, and sinkings, in everyday life, and, now I have at last found this blessed moment
we will not throw away the opportunity by talking of such
matters- "
" Nay, Raoul, I can think of nothing else, and therefore
can talk of nothing else. Suppose the vice-governatore
should suddenly take it into his head to send a party of soldiers to le Feu-Follet, with orders to seize her-what would
then be your situation?"
" Let him; and I would send a boat's crew to his palazzo,
here," the conversation was in French, which Ghita spoke
fluently, though with an Italian accent, " and take him on
a cruise after the English, and his- beloved Austrians!
Bah! - the idea will not cross his constitutional brain, and
there is little use in talking about it. In the morning, I will
send my prime minister, mon Barras, mon Carnot, mon
Cambac6ers, mon Ithuel Bolt, to converse with him on politics and religion."
"Religion," repeated Ghita, in a saddened tone; " the
less you say on that holy subject, Raoul, the better I shall
like it, and the better it will be for yourself, in the end.
The state of your country makes your want of religion
matter of regret, rather than of accusation, but it is none the
less a dreadful evil."
" Well, then," resumed the sailor, who felt he had touched
a dangerous ground, "we will talk of other things. Even
supposing we are taken, what great evil have we to apprehend? We are honest corsairs, duly commissioned, and
acting under the protection of the French Republic, one and
undivided, and can but be made prisoners of war. That is
a fortune which has once befallen me, and no greater calnm
4*





42


LE F'PEU  FOLLET.


itv followed than my having to call myself le Capitaine
Smeet', and finding out the means of mystifying le vice.
governatori."
Ghita laughed, in spite of the fears she entertained, for
it was one of the most powerful of the agencies the sailor
employed in making others converts to his opiniops, to cause
them to sympathize with his light-hearted gaiety, whether
it suited their natural temperaments or not. She knew that
Raoul had already been a prisoner in England two years,
where, as he often said himself, he staid just long enough to
acquire a very respectable acquaintance with the language,
if not with the institutions, manners, and religion, when he
nade his escape, aided by the American, called Ithuel Bolt,
an impressed seaman of our own Republic, who fully entering into all the plans imagined by his more enterprising
friend, and fellow-sufferer, had cheerfully enlisted in the
execution of his future schemes of revenge. States, like
powerful individuals in private life, usually feel themselves
too strong to allow any considerations of the direct consequences of departures from the right to influence their policy,
and a nation is apt to fancy its power of such a character,
as to despise all worldly amends, while its moral responsibility is divided among too many to make it a matter of much
moral concernment to its particular citizens. Nevertheless,
the truth will show that none are so low, but they may become dangerous to the highest; and even powerful communities seldom fail to meet with their punishment for every
departure from justice. It would seem, indeed, that a principle pervades nature, which renders it impossible for man
to escape the consequences of his own evil deeds, even in
this life; as if God had decreed the universal predominance
of truth, and the never-failing downfall of falsehood, from
the beginning; the success of wrong being ever temporary,
while the triumph of the right is eternal. To apply these
consoling considerations to the matter more immediately
before us; the practice of impressment, in its day, raised a
Ceeling among the seamen of other nations, as well as, in
fact, among those of Great Britain lierself, that probably has
had as much effect in destroying the prestige of her na';tical
invincibility, supported, as was that prestige by a vast
existing force, as any other one cause whatever.t was





LE FEU-FOLLET.


48


necessary, to witness the feeling of hatred and resentment
that was raised by the practice of this despotic power, more
especially among those who iflt that their foreign birth ought
at least to have assured them impunity from the abuse, in
order fully to appreciate what might so readily become its
consequences. Ithuel Bolt, the seaman just mentioned, was
a proof, in a small way, of the harm that even an insignificant individual can effect, when his mind is fully and wholly
bent on revenge. Ghita knew him well; and, although she
little liked either his character or his appearance, she had
often been obliged to smile at the narrative of the deceptions
he practised on the English, and of the thousand low inventions he had devised to do them injury. She was not slow,
now, to imagine that his agency had not been, trifling in
carrying on the present fraud.
"You do not openly call your lugger le Feu-Follet, Raoul;" she answered, after a minute's pause; " that would
be a dangerous name to utter, even in Porto Ferrajo. It is
not a week since I heard a mariner dwelling on her misdeeds, and the reasons that all good Italians have to detest
her. It is fortunate the man is away, or he could not fail
to know you."
"Of that I am not so certain, Ghita. We alter our paint
often, and, at need, can aker our rig. You may be certain,
however, that we hide our Jack-o'Lantern, and sail under
another name. The lugger, now she is in the English service, is called the " Ving-And-Ving."
"I heard the answer given to the hail from the shore, but
it sounded different from this."
"Non - Ving-And-Ving. Ithuel answered for us, and
you rmay be sure he can speak his own tongue. Ving-And.
Ving is the word, and he pronounces it as I do."
" Ving-y-Ving!" repeated Ghita, in her pretty Italian
tones, dropping naturally into the vice-governatore's fault of
pronunciation-" it is an odd name, and I like it less than
Feu-Follet."
"I wish, dearest Ghita, I could persuade you to like the
name of Yvard," rejoined the young man, in a half-reproach.
ful, half-tender manner, " and I should care nothing for any
other. You accuse me of disrespect for priests; but no son
iould ever kneel to a father for his blessing, half so readily





44


LE FEU-FOLLET.


or half so devoutly, as I could kneel with thee, before any
friar in Italy, to receive that nuptial benediction which 1
have so often asked at your hand, but which you have so
constantly and so cruelly refused."
" I am afraid the name would not then be Feu-Follet, but
Ghita-Folie," said the girl, laughing, though she felt a bitter
pang at the heart, that cost her an effort to control; -" no
more of this now, Raoul; we may be observed, and watched;
it is necessary that we separate."
A hurried conversation, of more interest to the young
couple themselves, than it would prove to the reader, though
it might not have been wholly without the latter, but which
it would be premature to relate, now followed, when Ghita
left Raoul on the hill, insisting that she knew the town too
well to have any apprehensions about threading its narrow
and steep streets, at any hour, by herself. This much, in
sooth, must be said in favour of Andrea Barrofaldi's administration of justice; he had made it safe for the gentle, the
feeble and the poor, equally, to move about the island by
day or by night; it seldom happening that so great an enemy
to peace-and tranquillity appeared among his simple dependants, as was the fact at this precise moment.
In the mean time, there was not quite as much tranquillity
in Porto Ferrajo, as the profound silence which reigned in
the place might have induced a stranger to imagine. Tommaso Tonti was a man of influence, within his sphere, as
well as the vice-governatore; and having parted from Vito
Viti, as has been related, he sought the little clientelle of
padroni and piloti, who were in the habit of listening to his
opinions as if they were oracles. The usual place of resort
of this set, after dark, was a certain house kept by a' widow
of the name of Benedetta Galopo, the uses of which were
plainly enough indicated by a small bush that hung dangling
from a short pole, fastened above the door. If Benedetta
knew anything of the proverb, that " good wine needs no
bush," she had not sufficient faith in the contents of her own
casks, to trust their reputation; for thi, bush of hers was as
regularly renewed, as its withering leaves required. Indeed,
it was a common remark, among her customers, that her
bush was always as fresh as her face, and that the latter
was one of the most comely that was to be met with on the





LE FPU-FOLLET.


4.)


island; a circumstance that aided much indifferent wine, in
finding a market. Benedetta bore a reasonably good name,
nevertheless, though it was oitener felt, perhaps, than said,
that she was a confirmed coquette. She tolerated 'Maso
principally on two accounts; because, if he were old and
unattractive in his own person, many of his followers were
among the smartest seamen of the port, and because he not
only drank his full proportion, but paid with punctuality.
These inducements rendered the pilot always a welcome
guest at La Santa Maria Degli Venti, as the house wa  lied,
though it had no other sign than the 'often-re.  oush,
already mentioned.
At the very moment, then, when Raoul Yvard and Ghita
parted on the hill, 'Maso was seated in his usual place, at
the table in Benedetta's upper room, the windows of which
commanded as full a view of the lugger as the hour permitted; that craft being anchored about a cable's length distant,
and, as a sailor might have expressed it, just abeam. On
this occasion he had selected the upper room, and but three
companions, because it was his wish that as few should
enter into his counsels, as at all comported with the love of
homage to his own experience. The party had been assembled a quarter of an hour, and there had been time to cause
the tide to ebb materially in the flask, which it may be well
to tell, the reader at once, contained very little less than half
a gallon of liquor, such as it was.
"I have told it all to the podesta," said 'Maso, with an
important manner, as he put down his glass, after potation
the second, which quite equalled potation the first, in quantity; " yes, I have told it all to Vito Viti, and no doubt he
has told it to II Signor Vice-governatore, who now knows as
much about the whole matter as either of us four. Cospetto!to think such a thing dare happen in a haven like Porto
Ferrajo! Had it come to pass over on the other side of the
island, at Porto Longone, one wouldn't think so much of it,
or they are never much on the look-out; but, to take place
here, in the very capital of Elba, I should as soon have
expected it in Livorno!"
" But, 'Maso," put in Daniele Bruno, in the manner of one
who was a little sceptical, " I have often seen the pavilion
Df the Inglese, and this is as much like that which all theiy





46i


LE FEU-FOLLET.


frigates and corvettes wear, as one of our feluccas is like
another. The flag, at least, is right."
" What signifies a flag, Daniele, when a French hand can
hoist an English ensign as easily as the king of Inghilterra,
himself? If that lugger was not built by the Francese, you
were not built by an Italian father and mother.  But, I
should not think so much of the hull, for that may have been
captured, as the English take many of their enemies on the
high seas; but look at the rigging and sails-Santa Maria!
I could go to the shop of the very sail-maker, in Marseilles,
who made that foresail! His name is Pierre Benoit, and a
very good workman he is, as all will allow who have had
occasion to employ him."
This particularity greatly aided the argument; common
minds being seldom above yielding to the circumstances
which are so often made to corroborate imaginary facts.
Tommaso Tonti, though so near the truth as to his main point
-the character of the visiter-was singularly out as to the
sail, notwithstanding; le Feu-Follet having been built,
equipped, and manned at Nantes, and Pierre Benoit never
having seen her or her foresail either; but, it mattered not,
in the way of discussion and assertion, one sail-maker being
as good as another, provided he was French.
" And have you mentioned this to the podesta?" inquired Benedetta, who stood with the empty flask in her
hand, listening to the discourse; " I should think that sail
would open his eyes."
" I cannot say I have; but then I told him so many other
things, more to the point, that he cannot do less than believe
this, when he hears it. Signor Viti promised to meet me
here, after he has had a conversation with the vice-governatore; and we may now expect him every minute."
" II Signor Podesta will be welcome," said Benedetta
wiping off a spare table, and bustling round the room to
make things look a little smarter than they ordinarily did;
'he may frequent grander wine-houses than this, but he
will hardly find better liquor."
"Poverina!-Don't think that the podesta comes here on
any such errand; he comes to meet me;" answered 'Maso,
with an indulgent smile; "he takes his wine too often on
lie heights, to wish to come as low as this after a glass.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


47


Friends of mine (amigi mii), there is wine up at that house,
that, when the oil is once out of the neck of the flask,* goes
down a man's throat as smoothly as if it were all oil itself!
I could drink a flask of it without once stopping to take
breath. It is that liquor which makes the nobles so light
and airy."
" I know the washy stuff," put in Benedetta, with more
warmth than she was used to betray to her customers;
" well may you call it smooth, a good spring running near
each of the wine-presses that have made it. I have seen
some of it that even oil would not float on!"
This assertion was a fair counterpoise to that of the sail
being about as true. But Benedetta had too much experi
ence in the inconstancy of men, not to be aware that if the
three or four customers who were present, should seriously
take up the notion that the island contained any better liquoi
than that she habitually placed before them, her value might
be sensibly diminished, in their eyes. As became a woman who had to struggle singly with the world, too, her
native shrewdness taught her, that the best moment to refute
a calumny was to stop it as soon as it began to circulate,
and her answer was as warm in manner, as it was positive
in terms. This was an excellent opening for an animated
discussion, and one would have been very likely to occur,
had there not fortunately been steps heard without, that
induced 'Maso to expect the podesta. Sure enough, the door
opened, and Vito Viti appeared, followed, to the astonishment
of all the guests, and to the absolute awe of Benedetta, by
the vice-govyrnatore himself.
The solution of this unexpected visit is very easily given,
After the departure of the Capitano Smees, Vito Viti returned
to the subject of 'Maso's suspicions, and by suggesting cer
tain little circumstances in the mariner's manner, that he had
noted during the interview, he so far succeeded in making
an impression on himself, that, in the end, his own distrust
revived, and with it that of the deputy-governor. Neither,
however, could be said to be more than uneasy, and the
podesta happening to mention his appointment with the pilot,
Andrea determined to accompany him, in order to recon* It is a practice of Tuscany, to put a few drops of oil in the neck
rf each flask of the more delicate wines, to exclude the air





4b             LE PEU-FOLL~ET'.
noitre the strange craft in person. Both the functionaries
wore their cloaks, by no means an unusual thing in the cool
night air of the coast, even in midsummer, which served
them for all the disguise that circumstances required.
" I Signor Vice-governatore!" almost gasped Benedetta,
dusting a chair, and then the table, and disposing of the
former near the latter by a sort of mechanical process, as if
only one errand could ever bring a guest within her doors;
"your ecceilenza is most welcome; and it is an honour I
could oftener ask. We are humble people, down here at the
water side, but I hope we are just as good Christians as if
we lived upon the hill."
"Doubt it not, worthy Bettina-"
" My name is Benedetta, at your eccellenza's commandBenedettina, if it please the vice-governatore; but not Bettina.
We think much of our names, down here at the water side,
eccellenza."
" Let it be so, then, good Benedetta, and I make no doubt
you are excellent Christians.- A flask of your wine, if it
be convenient."
The woman dropped a curtsy that was full of gratitude;
and the glance of triumph that she cast at her other guests,
may be said to have terminated the discussion that was about
to commence, as the dignitaries appeared. It disposed of
the question of the wine at once, and for ever silenced cavilling. If the vice-governatore could drink her liquor, what
mariner would henceforth dare calumniate it?
" Eccellenza, with a thousand welcomes," Benedetta continued, as she placed the flask on the table, after having
carefully removed the cotton and the oil with her own plump
hand; this being one of half-a-dozen flasks of really sound,
well-flavoured, Tuscan liquor, that she kept for especial
occasions; as she well might, the cost being only a paul, or
ten cents for near half a gallon; " Eccellenza, a million
times welcome. This is an honour that don't befall the
Santa Maria Degli Venti more than once in a century; and
you, too, Signor Podesta, once before, only, have you ever
had leisure to darken my poor door."
" We bachelors" - the podesta, as well as the vice-governor, belonged to the fraternity-" we bachelors are afraid to
trust ourselves too often in the company of sprightly widows,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


49


like yourself, whose beauty has rather improved than lessened, by a few years."
This brought a coquettish answer, during which time
Andrea Barrofaldi, having first satisfied himself that the
wine might be swallowed with impunity, was occupied in
surveying the party of silent and humble mariners, who
were seated at the other table. His object was to ascertain
how far he might have committed himself, by appearing in
such a place, when his visit could not well be attributed to
more than one motive. 'Maso he knew, as the oldest pilot
of the place; and he had also some knowledge of Daniele
Bruno, but the three.other seamen were strangers to him.
" Inquire if we are among friends, here, and worthy subjects of the Grand Duke, all;" observed Andrea to Vito
Viti, ina low voice.
"Thou hearest, 'Maso," observed the podesta; "canst
thou answer for all of thy companions?"
" Every one of them, Signore; this is Daniele Bruno,
whose father was killed in a battler with the Algerines, and
whose mother was the daughter of a mariner, as well known
in Elba, as-"
" Never mind the particulars, Tommaso Tonti," interrupted
the vice-governatore -" it is sufficient that thou knowest
all thy companions to be honest men, and faithful servants
of the sovrano. " You all know, most probably, the errand
which has brought the Signor Viti and myself to this house,
to-night?"
The men looked at each other, as the ill-instructed are
apt to do, when it becomes necessary to answer a question
that concerns many; assisting the workings of their minds,
as it might be, with the aid of the senses; and then Daniele
Bruno took on himself the office of spokesman.
" Signore, vostro eccellenza, we think we do," answered
the man. " Our fellow, 'Maso here, has given us to understand that he suspects the Inglese that is anchored in the
bay, to be no Inglese at all, but either a pirate or a Frenchman. The blessed Maria preserve us! but in these troubled
times it does not make much difference which."
" I will not say as much as that, friend, for one would be
an outcast among all people, while the other iould have the
rights which shield the servants of civilized nations;" re5            4





bu


LE FEU-FOLLET.


turned the scrupulous and just-minded functionary. " The
time was when His Imperial Majesty, the emperor, and his
illustrious brother, our sovereign, the Grand Duke, did no:
allow that the republican government of France was a lawful government; but the fortune of war removed his scruples,
and a treaty of peace has allowed the contrary. Since the
late alliance, it is our duty to consider all Frenchmen as
enemies, though it by no means follows that we are to consider them as pirates."
"But their corsairs seize all our craft, Signore, and treat
their people as if they were no better than dogs: then, they
tell me that they are not Christians-no, not even Luterani, or heretics!"
" That religion does not flourish among them, is true,"
answered Andrea, who loved so well to discourse on such
subjects, that he would have stopped to reason on religion
or manners, with the beggar to whom he gave a pitLance,
did he only meet with encouragement; " but it is not as bad
in France, on this important head, as it has been; and we
may hope that there will be further improvement, in due
time."
" But, Signor Vice-governatore," put in 'Maso, " these
people have treated the holy father, and his states, in a way
that one would not treat an Infidel or a Turk!"
" Ay, that is it, Signori," observed Benedetta - "a poor
woman cannot go to mass without having her mind disturbed
by the thoughts of the wrongs done the head of the church.
Had these things come from Luterani, it might have been
borne, but they say the Francese were once all good Catholics!"
"So were the Luterani, bella Benedetta, to their chief
schismatic and leader, the German monk himself."
This piece of information caused great surprise, even the
podesta himself turning an inquiring glance at his superior,
as much as to acknowledge his own wonder that a Protestant should ever have been anything but a Protestant -or
rather, a Lutheran, anything but a Lutheran -the word
Protestant being too significant to be in favour among those
who deny there were any just grounds for a protest at all.
That Luther had ever been a Romanist, was perfectly wonderfuf, even in the eyes of Vito Viti.





LE F EU-FOLLE T.


51


" Signore, you would hardly mislead these honest people,
in a matter as grave as this!" exclaimed the podesta.
" 1 do but tell you truth; and one of these days you shall
hear the whole story, neighbour Viti. 'Tis worth an hour
of leisure, to any man, and is very consoling and useful to
a Christian. But who have you below, Benedetta - I hear
steps on the stairs, and wish not to be seen."
The widow stepped promptly forward to meet her new
guests, and to show them into a commoner room, below
stairs, when her movement was anticipated by the door's
opening, and a man's standing on the threshold. It was now
too late to prevent the intrusion, and a little surprise at the
appearance of the new-comer, held all mute and observant
for a minute.
The person who had followed his ears, and thus reached
the sanctum sanctorum of Benedetta, was no other than
Ithuel Bolt, the American seaman, already named in the
earlier part of this chapter. He was backed by a Genoese,
who had come in the double capacity of interpreter and boon
companion. That the reader may the better understand the
character he has to deal with, however, it may be necessary
to digress, by giving a short account of the history, appearance and peculiarities of the former individual.
Ithuel Bolt was a native of what, in this great Union, is
called the granite state. Notwithstanding he was not absolutely made of the stone in question, there was an absence
of the ordinary symptoms of natural feeling about him, that
had induced many of his French acquaintances in particular
to affirm that there was a good deal more of marble in his
moral temperament, at least, than usually fell to the lot of
human beings. He had the outline of a good frame, but it
was miserably deficient in the filling up. The bone pre.
dominated; the sinews came next in consideration; nor was
*he man without a proper share of muscle; but this last was
so disposed of as to present nothing but angles, whichever
way he was viewed. Even his thumbs and fingers were
nearer square than round, and his very neck, which was
Dare, though a black silk kerchief was tied loosely round the
hroat, had a sort of pentagon look about it, that defied all
symmetry or grace. His stature was just six feet and an
"nch, when he straightened himself; as he did from time to





.,2             LE FEU-FOLLET.
time, seemirgly with a desire to relieve a very inveterate
stoop in his shoulders; though it was an inch or two less in
the position he most affected. His hair was dark, and his
skin had got several coats of confirmed brown on it, by exposure, though originally rather fair, while the features were
good, the forehead being broad and full, and the mouth
positively handsome. This singular countenance' was illuminated by. two keen, restless, whitish eyes, that resembled,
not spots on the sun, but rather suns on a spot.
Ithuel had gone through all the ordinary vicissitudes of
an American life, beneath those pursuits which are commonly thought to be confined to the class of gentlemen. He
had been farmer's boy, printer's devil, schoolmaster, stagedriver, and tin-pedlar, before he ever saw the sea. In the
way of what he called " chores," too, he had practised all
the known devices of rustic domestic economy; having
assisted even in the washing and house-cleaning, besides
having passed the evenings of an entire winter in making
brooms.
Ithuel had reached his thirtieth year before he dreamed
of going to sea. An accident, then, put preferment in this
form before his eyes, and he engaged as the mate of a small
coaster, on his very first voyage. Fortunately, the master
never found out his deficiencies, for Ithuel had a self-possessed, confident way with him, that prevented discovery,
until they were outside of the port from which they sailed,
when the former was knocked overboard by the main boom,
and drowned. Most men, so circumstanced, would have
returned, but Bolt never laid his hand to the plough and
looked back. Besides, one course was quite as easy to him
as another. Whatever he undertook he usually completed,
in some fashion or other, though it were often much better
had it never been attempted. Fortunately it was summer,
theo wind was fair, and the crew wanted little ordering; and
as it was quite a matter of course to steer in the right direction,
until the schooner was carried safely into her proper port,
she arrived safely; her people swearing that the new mate
was the easiest and cleverest officer they had ever sailed
with. And well they might, for Ithuel took care not to issue?n order, until he had heard it suggested in terms by one
of hle hands, and then he never failed to repeat it, word for





LE FEU-FOLLET.                    AN
word, as if it were a suggestion of his own. As for the
reputation of" cleverest" officer, which he so easily obtained,
it will be understood, of course, that the term was used in
the provincial signification that is so common in the part of
the world from which Ithuel came. He was " clever" in
this sense, precisely in proportion as he was ignorant. His
success, on this occasion, gained him friends, and he was
immediately sent out again as the regular master of the
craft, in which he had so unexpectedly received his promotion. He now threw all the duty on the mate; but so ready
was he in acquirifig, that, by the end of six months, he was
a much better sailor than most Europeans would have made
in three years. As the pitcher that goes too often to the
well is finally broken, so did Ithuel meet with shipwreck, at
last, in consequence of gross ignorance on the subject of
navigation. This induced him to try a long voyage, in a
more subordinate situation, until, in the course of time, he
was impressed by the commander of an English frigate, who
had lost so many of his men by the yellow fever, that he
seized upon all he could lay his hands on, to supply their
places, even Ithuel being acceptable in such a strait.
CHAPTER IV.
"The ship is here put in,
A Veronese; Michael Cassio,
Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello,
Is conime on shore:-"
Othello.
THE glance which Ithuel cast around him was brief, but
comprehensive. He saw that two of the party in the room
were much superior to the other four, and that the last were
rommon Mediterranean mariners.   The position which
Benedetta occupied in the household could not be mistaken,
for she proclaimed herself its mistress by her very air; whe.
her it were in the upper or in the lower room.
" Vino," said Ithuel, with a flourish of the hand, to help
5*





54


LE FEU-FOLLET.


along his Italian, this and one or two more being the only
words of the language he ventured to use directly, or without calling in the assistance of his interpreter; (vino -
vino, vino, Signora."
-' Si, si, si, Signore," answered Benedetta, laughing, and
this with her meaning eyes so keenly riveted on the person
of her new guest, as to make it very questionable whether
she were amused by anything but his appearance; " your
eccellenza shall be served; but whether at a paul, or a half.
paul the flask, depends on your own pleasure. We keep
wine at both prices, and," glancing towards the table of
Andrea Barrofaldi, " usually serve the first to signori of
rank and distinction."
" What does the woman say?" growled Ithuel to his
interpreter, a Genoese, who from having served several
years in the British navy, spoke English with a very tolerable facility - " you know what we want, and just tell her
to hand it over, and I will fork out her St. Paul, without
more words. What a desperate liking your folks have for
saints, Philip-o," for so Ithuel pronounced Filippo, the name
of his companion -" what a desperate liking your folks
have for saints, Philip-o, that they must even call their
money after them."
" It not so in America, Signor Bolto?" asked the Genoese,
after he had explained his wishes to Benedetta, in Italian;
"it no ze fashion in your country to honour ze saints?"
"Honour the saints!" repeated Ithuel, looking curiously
around him, as he took a seat at a third table, shoving aside'
the glasses at the same time, and otherwise disposing of
every thing within reach of his hand, so as to suit his own
notions of order, and then leaning back on his chair until
the two ends of the uprights dug into the plaster behind him,
while the legs on which the fabric was poised cracked with
his weight; " honour the saints! we should be much more
like to dishonour them! What does any one want to honour
a saint for? A saint is but a human- a man like you and
me, after all the fuss you make about 'em. - Saints abound
n my country, if you'd believe people's account of themselves."
"Not quite so, Signor Bolto. You and me no great saint.
Italian honour saint because he holy and good."





LE FEU-FOLLET.                   5
By this time Ithuel had got his two feet on the round of
nis seat, his knees spread so as to occupy as much space
as an unusual length of leg would permit, and his arms
extended on the tops of two chairs, one on each side of him,
in a way to resemble what is termed a spread eagle.
Andrea Barrofaldi regarded all this with wonder. It is
true, he expected to meet with no great refinement in a
wine-house like that of Benedetta's; but he was unaccustomed
to see such r.onchalance of manner in a man of the stranger's
class; or, indeed, of any class; the Italian mariners present
occupying their chairs in simple and respectful attitudes, as
if each man had the wish to be as little obtrusive as possible.
Still he let no sign of his surprise escape him, noting all that
passed in a grave but attentive silence. Perhaps he saw
traces of national peculiarities, if not of national history, in
the circumstances.
" Honour saint because he holy and good!" said Ithuel,
with a very ill-concealed disdain - " why, that is the very
reason why we don't honour 'em. When you honour a
holy man, mankind may consait you do it on that very
account, and so fall into the notion you worship him, which
would be idolatry, the awfullest of all sins, and the one to
which every ra'al Christian gives the widest bairth. I would
rayther worship this flask of wine, any day, than worship
the best saint on your parson's books."
As Filippo was no casuist, but merely a believer, and
Ithuel applied the end of the flask to his mouth, at that moment, from an old habit of, drinking out of jugs and bottles,
the Genoese made no answer; keeping his eyes on the
flask, which, by the length oftimeit remained at the other's
mouth, appeared to be in great danger of being exhausted;
a matter of some moment to one of his own relish for the
liquor.
" Do you call this wine!" exclaimed Ithuel, when he
stopped, literally to take breath; " there isn't as much true
granite in a gallon on't, as in a pint of our cider. I could
swallow a butt, and then walk a plank as narrow as youi
religion, Philip-o!"
This was said, nevertheless, with a look of happiness
which proved how much the inward man was consoled by
what it had received, and a richness of expression about the





56


LE FEU-FOLLET.


handsome mouth, that denoted a sort of consciousness thai
it had been the channel of a most agreeable communication
to the stomach. Sooth to say, Benedetta had brought up a
flask at a paul, or at about four cents a bottle; a flask of the
very quality which she had put before the vice-governatore;
and this was a liquor that flowed so smoothly over the
palate, and of a quality so really delicate, that Ithuel was by
no means aware of the potency of the guest which he had
admitted to his interior.
All this time the vice-governatore was making up his
mind concerning the nation and character of the stranger.
That he should mistake Bolt for an Englishman, was natural enough, and the fact had an influence in again unsettling
his opinion as to the real flag under which the lugger sailed.
Like most Italians of that day, he regarded all the familiea
of the northern hordes as a species of barbarians; an opin
ion that the air and deportment of Ithuel had no direct
agency in changing; for, while this singular being was not
brawlingly rude and vulgar, like the coarser set of his own
countrymen, with whom he had occasionally been brought
in contact, he was so manifestly uncivilized, in many material points, as to put his claim to gentility much beyond a
cavil, and that in a negative way.
" You are a Genoese?" said Andrea to Filippo, speaking
with the authority of one who had a right to question.
" Signore, I am, at your eccellenza's orders, though in
foreign service at this present moment."
" In what service, friend? I am in authority, here in
Elba, and ask no more than is my duty."
"Eccellenza, I can well believe this," answered Filippo,
rising and making a respectful salutation, and one, too, that
was without any of the awkwardness of the same act in a
more northern man, " as it is to be seen in your appearance.
I am now iii the service of the king of England."
Filippo said this steadily, though his eyes dropped to the
floor, under the searching scrutiny they endured. The
answer of the vice-governatore was delivered coolly, though
it was much to the point.
"You are happy,". he said, "in getting so horiourable
masters; more especially as your own country has agaiw
hilen into the hands of the French. Every Italian heart





LE FEU-FOLLET.


57


must yearn for a government that has its existence and its
motives on this side of the Alps."
" Signore, we are a republic to-day, and ever have been,
you know."
"Ay - such as it is. But your companion speaks no
talian - he is an Inglese?"
"No, Signore-an Americano: a sort of an Ingle'se, and
yet no Inglese, after all. He loves England very little, if
I can judge by his discourse."
" Un' Americano!" repeated Andrea Barrofaldi; " Ameri
cano!" exclaimed Vito Viti; "Americano!" said each of
the mariners in succession, all eyes turning with lively
curiosity towards the subject of the discourse, who bore it
all with appropriate steadiness and dignity. The reader is
not to be surprised that an American was then regarded
with curiosity, in a country like Italy; for, two years later.
when an American ship of war anchored suddenly before
the town of Constantinople, and announced her nation, the
authorities of the Sublime Porte were ignorant that such a
country existed. It is true, Leghorn was beginning to be
much frequented by American ships, in the year 1799; but
even with these evidences before their eyes, the people of
the very ports into which these traders entered, were accustomed to consider their crews a species of Englishmen, who
managed to sail the vessels for the negroes at home:. In a
word, two centuries and a half of national existence, and
more than half a century of national independence, have not
yet sufficed to teach all the inhabitants of the old world, that
the great modern Republic is peopled by men of a European
origin, and possessing white skins. Even of those who are
aware of the fact, the larger proportion, perhaps, have obtained their information through works of a light character,
similar to this of our own, rather than by the more legitinate course of regular study, and a knowledge of history.
" Si," repeated Ithuel, with emphasis, as soon as he heard
* As recently as 1828, the author of this book was at Leghorn.
' he Delaware, 80, had just left there; and speaking of her appea'ance
to a native of the place, who supposed the writer to be an Englishman,
fhe latter observed -"Of course, her people were all blacks." "I,hought so, too, signore, until I went on board the ship," was*!o an.
swer; "but they are as white as you ar.d I are."





58


LE FEU-FOLLET.


his nationality thus alluded to, and found all eyes on himsell -
" Si, oon Americano-I 'm not ashamed of my country; and
if you're any way partic'lar in such matters, I come from
New Hampshire-or, whiat we call the Granite State. Tell
'em this, Philip-o, and let me know their idees, in answer."
Filippo translated this speech, as well as he could, as he
did the reply; and it may as well be stated here, once for
all, that in the dialogue which succeeded, the instrumentality
of this interpreter was necessary that the parties might
understand each other. The reader will, therefore, give
Filippo credit for this arrangement, although we shall furnish the different speeches very much as if the parties fully
comprehended what was said.
" Uno stato di granito!" repeated the vice-governatore,
looking at the podesta with some doubt in the expression of
his countenance -" it must be a painful existence which
these poor people endure, to toil for their food in such a
region. Ask him, good Filippo, if they have any wine in
his part of the world."
"Wine!" echoed Ithuel; "tell the Signore that we
shouldn't call this stuff wine at all. Nothing goes down our
throats that doesn't rasp like a file, and burn like a chip out
of Vesuvius. I wish, now, we had a drink of New England
rum here, in order to show him the difference. I despise
the man who thinks all his own things the best, just because
they 're his 'n; but taste is taste, a'ter all, and there's no
denying it."
" Perhaps the Signor Americano can give us an insight
into the religion of his country - or are the Americani pagans? I do not remember, Vito, to have read anything of
the religion of that quarter of the world."
"Religion, too! - well a question like this, now, would
make a stir among our folks in New Hampshire! Look
here, Signore; we don't call your ceremonies, and images,
and robes, and ringing of bells, and bowing and scraping, a
religion at all; any more than we should call this smooth
iquor, wine."
Ithuel was more under the influence of this "smooth liquor'"
than he was aware of, or he would not have been so loud in
the expression of his dissent; as experience had taught him
ihe necessity of reerve on such subjects, in most Catholic





LE FEU-FOLLET


50


communities. But of all this the Signor Barrofaldi was ignorant, and he made his answer with the severity of a good
Catholic, though it was with the temper of a gentleman.
" What the Americano calls our ceremonies, and images,
and ringing of bells, are probably not understood by him,"
he said; "since a country as little civilized as his own,
cannot very well comprehend the mysteries of a profound
and ancient religion."
" Civilized! I calculate that it would stump this part of
the world to produce such a civilization as our very youngest children are brought up on. But it's of no use talking,
and so we will drink."
Andrea perceiving, indeed, that there was not much use
in talking, more especially as Filippo had been a good deal
mystified by the word "stump," was now disposed to abandon the idea of a dissertation on "religion, manners and
laws," to come at once to the matter that brought him into
the present company.
" This Americano is also a servant of the English king, it
would seem," he carelessly remarked: " I remember to have
heard that there was a war between his country and that of
the Inglesi, in which the French assisted the Americani to
obtain a sort of a national independence. What that inde.
pendence is, I do not know; but it is probable that the people
of the New World are still obliged to find mariners to serve
in the navy of their former masters."
Ithuel's muscles twitched, and an expression of intense
bitterness darkened his countenance. Then he smiled in a
sort of derision, and gave vent to his feelings in words,
" Perhaps you're right, Signore; perhaps this is the ra'al
truth of the matter; for the British do take our people, just
the same as if they had the best right in the world to 'em.
A'ter all, we may be serving our masters; and all we say
and think at home, about independence, is just a flash in the
pan! Notwithstanding, some on us contrive, by hook or
by crook, to take our revenge, when occasion offers; and
if I don't sarve Master John Bull an ill turn, whenever luck
hrows a chance in my way, may I never see a bit of the
old State again- granite or rotten wood."
This speech was not very closely translated, but enough,as said to awaken curiosity in the vice-governatore, wh.o





60


LE FEU-FOLLET..hought it odd one who served among the English shoutd
entertain such feelings towards them. As for Ithuel, himself,
he had not observed his usual caution; but, unknown to himself, the oily wine had more " granite" in it than he imagined,
and then he seldom spoke of the abuse of impressment without losing more or less of his ordinary self-command.
" Ask the Americano when he first entered into the service
of the king of Inghilterra," said Andrea, "and why he stays
in it, if it is unpleasant to him, when so many opportunities
of quitting it offer?"
" I never entered," returned Ithuel, taking the word in its
technical meaning; " they pressed me, as if I had been a
dog they wanted to turn a spit, and kept me seven long
years, fighting their accursed battles, and otherwise sarving
their eends. I was over here, last year, at the mouth of the
Nile, in that pretty bit of work-and off Cape St. Vincent,
too-and in a dozen more of their battles, and sorely against
my will, on every account. This was hard to be borne, but
the hardest of it has not yet been said; nor do I know that
I shall tell on 't at all."
"Anything the Americano may think proper to relate,
will be'listened to with pleasure."
Ithuel was a good deal undecided whether to go on, or
not; but taking a fresh pull at the flask, it warmed his feel.
ings to the sticking point.
"Why, it was adding insult to injury. It's bad enough
to injure a man, but when it comes to insulting him into the
bargain, there must be but little grit in his natur', if it don't
strike fire."
" And yet few are wronged who are not calumniated,"
observed the philosophical vice-governatore. " This is only
too much the case with our Italy, worthy neighbour, Vito
Viti."
"I calculate the English treat all mankind alike, whether
it's in Italy or Ameriky," for so Ithuel would pronounce
this word, notwithstanding he had now been cruising in and
near the Mediterranean several years; "but what I found
hardest to be borne, was their running their rigs on me
about my language and ways, which they were all the time
laughing at as Yankee conversation and usages, while they
pretended that the body out of which all on it come, was an





LE FEU-FOLL fE.


61


English body, and so they set it up to be shot at, by any of
their inimies that might happen to be jogging along our road.
Then, squire, it is generally consaited among us in Ameriky,
that we speak much the best English a-going; and sure am
1, that none on us call a ' hog,' an ' 'og,' an ' anchor,' a
'hanchor,' or a 'horse,' an  'orse.' What is thought of
that matter in this part of the world, Signor Squire?"
" We are not critics in your language, but it is reasonable
to suppose that the English speak their own tongue better
than any other people. That much must be conceded to
them, at least, Signor Bolto."
" I shall acknowledge no such advantage as belonging to
them. I have not been to school for nothing, not I. The
English call c-l-e-r-k, clark; and c-u-c-u-m-b-e-r, cowcurnber; an a-n-g-e-1, aingel; and no reasoning can convince
me that's right. I've got a string of words, of this sort,
that they pronounce out of all reason, that's as long as a
pair of leading-lines, or a ship's tiller-rope. You must
know, Signor Squire, I kept school, in the early part of my
life."
"Non e possibile!" exclaimed the vice-governatore,
astonishment actually getting the better of his habitual good
breeding; " you must mean, Signor Americano, that you
gave lessons in the art of rigging and sailing luggers."
" You never was more mistaken, Signore. I taught, on
the general system, all sorts of things in the edication way;
and had one of my scholars made such a blunder as to say,
Sclark,' or ' aingel,' or ' harth,' or ' cowcumber,' he wouldn't
have heard the last of it, for that week, at least. But I
despise an Englishman, from the-very bottom of my soul;
for heart isn't deep enough for my feelings."
Absurd as Ithuel's critical dissertations must appear to all
who have any familiarity with real English, they were not
greatly below many criticisms on the same subject that often
illustrate the ephemeral literature of the country; and, in his
last speech, he had made a provincial use of the word " despise," that is getting to be so common, as almost to supplant the true signification. By " despising," Ithuel meant,hat he "' hated;" the passion, perhaps, of all others, the
most removed from the feeling described by the word he
had used, inasmuch as it is not easy to elevate those for
6





62


LE FEU-FOLLET


whom we have a contempt, to the level necessary to be
nated.
"Notwithstanding, the Inglese are not a despicable
people," answereu Andrea, who was obliged to take the
stranger literally, since he knew nothing of his provincial
use of terms; " for a nation of the north, they have done
marvellous things, of late years, especially on the ocean."
This was more than Ithuel could bear. All his personal
wrongs, and sooth to say they had been of a most grievous
nature, arose before his mind, incited and inflamed by
national dislike; and he broke out in such an incoherent
tirade of abuse, as completely set all Filippo's knowledge
of English at fault, rendering a translation impossible. By
this time, Ithuel had swallowed so much of the wine, a liquor
which had far more body than he supposed, that he was ripe
for mischief, and it was only his extreme violence that prevented him from betraying more, than, just at the moment,
would have been prudent. The vice-governatore listened
with attention, in the hope of catching something useful; but
it all came to his ears a confused mass of incoherent vituperation, from which he could extract nothing. The scent,
consequently, soon became unpleasant, and Andrea Barrofaldi took measures to put an end to it. Watching a favourable occasion to speak, he put in a word, as the excited
Bolt paused an instant, to take breath.
" Signore," observed the vice-governatore, " all this may
be very true; but as coming from one who serves the Inglese, to one who is the servant of their ally, the Grand
Duke of Tuscany, it is quite as extraordinary as it is uncalled for; and we will talk of other things. This lugger,
on board which you sail, is out of all question English, notwithstanding what you tell us of the nation."
" Ay, she is English," answered Ithuel, with a grim smile,
"and a pretty boat she is. But then it is no fault of hers
and what can't be cured must be endured. A Guernsey
craft, and a desperate goer, when she wakes up and puts on
her travelling boots."
"These mariners have a language of their own," remarked Andrea to Vito Viti, smiling as in consideration of
Ithuel's nautical habits; " to you and me, the idea of a ves.
sel's using boots, neighbour, seems ridiculous; but the sea%





LE FLU-FOLLET.


63


men, in their imaginations, bestow all sorts of objects on
them. It is curious to hear them converse, good Vito; and
now I am dwelling here on our island, I have often thought
of collecting a number of their images, in order to aid in
illustrating the sort of literature that belongs to their calling.
This idea of a lugger's putting on her boots, is quite heroic!"
Now Vito Viti, though an Italian with so musical a name,
was no poet, but a man so very literal, withal, as to render
him exceedingly matter of fact, in most of his notions.
Accordingly, he saw no particular beauty in the idea of a
vessel's wearing boots; and, though much accustomed to
defer to the vice-governatore's superior knowledge, and
more extensive reading, he had the courage, on this occasion, to put in an objection to the probability of the circumstance mentioned.
" Signor Vice-governatore," he replied, "all is not gold
that glitters. " Fine words sometimes cover poor thoughts,
and, I take it, this is an instance of what I mean. Long as
I have lived in Porto Ferrajo, and that is now quite fifty
years, seeing that I was born here, and have been off the
island but four times in my life - and long, therefore, as I
have lived here, I never saw a vessel in the harbour that
wore boots, or even shoes."
"This is metaphorical, good Vito, and must be looked at
in a poetical point of view. Homer speaks of goddesses
holding shields before their favourite warriors; while Ariosto
makes rats and asses hold discourse together, as if they were
members of an academy. All this is merely the effect of
imagination, Signore; and he who has the most, is the aptest
at inventing circumstances, which, though not strictly true,
are vastly agreeable."
" As for Homer and Ariosto, Signor Vice-governatore, I
doubt if either ever saw a vessel with a boot on, or if either
ever knew as much about craft, in general, as we who live
here in Porto Ferrajo. Harkee, friend Filippo, just ask
this Americano if, in his country, he ever saw vessels wear
boots. Put the question plainly, and without any of your
accursed poetry."
Filippo did as desired, leaving Ithuel to put his own construction on the object of the inquiry; all that had just





84


LE FEU-FOLLET.


passed being sealed to him, in consequence of its having
been uttered in good Tuscan.
" Boots!" repeated the native of the granite State, looking
reund him drolly;"" perhaps not exactly the foot-part, and
the soles, for they ought, in reason, to be under water; but
every vessel that isn't coppered shows her boot-top-of them,
I'11 swear I've seen ten thousand, more or less."
This answer mystified the vice-governatore, and completely puzzled Vito Viti. The grave mariners at the other
table, too, thought it odd, for in no other tongue is the language of the sea as poetical, or figurative, as in the English,
and the term of boot-top, as applied to a vessel, was Greek
to them, as well as to the other listeners. They conversed
among themselves on the subject, while their two superiors
were holding a secret conference on the other side of the
room, giving the American time to rally his recollection, and
remember the precise circumstances in which not only he
himself, but all his shipmates, were placed. No one could
be more wily and ingenious than this man, when on his
guard, though the inextinguishable hatred with which he
regarded England, and Englishmen, had come so near
causing him to betray a secret which it was extremely important, at that moment, to conceal. At length a general
silence prevailed, the differbht groups of tspeakers ceasing to
converse, and all looking towards the vice-governatore, as
if in expectation that he was about to suggest something that
might give a turn to the discourse. Nor was this a mistake,
for, after inquiring of Benedetta if she had a private room,
he invited Ithuel and the interpreter to follow him into it,
leading the way, attended by the podestt. As soon as these
four were thus separated from the others, the door was
closed, and the two Tuscans came at once to.the point.
" Signor Americano," commenced the vice-governatore,
" between those who understand each other, there is little
need of many words. This is a language which is comprehended all over the world, and I put it before you in the
plainest manner, that we may have no mistake."
"It is tolerable plain, sartain!" exclaimed Ithuel--" twoFour-six-eight-ten-all good-looking gold pieces, that, in
this part of the world you call zeccini - or sequins, as we
name 'em, in English. What have I done, Signor Squire, or





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  ri
what am I to do for these twenty dollars? Name your
tarms; this working in the dark is ag'in the grain of my
natur'."
" You are to tell the truth; we suspect the lugger of being
French; and by putting the proof in otir hands, you will
make us your friends, and serve yourself."
Andrea Barrofaldi knew little of America and Americans,
but he had imbibed the common European notion that money
was the great deity worshipped in this hemisphere, and that
all he had to do was to offer a bribe, in order to purchase a
man of Ithuel's deportment and appeArance. In his own
island, ten sequins would buy almost any mariner of the
port, to do any act short of positive legal criminality; and
the idea that a barbarian of the west would refuse such a
sum, in preference to selling his shipmates, never crossed
his mind. Little, however, did the Italian understand the
American. A greater knave than Ithuel, in his own-way,
it was not easy to find; but it shocked all his notions of
personal dignity, self-respect, and republican virtue, to be
thus unequivocally offered a bribe; and had the lugger not
been so awkwardly circumstanced, he would have been apt
to bring matters to a crisis, at once, by throwing the gold
into the vice-governatore's face; although, knowing where
it was to be found, he might have set about devising some
means of cheating the owner out of it, at the very next instant. Boon or bribe, directly and unequivocally offered
in the shape of money, as coming from the superior to the
inferior, or from the corrupter to the corrupted, had he never
taken; and it would have appeared, in his eyes, a species
of degradation to receive the first, and of treason to his
nationality, to accept the last, though he would lie, invent,
manage and contrive, from morning till night, in order to
transfer even copper from the pocket of his neighbour to his
own, under the forms of opinion and usage. In a word,
Ithuel, as relates to such things, is what is commonly called
law-honest, with certain broad salvoes, in favour of smuggling of all sorts, in foreign countries (at home he never
dreamed of such a thing), custom-house oaths, and legal
trickery; and this is just the class of men apt to declaim the
loudest against the roguery of the rest of mankind. Had
here been a law giving half to the informer, he might not
6*              5





66


LE FEU-FOLLET.


have hesitated to betray the lugger, and all she contained
more especially in the way of regular business; but he had
long before determined that every Italian was a treacherous
rogue, and not at all to be trusted like an American rogue;
and then his indomitable dislike of England would have kept
him true in a case of much less complicated risk than this.
Commanding himself, however, and regarding the sequins
with natural longing, he answered with a simplicity of manner that both surprised and imposed on the vice-governatore.
"No-no-Signor Squire," he said; " in the first place,
I've no secret to tell; and it would be a trickish thing to
touch your money, and not give you its worth in return;
and then the lugger is Guernsey built, and carries a good
King George's commission. In my part of the world, we
never take gold unless we sell something of equal valie.
Gifts and begging we look upon as mean and unbecoming,
and the next thing to going on to the town as a pauper;
though if I can sarve you lawfully, like, I 'm just as willing
to work for your money, as for that of any other man's.
I 've no preference for king's, in that partic'lar."
All this time Ithuel held out the sequins, with a show of
returning them, though in a very reluctant manner, leaving
Andrea, who comprehended his actions much better than
his words, to understand that he declined selling his secret.
" You can keep the money, friend," observed the vicegovernatore, "for when we give, in Italy, it is not our
practice to take the gift back again. In the morning, per.
haps, you will remember something that it may be useful
for me to know."
" I've no occasion for gifts, nor is it exactly accordin' to
the granite rule to accept 'em," answered Ithuel, a little
sharply. " Handsome conduct is handsome conduct; and
I call the fellow-creetur' that would oppress and overcome
another with a gift, little better than an English aristocrat.
Hand out the dollars in the way of trade, in as large
amounts as you will, and I'll find the man, and that, too, in
'he lugger, who will see you out in't, to your heart's con.
tent. - Harkee, Philip-o; tell the gentleman, in an undertone, like, about the three kegs of tobacco we got out of
the Virginy ship, the day we made the north end of Corsica
and perhaps that will satisfy him we are not his inmies.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


67


heie is no use in bawling it out, so that the wo'ican can
tear what you say, or the men who are drinking in the
other room."
" Signor Ithuello," answered the Genoese, in English, " it
will no do to let these gentlemen know anything of them
kegs-one being the deputy-governor and the other a magistrate. The lugger will be seized for a smuggler, which
will be the next thing to being seized for an enemy."
" Yet I've a longing for them 'ere sequins, to tell you the
truth, Philip-o! I see no other means of getting at 'em
except it be through them three kegs of tobacco."
" Why you don't take 'em, when the Signore put 'em
into your very hand? All you do is put him in your pocket,
and say, ' Eccellenza, what you please to wish?' "
" That isn't granite, man, but more in the natur' of you
Italians. The most disgraceful thing on 'airth is a paupe"so Ithuel pronounced " pauper" - "the next is a street beggar; after him comes your chaps who take sixpences and
shillin's, in the way of small gifts; and last of all an Eng
lishman. All these I despise; but let this Signore say but
the word, in the way of trade, and he'll find me as ready
and expairt as he can wish. I'd defy the devil in a trade!"
Filippo shook his head, positively declining to do so foolish
a thing as to mention a contraband article to those whose
duty it Avould be to punish a violation of the revenue laws.
In the meanwhile the sequins remained in the hands of Andrea Barrofaldi, who seemed greatly at a loss to understand
the character of the strange being whom chance had thus
thrown in his way. The money was returned to his purse,
but his distrust and doubts were by no meaps removed.
"Answer me one thing, Signor Bolto," asked the vice.
governatore, after a minute of thought; " if you hate the
English so much, why do you serve in their ships? - why
not quit them, on the first good occasion? The land is as
wide as the sea, and you must be often on it."
" I calculate, Signor Squire, you don't often study charts,
or you wouldn't fall into such a consait. There's twice as
much water as solid ground, on this 'airth, to begin with; as
In reason there ought to be, seeing that an acre of good
oroductive land is worth five or six of oceans; and then you
nave little knowledge of my character and prospects to ask





68


LE FEU-FOLLET.


such a question. I sarve the king of England to make him
pay well for it. If you want to take an advantage of a
man, first get him in debt; then you can work your will on
him, in the most profitable and safe manner!"
All this was unintelligible to the vice-governatore, who,
after a few more questions and answers, took a civil leave
of the strangers, intimating to Benedetta that they were not
to follow him back into the room he had just quitted.
As for Ithuel, the disappearance of the two gentlemen
gave him no concern; but as he felt that it might be unsafe
to drink any more wine, he threw down his reckoning, and
strolled into the street, followed by his companion. Within
an hour from that moment, the three kegs of tobacco were
in the possession of a shop-keeper of the place, that brief
interval sufficing to enable the man to make his bargain, and
to deliver the articles, which was his real object on shore.
This little smuggling transaction was carried on altogether
without the knowledge of Raoul Yvard, who was to all
intents and purposes the captain of his own lugger, and in
whose character there were many traits of chivalrous honour,
mixed up with habits and pursuits that would not seem to
promise qualities so elevated. But this want of a propensity
to turn a penny in his own way, was not the only distinguishing characteristic between the commander of the little
craft, and the being he occasionally used as a mask to his
t7ue purposes.
CHAPTER V.
" The great contention of the sea and skies
Parted our fellowship:- But, hark! a sail."
Casszo.
WHATEVER may have been the result of the vice-gover
t. Atore s further inquiries and speculations, that night, they
wre not known. After consuming an hour in the lower
patrt ot tne town, in and around the port, he and the podestA
sought ineir homes and their pillows, leaving the lugger
rming <vnetly at her anchor, in the spot where she was last





LE FEU-FOLLET.


64~


presented to the reader's attention. If Raoul Yvard and
Ghita had another interview, too, it was so secretly managed
as to escape all observation, and can form no part of this
narrative.
A Mediterranean morning, at midsummer, is one of those
batmy and soothing periods of the day, that affect the mind
as well as the body. Everywhere we have the mellow and
advancing light that precedes the appearance of the sun -
the shifting hues of the sky-that pearly softness that seems
to have been invented to make us love the works of God's
hand, and the warm glow of the brilliant sun; but, it is not
everywhere that these fascinating changes occur, on a sea
whose blue vies with the darkest depths of the void of soace,
beneath a climate that is as winning as the scenes it adorns,
and amid mountains whose faces reflect every varying shade
of light, with the truth and the poetry of nature. Such a
morning as this last, was that which succeeded the night
with which our tale opened, bringing with it the reviving
movements of the port and town. Italy, as a whole, is
remarkable for an appearance of quiet and repose, that are
little known in the more bustling scenes of the greedier
commerce of our own quarter of the world, or, indeed, in
those of most of the northern nations of Europe. There is
in her aspect, modes of living, and even in her habits of
business, an air of decayed gentility, that is wanting to the
ports, shops, and marts of the more vulgar parts of the world
as if conscious of having been so long the focus of human
refinement, it was unbecoming, in these later days, to throw
aside all traces of her history and power. Man, and the
climate, too, seem in unison; one meeting the cares of life
with a far niente manner, that is singularly in accordance
with the dreamy and soothing atmosphere he respires.
Just as day dawned, the fall of a billet of wood, on the
deck of the Feu-Follet, gave the first intimation that any
one was stirring in or near the haven. If there had been a
watch on board that craft, throughout the night-and doubt.
'ess such had been the case -it had been kept in so quiet
and unobtrusive a manner, as to render it questionable to
the jealous, eyes which had been riveted on her from the
shore, until long past midnight. Now, however, everything
was in motion, and in less than five minutes after that billet





70


LE FEU-FOLLET.


of wood had fallen from the hands of the cook, is he was
about to light his galley-fire, the tops of the hats and caps of
some fifty or sixty sailors were seen moving to and fro, just
above the upper edge of the bulwarks. Three minutes late.
and two men appeared near the knight-heads, each with his
arms folded, looking at the vessel's hawse, and taking a
survey of the state of the harbour, and of objects on the surrounding shore.
The two individuals who were standing in the conspicuous
position named, were Raoul Yvard, himself, and Ithuel Bolt.
Their conversation was in French, the part borne by the
last being most execrably pronounced, and paying little or
no attention to grammar; but, it is necessary that we should
render what was said by both into the vernacular, with the
peculiarities that belonged to the men.
" I see only the Austrian that is worth the trouble of a
movement," quietly observed Raoul, whose eye was scan
ning the inner harbour, his own vessel lying two hundred
yards without it, it will be remembered-" and she is light,
and would scarce pay for sending her to Toulon. These
feluccas would embarrass us, without affording much reward,
and then their loss would ruin the poor devils of owners, and
bring mise.ry into many a family."
"Well, that's a new idee, for a privateer!" said Ithuel
sneeringly; " luck's luck, in these matters, and every man
must count on what war turns up. I wish you 'd read tho
history of our revolution, and then you 'd ha' seen that
liberty and equality are not to be had without some ups and
downs in fortin's and chances."
The Austrian might do," added Raoul, who paid little
attention to his companion's remarks, " if he were a streak
or two lower in the water-but, after all, E-too-ell," for so
he pronounced the other's name -" I do not like a capture
that is made without any eclat, or spirit, in the attack and
defence."
"Well," - this word Ithuel invariably pronounced,
' wa-a-l" - " well, to my notion, the most profitable and
the most agreeable battles, are the shortest; and the pleasantest victories are them in which there's the most p.:ize-money.
Howsever, as that brig is only an Austrian, care little what
/ou may detairmine to do with her; was she English, I 'd





LE FEU-FOLLET.


71


head a boat myself, to go in and tow her out here, expressly
to have the satisfaction of burning her. English ships make
a cheerful fire!"
" And that would be a useless waste of property, and perhaps of blood, and would do no one any good, Etooell."
" But it would do the accursed English harm, and that
counts for a something, in my reckoning. Nelson wasn't so
over-scrupulous, at the Nile, about burning your ships, Mr.
Rule-"
" Tonnere! why do you always bring in that malheureux
Nile?-Js it not enough that we were beaten-disgraceddestroyed-that a friend must tell us of it so often?"
"You forget, Mr. Rule, that I was an inimy, then;" returned Ithuel, with a grin and a grim smile. " If you '11
take the trouble to examine my back, you '11 find on it the
marks of the lashes I got for just telling my captain that it
went ag'in the grain for me, a republican as I was by idee
and natur', to fight other republicans. He told me he would
first try the grain of my skin, and see how that would agree
with what he called my duty; and I must own, he got the
best on 't; I fit like a tiger ag'in you, rather than be flogged
twice the same day. Flogging on a sore back is an awful
argument!"
" And now has come the hour of revenge, pauvre Etooell;
this time your are on the right side, and may fight with heart
and mind those you so much hate."
A long and gloomy silence followed, during which Raoul
turned his face aft, and stood looking at the movements of
the men, as they washed the decks, while Ithuel seated him
self on a knight-head, and, his chin resting on his hand, he
sat ruminating, in bitterness of spirit, like Milton's devil, in
some of his dire. cogitations, on the atrocious wrong of
which he had really been the subject. Bodies of men are
proverbially heartless. They commit injustice without reflec.
tion, and vindicate their abuses without remorse. And yet
it may be doubtful if either a nation, or an individual, ever
tolerated, or was an accessary in, a wrong, that the act
sooner or later did not recoil on the offending party, through
that mysterious principle of right, which is implanted in the
nature of things, bringing forth its own results as the seed
produces its grain, and the tree its fruits; a supervision of





72


LE FEU-FOLLET


holiness that it is usual to term (and rightly enough, when
we remember who created principles) the providence of God.
Let that people dread the future, who, in their collected
capacity, systematically encourage injustice of any sort;
since their own eventu-l demoralization will follow as a
necessary consequence, even though they escape punishment
in a more direct form.
We shall not stop to relate the moody musings of the
Ney-Hampshire man. Unnurtured, and, in many respects,
unprincipled as he was, he had his clear conceptions of the
injustice of which he had been one, among thousands of
other victims; and, at that moment, he would have held life
itself as a cheap sacrifice, could he have had his fill of re.
venge. Time and again, while a captive on board the
English ship in which he had been inmmured for years, had
he meditated the desperate expedient of blowing up the vessel; and had not the means been wantiig, mercenary and
selfish as he ordinarily seemed, he was every way equal to
executing so dire a scheme, in order to pti an end to the
lives of those who were the agents in wronging him, and his
own sufferings, together. The subject never rec urred to his
mind, without momentarily changing the cur lent of its
thoughts, and tinging all his feelings with an int4 nsity of
bitterness that it was painful to bear. At length, sighing
heavily, he rose from the knight-head, and turned tuowards
the mouth of the bay, as if to conceal from Raoul the expression of his countenance.  This act, however, w,;s
scarcely done, ere he started, and an exclamation escaped
him, that induced his companion to turn quickly on his heel,
and face the sea. There, indeed, the growing light enabled
both to discover an object that could scarcely be other than
one of interest to men in their situation.
It has been said already, that the deep bay, on the side of
which stands the town of Porto Ferrajo, opens to the north,
looking in the direction of the headland of Piombino. On
the right of the bay, the land, high and broken, stretches
several miles ere it forms what is called the Canal, while on
the left, it terminates with the low bluff on which stands the
residence then occupied by Andrea Barrofaldi; and which
has since become so celebrated as the abode of one far
greater than thevorthy vice-governatore. The haven lying





LE FEU-FOLLET.


/3


under these heights, on the left of the bay, and by the side,)f the town, it followed, as a matter of course, that the
anchorage of the lugger was also in this quarter of the bay,
commanding a clear view to the north, in the direction of
the main land, as far as eye could reach. The width of the
Canal, or of the passage between Elba and the Point. of
Piombino, may be some six or seven miles; and at the dis.
tance of less than one mile from the northern end of the
former, stands a small rocky islet, which has since become
known to the world as the spot on which Napoleon stationed
a corporal's guard, by way of taking possession, when he
found his whole empire dwindled to the sea-girt mountains
in its vicinity. With the existence and position of this
island, both Raoul and Ithuel were necessarily acquainted,
for they had seen it and noted its situation the previous
night, though it had escaped their notice that, from the place
where the Feu-Follet had brought up, it was not visible. In
their first look to seaward, that morning, which was ere the
light had grown sufficiently strong to render the houses on
the opposite side of the bay distinct, an object had been seen
in this quarter, which had then been mistaken for the rock;
but, by this time, the light was strong enough to show that
it was a very different thing. In a word, that which both
Raoul and Ithuel had fancied an islet, was neither more nor
less than a ship.
The stranger's head was to the northward, and his motion, before a light southerly air, could not have exceeded a
knot an hour. He had no other canvass spread than his
three topsails and jib; though his courses were hanging in
the brails. His black hull was just beginning to show its
details;-and along the line of light-yellow, that enlivened his
side, were visible the dark intervals of thirteen ports; a real
gun frowning in eac i. Although the hammocks were not
stowed, and the hammock-cloths had that empty and undressed-look which is so commnon to a man-of-war in the
night, it was apparent that the ship had an upper-deck, with
quarter-deck and forecastle batteries; or, in other words,
that she was a frigate. As she had opened the town of Porto
Ferrajo several minutes before she was herself seen from the
Feu-Follet. an ensign was hanging from the end of her gaff





71             LE FEU-FOLLET.
though there was not sufficient air to open its folds, in a way
to let the national character.of the stranger be known.
" Peste!" exclaimed Raoul Yvard, as soon he had gazed
a. minute at the stranger, in silence-" a pretty cul de sac
are we in, if that gentleman should happen to be an Englishman! What say you, Etooell; can you make out any.
thing of that ensign-your eyes are the best in the lugger?'
" It is too much for any sight to detairmine, at this distance, and that before the sun is risen; but, by having a
glass ready, we shall soon know. Five minutes will bring
us the Great Luminary, as our minister used to call him."
Ithuel had descended from the bulwark, while speaking;
and he now went aft in quest of a glass, returning to his old
station, bringing two of the instruments; one of which he
handed to his commander, while he kept the other himself.
In another minute both had levelled their glasses at the
stranger, whom each surveyed attentively, for some time, in
profound silence.
" Pardie!" exclaimed Raoul, " that ensign is the tricolor, or my eyes are untrue to my own country. Let me
see, Etooell, what ship of forty-two, or forty-four, has the
republic on this coast?"
" Not that, Monsieur Yvard," answered Ithuel, with a
manner so changed, and an emphasis so marked, as at once
to draw his companion's attention from the frigate to his own
countenance; ".not that, Monsieur Capitaing. It is not easy
for a bird to forget the cage in which he was shut up for
two years; if that is not the accursed Proserpine, I have
forgotten the cut of my own jib!"
" La Proserpine!" repeated Raoul, who was familiar with
his shipmate's adventures, and did not require to be told his
meaning; " if you are not mistaken, Etooell, le Feu-Follec
needs put her lantern under a shade. This is only a forty,
if I can count her ports."
"1 care nothing for ports, or guns; it is the Proserpine;
and the only harm I wish her is, that she were at the bottom of the ocean. The Proserpine, thirty-six, Captain Cuffe
though Captain Flog would have been a better name for him.
Yes, the Proserpine, thirty six, Captain Cuffe, Heaven ble,how I"





LE FEU-FOLLET.


75


" Bah! -this vessel has forty-four guns-now I can see
to count them; I make twenty-two of a side."
"Ay, that's just her measure --a thirty-six on the lis.
and by rate, and forty-four by count; twenty-six long
eighteens below; twelve thirty-two's, carronades, on iher
quarter-deck; and four more carronades, with two barkers,
for'ard. She'd just extinguish your Jack-o'Lantern, Monsieur Rule, at one broadside; for what are ten twelve-pound
carronades, and seventy men, to such a frigate?"
" I am not madman enough, Etooell, to dream of fighting
a frigate, or even a heavy sloop-of-war, with the force you
have just mentioned; but I have followed the sea too long to
be alarmed before I am certain of my danger. La Railleuse is just such a ship as that."
" Hearken to reason, Monsieur Rule," answered Ithuel,
earnestly;" La Railleuse, nor no other French frigate,
would show her colours to an enemy's port; for it would be
uselessly telling her erand. Now, an English ship might
show a French ensign, for she always has it in her power
to change it; and then she might be benefited by the cheat.
The Proserpine is Frelnch built, and has French legs, too,
boots or no boots" - here Ithuel laughed a little, involuntarily, but his face instantly became serious again -"and
I have heard she was a sister vessel of the other. So much
for size and appearance; but every shroud, and port, and
sail, about yonder craft, is registered on my back in a way
that no sponge will ever wash out."
"Sa-a-c-r-r-r-e," muttered Raoul between his teeth,
" Etooell, if an Englishman, he may very well take it into
his head to come in here, and perhaps anchor within half-acable's length of us! What think you of that, mon brave
Americain?"
" That it may very well come to pass; though one hardly
sees, either, what is to bring a cruiser into such a place as
this. Every one hasn't the curiosity of a Jack-o'Lantern."
" Mais que diable allait-il faire dans cette galore! -
Bien; we must take the weather as it comes; sometimes
a gale, and sometimes a calm. As he shows his own ensign so loyally, let us return the compliment, and show ours.
Hoist the ensign there, afl."
' Which one, Monsieur?" demanded an old demure




76


LE FEU-FOLLET.


-looking quarter-master, who was charged with that duty
and who was never known to laugh; "the captain will
remember we came into port under the drapeau of Monsieui
Jean Bull."
" Bien-hoist the drapeau of Monsieur Jean Bull, again.
We must brazen it out, now we have put on the masque.
Monsieur Lieutenant, clap on the hawser, and run the lugger ahead, over her anchor, and see everything clear for
spreading our pocket-handkerchiefs. No one knows when
le Feu-Follet may have occasion to wipe her face. - Ah!now, Etooell, we can make out his broadside fairly, he is
heading more to the westward."
The two seamen levelled their glasses, and renewed their
examiriations. Ithuel had a peculiarity that not only characterized the man, but, which is so common among Americans
of his class, as, in a sense, to be national. On ordinary occasions he was talkative, and disposed to gossip; but, whenever
action and decision became necessary, he was thoughtful,
silent, and, though in a way of his own, even dignified. This
last fit was on him, and he waited for Raoul to lead the
conversation. The other, however, was disposed to be as
reserved as himself, for he quitted the knight-head, and took
refuge from the splashing of the water, used in washing the
decks, in his own cabin.
Two hours, though they brought the sun, with the activity
and hum of the morning, had made no great change in the
relative positions of things within and without the bay. The
people of le Feu-Follet had breakfasted, had got everything
on board their little craft in its proper place, and were moody,
observant and silent. One of the lessons that Ithuel had
succeeded in teaching his shipmates, was to impress on them
he necessity of commanding their voluble propensities, if
they would wish to pass for Englishmen. It is certain, more
words would have been uttered, in this little lugger, in one
hour, had her crew been indulged to the top of their bent,
than would have been uttered in an English first-rate, in
two; but the danger of using their own language, and the
English pecuiliarity of grumness, had been so thoroughly
taught them, that her people rather caricatured, than otherwise, ce grand talent pour le silence, that was thought to
iistlnguish their enemies. Ithuel, who had a' waggery of his





LE FEU-FOLLET.


77


own, smiled as he saw the seamen folding their arms, throwing aiscontent and surliness into their countenanccs, and
pacing the deck singly, as if misanthropical and disdaining
to converse, whenever a boat came alongside from the shore.
Several of these visiters arrived, in the course of the two
hours mentioned; but the sentinel at the gangway, who had
lis orders, repulsed every attempt to come on board, pretending not to understand French, when permission,was
asked in that language.
Raoul had a boat's crew of four, all of whom had acquired
the English, like himself, in a prison-ship, and with these
men he now prepared to land; for, as yet, he had made
little progress in the business which brought him into his
present. awkward predicament, and he was not a man to
abandon an object so dear to him, lightly. Finding himself
in a dilemma, he was resolved to make an effort to reap, if
possible, some advantage from jis critical situation. Accordingly, after he had taken his coffee, and given his orders,
the boat's crew was called, and he left the lugger's side.
All this was done tranquilly, as if the appearance of the
stranger in the offing gave no trouble +o any in le FeuFollet.
On this occasion, the boat pulled boldly into the little
harbour, its officer touching the shore at the common landing. Nor were the men in any haste to return. They
lounged about the quay, in waiting for their captain, cheapening fruits, chatting with the women, in such Italian as they
could muster, and affecting to understand the French of the
old sea-dogs that drew near them, all of whom knew more or
less of that universal language, with difficulty. That they
were the objects of suspicion, h*eir captain had sufficiently
warned them, and practice rendered them all good actors.
The tune they remained in waiting for Raoul, was conse.
quently spent in eluding attempts to induce them to betray
themselves, and in caricaturing Englishmen. Two of the
four folded their arms, endeavoured to look surly, and
paced the quay in silence, refusing even to unbend to the
blandishrnents of the gentler sex, three or four of whom
mndeavoured to insinuate themselves into their confiae ice,
oy offerings of fruit and flowers.
" Amico," said Annunziate, one of the prettiest girls of
7*




78


LE FEU-FOLLET.


her class in Porto Ferrajo, and who had been expressly
imnployed by Vito Viti to perform this office, " here are figs
from the main-land. Will you please to eat a few, that
when you go back to Inghilterra, you may tell your countiymen how we poor Elbans live?"
"Bad fig" - spu tered Jacques, Raoul's cockswain, to
whom this offering was made, and speaking in broken English; " better at 'ome. Pick up better in ze street of Portsmout'!"
"But, Signore, you need not look as if they would hurt
you, or bite you; you can eat them, and, take my word for
it, you will find them as pleasant as the melons of Napoli."
"No melon good, but English melon. English meloh
plenty as pomme de terres - bah 1"
"Yes, Signore, as the melons of Napoli," continued Aniunziate, who.did not understand a syllable of the ungracious answers she received; "' Signor Vito Viti, our podestd,
ordered me to offer these figs to the forestieri - the Inglesi,
who are in the bay-"
" God-dam," returned Jacques, in a quick, sententious
manner, that was intended to get rid of the fair tormentor,
and which, temporarily, at least, was not without its effect.
But, leaving the boat's crew to be badgered in this manner, until relief came, as will be hereafter related, we must
follow our hero in his way through the streets of the town.
Raoul, guided by an instinct, or having some special object
before his eyes, walked swiftly up the heights, ascending to
the promontory, so often mentioned. As he passed, every
eye was turned on him, for, by this time, the distrust in the
place was general; and the sudden appearance of a frigate,
wearing a French ensign, before the port, had given rise to
apprehensions of a much more serious nature than any which
could possibly attend the arrival of a craft as light as the
lugger, by herself. Vito Viti had long before gone up the
street, to see the vice-governatore; and eight or ten of the
principal men of the place had been summoned to a council,
including the two senior military dignitaries of the island.
The batteries, it was known, were manned; and, although
it would have puzzled the acutest mind of Elba to give a
reason why the French should risk so unprofitable an attack,
as one on their principal port, long ere Raoul was seen





LE FEU-FOLLET.


79


among them, such a result was not only dreaded, but, in a
measure, anticipated with confidence. As a matter of course,
then, every eye followed his movements, as he went with
bounding steps up the narrow terraces of the steep street,
and the least of his actions was subjected to the narrowest
and most jealous scrutiny.
The heights were again thronged with spectators, of all
ages and classes, and of both sexes. The mantles and flowing dresses of females prevailed as usual; for whatever is
connected with curiosity, is certain to collect an undue proportion of a sex whose imaginations are so apt to get the
start of their judgments. On a terrace, in front of the palace,
as it was the custom to designate the dwelling of the governor, was the group of magnates, all of them paying the
gravest attention to the smallest change in the direction of
the ship, which had now become an object of general solicitude and apprehension. So intent, indeed, were they in
gazing at this apprehended enemy, that Raoul stood in front
of Andrea Barrofaldi, cap in hand, and bowing his salutation, before his approach was even anticipated. This sudden
and unannounced arrival created great surprise, and some
little confusion; one or two of the group turning away,
instinctively, as it might be, to conceal the flushes that
mounted to their cheeks, at being so unexpectedly confronted
by the very man, whom, the minute before, they had been
strongly denouncing.
" Bon giorno, Signor Vice-governatore," commenced
Raoul, in his gay, easy and courteous manner, and certainly
with an air that betrayed any feeling but those of apprehension and guilt; " we have a fine morning, on the land, here;
and apparently a fine frigate, of the French republic, in the
offing, yonder."
"We were conversing of that vessel, Signor Smees,"
answered Andrea, " as you approached. What, in youi
judgment, can induce a Frenchman to appear before oui
town, in so menacing a manner?"
" Cospetto! - you might as well ask me, Signore, what
induces these republicans to do a thousand other out-of-theway things. What has made them 'behead Louis XVI.?
What has made them overrun half of your Italy, conquer
Egypt, and drive the Austrians back upon their Danube?"





80


LE FEU-FOLLET.


"To say nothing of their letting Nelsoni destroy them at
Aboukir," added Vito Viti, with a grunt.
" True, Signore, or let Nelson, my gallant countryman,
annihilate them near the mouth of the Nile. I did not
consider it proper to boast of English glory, though that
case, too, mnay very well be included. We have several
men, in ze Ving-And-Ving, who were in that glorious battle,
particularly our sailing-master, Etooell Bolt, who was on
board Nelson's own ship, having been accidentally sent on
service from the frigate to which he properly belonged, and
carried off expressly to share, as it might be, in the glory
of this famous battle."
" I have seen the Signore," drily remarked Andrea Barrofaldi -" e uno Americano?"
"An American!" exclaimed Raoul, starting a little in
spite of his assumed indifference of manner; " why, yes, I
believe Bolt was born in America - English America, you
know, Signori, and that is much the same thing as having
been born in England, herself. We look upon ze YankCs,
as but a part of our own people, and take them into our
service most cheerfully."
"So the Signor Ituello has given us reason to believe;
he is seemingly a great lover of the English nation."
Raoul was uneasy, for he was entirely ignorant of all
that had passed in the wine-house, and he thought he detected irony in the manner of the vice-governatore.
"Certainly, Signore," he answered, however, with unmoved steadiness; " certainly, Signore, the Americani adore
Inghilterra; and well they may, considering all that great
nation has done for them. But, Signor Vice-governatore, I
have come to offer you the service of my lugger, should this
Frenchman really intend mischief. We are small, it is
true; and our guns are but light; nevertheless we may break
the frigate's cabin-windows, while you are doing him still
greater injury, from these heights. I trust you will assign
ze Ving-And-Ving some honourable station, should you
come to blows with the republicans."
" And what particular service would it be most agreeable
to you to undertake, Signore," inquired the vice-governatore, with considerate courtesy; "we are no mariners, and
must leave the choice to yourself. The colonello, here





LE FEU-FOLLET.


81


expects some firing, and has his artillerists already at their
guns."
" The preparation of Porto Ferrajcis celebrated among
the mariners of the Mediterranean, and, should the Frenchman venture within reach of your shot, I expect to see him
unrigged faster than if he were in a dock-yard. As for ze
teetd Ving-And-Ving, in my opinion, while the frigate is
ousy with these batteries, it might be well for us to steer
along the shore on the east side of the bay, until we can get.uutside of her, when we shall have the beggars between two
fires. That was just what Nelson did at Aboukir, Signor
Podesta, a battie you seem so much to admire."
" Thai would be a maneuvre worthy of a follower of
Nelsoni, Signore," observed the colonel, " if the metal of
your guns were heavier. With short pieces of twelve,
however, you would hardly venture within reach of long
pieces of eighteen; although the first should be manned by
Inglese, and the last by Francese?"
" One never knows. At the Nile, one of our fifties laid
the Orient, a three-decker, athwart-hawse, and did her lots of
injury. The vaisseau, in fact, was blown up. Naval combats are decided on principles altogether different from engagements on the land, Signor Colonello."
" It must be so, truly," answered the soldier; " but what
means this movement? you, as a seaman, may be able to
tell us, Capitano."
This drew all eyes to the frigate again, where, indeed,
were movements that indicated some important changes.
As these movements have an intimate connexion with the
incidents of the tale, it will be necessary to relate them in a
manner to render them more intelligible to the reader.
The distance of the frigate from the town, might now havo
been five English miles. Of current there was none; and
there being no tides in the Mediterranean, the ship would
have lain.perfectly stationary all the morning, but for a very
light air from the southward. Before this air, however, she
had moved to the westward about a couple of miles, until
she had got the government-house nearly abeam. At the
same time, she had been obliquely dra-wing nearer, which
twas the circumstance that produced the alarm. With the
sun had arisen the wind, and a few minutes before the colo.
6





82


L E  FEU-F,,, ET.


nel interrupted himself, in the manner related, the topsails
of the stranger had swelled, and he began to move through
the water at the fate of some four or five knots the hour.
The moment her people felt that they had complete command of their vessel, as if waiting only for that assurance,
they altered her course, and made sail. Putting her helm
a-starboard, the ship came close by the wind, with her head
looking directly in for the promontory, while her tacks were
hauled on board, and her light canvass aloft was loosened
and spr-ad to the breeze. Almost at the same instant, for
everything seemed to be done at once, and as by instinct,
the French flag was lowered, another went up in' its place,
and a gun was fired to leeward -a signal of amity. As
this second emblem of nationality blew out, and opened to
the breeze, the glasses showed the white field and St. George's
cross of the noble old ensign of England.
An exclamation of surprise and delight escaped the spectators on the promontory, as their doubts and apprehensions
were thus dramatically relieved. No one thought of Raoul
at that happy moment, though to him there was nothing of
new interest in the affair, with the exception of the apparent
intention of the stranger to enter the bay. As le Feu-Follet
lay in plain view fiom the offing, he had his doubts, indeed,
whether the warlike appearance of that craft was not the
true reason of this sudden change in the frigate's course.
Still, lying as he did, in a port hostile to France, there was
a probability that he might yet escape without a very critical or close examination.
"' Signor Smees, I felicitate you on this visit of a countryman," cried Andrea Barrofaldi, a pacific man by nature, and
certainly no warrior, and who felt too happy at the prospects
of passing a quiet day, to feel distrust at such a moment;
" I shall do you honour in my communications with Florence, for the spirit and willingness which you have shown
in the wish to aid us, on this trying occasion."
" Signor Vice-governatore, do not trouble yourself to
dwell on my poor services," answered Raoul, scarce caring
to conceal the smile that struggled about his handsome
mouth; " think rather of those of these gallant signori, who
greatly regret that an opportunity for gaining distinction
has been lost. But here are signals that must be meant for





LE FEU-FOLLEI.


83


us -I hope my stupid fellows will be able to answer them,
in my absence."
It was fortunate for le Feu-Follet, perhaps, that her commander was not on board, when the stranger, the Proserpine,
the very ship that Ithuel so well knew, made her number.
The mystification that was to follow was in much better
hands, while 'conducted by the New-Hampshire man, than
it could possibly be in his own. Ithuel answered promptly,
though what, he did not know himself; but he took good care
that fhe flags he showed should become so entangled, as not
to be read by those in the frigate, while they had every
appearance of being hoisted fearlessly, and in good faith.
CHAPTER VI.
"Are all prepared?"
"They are - nay more - embark'd; the latest boat
Waits but my chief-"
"My sword and my capote."
The Corsair.
WHAT success attended the artifice of Ithuel, it was impossible to tell, so far as the frigate was concerned; though
the appearance of mutual intelligence between the two vessels, had a very favourable tendency towards removing
suspicion from the lugger, among those on shore. It seemed
so utterly improbable that a French corsair could answer
the signals of an English frigate, that even Vito Viti felt
compelled to acknowledge to the vice-governatore, in a
whisper, that, so far, the circumstance was much in favour
of the lugger's loyalty. Then the calm exterior of Raoul
counted for something, more especially as he remained,
apparently, an unconcerned observer of the rapid app-oach
)f the ship.
" We shall not have occasion to use y ur gallant offer,
dignor Smees," said Andrea, kindly, as ne was about te





b4             I E FEU-FOLLET.
retire into the house, with one or two (i his coiunsellors
'but we thank you none the less. It is a happiness to be
honoured with the visit of two cruisers of your great nation
on the same day, and I hope you will so ftr favour me as to
accompany your brother commander, when he shall do me
the honour to pay the customary visit, since it would seem
to be his serious intention to pay Porto Ferrajo the compliment of a call. Can you not guess at the name of the
frigate?"
" Now I see she is a countryman, I think I can, Signore,"
answered Raoul, carelessly; " I take her to be la Proser.
pine, a French-built ship, a circumstance that first deceived
me as to her character."
" And the noble cavaliere, her commander-you doubtless
know his name and rank?"
" Oh! perfectly; he is the son of an old admiral, under
whom I was educated, though we happen ourselves never to
have met. Sir Brown is the name and title of the gentleman."
" Ah! that is a truly English rank, and name, too, as
one might say. Often have I met that honourable appellation in Shakspeare, and other of your eminent authors.
Miltoni has a Sir Brown, if I am not mistaken, Signore?"
" Several of them, Signor Vice-governatore," answered
Raoul, without a moment's hesitation or the smallest remorse; though he had no idea whatever who Milton was;
'Milton, Shakspeare, Cicero, and all our great writers,
often mention Signori of this family."
" Cicero!" repeated Andrea, in astonishment-" he was
a Roman, and an ancient, Capitano, and died before Inghilterra was known to the civilized world."
Raoul perceived that he had reached too far, though he
was not in absolute danger of losing his balance. Smiling,
as in consideration of the other's provincial view of things,
he rejoined, with an d-plomb that would have done credit to
a politician, in an explanatory and half-apologetic tone.
" Quite true, Signor Vice-governatore, as respects him
you mention," he said; " but not true as respects Sir Cicero,
my ilaStrious compatriot. Let me see-I do not think it is
yet a century since our Cicero died. He was born in
Devonshire"-this was the county in which Raoul had been





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  85
imprisoned--" and must have died in Dublin. Si- now I
remember, it was in Dublin that this virtuous and distinguished author yielded up his breath."
To all this Andrea had nothing to say, for, half a century
since, so great was the ignorance of civilized nations, as
related to such things, that one might have engrafted a
H-omer on the literature of England, in particular, without
much risk of having the imposition detected. Signor Barrofaldi was not pleased to find that the barbarians were seizing
on the Italian names, it is true; but he was fain to set the
circumstance down to those very traces of barbarism, which
were the unavoidable fruits of their origin. As for supposing
it possible that one who spoke with the ease and innocence
of Raoul, was inventing as he went along, it was an idea
he was himself much too unpractised to entertain; and the
very first thing he did, on entering the palace, was to make
a memorandum which might lead him, at a leisure moment,
to inquire into the nature of the writings, and the geheral
merits of Sir Cicero, the illustrious namesake of him of
Rome. As soon as this little digression terminated, he
entered the palace, after again expressing the hope that
" Sir Smees" would not fail to accompany " Sir Brown," in
the visit which the functionary fully expected to receive from
the latter, in the course of the next hour or two. The company now began to disperse, and Raoul was soon left to his
own meditations; which, just at that moment, were anything
but agreeable.
The town of Porto Ferrajo is so shut in from the sea by
the rock against which it is built, its fortifications, and the
construction of its own little port, as to render the approach
of a vessel invisible to its inhabitants, unless they choose to
ascend to the heights, and the narrow promenade already
mentioned. This circumstance had drawn a large crowd
upon the hill, again; among which Raoul Yvard now
threaded his way, wearing his sea cap, and his assumed
naval uniform, in a smart, affected manner, for he was fully
sensible of all the advantages he possessed on the score of
personal appearance. His unsettled eye, however, wandered
from one pretty face to another, in quest of Ghita, who alone
was the object of his search, and the true cause of the awkward predicament in which he had brought not only himself,
8





i0             LE FEU-FOLLET.
but le Feu-Follet. In this manner, now thinking of her he
sought, and then reverting to his situation in an enemy's
port, he walked along the whole line of the cliff, scarce
knowing whether to return, or to seek his boat, by doubling
on the town, wnen he heard his own name pronounced in
a sweet voice, which went directly to his heart. Turning
on his heel, Ghita was within a few feet of him.
" Salute me.distantly, and as a stranger," said the girl, in
almost breathless haste, "and point to the different streets,
as if inquiring your way through the town. This is the
place where we met last evening; but, remember, it is no
longer dark."
As Raoul complied with her desire, any distant spectator
might well have fancied the meeting accidental, though he
poured forth a flood of expressions of love and admiration.
" Enough, Raoul," said the girl blushing, and dropping
her eyes, though no displeasure was visible on her serene
and'placid face, "another time I might indulge you. How
much worse is your situation now, than it was last night!
Then you had only the port to fear; now you have both the
people of the port and this strange ship-an Inglese, as they
tell me?"
" No doubt-la Proserpine, Etooell says, and he knows;
you remember Etooell, dearest Ghita, the American who
was with me at the tower-well, he has served in this very
ship, and knows her to be la Proserpine, of forty-four."
Raoul paused a moment; then he added, laughing in a way
to surprise his companion-" Oui-la Proserpine, le Cap'.
taine Sir Brown!"
"What you can find to amuse you in all this, Raoul, is
more than I can discover. Sir Brown, or sir any-body-else,
will send you again to those evil English prison-ships, of
which you have so often told me;. and there is surely nothing
pleasant in that idea."
" Bah! my sweet Ghita, Sir Brown, or Sir White, or Sir
Black, has not yet got me. I am not a child, to tumble
into the fire because the leading-strings are off; and le FeuFollet shines, or goes out, exactly as it suits her purposes.
The frigate, ten to one, will just run close in, and take a
near look, and then square away and go to Livorno, where
there is much more to amuse her officers, than here, in Porto





LE FEU-FOLLET.


87


Ferrajo. This Sir Brown has his Ghita, as well as Raoul
Y vard."
" No, not a Ghita, I fear, Raoul," answered the girl
smiling, spite of herself, while her colour almost insensibly
deepened - " Livorno has few ignorant country girls, like
me, who have been educated in a lone watch-tower on the
coast.".
" Ghita," answered Raoul, with feeling, " that poor lone
watch-tower of thine, might well be envied by many a noble
dame at Roma and at Napoli; for it has left thee innocent
and pure - a gem that gay capitals seldom contain; or, if
found there, not in its native beauty, which they sully by
use."
" What know'st thou, Raoul, of Roma and Napoli, and
of noble dames and rich gems?" asked the girl, smiling,
the tenderness which had filled her heart at that moment
betraying itself in her eyes.,
"What do I know of such things, truly! why, I have
been at both places, and have seen what I describe. I went
to Roma on purpose to see the Holy Father, in order to
make certain whether our French opinions of his character
and infallibility were true, or not, before I set up in religion
for myself."
" And thou didst find him holy and venerable, Raoul,"
interposed the girl, with earnestness and energy, for this
was the great point of separation between them -" I know
thou found'st him thus, and worthy to be the head of an
ancient and true church. My eyes never beheld him; but
this do I know to be true."
Raoul was aware that the laxity of his religious opinions,
opinions that he may be said to have inherited from his
country, as it then existed morally, alone prevented Ghita
from casting aside all other ties, and following his fortunes,
in weal and in woe. Still he was too frank and generous
to deceive, while he had ever been too considerate to strive
to unsettle her confiding and consoling faith. Her infirmity
even, for so he deemed her notions to be, had a charm in
his eyes; few men, however loose or sceptical in their own
opinions on such matters, finding any pleasure in the contemplation of a female infidel; and he had never looked
more fondly into her anxious but lov ly face, than he did at





88


LE FEU-FOLLET.


this very instaht, making his reply with a truth that bordered
on magnanimity.
" Thou art my religion, Ghita!" he said; "in thee I
worship purity, and holiness, and-"
" Nay - nay, Raoul, do not - refrain - if thou really
lov'st me, utter not this frightful blasphemy; tell me, rather,
if thou didst not find the holy father, as I describe him?"
" I found him a peaceful, venerable, and, I firmly believe,
t good old man, Ghita; but only a man. No infallibility.ould I see about him; but a set of roguish cardinals, and
3ther plotters of mischief, who were much better calculated
to set Christians by the ears, than to lead them to Heaven,
surrounded his chair."
"' Say no more, Raoul - I will listen to no more of this.
Thou knowest not these sainted men, and thy tongue is
thine own enemy, w;thout - hark! what means that?"
"' 'T is a gun from the frigate, and must be looked to; say,
when and where do we meet again?"
" I know not, now. We have been too long, much too
long, together, as it is; and must separate. Trust to me to
provide the means of another meeting; at all events, we
shall shortly be in our tower, again."
Ghita glided away as she ceased speaking, and soon disappeared in the town. As for Raoul, he was at a loss, for
a moment, whether to follow or not; then he hastened to
the terrace, in front of the government-house, again, in order
to ascertain the meaning of the gun. The report had drawn
others to the same place, and on reaching it, the young maYN
found himself in another crowd.
By this time the Proserpine, for Ithuel was right as to the
name of the stranger, had got within a league of the entrance
of the bay, and had gone about, stretching over to its eastern
shore, apparently with the intention to fetch fairly into it,
on the next tack. The smoke of her gun was sailing off to
leeward, in a little cloud, and signals were again flying at
her main-royal-mast-head. All this was very intelligible to
Raoul, it being evident, at a glance, that the frigate had
reached in nearer both to look at the warlike lugger that
she saw in the bay, and to communicate more clearly with
her by signals. Ithuel's expedient had not sufficed; the
vigilant Captain Cuffe, alias Sir Brown, who commanded





LE FEU-FOLLE r. o
the Proserpine, not beig a man likely to be mystified by sc
stale a trick. Raoul scarcely breathed, as he watched the
lugger, in anticipation of her course.
Ithuel certainly seemed in no hurry to commit nimself,
for the signal had now been flying oA board the frigate
several minutes, and yet no symptoms of any pieparation
for an answer could be discovered. At length the halyards
moved, and then three fair, handsome flags rose to the end
of ie Feu-Follet's jigger-yard, a spar that was always kept
aloft, in moderate weather. What the signal meant Raoul
did not know, for though he was, provided with signals by
means of which to communicate with the vessels of war of
his own nation, the Directory had not been able to supply
him with those necessary to communicate with the enemyr
Ithuel's ingenuity, however, had supplied the deficiency.
While serving on board the Proserpine, the very ship that
was now menacing the lugger, he had seen a meeting between her and a privateer English lugger, one of the two or
three of that rig which sailed out of England, and his observant eye had noted the flags she had shown on the occasion.
Now as privateersmen are not expected to be expert, or even
very accurate, in the use of signals, he had ventured to
show these very numbers, let it prove for better or worse.
Had he been on the quarter-deck of the frigate, he would have
ascertained through the benedictions bestowed by Captain
Cuffe, that his ruse had so far succeeded as to cause thai
officer to attribute his unintelligible answer to ignorance,
rather than to design. Nevertheless, the frigate did not
seem disposed to alter her course; for, either influenced by
a desire to anchor, or by a determination to take a still
closer look at the lugger, she stood on, nearing the eastern
side of the bay, at the rate of some six miles to the hour.
Raoul Yvard now thought it time to look to the safety of
le Feu-Follet, in person. Previously to landing, he had
given instructions as to what was to be done, in the event
of the frigate's coming close in; but matters now seemed so
very serious, that he hurried down the hill, overtaking Vito
Viti, in his way, who was repairing to the harbour to give
mstructions to certain boatmen concerning the manner in
which the quarantine laws were to be regarded, in an inter
course with a British frigate.
8#





90


LE  FEU-FOLLETo


" You ought to be infinitely happy, at the prospect of
meeting an honourable countryrin, in this Sir Brown,"
observed the short-winded podesti, who usually put himself
out of' breath, both in ascending and descending the steeF
street, ' for he really seems determined to anchor in our
bay, Signor Smees."
" To tell you the truth, Signor Podesta, I wish I was half
as well persuaded that it is Sir Brown, and la Proserpine,
as I was an hour ago. I see symptoms of its being a republican, after all, and must have a care for ze Ving-And.
Ving."
6 The devil carry away all republicans, is my humble
prayer, Signor Capitano; but I can hardly believe that so
graceful and gracious-looking a frigate can possibly belong
to such wretches."
SAh! Signore, if that were all, I fear we should have to
yield the palm to the French," answered Raoul, laughing;
" for the best-looking craft in His Majesty's service are
republican prizes. Even should this frigate turn out to be
the Proserpine, herself, she can claim no better origin. But,
I think the vice-governatore has not done well in deserting
the batteries, since this stranger does not answer our signals
as she should. The last communication has proved quite
unintelligible to him."
Raoul was nearer to the truth than he imagined, perhaps,
for certainly Ithuel's numbers had made nonsense, according
to the signal-book of the Proserpine; but his confident manner had an effect on Vito Viti, who was duped by his seem
ing earnestness, as well as by a circumstance, which, rightly
considered, told as much against, as it did in favour of his
companion.
" And what is to be done, Signore?" demanded the po
desta, stopping short in the street.
t We must do as well as we can, under the circumstances.
My duty is to look out for ze Ving-And-Ving, and yours to
look out for the town. Should the stranger actually enter
the bay, and bring his broadside to bear on this steep hill,
there is not a chamber-window that will not open on the
muzzles of his guns. You will grant me permission to haul
into the inner harbour, where we shall be sheltered by the
buildings from his shot, and then, perhaps, it will be wl.





LE  FEU-FOLLE.T.


91


enough to send my people into the nearest battery. T look
for bloodshed and confusion, ere long."
All this was said with so much apparent sincerity, that it
added to the podesta's mystification. Calling a neighbour
to him, he sent the latter up the hill, with a message to
Andrea Barrofaldi, and then he hurried down towards the
port, it being much easier for him, just at that moment, to
ascend, than to descend. Raoul kept at his side, and together they reached the water's edge.
The podesta was greatly addicted to giving utterance to
any predominant opinion of the moment, being one of those
persons who feel quite as much as they think. On the
present occasion, he did not spare the frigate, for, having
caught at the bait that his companion had so artfully thrown
out to him, he was loud in the expression af his distrust.
All the signalling and showing of colours, he now believed
tc be a republican trick; and precisely in proportion as he
became resentful of the supposed fraud of the ship, was he
disposed to confide blindly in the honesty of the lugger.
This was a change of sentiment in the magistrate; and, as
in the case of all sudden but late conversions, he was in a
humour to compensate for his tardiness, by the excess of his
zeal. In consequence of this disposition, the character and
loquacity of the man, all aided by a few timely suggestions
on the part of Raoul, in five minutes it came to be generally
understood that the frigate was greatly to be distrusted, while
the lugger was to rise in public favour exactly in the degree
in which the other fell. This interposition of Vito Viti's
was exceedingly a propos, so far as le Feu-Follet and her
people were concerned, inasmuch as the examination of,
and intercourse with, the boat's crew, had rather left the
impression of their want of nationality, in a legal sense, than
otherwise. In a word, had not the podesta so loudly and
so actively proclaimed the contrary, Tommaso and his fel.
lows were about to report their convictions that these men
were all bona fide wolves in sheep's clothing-alias, Frenchmen.
" No, no-amici miei," said Vito Viti, bustling about on
the narrow little quay, " all is not gold that glitters, of a
Lertainty; and this frigate is probably no ally, but an enemy.
A very different matter is it with ze Ving-y-Ving, and 11





92


LE FEU-FOLLET.


Signor Smees - we may be said to know him - have seen
his papers, and the vice-governatore and myself have examined him, as it might be, on the history and laws of his
island, for England is an island, neighbours, as well as Elba"
another reason for respect and amity - but we have gone
over much of the literature and history of Inghilterra toge.
ther, and find everything satisfactory and right; therefore
are we bound to show the lugger protection and love."
" Most true, Signor Podesti," answered Raoul, from his
boat; " and such being the case, I hasten to haul my vessel
into the mouth of your basin, which I will defend against
boats, or any attempt of these rascally republicans to land."
Waving his hand, the young sailor pulled quickly out of
the crowded little port, followed by a hundred vivas. Raoul
now saw that his orders had not been neglected. A small
line had been run out from the lugger, and fastened to a
ring in the inner end of the eastern side of the narrow haven,
apparently with the intention of hauling the vessel into the
harbour itself. He also perceived that the light anchor, or
large kedge, by which!e Feu-Follet rode, was under foot, as
seamen term it; or that the cable was nearly " up and down."
With a wave of the hand he communicated a new order,
and then he saw that the men were raising the kedge from
the bottom. By the time his foot touched the deck, indeed,
the anchor was up and stowed, and nothing held the vessel
but the line that had been run to the quay. Fifty pairs of
hands were applied to this line, and the lugger advanced
rapidly towards her place of shelter. But an artifice was
practised to prevent her heading into the harbour's mouth,
the line having been brought inboard abaft her larboard cathead, a circumstance which necessarily gave her a sheer in
the contrary direction, or to the eastward of the entrance.
When the reader remembers that the scale on which the
port had been constructed was small, the entrance scarce
exceeding a hundred feet in width, he will better understand
the situation of things. Seemingly to aid the movement, too,
the jigger was set, and the wind being south, or directly aft.
the lugger's motion was soon light and rapid. As the vesse;
drew nearer to the entrance, her people made a run with
the line, and gave her a movement of some three or four
knots to the hour, actually threatening to dash her bows





LE FEU-FOLLET.                   )3
against the pier.head. But Raoul Yvard contemplated no
such blunder. At the proper moment, the line was cut, the
helm was put a-port, the lugger's head sheered to starboard,
and just as Vito Viti, who witnessed all without comprehending more than half that passed, was shouting his vivas,
and animating all near him with his cries, the lugger glided
past the end of the harbour, on its outside, however, instead
of entering it. So completely was every one taken by surprise, by this evolution, that the first impression was of some
mistake, accident, or blunder of the helmsman, and cries of
regret followed, lest the frigate might have it in her power
to profit by the mishap. The flapping of canvass, notwithstanding, showed that no time was lost, and presently le
Feu-Follet shot by an opening between the warehouses,
under all sail. At this critical instant, the frigate, which
saw what passed, but which had been deceived, like all the
rest, and supposed the lugger was hauling into the haven,
tacked and came round with her head to the westward.
But, intending to fetch well into the bay, she had stretched
so far over towards the eastern shore, as, by this time, to be
quite two miles distant; and as the lugger rounded the promontory close under its rocks, to avoid the shot of the batteries above, she left, in less than five minutes, her enemy
that space directly astern. Nor was this all. It would
have been dangerous to fire, as well as useless, on account
of the range, since the lugger lay nearly In a line between
her enemy's chase guns ana the residence of the vice-governatore. It only remained, therefore, for the frigate to commence what is proverbially "a long chase," viz. a " stern
thase."
All that. has just been related may have occupied ten
minutes; but the news reached Andrea Barrofaldi, and his
counsellors, soon enough to allow them to appear on the
pr(montory in time to see the Ving-y-Ving pass closeunder
the cliffs beneath them, still keeping her English colours
flying. Raoul was visible, trumpet in hand; but as the wind,vas light, his powerful voice sufficed to tell his story.
" Signori," he shouted, " I will lead the rascally republican away from your port, in chase; that will be the most
itectual mode of doing you a service."
These words were heard, and understood, and a murrnu





94


LE FEU-FOLLET


of applause followed, from some, while others t.ought the
whole affair mysterious and questionable. There was no
time to interpose, by acts, had such a couise been contemplated, the lugger keeping too close in to be exposed to shot,
and there being, as yet, no new preparations in the batteries,
to meet an enemy. Then there were the doubts as to the
proper party to assail, and all passed too rapidly to admit
of consultation or preconcert. The movement of le FenFollet was so easy, as to partake of the character of instinct
Her light sails were fully distended, though the breeze was
far from fresh; and, as she rose and fell on the long groundswells, her wedge-like bows caused the water to ripple before
them like a swift current meeting a sharp obstacle in the
stream. It was only as she sunk into the water, in stemming a swell, that anything like foam could be seen under
her fore-foot. A long line of swift-receding bubbles, however, marked her track, and she no sooner came abreast of
any given group of spectators, than she was past it-resembling the progress of a porpoise, as he sports along a harbour.
Ten minutes after passing the palace, or the pitch of the
promontory, the lugger opened another bay, one wider and
almost as deep as that on which Porto Ferrajo stands, and
here she took the breeze without the intervention of any
neighbouring rocks, and her speed was essentially increased.
Hitherto, her close proximity to the shore had partially be.
calmed her, though the air had drawn round the promontory,
making nearly a fair wind of it; but, now, the currents
came fully on her beam, and with much more power. She
hauled down her tacks, flattened in her sheets, luffed, and
was soon out of sight, breasting up to windward of a point
that formed the eastern extremity of the bay last mentioned.
All this time the Proserpine had not been idle. As soon
is she discovered that the lugger was endeavouring to
escape, her rigging was alive with men. Sail after sail was
set, one white cloud succeeding another, until she was a
sheet of canvass, from her trucks to her bulwarks. Her
'ofty sails taking the breeze above the adjacent coast, her
orogress was swift, for this particular frigate had the reputation of being one of the fastest vessels in the English
marine.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


95


It was just t xven'y minutes, by Andrea Barrofaldi's watch,
after le Feu-Follet passed the spot where he stood, when the
Proserpine came abreast of it. Iler greater draught of water
induced her to keep half a mile from the promontory, but
she was so near as to allow a very good opportunity to examine her general construction and appearance, as she went
by. The batteries were now manned, and a consul-ation
was held on the propriety of punishing a republican for
daring to come so near a Tuscan port. But there flew the
respected and dreaded English ensign; and it was still a
matter of doubt whether the stranger were friend or enemy.
Nothing about the ship showed apprehension, and yet she
was clearly chasing a craft which, coming from a Tuscan
harbour, an Englishman would be bound to consider entitled
to his protection, rather than to his hostility. In a word,
opinions were divided, and when that is the case, in matters
of this nature, decision is obviously difficult. Then, if a
Frenchman, she clearly attempted no injury to any on the
island; and those who possessed the power to commence a
fire were fully aware how much the town lay exposed, and
how little benefit might be expected from even a single
broadside. The consequence was, that the few who were
disposed to open on the frigate, like the two or three whc
had felt the same disposition towards the lugger, were restrained in their wishes, not only by the voice of superior
authority, but by that of numbers.
In the meanwhile the Proserpine pressed on, and in ten
minutes more she was not only out of the range, but beyond
the reach of shot. As she opened the bayv west of the town,
le Feu-Follet was. seen from her decks, fully a league ahead,
close on a wind, the breeze hauling round the western end
of the island, glancing through the water at a rate that ren.
dered pursuit more than doubtfiul. Still the ship persevered,
and in little more than an hour from the time she had
crowded sail, she was up with the western extremity of the
hills, though more than a mile to leeward. Here she met
the fair southern breeze, uninfluenced by the land, as it
came through the pass between Corsica and Elba, and got
a clear view of the work before her. The studding-sails
and royals had been taken in, twenty minutes earlier; the
bowlines were now all hauled, and the frigate was brought





yti            LE FEU-FOLL ET.
close upon the wind. Still the chase was evidently hope.
less, the little Feu-Follet having everything as much to her
mind, as if she had ordered the weather expressly to show
her powers. With her sheets flattened in until her canvass
stood like boards, her head looked fully a point to windward
of that of the ship, and, what was of equal importance, she
even went to windward of the point she looked at, while tha
Proserpine, if anything, fell off a little, though but a very
little, from her own course. Under all these differences,
the lugger went through the water six feet to the frigate's
five, beating her in speed almost as much as she did in her
weatherly qualities.
The vessel to windward was not the first lugger, by fifty,
that Captain Cuffe had assisted in chasing, and he knew the
hopelessness of following such a craft, under circumstances
so directly adapted to its qualities. Then he was far from
certain that he was pursuing an enemy at all, whatever
distrust the signals may have excited, since she had clearly
come out of a friendly port. Bastia, too, lay within a few
hours' run, and there was the whole of the east coast of
Corsica, abounding with small bays and havens, in which a
vessel of that size might take refuge, if pressed. After convincing himself, therefore, by half-an-hour's further trial in
open sailing under the full force of the breeze, of the fruit
lessness of his effort, that experienced officer ordered the
Proserpine's helm put up, the yards squared, and he stood
to the northward, apparently shaping his course for Leghorn,
or the Gulf of Genoa. When the frigate made this change
in her course, the lugger, which had tacked some time previously, was just becoming shut in by the western end of
Elba, and she was soon lost to view entirely, with every
prospect of her weathering the island altogether, without
being obliged to go about again.
It was no more than natural that such a chase should
occasion some animation in a place as retired, and ordinarily
as dull, as Porto Ferrajo. Several of the young idlers of the
garrison obtained horses, and galloped up among the hills,
to watch the result; the mountains' being pretty well intersected by bridle-paths, though totally without regular roads.
They who remained in the town, as a matter of course, were
not disposed to let so favourable a subject for discourse die





LE FEU-FOLLET


97


away immediately, for want of a disposition to gossip on
it. Little else was talked of, that day, than the menaced
attack of the republican frigate, and the escape of the lugger.
Some, indeed, still doubted, for every question has its two
sides, and there was just enough of dissent to render the
discussions lively, and the arguments ingenious. Among
the disputants, Vito Viti acted a prominent part. Having.ommitted himself so openly by his "' vivas," and his public
remarks in the port, he felt it due to his own character to
justify all he had said, and Raoul Yvard could not have
desired a warmer advocate than he now had in the podesta.
The worthy magistrate exaggerated the vice-governatore's
knowledge of English, by way of leaving no deficiency in
the necessary proofs of the lugger's national character. Nay,
he even went so far as to affirm that he had comprehended
a portion of the documents exhibited by the " Signor Smees,"
himself; and as to "ze Ving-y-Ving," any one acquainted in
the least with the geography of the British Channel, would
understand that she was precisely the sort of craft that the
semi-Gallic inhabitants of Guernsey and Jersey would be apt
to send forth to cruise against the altogether Gallic inhabitants of the adjacent main.
During all these discussions, there was one heart in Porto
Ferrajo that was swelling with the conflicting emotions of
gratitude, disappointment, joy and fear, though the tongue
of its owner was silent. Of all of her sex in the place, Ghita
alone had nothing to conjecture, no speculation to advance,
no opinion to maintain, nor any wish to express. Still she
listened eagerly, and it was not the least of her causes ot
satisfaction to find that her own hurried interviews with the
handsome privateersman, had apparently escaped observation. At length her mind was fully lightened of its apprehensions, leaving nothing but tender regrets, by the return
of the horsemen from the mountains. These persons reported that the upper sails of the-frigate were just visible in
the no:,rhern board, so far as they could judge even more
ldistat than the island of Capraya, while the lugger had
beaten up a!h~ost as Car to windward as Pianosa, and then
seemid disýposed to stand over towards the coast of Corsica;
doubtless w-iti an intention to molest the commerce of that
hostile island
9         7





U08


LE FEU-FOLLET.


CHAPTER VII.
Ant.-" And, indeed, sir, there are cozeners abroad; therefore i
behoves men to be wary."
Clo. - " Fear not thou, man, thou shalt lose nothing here."
Ant. - "I hope so, sir; for I have about me many parcels of
change."
Winter's Tale.
SuCH was the state. of things at Porto Ferrajo, at noon,
or about the hour when its inhabitants bethought them of
their mid-day meal. With most, the siesta followed, though
the sea air, with its invigorating coolness, rendered that
indulgence less necessary to these islanders, than to most
of their neighbours on the main. Then succeeded the reviving animation of the afternoon, and the return of the
zephyr, or the western breeze. So regular, indeed, are
these changes in the currents of the air, during the summer
months, that the mariner can rely, with safety, on meeting
a light breeze from the southward, throughout the morning,
a calm at noon-the siesta of the Mediterranean -and
the delightfully cool wind from the west, after three or
four o'clock; this last is again succeeded,; at night, by a
breeze directly from the land. Weeks at a time have we
known this order of things to be uninterrupted; and when
the changes did occasionally occur, it was only in the slight
episodes of showers and thunder-storms, of which, however,
Italy has far fewer than our own coast.
Such, then, was the state of Porto Ferrajo, towards the
evening that succeeded this day of bustle and excitement.
The zephyr again prevailed, the idle once more issued
forth for their sun-set walk, and the gossips were collecting
to renew their conjectures, and to start some new point in
their already exhausted discussions, when a rumour spread
through the place, like fire communicated to a train, that
" ze Ving-y-Ving" was once more coming down on the
weather side of the island, precisely as she had approached
on the previous evening; with the confidence of a friend,
and the celerity of a bird. Years had passed since such a





LE FEU-FOLLET.                   90
tumult was awakened in the capital of Elba, Men, women
and children, poured from the houses, and were seen climbing the streets, all hastening to the promenade, as if to satisfy
themselves, with their own eyes, of the existence of some
miracle. In vain did the infirm and aged call on the vigorous and more youthful, -for the customary assistance; they
were avoided like the cases of plague, and were left to hobble
up the terraced street as best they might. Even mothers,
after dragging them at their own sides till fearful of being
too late, abandoned their young in the highway, certain of
finding them rolled to the foot of the declivity, should they
fail of scrambling to its summit. In short, it was a scene
of confusion in which there was much to laugh at, something to awaken wonder, and not a little that was natural.
Ten minutes had not certainly elapsed, after the rumour
reached the lower part of the town, ere two thousand persons
were on the hill, including nearly all the principal personages of the place, 'Maso Tonti, Ghita, and the different
characters known to. the reader. So nearly did the scene
of this evening resemble that of the past, the numbers of the
throng on the hill and the greater interest excepted, that one
who had been present at the former, might readily have
fancied the latter merely its continuation. There, indeed,
was the lugger, under her foresail and mainsail, with the
jigger brailed, coming down wing-and-wing, and glancing
along the glittering sea like the duck sailing towards her
nest. This time, however, the English ehsign was flying
at the end of the jigger-yard, as if in triumph, and the little
craft held her way nearer to the rocks, like one acquainted
with the coast, and fearing no danger. There was a manner
of established confidence in the way in which she trusted
herself under the muzzles of guns that might have destroyed
her in a very few minutes, and no one who saw her approach
could very well believe that she was anything but a known,
as well as a confirmed friend.
1" Would any of the republican rascals, think you, Signor
Andrea," asked Vito Viti, in triumph, "' dare to come into
Porto Ferrajo, in this style; knowing, too, as does this ' Sir
Smees,' the sort of people he will have to deal with! Remember, Vice-governatore, that the man has actually boel





100


LE FEU-FOLLET.


ashore among us, and would not be likely to run his head
into the lion's mouth."
" Thou hast changed thine opinion greatly, neighbour
Vito," answered the vice-governatore, somewhat drily, for
he was far from being satisfied on the subject of Sir Cicero,
and on those of certain other circumstances in English history and politics; "it better becomes magistrates to be
cautious and wary."
" Well, if there be a more cautious and circumspect man
in Elba than the poor podesta of Porto Ferrajo, let him stand
forth, o' God's name, and prove his deeds! I do not esteem
myself, Signor Vice-governatore, as the idlest, or as the
most ignorant man in the Grand Duke's territories. There
may be wiser, among whom I place your eccellenza; but
there is not a more loyal subject, or a more zealous friend
of truth."
" I believe it, good Vito," returned Andrea, smiling kindly
on his old associate, " and have ever so considered thy advice and services. Still, I wish I knew something of this
Sir Cicero; for, to be frank with thee, I have even foregone
my siesta, in searching the b6oks in quest of such a man."
" And do they not confirm every syllable the Signor
Smees has said?"
"So far from it, that I do not even find the name. It is
true, several distinguished orators of that nation are styled
English Ciceroes; but then all people do this, by way of
commendation."
" I do not know that, Signore - I do not know that - it
may happen in our Italy; but would it come to pass, think
you, among remote and so lately barbarous nations as Eng
land, Germany and France?"
"Thou forgettest, friend Viti," returned the vice-governatore, smiling now, in pity of his companion's ignorance and
prejudices, as just before he had smiled in kindness, "that
we Italians took the pains to civilize these people a thou.
sand years ago, and that they have not gone backward all
this time. But there can be no doubt that ' ze Ving-y-Ving'
means to enter our bay again, and there stands the ' Signor
Smees' examining us with a glass, as if he, too, contemplated another interview."
' I Rtr;kes me, Vice-governatore, that it would be a sin





LE FEU-FOLLET.


101


aext to heresy to doubt the character of those who so loyally
put their trust in us. No republican would dare to anchor
in the bay of Porto Ferrajo a second time. Once, it might
possibly be done; but twice? no, never, never."
" I do not know but you are right, Vito, and I am sure I
hope so. Will you descend to the port, and see that the
forms are complied with? Then glean such useful circunmL
stances as you can."
The crowd was now in motion towards the lower part of
the town, to meet the lugger; and at this suggestion the
podesta hurried down, in the throng, to be in readiness to
receive the " Signor Smees," as soon as he should land. It
was thought more dignified and proper for the vice-governatore to remain, and await to hear the report of the supposed
English officer, where he was. Ghita was one of the few,
also, who remained on the heights, her heart now beating
with renewed apprehensions of the dangers that her lover
had again braved on her account, and now nearly overflow.
ing with tenderness, as she admitted the agreeable conviction,
that, had she not been in Porto Ferrajo, Raoul Yvard would
never have incurred such risks.
Ghita delle Torri, or Ghita of the Towers, as the girl was
ordinarily termed by those who knew her, from a circumstance in her situation that will appear as we advance in the
tale, or Ghita Caraccioli, as was her real name, had been
an orphan from infancy. She had imbibed a strength of
character and a self-reliance, from her condition, that might
otherwise have been wanting, in one so young, and of a
native disposition so truly gentle. An aunt had impressed
on her mrnd the lessons of female decorum; and her uncle,
who had abandoned the world on account of a strong religious sentiment, had aided in making her deeply devout, and
keenly conscientious. The truth of her character rendered
her indisposed to the deception which Raoul was practising,
while feminine weakness inclined her to forgive the offence,
in the motive. She had shuddered again and again, as she
remembered how deeply the young sailor was becoming
involved in frauds,-and frauds, too, that might so easily
terminate in violence and bloodshed; and then she had
trembled under the influence of a gentler emotion, as she
remembered that all these risks were run for her. Her
9*





102


LE FEU-FOLLET.


reason had long since admonished her that Raoul Yvard
'md Ghita Caraccioli ought to be strangers to each other;
but her heart told a different story. The present was an
occas!on suited to keeping these conflicting feelings keenly
alive, and, as has been said, when most of the others
hastened down towards the port to be present when the
Wing-And-Wing came in, she remained on the hill, brood.
ing over her own thoughts, much of the time bathed in tears.
But Raoul had no intention of trusting his Jack-o'-Lantern
where it might so readily be extinguished by the hand of
man. Instead of taking shelter against any new roving
republican who might come along, behind the buildings of
the port, as had been expected, he shot past the end of the
quay, and anchored within a few fathoms of the very spot
he had quitted that morning, merely dropping his kedge
under foot, as before. Then he stepped confidently into his
boat, and pulled for the landing.
" Eh. Signor Capitano," cried Vito Viti, as he met his
new protege with an air of cordiality, as soon as the foot of
the latter touched the shore, " we looked for the pleasure
of receiving you into our bosom, as it were, here in the haven.
How ingeniously you led off that sans culotte, this morning!
Ah, the Inglese are the great nation of the ocean, Colombo
notwithstanding! The vice-governatore told me all about
your illustrious female admiral, Elisabetta, and the Spanish
armada; and there was Nelsoni; and now we have Smees!"
Raoul accepted these compliments, both national and personal, in a very gracious manner, squeezing the hand of the
podesta with suitable cordiality and condescension, acting
the great man as if accustomed to this sort of incense from
infancy. As became his public situation, as well as his
character, he proposed paying his duty immediately to the
superior authorities of the island.
" King George, my master," continued Raoul, as he and
Vito Viti walked from the quay towards the residence of
Andrea Barrofaldi, " is particularly pointed on this subject,
with us all, in his personal orders. ' Never enter a port of
one of my allies, Smeet,' he said, the very last time I took
leave of him, ' without immediately hastening with your
inty to the commandant of the place. You never lose any.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


103


thing by being liberal of politeness; and England is too
polished a country to be outdone in these things, by eN en the
Italians, the parents of modern civilization.'"
" You are happy in having such a sovrano, and still more
so in being allowed to approach his sacred person."
" Oh! as to the last, the navy is his pet; he considers us
captains, in particular, as his children. ' Never enter London, my dear Smeet,' he said to me, ' without coming to the
palace, where you will always find a father'-you know he
has one son among us who was lately a captain, as well as
myself."
" San Stefano! and he the child of a great king! I did
not know that, confess, Signore."
" Why, it is a law, in England, that the king shall give
at least one son to the marine. ' Yes,' said his Majesty,
'always be prompt in calling on the superior authorities,
and remember me benevolently and affectionately to them,
one and all, even down to the subordinate magistrates, who
live in their intimacy."
Raoul delighted in playing the part he was now performing, but he was a little addicted to over-acting it. Like all
exceedingly bold and decided geniuses, he was constantly
striding across that step which separates the sublime from
the ridiculous, and consequently ran no small hazard in the
way of discovery. But with Vito Viti he incurred little
risk on this score, provincial credulity and a love of the
marvellous coming in aid of his general ignorance, to render
him a safe depository of anything of this sort that the other
might choose to advance. Vito Viti felt it to be an honour to
converse with a man who, in his turn, had conversed with a
king; and as he puffed his way up the steep ascent again,
he did not fail to express some of the feelings which were
glowing in his breast.
" Is it not a happiness to serve such a prince?" he exclaimed-" nay, to die for him!"
"The latter is a service I have not yet performed," answered Raoul, innocently, " but which may one day well
happen. Do you not think, podesta, that he who lays down
his life for his prince merits canonization?"
" That would fill the calendar too soon, in these wars,
Signor Smees, but I will concede yoa the generals and ad




104


LE FEU-FOLLET


mirals, and other great personages. Si -a general or als
admiral who dies for his sovereign, does deserve to be made
a saint- this would leave these miserable French republicans, Signore, without hope or honour!"
"They are canaille, from the highest to the lcvest, and
can reasonably expect nothing better. If they wisia to be
canonized, let them restore the Bourbons, and put themselves
lawfully in the way of such a blessing. The chase of this
morning, Signor Vito Viti, must, at least, have amused the
town?"
The podesta wanted but this opening to pour out a history
of his own emotions, sensations and raptures. He expatiated
in glowing terms on the service the lugger had rendered the
place by leading off the rascally republicans, showing that he
considered the manceuvre of passing the port, instead of
entering it, as one of the most remarkable of which he had
ever heard, or even read.
'" I defied the vice-governatore to produce an example of
a finer professional inspiration in the whole range of history,
beginning with his Tacitus, and ending with your new English work on Roma. I doubt if the Elder Pliny, or Mark
Antony, or even Caesar, ever did a finer thing, Signore; and
I am not a man addicted to extravagance, in compliments.
Had it been a fleet of vessels of three decks, instead of a
little lugger, Christendom would have rung with the glory
of the achievement!"
" Had it been but a frigate, my excellent friend, the ma.
noeuvre would have been unnecessary. Peste! it is not a
single republican ship that can make a stout English frigate
skulk along the rocks, and fly like a thief at night."
" Ah, there is the vice-governatore walking on his terrace,
Sir Smees, and dying with impatience to greet you. We
will drop the subject, for another occasion, and a bottle of
good Florence liquor."
The reception which Andrea Barrofaldi gave Raoul, was
far less warm than that he received from the podesta, though
it was polite, and without any visible signs of distrust.
" I have come, Signor Vice-governatore," said the priva.
teersman, " in compliance with positive orders from my
master, to pay my respects to you again, and to report mv
arrival once more, in your bay, though th3 cruise made





LE FEU-FO.LET.


10."i


since my last departure has not been so long as an East
India voyage."
" Short as it has been, we should have reason to regret
your absence, Signore, were it not for the admirable proofs
it has afforded us of your resources and seamanship," reurned Andrea with due complaisance. " To own the truth,
when I saw you depart, it was with the apprehension that we
should never enjoy this satisfaction again. But, like your
English Sir Cicero, the second coming may prove even mor
agreeable than the first."
Raoul laughed, and he even had the grace to blush a
ittle; after which he appeared to reflect intensely on some
matter of moment. Smiles struggled round his handsome
mouth, and then he suddenly assumed an air of sailor-like
frankness, and disclosed his passing sensations in words.
" Signor Vice-governatore, I ask the favour of one moment's private conference; Signor Vito Viti, give us leave
a single moment, if you please. I perceive, Signore," continued Raoul, as he and Andrea walked a little aside, " that
you have not easily forgotten my little fanfaronade about
our English Cicero. But what will you have?-we sailors
are sent to sea children, and we know little of books. My
excellent father, Milord Smeet, had me put in a frigate when
I was only twelve, an age at which one knows very little
of Ciceros, or Dantes, or Corneilles, even, as you will
confess. Thus, when I found myself in the presence of a
gentleman whose reputation for learning has reached far
beyond the island he so admirably governs, a silly ambition
has led me into a folly that he finds it hard to forgive. If 1
have talked of names of which I know nothing, it may be a
weakness, such as young men will fall into; but surely it is
no heinous crime."
"You allow, Signore, that there has been no English Sir
Cicero?"
" The truth compels me to say, I know nothing about it.
But it is hard for a very young man, and one, too, that feels
his deficiencies of education, to admit all this to a philosoDher, on a.first acquaintance. It becomes a different thing,
when natural modesty is encouraged by a familiar goodness
of heart; and a day's acquaintance with the Signor Barro.
faldi, is as much as a year with an ordinary man."





10C


LE VEU-FOLLET.


' If this be the case, Sir Smees, 1 can readily understand,
and as willingly overlook what has passed," returned the
vice-gov -rnatore, with a self-complacency that in nothing
fell short of that which Vito Viti had so recently exhibited.
" It must be painful, to a sensitive mind, to feel the deficiencies which unavoidably accompany the want of opportunities for study; and I, at least, can now say how delightful
it is to witness the ingenuousness which admits it. Then,
if England has never possessed a Cicero, in name, doubtless
she has had many in qualifications, after allowing for the
halo which time ever throws around a reputation. Should
your duty often call you this way, Signore, during this
summer, it will add to the pleasure I experience in enjoying
the advantage of your. acquaintance, to be permitted, in some
slight degree, to direct your reading to such works, as, with
a mind like yours, will be certain to lead to profit and pleasure."
Raoul made a suitable acknowledgment for this offer, and
from that moment the best understanding existed between
the parties. The privateersman, who had received a much
better education than he pretended to, and who was a consummate actor, as well as, on certain occasions, a practised
flatterer, determined to be more cautious in future, sparing
his literary conjectures, whatever liberties he might take
with other subjects. And yet this reckless and daring mariner never flattered nor deceived Ghita in anything! With
her he had been all sincerity, the influence he had obtained
over the feelings of that pure-minded girl, being as much the
result of the nature and real feeling he had manifested, as of
his manly appearance and general powers of pleasing. It
would have been, indeed, matter of interesting observation,
for one curious in the study of human nature, to note how
completely the girl's innocence and simplicity of character:,uad extended itself over every act of the young man, that
was any way connected with her, preventing his even feigning that religion which he certainly did not feel, and the
want of which was the sole obstacle to the union he had
now solicited for near a twelvemonth, and which, of all others,
was the object by far the closest to his heart. With Andrea
Barrofaldi, and Vito Viti, and most especially with the hated
English, it was a very different thing, however; arid seldom





LE FEU-FOLL E.I


10I


was Raoul happier, than when he was employed in precisely
such a scene of mystification as that in which he was at
that moment engaged.
The vice-governatore having established relations so cont.
pletely amicable with the ' Signor Smees,' could do no less
than invite his guest to enter the palazzo, along with him.
self and the podesta. As it was yet too light for the sailor
to seek an interview with Ghita, he cheerfully accepted the
offer; making a careful examination of the whole of the
northern margin of the sea, from his elevated position, how
ever, before he crossed the threshold. This little delay, on
Raoul's part, enabled the podesta to have a passing word
with his friend unobserved.
"You have found 'Sir Smees,' " said Vito Viti, with
earnestness, "all that your wisdom and prudence could
desire, I trust? For my part, I consider him a most interesting youth; one destined, at some future time, to lead fleets,
and dispose of the fortunes of nations."
"He is more amiable, and even better informed, than I
had thought, neighbour Vito Viti. He gives up his Sii
Cicero with a grace that causes one regret it was necessary;
and, like yourself, I make no doubt of his becoming an illustrious admiral, in time. It is true, his father, 'Milordo
Smees,' has not done justice to his education; but it is not
too late, yet, to repair that evil. Go, desire him to enter;
for I am impatient to draw his attention to certain works
that may be useful to one in his line of life."
At this suggestion the podesta returned to the door, in
order to usher the imaginary Guernsey-man into the residence. He found Raoul still standing on the entrance,
examining the sea. There were two or three coasters,
ibluccas, as usual, stealing along the coast, in the Italian
fashion, equally afraid of the barbarians of the south shc re,
and of the French of the north. All these would have been
good prizes; but, to do the privateersman justice, he was
little in the habit of molesting mariners of so low a class.
There was one felucca, however, that was just rounding the
promontory, coming in from the north; and with the people
of this craft he determined to have some communication as
soon as he returned to the port, with a view to ascertain if
she had fallen in with the frigate  Just as he had come to





L08


LE FEU-FOLLET..his resolution, the podesta joined him, and he was ushered
into the house.
It is unnecessary to give the discourse which succeeded.
It related more to literature and matters in general, than to
anything connected with our tale, the worthy vice-governatore being disposed to reward the ingenuousness of the young
sailor, by furnishing him as much instruction as the time
and circumstances would allow. Raoul bore this very well,
waiting patiently for the light to disappear, when he felt a
perfect confidence of again meeting Ghita on the promenade.
As he had discovered how much more safety there was in
diffidence than in pretension, he found his task of deception
comparatively easy; and by letting the vice-governatore
have his own way, he not only succeeded in gaining that
functionary over to a full belief in his assumed nationality,
but in persuading him to believe the ' Signor Smees' a young
man of even more erudition than he had at first supposed.
By means as simple and natural as these, Raoul made more
progress in the. good graces of Andrea Barrofaldi, in the
next two hours, than he could have done in a year, by
setting up his own knowledge and reading as authority.
There is little doubt that the vice-governatore found this
interview agreeable, from the time he was disposed to waste
on it; and, it is certain, Raoul thought it some of the hardest
duty in which he had ever been engaged. As for Vito Viti,
he was edified, and he did not care to conceal it, giving frequent manifestations of his satisfaction, by expressions of
delight; occasionally venturing a remark, as if expressly to
betray his own ignorance.
" I have often known you great, vice-governatore," he
cried, when Andrea had closed a dissertation on the earlier
history of all the northern nations, which lasted fully halfan-hour, " but never so great as you are to-night! Signore
you have been most illustrious, this evening! Is it not so,
Signor Smees? Could any professor of Pisa, or even of
Padua, do more justice to a subject, than we have seen done
to this to which we have been listening?"
"Signor Podesta," added Raoul, " but one feeling has
prevailed, in my mind, while attending to what has been
said; and that has been deep regret that my profession has
zut me off from all these rich stores of profound thought.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


105


But it is permitted us to admire that even which we cannot
imitate."
" Quite true, Signori," answered Andrea, with gentle
benevolence, " but with dispositions like yours, Sir Smees,
it is not so very difficult to imitate what we admire. I will
write out a list of works, which I would recommend to your
perusal; and, by touching at Livorno, or Napoli, you will
obtain all the books at reasonable prices. You may expect
to see the list on your breakfast-table to-morrow morning,
as I shall not sleep until it is completed."
Raoul gladly seized upon this promise as a hint to depart,
and he took his leave with suitable acknowledgments of
gratitude and delight. When he got out of the palazzo
however, he gave a long, low whistle, like a man who felt
he had escaped from a scene in which persecution had beer
a little lightened by the ridiculous, and uttered a few curses
on the nations of the north, for being so inconsiderate as to
have histories so much longer and more elaborate than he
conceived to be at all necessary. All this passed as he
hastened along the promenade, which he found deserted,
&every human being having apparently left it. At length he
thought he perceived a female form some distance ahead of
him, and in a part of the walk that was never much frequented. Hastening towards it, his-quick eye discerned the
person of her he sought, evidently waiting for his approach.
"Raoul," exclaimed Ghita, reproachfully, " in what. will
these often-repeated risks finally end? When so fairly and
cleverly out of the harbour of Porto Ferrajo, why did you
not possess the prudence to remain there?"
" Thou know'st the reason, Ghita, and why ask this
question? San Nettuno! was it not handsomely done; and
is not this brave vice-governatore rarely mystified!-I sometimes think, Ghita, I have mistaken my vocation, which
should have been that of a diplomate."
" And why a diplomate, in particular, Raoul - thou art
too honest to deceive long, whatever thou may'st do on an
occasion like this, and in a pressing emergency."
" Why? -but, no matter. This Andrea Barrofaldi, and
this Vito Viti, will one day know why. And now to our
business, Ghita, since le Feu-Follet cannot always decorate
the bay of Porto Ferrajo."
10





110


LE FEU-FOLLET.


"True," interrupted the girl, " and I have come for no
other purpose than to say as much myself. My dear uncle
has arrived, and he intends to sail for the Torri with the first
felucca."
" There! - this has done more to make me believe in a
Providence, than all the preaching of all the padri of Italy!
Here is the lugger to take the place of the felucca, and we
can sail this very night. My cabin shall be yours entirely
and with your uncle for a protector, no one can raise an
evil tongue against the step."
Ghita, to own the truth, expected this very offer, which,
agreeable as it was, her sense of propriety would certainly
have prevented her from accepting, but for one consideration: it might be made the means of getting Raoul out of
an enemy's port; and, in so much, out of harm's way. This,
with one of her affectionate heart, was an object to which
she would have sacrificed appearances of even a graver
character. We do not wish the reader, however, to get a
false impression of this girl's habits and education. Although
the latter, in many particulars, was superior to that received
by most young women of her class in life, the former were
simple, and suited to her station, as well as to the usages of
her country. She had not been brought up with that severe
restraint which regulates the deportment of the young Italian
females of condition, perhaps, in a degree just as much too
severely, as it leaves the young American too little restrained; but she had been taught all that decorum and
delicacy required, either for the beautiful or the safe; and
her notions inculcated the inexpediency, if not the impropriety, of one in her situation taking a passage in a privateer
at all, and particularly so in one commanded by an avowed
lover. But, on the other hand, the distance between Poito
Ferrajo and the Towers, was only about fifty miles, and a
few hours would suffice to place her in safety beneath her
own roof; and, what was of more importance, in her view,
just then, Raoul in safety along with her. On all this had
she pondered, and she was consequently prepared with an
answer to the proposal that had just been made.
" If my uncle and myself could accept this generous offer
when would it be convenient for you to sail, Raoul?" the





LEB FEU-FOLLET.


11I


girl demanded; " we have now been absent longer than we
intended, and longer than we ought."
"< Within an hour, if there were any wind. But you see
how it is, Ghita-the zephyr has done blowing, and it now
seems as if every fan of Italy had gone to sleep. You can
depend on our sailing the instant it shall be in our power.
At need, we will use the sweeps."
" I will, then, see my uncle, and mention to him that there
is a vessel about to sail, in which we had better embark.
Is it not odd, Raoul, that he is profoundly ignorant of your
being in the bay? He gets more and more lost to things
around him every day, and I do believe he does not recollect
that you command an enemy's vessel half the time."
" Let him trust to me; he shall never have occasion to
know it, Ghita."
" We are assured of that, Raoul. The generous manner
in which you interposed to save us from the corsair of the
Algerines, which began our acquaintance, and for which we
shall always have occasion to bless you, has made peace
between you and us, for ever. But for your timely succour,
last summer, my -uncle and myself would now have been
slaves with barbarians!"
" That is another thing that inclines me to believe in a
Providence, Ghita! Little did I know, when rescuing you
and your good kinsman from the boat of the Algerine, who I
was saving. And yet, you see how all has come to pass, and
that in serving you I have merely been serving myself.."
"Would that thou could'st learn to serve that God, who
disposes of us all at his holy pleasure!" murmured Ghita,
tears forcing themselves to her eyes, and a convulsive effort
alone suppressing the deep emotion with which she uttered
the words; " but we thank thee again and again, Raoul, as
the instrument of his mercy, in the affair of the Algerine,
and are willing to trust to thee now, and always. It will be
easy to induce my uncle to embark; but, as he knows thy
real character, when he chooses to recollect it, I hardly
think it will do to say with whom. We must arrange. an
hour, and a place to meet, when I will see to his being there,
and in readiness."
Raoul and Ghita next discussed the little details; a place
of rendezvous without the town, a short distance below the





112


LE FEU-FOLLET.


wine-house of Benedetta, being Selected, in preference to
choosing one that would necessarily subject them to observation. This portion of the arrangements was soon settled,
and then Ghita thought it prudent to separate. In this proposal her companion acquiesced with a better grace than he
might have done, had he not the girl's assurance of meeting
him within an hour, in order that everything might be ready
for a sta t, with the first appearance of wind.
SWhen left alone, Raoul bethought him that Ithuel and
Filippo were on shore, as usual; the New-Hampshire man
consenting to serve only on condition of being allowed to
land; a privilege he always abused by driving a contraband
trade, on occasions like the present. So great was the fellow's dexterity in such matters, that Raoul, who disdained
smuggling, while he thought himself compelled to wink at it
in others, had less apprehensions of his committing the lugger,
than he might have felt in the case of one less cunning.
But it was now necessary to get these two men off, or abandon them; and fortunately remembering the name of Lhe
wine-house where they had taken their potations the previous
night, he repaired to it without delay, luokily finding Ithuel
and his interpreter deep in the discussion of another flask of
the favourite Tuscan beverage. 'Maso and his usual companions were present also, and there being nothing unusual
in the commander of an English ship of war's liking good
liquor, Raoul, to prevent suspicion, drew a chair, and asked
for his glass. By the conversation that followed, the young
privateersman felt satisfied that, though he might have succeeded in throwing dust into the eyes of the vice-governatore and the podesta, these experienced old seamen still
distrusted his character. It was so unusual a thing for a
French frigate, while it was so usual for an English frigate,
to be standing along the coast, near in, that these mariners,
wvho were familiar with all such matters, had joined this
c:rcumstance to the suspicious signs about the lugger, and
were strongly disposed to believe the truth concerning both
vessels. To all this, however, Raoul was more indifferent
han he might have been, but for the arrangement to sail so
soon. He took his wine, therefore, with apparent indiffe.
rence, and, in proper season, withdrew, carrying with him
fthuel and the Genoese.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


113


CHAPTER VIII.
"Within our bay, one stormy night,
The isle's men saw boats make for shore,
With here and there a dancing light
That flash'd on man and oar.
When hailed, the rowing stopp'd, and all was dark.
Ha! lantern work! - We '11 home! They're playing shark "
DANA.
IT was dark when Raoul quitted the government-house,
leaving Andrea Barrofaldi and Vito Viti, in the library of
the former. No sooner was the young seaman's back
turned, than the vice-governatore, who was in a humour to
display his acquirements, resumed a discussion that he had
found so agreeable to his self-esteem.
" It is easy to see, good Vito Viti, that this young Inglese
is a gentleman of noble birth, though not of a liberal education," he said; " doubtless, his father, Milordo Smees, has
a large family, and the usages of England are different from
those of Italy, in respect to birth-right. There, the eldest
son, alone, inherits the honours of the family, while the
cadets are put into the army and navy, to earn new distinctions. Nelsoni is the son of a priest, I hear-"
"Cospetto! of a padre! Signor Vice-governatore," inter
rupted the podesta-" it is most indecent to own it. A priest
must be possessed of the devil, himself, to own his issue;
though issue he may certainly have."
" There, again, good Vito, it is different with the Luteram
and us Catholics. The priests of England, you will please
to remember, marry, while ours do not."
"I should not like to be shrived by such a padre! -The
man would be certain to tell his wife all I confessed; and
the saints could only say what would be the end on 't.
Porto Ferrajo would soon be too hot to hold an honest mansy, or even an honest woman, in the bargain."
"But the Luterani do not confess, and are never shiived
at all, you will remember."
10                 8





114


LE FEU-FOLLET.


"San Stefano!- How do they expect, then, ever to get.o heaven?"
" I will not answer that they do,. friend Vito-and we are
certain, that if they have such expectations, they must be
most treacherous to them. But, talking of this Sir Smees,
you perceive in his air and manner, the finesse of the AngloSaxon ract; which is a people altogether distinct from the
ancient Gauls, both in history and characters.  Pietro
G iannone, in his Storia Civile del Regno di Napoli, speaks
of the Normans, who were a branch of these adventurers,
with great interest and particularity; and I think I can trace,
in this youth, some of the very peculiarities that are so admirably delineated in his well-told, but too free, writings.Well, Pietro; I was not speaking of thee, but of a namesake
of thine, of the family of Giannona, an historian of Naples,
of note and merit-what is thy will?"
This question was put to a servant, who entered at that
moment, holding in his hand a piece of paper, which he
desired to lay before his master.
"A cavaliere is without, Signor Andrea,. who asks the
honour of an audience, and who sends in his name, as your
eccellenza will find it on this paper."
The vice-governatore took the slip of paper, and -read
aloud; " Edward Griffin, tenente della marina Inglesa."
SAh! here is an officer sent from ' ze Ving-y-Ving', with
some communication, friend Vito; it is fortunate you are
still here, to hear what he has to say. Show the lieutenant
m, Pietro."
One who understood Englishmen better than Andrea
B1arrofaldi, would have been satisfied, at a glance, that he
who now entered was really a native of that country. He
was a young man of some two or three and twenty, of a
ruddy, round, good-natured face, wearing an undress coat
of the service to which he professed to belong, and whose
whole air and manner betrayed his profession, quite as much
as his country. The salutations he uttered were in very
"espectable Italian, familiarity with the language being the
precise reason why he had been selected for the errand on
which he had come. After these salutations he put a piece
of parchment into Andrea's hand, remarking




LE FEU-FOLLET.


115


1' If you read English, Signore, you will perceive y that
commission I am the person I represent myself to be."
" Doubtless, Signor Tenente, you belong to ze Ving-yVing, and are a subordinate of Sir Smees?"
The young man looked surprised, and, at the same time,
half disposed to laugh; though a sense of decorum suppressed
the latter inclination.
" I belong to His Britannic Majesty's ship Proserpine
Signore," he drily answered, "and know not what yo
mean by the Ving-y-Ving. Captain Cuffe, of that ship,
the frigate you saw off your harbour this morning, has sent
me down in the felucca that got in this evening, to communicate intelligence concerning the lugger, which we chased to
the southward about nine o'clock, but which, I see, is again
snug at her anchor in this bay. Our ship was lying behind
Capraya, when I left her, but will be here to take me off,
and to hear the news, before daylight, should the wind ever
blow again."
Andrea Barrofaldi and Vito Viti stared, and that, too, as
if a messenger had come from the lower regions to summon
them away for their misdeeds. Lieutenant Griffin spoke
unusually good Italian, for a foreigner; and his manner of
proceeding was so straight-forward and direct, as to carry
with it every appearance of truth.
"You do not know what I mean by ze Ving-y-Ving?"
demanded the vice-governatore, with emphasis.
" To be frank with you, I do not, Signore. Ving-y-Ving
is not English; nor do I know that it is Italian."
Mr. Griffin lost a good deal of ground by this assertion,
which implied a doubt of Andrea's knowledge of foreign
tongues.
"You say, Signor Tenente, if I comprehend your mean.
ing, that Ving-y-Ving is not English?"
"Indeed I do, sir; at least, no English that I have eve
heard spoken, at sea or ashore; and we seamen have a language of our own."
" Will you, then, permit me to ask you what is the translation of ala e ala; word for word."
The lieutenant paused a moment, and pondered. Then he
laughed involuntarily, checking himself almost immediately
% ith an air of respect and gravity.





116


LE FEU-FOLLET.


"I believe I now understand you, Signor Vice-goi (&:Ln
tore," he said; " we have a sea-phrase something like thi.,
to describe a fore-and-aft vessel with her sails swinging off
on both sides; but we call it wing-and-wing."
" Si, Signore - ving-y-ving. Such is the name of the
lugger of your king, that now lies in our bay."
" Ah! we thought as much, Signori; the scoundrel has
deceived you, as he has done a hundred before you, and
will do to a hundred, again, unless we catch him to-night.
The lugger is a celebrated French privateer, that we have
six cruisers in chase of at this moment, our own ship included. She is called le Feu-Follet, which is not Wing-AndWing, but Will-o'-the-Wisp, or Jack-o'-Lantern, in English;
and which you, in Italian, would call il Fuoco Fatuo. Her
commander is Raoul Yvard, than whom, there is not a
greater desperado sailing out of France; though it is ad.
mitted that the fellow has some good - nay, some noble
qualities."
At every word uttered by the lieutenant, a page of history
was blotted out from the memory of his listener. The vicegovernatore had heard the name of Raoul Yvard, and even
that of le Feu-Follet, which the malignancy.of a bitter war
had blackened nearly to the hues of piracy. The thought
that he had been the dupe of this corsair-nay, that he had
actually been entertaining him with honours.and hospitality,
within an hour, was nearly too much for his philosophy.
Men do not often submit to such humiliating sensations without a struggle; and before he would, or could, accord full
credence to what was now told him, it was natural to oppose
the objections that first offered.
" All this must be a mistake," observed the vice-governatore; " there are English, as well as French luggers; and
this is one of the former. Her commander is a noble
English gentleman, a son of Milordo Smees; and though
his education has been,, in a trifling degree, neglected, he
shows his origin and national character in -all he says and
does. Ze Ving-y-Ving is commanded by Sir Smees, a young
officer of merit, as you must have seen, yourself, Signore, by
his evolutions this very morning. Surely, you have heard
of II Capitano Sir Smees, the son of Milordo Smees!"
" We do not deny that his escape, this morning, was a





LE FEU-FOILLE I.


Ii7


clever thing, vice-governatore, for the fellow is a shaman,
every inch of him; and he is as brave as a lion: but, then,
he is as impudent as a beggar's dog. There is no Sir Smees,
nor any Sir Any-Body else, in command of any of our lug.
gers, anywhere. In the Mediterranean, we have no cruisex
of this rig at all; and the two or three we have elsewhere,
are commanded by old sea-dogs, who have been brought up
in that sort of craft. As for Sirs, they are scarce out here,
though the battle of the Nile has made a few of them, for
the navy. Then you'll not often meet with a nobleman's
son in a clipper like this, for that sort of gentry generally go
from a frigate's quarter-deck into a good sloop, as commander, and after a twelvemonth's work, or so, in the small
one, into a fast frigate again, as a post-captain."
Much of this was gibberish to Andrea Barrofaldi, but
Griffin being exclusively naval, he fancied every one ought
to take the same interest as he did himself, in all these mat.
ters. But, while the vice-governatore did not understand
more than half of the other's meaning, that half sufficed to
render him exceedingly uneasy. The natural manner of
the lieutenant, too, carried conviction with it, while all the
original impressions against the lugger were revived by his
statements.
" What say you, Signor Vito Viti?" demanded Andrea;
"( you have been present at the interviews with Sir Smees."
" That we have been deceived by one of the most oilytongued rogues that ever took in honest men, if we have
been deceived at all, vice-governatore. Last evening, I would
have believed this; but since the escape and return of the
lugger, I could have sworn that we had an excellent friend
and ally in our bay."
1" You had your signals, Signor Tenente; and that is proof
pf amity and understanding."
" We made our number, when we saw the lugger with
an English ensign set, for we did not suppose a Frenchman
would be quietly lying in a Tuscan port; but the answer we
got was nonsense; and then we remembe' ed to have heard
that this Raoul Yvard was in the habit of playing such
tricks, all along the Italian coast. Once on the scent, we
were not the men to be easily thrown off it. You saw the
thase, and know the result."





116


LL FEU-FOLLET.


" There must be some error in all this! Would it not uo
well, Signore, to see the commander of the lugger-or to go
on board of her, and satisfy yourself, with your own eyes,
of the truth or falsehood of your surmises ' Ten minutes
might clear up everything."
" Your pardon, Signor Vice-governatore; were I to trust
myself on board le Feu-Follet, I might remain a prisonei
until a peace was made; and I have yet two steps to gain,
before I can afford that risk. Then, as to letting Yvard
know of my presence here, it would just give him the alarm,
and cause us to lose the bird, before we can spring the net.
My orders are positive, not to let any one but the authorities
of the island, know of my visit, or its object. 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 '11 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. All I ask is to be permitted to make
night-signals, for which I am prepared, as soon as the frigate
approaches, and that you will throw all the delays, by means
of forms and permits, in the way of the Frenchman's sailing,
until to-morrow morning. We will answer for the rest."
" I should think there would be but little danger of the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


1.19


lugger's departing in the night, Signor Tenente, Ler commander rather expressing an intention of passing several
days with us; and it is this ease and confidence of his,
which causes me to think he cannot be the person you take
him for. Why shoilld Raoul Yvard and le Feu-Follet come
into Porto Ferrajo at all?"
" No one knows: it is the man's habit; and doubtless he
nas reasons for it. 'T is said, he has even been in at
Gibraltar; and it is certain, he has cut several valuable
store-ships out of our convoys. There is an Austrian load.
ing with iron, I perceive, in the harbour; probably he is
waiting for her to fill up, and finds it easier to watch her at
an anchor, than by lying outside."
"You naval gentlemen have ways known only to yourselves; and all this may be so; but it seems an enigma to
me. Have you any other proofs of your own character,
Signor Tenente, than the commission you have shown me?
for Sir Smees, as I have been taught to call the commander
of the lugger, has one too, that has an air of as much authenticity as this you have shown; and he wears quite as
English-looking a uniform: how am I to judge between
you?"
" That difficulty has been foreseen, Signor Vice-governatore, and I come well provided with the necessary proofs. I
handed you my commission, as that is a document, which,
if wanting, might throw a distrust on all other proofs. But,
here is a communication from your superior, at Florence,
recommending us to the kindness of the authorities of all the
Tuscan ports; which you will readily understand. Captain
Cuffe has furnished me with other proofs; which you can
look over at your leisure."
Andrea Barrofaldi now set about a cautious and deliberate examination of all the papers shown him. They proved
to be of a nature to remove every doubt; and it was not
possible to distrust the party that presented them. This
was a great deal towards convicting the Signor Smees of
imposition, though both the vice-governatore and the podesta
were of opinion that Captain Cuffe might yet be mistaken,
as to the identity of the lugger.
"It is impossibie, Signori," answered the lieutenant;
WVe know every English cruiser in these seas, by name





120


LE FEU-FOLLET.


and description, at least, and most of them by sight. This
is none; and everything about her, particularly her sailing,
betrays her real name. We hear there is a man in her who
once belonged to our own ship, a certain Ithuel Bolt--
" Cospetto!" exclaimed the podesta-- Then we must set
down this Sir Smees, after all, for an arrant rogue; for Ltia
is the very man we met at Benedetta's, the past night. A n
Americano, Signor Tenente, is he not?"
" Why, the fellow pretends to be some such thing,
answered the young man, colouring, for he was loth to confess the wrong that had been done the deserter; " but half
the British seamen one falls in with, now-a-days, call themselves Americans, in order to escape serving His Majesty.
I rather think this rascal is a Cornish, or a Devonshire-man;
he has the twang and the nasal sing-song of that part of the
island. If an American, however, we have a better right to
him than the French; speaking our language, and being
descended from a common ancestry, and having a common
character, it is quite unnatural for an American to serve any
but the English."
" I did not know that, Vice-governatore! - I thought the
Americani a very inferior sort of people to us Europeans,
generally; and that they could scarcely claim to be our
equals, in any sense."
" You are quite right, Signor Podesta," said the lieutenant,
briskly; " they are all you think them; and any one can
see that at a glance. Degenerate Englishmen, we call them,
in the service."
"And yet you take them, occasionally, Signor Tenente;
and, as I understand from this Ithuello, frequently contrary
to their wishes, and by force," drily observed Andrea Barrofaldi.
" How can we help it, Signore; the king has a right to;
and he has need of the services of all his own seamen; and,
in the hurry of impressing, we sometimes make a mistake.
Then, these Yankees are so like our own people, that I would
defy the devil himself to tell them apart."
The Vice-governatore thought there was something contradictory in all this; and he subsequently said as much to
his friend, the podesta; but the matter went no farther, at
-he moment, most probably because he ascertairled that the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


121


young lieutenant was only using what might be termed a
national argument; the English government constantly protesting that it was impossible to distinguish one people from
the other, quoad this particular practice; while nothing was
more offensive, to their eyes, in the abstract, than to maintain
any affinity in appearance or characteristics.
The result of the discussion, notwithstanding, was to make
the two Italians reluctant converts to the opinion of the Englishman, that the lugger was the dreaded and obnoxious
Feu-Follet. Once convinced, however, shame, revenge and
mortification, united with duty to quicken their exertions,
and to render them willing assistants in executing the schemes
of Captain Cuffe. It was, perhaps, fortunate for Raoul and
his associates, tLat the English officers had so strong a desire,
as Griffin expressed it, "to take the lugger alive;" else
might she have been destroyed where she lay, by removing
a gun or two. from its proper embrasure, and planting them
behind some natural ramparts among the rocks. The night
was dark, it is true, but not so much so as to rendera vessel
sufficiently distinct, at the short distance at which le FeuFollet lay; and a cannonade would have been abundantly
certain.
When all parties were of a mind, as to the true character
of the little craft in the bay, a consultation was had on the
details of the course proper to be pursued. A window of
the government-house, that looked towards the direction of
Capraya, or that in which the Proserpine was expected to
arrive, was assigned to Griffin. The young man took his
station at it about midnight, in readiness to burn the bluelights with which he was provided, the instant he should
discern the signals of his ship. The position of this window
was well adapted to the desired object, inasmuch as the
lights could not be seen from the town, while they were
plainly open to the sea. The same was essentially true as
to the signals of the frigate, the heights interposing between
her and the houses; and there being a still greater physical
impossibility that anything lying in the bay, should discover
an object at sea, on the northern side of the promontory.
In this manner, then, did hour after hour pass away, a
light land-breeze blowing, but coming so directly into the
bay, as to induce Raoul not to lift hNs kedge. Ghita, and
11





1.22


LE  FEU-FOLiL. T.


her uncle, Carlo Giuntotardi, had come off about ten; but
there were still no signs of movement on board the lugger.
To own the truth, Raoul was in no hurry to sail, for the
longer his departure was protracted, the longer would he
have the happiness of retaining the lovely girl on board; and
the zephyr of the succeeding day would be almost certain to
carry le Feu-Follet up to the island-like promontory of Monte
Argentaro, the point where stood the watch-towers of which
Carlo was the keeper, and in one of which he resided.
Under the circumstances, therefore, it is not surprising that
the rising of the land-breeze was overlooked, or at least
disregarded; and that Raoul sat conversing with Ghita on
deck, until long past midnight, ere he allowed her to seek
her little cabin, where everything had been properly arranged
for her reception. To own the truth, Raour was so confident of having completely mystified all on shore, that he
felt no apprehensions from that quarter; and, desirous of
prolonging his present happiness as much as possible, he had
very coolly determined not to sail until the southerly air of
the morning should come; which, as usual, would just suffice
to carry him well into the canal, when the zephyr would do
the rest. Little did this hardy adventurer suspect what had
occurred on shore, since he quitted it; nor was he at all
aware that Tommaso Tonti was at watch in the harbour,
ready to report the slightest indication, on the part of the
lugger, of a wish to quit the bay.
But, while Raoul was so indifferent to the danger he ran,
the feeling was quite the reverse with Ithuel Bolt. The
Proserpine was the bane of this man's life; and he not only
hated every stick, and every timber in her, but every officer
and man who was attached to her-the king, whose colours
she wore, and the nation whose interests she served. An
active hatred is the most restless of all passions; and this
feeling rendered Ithuel keenly alive to every chance which
might still render the frigate dangerous to the lugger. He
thought it probable the former would return in quest of her
enemy; and, expressly with a view to this object, when he
turned in, at nine, he left orders t, be called at two, that he
might be on the alert in season,
Ithuel was no sooner awoke, than he called two trusty
wen, whom he had prepared for the purpose, entered a light





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  1 i
boat that was lying in readiness, on the offside of the lugger,
and pulled with muffled oars towards the eastern part of the
bay. When sufficiently distant from the town to escape
observation, he changed his course, and proceeded directly
out to sea. Half an hour sufficed to carry the boat as far
as Ithuel deemed necessary, leaving him about a mile from
the promontory, and so far to the westward, as to give him
fair view of the window at which Griffin had taken post.
The first occurrence out of the ordinary course of things
that struck the American, was the strong light of a lamp
shining through an upper window of the government-housenot that at which the lieutenant was posted, but one above
it-and which had been placed there expressly as an indication to the frigate, that Griffin had arrived, and was actively
on duty. It Wvas now two o'clock, or an hour or two
before the appearance of light, and the breeze off the adjoining continent was sufficiently strong to force a good sailing
vessel, whose canvass had been thickened by the damps of
night, some four knots through the water; and as Capraya
was less than thirty miles from Porto Ferrajo, abundant
time had been given to the Proserpine to gain her offing;
that ship having come from behind her cover, as soon as the
sun had set, and the haze of evening settled upon the sea.
Ithuel, usually so loquacious and gossiping, in his moments
of leisure, was silent and observant when he had anything
serious on hand. His eye was still on the window in which
the lamp was visible, the pure olive oil that was burning in
At throwing out a clear, strong flame; when suddeply a blue
light flashed beneath the place; and he got a momentary
glimpse of the body of the man who held it, as he leaned
forward from another window. The motion which now
turned his head sea-ward, was instinctive; it was just in
time to let him detect a light descending apparently into the
water, like a falling star; but which, in fact, was merely a
signal lantern of the Proserpine, coming rapidly down from
the end of her gaff.
" Ah! d-   n you," said Ithuel, grating his teeth, and
shaking his fist in the direction o' the spot where this transient gleam of brightness had disappeared -"I know you,
and your old tricks, with your lanterns and night-signals.
Here goes the answer."





j24


LE FEU-FOLLET.


As he said this, he touched a rocket, of which he had
several in the boat, with the lighted end of the segar he had
been smoking, and it went hissing up into the air; ascending
so high as to be piainly visible from the deck of le Feu-Follet,
before it exploded. Griffin saw this signal with wonder;
the frigate noted it witn embarrassment; for it was far to
seaward of the lamp; and even 'Maso conceived it necessary
to quit his station, in oraer to report the circumstance to the
colonel, whom he was to call, in the event of any unusual
occurrence. The common impression, however, among all
these parties was, that a second cruiser had come through
the canal, from the soutnward, in the course of the night,
and that she wished to nomuy the Proserpine of her position,
probably expecting to meet that ship off the island.
On board le Feu-Follet tht: effect was different. The landbieeze of Italy is a side-wnd to vessels quitting the bay of
Porto-Ferrajo; and two minutes after the rocket exploded,
the lugger was gliding almost imperceptibly, and yet at the
rate of a knot or two, under her jigger and jib, towards the
outer side of the port, or along the very buildings past which
she had brushed the previous' day. This movement was
made at the critical instant wnen 'Maso was off his watch;
and the ordinary sentinels or the works had other duties to
attend to. So light was this little vessel, that a breath of
air set her in motion, and nothing was easier than to get three
or four knots out of her in smooth water, especially when
she opened the comparatively vast folds of her two principal
luggs. This she did, when close under the citadel, or out
of sight of the town, the sentinels above hearing the flaps of
her canvass, without exactly understanding whence they
came. At this instant Ithuel let off a second rocket, and
the lugger showed a light on her starboard bow, so concealed,
however, on all, sides but one, as. to be visible only in the
direction of the boat. As this was done, she put her helm
hard down, and hauled her fore-sheet over flat to windward.
Five minutes later, Ithuel had reached her deck; and the
boat was hauled in as if it had been inflated silk. Deceived
by the second rocket, the Proserpine now made her number
with regular signal lanterns, with the intention of obtaining
that of the stranger; trusting that the promontory would
conceal it from the vessels in the bay. This told Raoul the





LE FEU-FOLLET                   I)
prccise position of his enemy; and he was not sorry to see
that he was already to the westward of her; a fact that
permitted him to slip round the island again, so near in as
to be completely concealed by the back-ground of cliffs.
By the aid of an excellent night-glass, too, he was enabled
to see the frigate, distant about a league, under everything
thatawould draw, from her royals down, standing towards
the mouth of the bay on the larboard tack; having made her
calculations so accurately as to drop into windward of her
port, with the customary breeze off the land. At this sight
Raoul laughed, and ordered the mainsail taken in. Half-anhour later, he directed the foresail to be brailed; brought his
jigger-sheet in flat; put his helm hard down; and hauled the
jib-sheet to windward.
As this last order was executed, day was just breaking
over the mountains of Radicofani and Aquapendente. By
this time le Feu-Follet lay about a league to the westward
of the promontory, and abreast of the deep bay that has
been already mentioned as being in that direction from the
town. Of course she was far beyond the danger of missiles
from the land. The night wind, however, had now failed,
and there was every appearance that the morning would be
calm. In this there was nothing extraordinary, at that
season; the winds which prevailed from the south being
usually short and light, unless accompanied by a gust. Just
as the sun appeared, the south air came, it is true, but so
lightly, as to render it barely possible to keep the little
lugger in command, by heaving-to with her head to the
south-west.
The Proserpine stood in until the day had advanced far
enough to enable her look-outs to detect le Feu-Follet braving
her, as it might be, in the western board, at the distance of
about a league and a half, under her jib and jigger, as described. This sight produced a great commotion in the ship,
even the watch below " tumbling up," to get another sight
of a craft so renowned for evading the pursuit of all the
English cruisers of those seas. A few minutes later, Griffin
came off, chopfallen and disappointed. His first glance at
the countenance of his superior, announced a coming.torm; for the commander of a vessel of war is no more apt
to be reasonable, under disappointment, than any other poten11 *





126


LE FEU-FOLLET.


rate. Captain Cuffe had not seen fit to wait for his subordi
nate on deck; but as soon as it was ascertained that he was
coming off in a shore-boat, he retired to his cabin, leaving
orders with the first lieutenant, whose name was Winchester
to send Mr. Griffin below, as soon as he had reported him
self.
" Well, sir," commenced Cuffe, as soon as his lieutgnan
came into the after-cabin, without offering him a seat -
" here we are; and out yonder, two or three leagues at sea
is the d--d Few-Folly!" for so most of the seamen of the
English service pronounced " Feu-Follet."
" I beg your pardon, Captain Cuffe," answered Griffin,
who found himself compelled to appear a delinquent, whatever might be the injustice of the situation; " it could not be
helped. We got in, in proper time; and I went to work with
the deputy-governor, and an old chap of a magistrate who
was with him, as soon as I could get up to the house of the
first. Yvard had been beforehand with me; and I had to
under-run about a hundred of his lying yarns, before I could
even enter the end of an idea of my own-"
" You speak Italian, sir, like a Neapolitan born; and I
depended on your doing everything as it should have been."
"Not so much like a Neapolitan, I hope, Captain Cuffe,
as like a Tuscan, or a Roman," returned Griffin, biting his
lip. " After an hour of pretty hard, and lawyer-like work,
and overhauling all the documents, I did succeed in convincing the two Elban gentry of my own character, and of
that of the lugger!"
" And while you were playing advocate, Master Raoul
Yvard coolly lifted his anchor, and walked out of the bay,
as if he were just stepping into his garden, to pick a nosegay for his sweetheart?"
" No, sir, nothing of the sort happened. As soon as I
had satisfied the Signor Barrofaldi, the vice-governatore-"
"Veechy-govern-the-tory. - D-  n all veechys, and
d-   n all the governatorys, too; do speak English, Griffin,
on board an English ship, if you please, even should your
Italian happen to be Tuscan. Call the fellow vice-governor
at once, if that be his rank."
" Well, sir, as soon as I had satisfied the vice-governo.
that the lugger was an enemy, and that we were frie., is,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


127


everything went smbothly enough. He wanted to sink the
lugger, as she lay at her anchor."
"And why the devil didn't he do it? Two or three heavy
shot would have given her a stronger dose than she could
bear."
"You know, Captain Cuffe, it has all along been your
wish to take her alive. I thought it would tell so well for
the ship, to have it to say she had caught le Feu-Follet, that
I opposed the project. I know Mr. Winchester hopes to get
her, as a reward for carrying her, himself."
" Ay, and that would make you first. Well, sir, even if
you didn't sink her, it was no reason for letting her escape."
" We could not prevent it, Captain Cuffe. I had a look
out set upon her-one of the very best men in Porto Ferrajo,
as everybody will tell you, sir; and I made the signals of
the lamp and the blue-lights, as agreed upon; and, the ship
answering, I naturally thought all was as it should be,
until-"
" And who burnt the rockets, off here, where we are at
this moment? They deceived me, for I took them to be
signals of their presence, from the Weasel or the Sparrow.
When I saw those rockets, Griffin, I was just as certain of
the Few-Folly, as I am now of having my own ship!"
" Yes, sir, those rockets did all the mischief; for, I have
since learned, that, as soon as the first one was thrown,
Master Yvard tripped his kedge, and went out of the bay as
quietly as one goes out of a dining-roori, when he don't
wish to disturb the company."
" Ay, he took French leave, the b- y sans culotte,"
returned the captain, putting himself in a better humour
with his own pun. " But did you see nothing of all this?"
"The first I knew of the matter, sir, was seeing the lug.
ger gliding along under the rocks, so close in, that you
might have jumped aboard her; and it was too late to stop
her; Before those lazy far nientes could have pricked and
primed, he was out of gun-shot."
" Lazy what?" demanded the captain.
" Far nientes, sir; which is a nickname we give these
siesta-gentry, you knov, Captain Cuffe."
" I know nothing about it, sir; and I'll thank you always
to speak to me in English, Mr. Griffin. That is a language





128


LE FEU-FOLLET.


which, I flatter myself, I understand;and it's quite good
enough for all my wants."
" Yes, sir, and for any man's' wants. I'm sure, I an,
sorry I can speak Italian, since it has led to this mistake."
" Poh-poh-Griffin, you mustn't lay everything to heart,
that comes wrong end foremost. Dine with me to-day, ant
we'll talk the matter over at leisure."
CHAPTER IX.
"Now in the fervid noon the smooth bright sea
Heaves slowly, for the wandering winds are dead
That stirr'd it into foam. The lonely ship
Rolls wearily, and idly flap the sails
Against the creaking masts. The lightest sound
Is lost not on the ear, and things minute
Attract the observant eye."
RICHARDSON.
THUS terminated the setting-down, like many others that
Captain Cuffe had resolved to give, but which usually ended
in a return to good-nature and reason. The steward was
told to set a plate for Mr. Griffin, among the other guests,
and then the commander of the frigate followed the lieutenant on deck. Here he found every officer in the ship, all
looking at le Feu-Follet with longing eyes, and most of them
admiring her appearance, as she lay on the mirror-like.
Mediterranean, with the two light sails mentioned, just hold.
ing her stationary.
" A regular-built snake-in-the-grass!" growled the boat*
swain, Mr. Strand, who was taking a look at the lugger over
the hammock-cloths of the waist, as he stood on the heel of
a spare top-mast to do so; "I never put eyes on a scamp
that had a more d-- n-my-eyes look!"
This was said in a sort of soliloquy, for Strand was not
exactly privileged to address a quarter-deck officer on such
an occasion, though several stood within hearing, and was
far too great a man to enlighten his subordinates with his





LE FEU-FOLLET.


I!2VM


cogitations. It was overheard by Cuf'e, however, who just
at that instant stepped into the gangway to make an examination for himself.
" It is a snake-out-of-the-grass, rather, Strand," observed
the captain, for he could speak. to whom he pleased, without
presumption or degradation. " Had she stayed in port, now,
she would have been in the grass, and we might have
scotched her."
" Well, your honour, we can English her, as it is; an
that 'll be quite as nat'ral, and quite as much to the purpose,
as Scotching her, any day," answered Strand, who, being
a native of London, had a magnificent sort of feeling towards
all the dependencies of the empire, and to whom the word
scotch, in that sense, was Greek, though he well understood
what it meant, " to clap a Scotchman on a rope;" " we are
likely to have a flat calm all the morning, and our boats are
in capital order; and, then, nothing will be more agreeable
to our gentlemen, than a row."
Strand was a grey-headed seaman, and he had served
with Captain Cuffe when the latter was a midshipman, and
had even commanded the top, of which the present boatswain
had been the captain. He knew the " cut of the captain's
jib" better than any other man in the Proserpine, and often
succeeded with his suggestions, when Winchester and the
other lieutenants failed. His superior now turned round,
and looked him intently in the face, as if struck with the
notion the other thus indirectly laid before him. This movement was noted; and, at a sign secretly given by Winchester,
the whole crew gave three hearty cheers; Strand leading off,
as soon as he caught the idea. This was the only manner
in which the crew of a man-of-war can express their
wishes to their commander; it being always tolerated, in a
navy, to hurrah, by way of showing the courage of a ship's
company. Cuffe walked aft, in a thoughtful manner, and
descended to his cabin again; but a servant soon came up, tc
vay that the captain desired to see the first lieutenant.
" I do not half like this boat-service, in open day-light.
Winchester," observed the senior, beckoning to the other to
take a chair. " The least bungling may spoil it all; and
then it's ten to one but your ship goes half-manned for a
9





[so


LE  FE.U-FOLLET.


twelvemonth, until you are driven to pressing from colliers
and neutrals."
"But, we hope, sir, there'll be no bungling in anything
that the Proserpine undertakes. Nine times in ten, an Eng.
lish man-of-war succeeds, when she makes a bold dash in
boats, against one of these picaroons. This lugger is so
low in the water, too, that it will be like stepping from on
cutter into another to get upon her decks; and then, sir, I
suppose, you don't doubt what Englishmen will do?"
"Ay, Winchester, once on her deck, I make no doubt
you'd carry her; but it may not be so easy as you imagine,
to get on her deck. Of all duty to a captain, this of sending off boats is the most unpleasant. He cannot go himself,
and if anything unfortunate turns up, he never forgives himself. Now, it's a very different thing with a fight in which
all share alike; and the good or evil comes equally on all
hands."
" Quite true, Captain Cuffe; and yet this is the only
chance that the lieutenants have for getting ahead a little
out of the regular course. I have heard, sir, that you were
made commander, for cutting out some coasters, in the
beginning of the war."
" You have not been misinformed; and a devil of a risk
-we all ran. Luck saved us-and that was all. One more
fire from a cursed carronade, would have given a Flemish
account of the whole party; for, once get a little under, and
you suffer like game in a batteau." Captain Cuffe wished
to say battue; but despising foreign languages, he generally
made sad work with them, whenever he did condescend to
resort to their terms, however familiar. " This Raoul
Yvard is a devil incarnate, himself, at this boarding work;
and is said to have taken off the head of a master's mate, of
the Theseus, with one clip of his sword, when he retook that
ship's prize, in the affair of last winter-that which happened
off Alicant!"
" I'11 warrant you, sir, the master's mate was some slenAer-necked chap, that might better have been at home,
craning at the girls, as they come, out of a church-door. I
should like to see Raoul Yvard, or any Frenchman who
was ever born, take off my head at a single clip!"
"Well, Winchester, ) be frank with you, I should not,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


131


You are a good first; and that is an office in which a man
usually wants all the head he has; and I 'm not at all certain
you have any to spare. I wonder if one could not hire a
felucca, or something larger than a boat, in this place, by
means of which we could play a trick upon this fellow, and
effect our purpose quite as well as by going up to him in our
open boats, bull-dog fashion?"
" No question of it at all, sir; Griffin says there are a
dozen feluccas in port here, all afraid to budge an inch, in
consequence of this chap's being in the offing. Now one of
these trying to slip along shore might just serve as a bait for
him, and then he would be famously hooked."
' I think I have it, Winchester. You understand; we
have not yet been seen to communicate with the town; and
luckily, our French colours have been flying all the morning.
Our head, too, is in-shore; and we shall drift so far to the
eastward, in a few minutes, as will shut in our hull, if not
our upper sails, from the lugger, where she now lies. As
soon as this is done, you shall be off, with forty picked men,
for the shore. Engage a felucca, and come out, stealing
along the rocks, as close as you can, as if distrusting us.
In due time, we will chase you, in the boats; and then you
must make for the lugger for protection, as fast as you can,
when, betwixt tile two, I'll answer for it, you get this Mastex
Yvard, by fair means or foul."
Winchester was delighted with the scheme; and in lesj
than five minutes, orders were issued for the men to be
detailed and armed. Then a conference was held, as to all
the minor arrangements; when, the ship having become shut
in from the lugger by the promontory, as expected, the boats
departed. Half-an-hour later, or just as the Proserpine, after
waring, had got near the point where the lugger would bf
again open, the boats returned, and were run up. Presently
the two vessels were again in sight of each other, everything
on board of each, remaining, apparently, in statu quo
Thus far, certainly, the stratagem had been adroitly managed. To add to it, the batteries now fired ten or twelve
guns at the frigate, taking very good care not to hit her;
which the Proserpine "returned, under the French ensign,
having used the still greater precaution of drawing the shot.
All this was done by an arrangement between Winchester





132


LE FEU-FOLLET.


and Andrea Barrofaldi, and with the sole view to induce
Raoul Yvard to fancy that he was still believed to be an
Englishman, by the worthy vice-governatore, while the ship
in the offing was taken for an enemy. A light air from
the southward, which lasted from eight to nine o'clock,
allowed the frigate to get somewhat more of an offing, the
while, placing her seemingly beyond the reach of danger.
During the prevalence of the light air mentioned, Raoul
Yvard did not see fit to stir tack or sheet, as it is termed
among seamen..Le Feu-Follet remained so stationary,
that, had she been set by compass, from any station on the
shore, her direction would not have varied a degree the
whole time. But this hour of comparative breeze sufficed to
enable Winchester to get out of the harbour with la Divina
Providenza, the felucca he had hired, and to round the promontory, under the seeming protection of the guns by which
it was crowned; coming in view of the lugger precisely as
the latter relieved her man at the helm for ten o'clock.
There were eight or nine men visible on the felucca's deck,
all dressed in the guise of Italians, with caps and striped
shirts of cotton. Thirty-five men were concealed in the
hold.
Thus far everything was favourable to the wishes of Chptain Cuffe and his followers. The frigate was about a league
from the lugger, and half that distance from la Divina Providenza; the latter had got fairly to sea, and was slowly
coming to a situation from which it might seem reasonable,
and a matter of course, for the Proserpine to send boats in
chase; while the manner in which she gradually drew
nearer to the lugger, was not such as to excite distrust, or
to appear, in the least, designed. The wind, too, had got to
be so light, as to favour the whole scheme.
It is not to be supposed that Raoul Yvard and his follow.
ers were unobservant of what was passing. It is true, that
the latter wilfully protracted his departure, under the pretence that it was safer to have his enemy in sight, during
the day, knowing how easy it would be to elude him, in the
dark; but, in reality, that he might prolong the pleasure of
having Ghita on board; and it is also true, that he had
passed a delightful hour, that morning, in the cabin; but,
then, his understanding eye noted the minutest fact that





LE FEU-FOLLET.


133


occurred; and his orders were always ready to meet any
emergency that might arise. Very different was the case
with Ithuel. The Proserpine was his bane; and, even while
eating his breakfast, which he took on the heel of the bowsprit, expressly with that intent, his eye was seldom a minute
off the frigate, unless it was for the short period she was shot
in by the land. It was impossible for any one in the lugger
to say, whether her character was, or was not known in
Porto Ferrajo; but the circumstance of the blue-lights burn
in the government-house, itself, and witnessed by Ithuel, rendered the latter, to say the least, probable, and induced more
caution than might otherwise have been shown. Still, there
was no reason to suspect the character of the felucca; and
the confident manner in which she came down towards the
lugger, though considerably in-shore of her, gave reason to
believe that she, at least, was ignorant that le Feu-Follet
was an enemy.
" That felucca is the craft which lay near the landing,"
quietly observed Raoul, who had now come on the forecastle
with a view to converse with Ithuel; " her name is la Divina Providenza; she is given to smuggling between Leghorn and Corsica, and is probably bound to the latter, at
this moment. It is a bold step, too, to stand directly for
her port, under such circumstances!"
"Leghorn is a free port," returned Ithuel; " and smug
gling is not needed."
" Ay, free as to friends, but not free to come and go
between enemies. No port is free, in that sense; it being
treason for a craft to communicate with the foe, unless she
happen to be le Feu-Follet," observed Raoul, laughing;
" we are privileged, mon brave!"
" Corsica or Capraya, she'll reach neither, to-day, unless
she find more wind. I do not understand why the man
has sailed, with no more air than will serve to blow out a
pocket-handkerchief."
' These little feluccas, like our little lugger, slip along
even when there seems tolbe no wind at all. Then, he may
be bound to Bastia; in which case he is wise in getting an
ofiing before the zephyr sets in for the afternoon. Let him
get a league or two out here, more to the northwest, and he
san make a straight wake to Bastia, after his siesta is over."
12





134


LiE  FEU-FOLLET.


"Ay, there go them greedy Englishmen a'rter him!'
said Ithuel; " it's as I expected; let 'em see the chance of
making a guinea, and they '11 strive for it, though it be ag'in
law, or ag'in natur'. Now, what have they to do with a
Neapolitan felucca; England being a sworn friend of
Naples?"
Raoul made no reply to this, but stood watching the
movement in silence. The reader will readily enough
understand that Ithuel's remark was elicited by the appear
ance of the boats, which, five in number, at that instant
pulled off from the frigate's side, and proceeded steadily
towards the felucca.
It may be necessary now to mention the relative positions
of the parties, the hour, and the precise state of the weather
with a view to give the reader clear ideas of the events that
succeeded. Le Feu-Follet had not materially changed her
place, since her jib-sheet was first hauled over. She still
lay about a league, a little north-of-west, from the residence
of Andrea Barrofaldi, and in plain view of it; a deep bay
being south of her, and abeam. No alterations had been
made in her canvass, or her helm; most of the first being
still in the brails, and the latter down. As the head of the
frigate had been kept to the westward, for the last hour, she
had forged some distance in that direction, and was now
quite as near the lugger as was the promontory, though
near two miles off the land. Her courses'were hauled up, on
account of the lightness of the air; but all her upper-sail,,
stood, and were carefully watched and trimmed, in order to
make the most of the cats'-paws, or rather, of the breathings
of the atmosphere, which occasionally caused the royals to
swell outward. On the whole, she might be drawing nearer
to the lugger, at the rate of about a knot in an hour. La
Divina Providenza was just out of gun-shot from the frigate,
and about a mile from the lugger, when the boats shoved off
from the former, though quite near the land, just opening
the bay so often named. The boats, of course, were pulling
in a straight line from the vessel'they had just left, towards
that of which they were in pursuit.
As to the time, the day had advanced as far as eleven
which is a portion of the twenty-four hours when the Medi.
terranean, in the summer months, is apt to be as smooth as





LE FEU-FOLLET.


135


1 mirror, and as calm as if it never knew a te.mpest
rhroughout the morning, there had been some irregularity
in the currents of air; the southerly breeze, generally light,
and frequently fickle, having been even more light and
baffling than common. Still, as has been seen, there was
sufficient air to force a vessel through the water; and, had
Raoul been as diligent as the.people of the two other crafts,
he might, at that moment, have been off the western end of
the island, and far out of harm's way. As it was, he had
continued watching the resuk, but permitting all the other
parties gradually to approach him.
It must be allowed, that the ruse of the felucca was well
planned; and it now seemed about to be admirably executed.
Had it not been for Ithuel's very positive knowledge of the
ship-his entire certainty of her being his old prison, as he
bitterly called her, it is not improbable that the lugger's crew
might have been the dupe of so much well-acted ingenuity;
and, as it was, opinions were greatly divided, Raoul, himself, being more than half disposed to fancy that his American ally, for once, was wrong, and that the ship in sight
was actually what she professed to be -a cruiser of the
republic.
Both Winchester, who was in la Divina Providenza, and
Griffin, who commanded the boats, played their parts in
perfection. They understood too well the character of the
wily and practised foe with whom they had to deal, to neglect the smallest of the details of their well-concerted plan.
Instead of heading towards the lugger as soon as the chase
commenced, the felucca appeared disposed to enter the bay,
and to find an anchorage under the protection of a small
battery that had been planted, for this express purpose, near
its head. But the distance was so great, as obviously to
render such an experiment bootless; and, after looking in
that direction a few minutes, the head of la Divina Providenza was laid off shore, and she made every possible effort
to put herself under the cover of the lugger. All this was
done in plain view of Raoul, whose glass was constantly at
his eye, and who studied the smallest movement with jealous
distrust. Winchester, fortunately for his purpose, was a
dark-complexioned man, of moderate stature, and with bushy
whiskers, such as a man-of-war's-man is apt to cultivate, on





136


LE FEU-FOLLET.


a long cruise; and, in his red Phrygian cap, striped shirt
and white cotton trowsers, he looked the Italian as well as
could have been desired. The men in sight, too, had been
selected.for their appearance, several of them being actually
foreigners, born on the shores of the Mediterranean; it being
seldom, indeed, that the crew of an English, or an American
vessel of war, does not afford a representation of half the
maritime nations of the earth. These men exhibited a proper
degree of confusion and alarm, too; running to and. fro, as
soon as the' chase became lively; exerting themselves, but
doing it without order and concert. At length, the wind
failing almost entirely, they got out two sweeps, and began
to pull lustily; the real, as well as the apparent desire being
to get as near as possible to the lugger.
" Peste " exclaimed Raoul; "all this seems rightwhat if the frigate should be French, after all. These men
in the boats look like my brave compatriotes!"
" They are regular John Bulls," answered Ithuel, positively, " and the ship is the spiteful Proserpyne," for so
the New-Hampshire-man always called his old prison. " As
for them French hats, and the way they have of rowing,
they act it all for a take-in. Just let a six-pound shot in
among 'em, and'see how they '11 throw off their French airs,
and take to their English schooling."
" I'11 not do that; for we might injure a friend. What
are those fellows in the felucca about, now?"
" Why, they've got a small gun - yes, it's a twelvepound carronade, under the tarpaulin, for'rard of their foremast, and they're clearin' it away f6r sarvice. We shall
have something doin' 'fore the end of the week!"
" Bien-it is as you say-and, voila, they train the piece
on the boats!"
As this was said, the felucca was half concealed in smoke.
Then came the discharge of the gun. The shot was seen
skipping along the water, at a safe distance from the leading
boat, certainly, and yet sufficiently near to make it pass for
indifferent gunnery. This leading boat was the Proserpine's
launch, which carried a similar carronade on its grating,
forward, and not half-a-minute was suffered to pass, before
the fire was returned. So steady were the men, and so
nicely were all the parts of this plot calculated, that the shot





LE FEU-FOLLET.


13:7


came whistling through the air, in a direct line for the
felucca, striking its mainyard about half-way between the
mast and the peak of the sail, letting the former down by the
run.
"Human natur'!" ejaculated Ithuel-" this is acting up
to the contract, dollars and cents! Captain Rule, they
shoot better in sport than when they 're in downright aim
est."
" This looks like real work," answered Raoul. "A man
does not often shoot away the mainyard of his friend, on
purpose."
As soon as the crews of the boats saw the end of the yard
come down, they ceased rowing, and gave three hearty
cheers, taking the signal from Griffin, who stood erect in
the stern of the launch, to give it.
"Bah!"-cried Raoul-" these are English John Bulls.
without a shadow of doubt. Who ever knew the men of
the republic shout like so many Italian fantoccini, pulled by
wires. Ah! Messieurs les Anglais, you have betrayed your
secret by your infernal throats; now look to hear us tell
the remainder of the story."
Ithuel rubbed his hands, with delight, perfectly satisfied
that Raoul could no longer be deceived, though the fire
between the felucca and the launch was kept up with spirit,
the shooting being such as might have done credit to a bona
fide conflict. All this time the sweeps of the felucca were
plied, the boats advancing at least two feet to the chase's
one. La Divina Providenza might now have been three
hundred yards from the lugger; and the launch, the nearest
of the pursuers, about the same distance astern of the felucca
Ten minutes more would certainly bring the seeming combatants alongside of each other.
Raoul ordered the sweeps of le Feu-Follet to be run out
and manned. At the same time, her guns, twelve-pound
carronades, were cast loose, and primed. Of these she had
four of a side, while the two sixes on her forecastle were
prepared for similar service. When everything was ready,
the twelve sweeps dropped into the water, as by a common
instinct, and a powerful effort started the lugger ahead.
Her jib and jigger were both brailed at that instant. A
Tingle minute sufficed to teach Winchester how hopeles
12 *





138


LE FEU-FOLLE'


pursuit would be in the felucca, if not in the boats them
selves, should the lugger endeavour to escape in this manner;
it being quite practicable for her strong crew to force her
through the water, by means of her sweeps alone, from
three to three and a half knots in the hour. But flight did
not appear to be her object; for her head was laid towards
la Divina Providenza, as if, deceived by the artifice of the
English, she intended to prevent the capture of the felucca,
and to cover a friend.
Raoul, however, understood himself far better than this
supposition would give reason to suppose. He swept the
lugger up in a line with la Divina Providenza and the boats,
in the first place, as the position in which she would be the
least likely to suffer from the fire of the latter; well knowing
that whatevir shot were thrown, were purposely sent so high
as to do no mischief; and, in the second place, that he
might bring his enemies in a single range from his own guns.
In the meanwhile, the felucca and the boats not only continued to use their carronades, but they commenced on both
sides a brisk fire of musketry; the former being now distant
only a hundred yards from le Feu-Follet, exceedingly hard
pressed by her adversaries, so far as appearances were concerned. There being no wind at all, at this juncture, the
little there had been having been entirely killed by the concussions of the guns, the sea was getting to be fast covered
with smoke; the felucca, in particular, showing more than
common of the wreathy canopy, over her decks, and about
her spars; for, in truth, powder was burnt in considerable
quantities, in different parts of the vessel, with this express
object. Ithuel observed, too, that in the midst of this confusion and cloud, the crew of la Divina Providenza was increasing in numbers, instead of diminishing by the combat,
four sweeps next being out, each manned by three men,
while near twenty more were shortly visible, running to and
ro, and shouting to each other in a language that was intended to be Italian, but which sounded much more, in his
practised ears, like bastard English. The felucca was not
fifty yards distant, when this clamour became the loudest;
and the crisis was near. The cheers of the boats on the
other side of her, proclaimed the quick approach of Griffin
ind his party; the bows of la Divina Providenza having





LE FEU-FOLLET.


139


beei. laid, in a species of blind haste, directly ii a lin which
would carry her athwart-hawse of le Feu-Follet.
~' Mes enfans,"-shouted Raoul--" soyez calmes--Fire!"
The whole of the five guns, loaded heavily with canister,
were discharged into the smoke of la Divina Providenza
The shrieks that succeeded, sufficiently proclaimed with
what effect. A pause of solemn, wondering silence followed,
on the part of the English; and then arose a manly shout
as if, prepared for every contingency, they were resolved t
brave the worst. The boats were next seen coming round
the bows and stern of the felucca, dashing earnestly at their
real enemy, while their two carronades returned the fire,
this time loaded and aimed with deadly intent. But it was
too late for success. As Griffin, in the launch, came out of
ia Divina Providenza's smoke, he saw the lugger's sails all
opened, and filled with a dying effort of the southerly air.
So light, however, was le Feu-Follet, that a duck could
hardly have sailed away more readily from the fowler, than
this little craft shot ahead, clearing the smoke, and leaving
her pursuers an additional hundred yards behind her. As
the air seemed likely to stand long enough to place his party
in extreme jeopardy, under the fire of the French, Winchester promptly ordered the boats to relinquish the pursuit, and
to rally around the felucca. This command was reluctantly
obeyed, when a moment was given to both sides for delibe.
ration.
Le Feu-Follet had sustained no injury worth mentioning;
out the English had not less than a dozen men slain or hurt.
Among the latter was Winchester, himself; and as he saw
that any success which followed would fall principally to the
share of his subordinate, his wound greatly indisposed him
to pursue any further a struggle that was nearly hopeless,
as it was. Not so with Raoul Yvard, however. Perceiving that the frigate had taken the breeze, as well as him
self, and that she was stealing along in the direction of the
combatants, he determined to take an ample revenge for the
audacity of the attempt, and then proceed on his voyage.
The lugger accordingly tacked, and passed to windward
of the felucca, delivering a close and brisk fire as she approached. At first this fire was returned, but the opposition
socn ceased; and when le Feu-Follet ranged up past het





.140


LE FEU-FOLLET.


adversary, a few yards to windward, it was seen that the
English had deserted her to a man, carrying off theii
wounded. The boats were pulling through the smoke,
towards the bay, taking a direction opposite to that in which
the lugger's head was laid. It would have been easy for
the French to ware, and probably to have overtaken the
fugitives, sinking or capturing them to a man; but there was
a touch of high chivalry in the character of Raoul Yvard,
and he declared, that as the artifice had been ingeniously
planned, and daringly attempted, he would follow up his
success no farther. Perhaps the appearance of Ghita on
deck, imploring him to be merciful, had its influence; it is
certain that not another shot did he allow to be fired at the
enemy. Instead of pursuing her advantage, in this manner,
the lugger took in her after-sails, wore short round on her
heel, came to the wind to-leeward of the felucca, shivered all
forward, set her jigger again, and luffed up so near what
may be called the prize, that the two vessels came together
so gently as not to break an egg, as it is termed. A single
rope secured the felucca to the lugger, and Raoul, Ithuel,
and a few more, stepped on board the former.
The decks of la Divina Providenza were reeking with
olood; and grape and canister were sticking in handsful, in
different parts of the vessel. Three dead bodies were found
in her hold, but nothing having life was met with on board.
There was a tar-bucket filled at hand, and this'was placed
beneath the hatch, covered with all the combustible materials
that could be laid hold of, and set on fire. So active were
the flames, at that dry season, that Raoul regretted he had
not taken the precaution to awaken theth after he had removed his own vessel; but the southerly air continuing, he
was enabled to get "to a safe distance before they actually
ascended the felucca's rigging, and seized upon her sails.
Ten minutes were thus lost, and they had sufficed to carry,he boats out of gun-shot, in-shore, and to bring the frigate
very nearly down within gun-shot from the south-east. But,
hauling aft all his sheets, Raoul soon took the lugger clear
of her flaming prize; and then she stood towards the west
end of Elba, going, as usual, in so light an air, three feet to
the frigate's two. The hour, however, was not favourable
'o the continuance of the breeze, and in ten more minu".-s it





LE FEU-FOLLET.


ilI


would have puzzled the keenest senses to have detected the
slightest current of air over the surface of the sea. Such
flickerings of the lamp, before it burnt entirely out, were
common, and Raoul felt certain that there would be no more
wind that day, until they got the zephyr. Accordingly, he
directea all the sails to be hauled up, an awning to be spread
over the quarter-deck, and permission was given to the
people to attend to their own affairs. The frigate, too
seemed to be aware that it was the moment for the siesta of
vessels, as well as of men; for she clewed up her royals and
top-gallant-sails, brailed her jib and spanker, hauled up her
courses, and lay on the water as motionless as if sticking on
a shoal. The two vessels were barely long-gun shot apart,
and, under ordinary circumstances, the larger might have
seen fit to attack the smaller in boats; but the lesson just
given was a sufficient pledge to the French, against the renewal of any such attempt, and they scarcely paid their
neighbour's prowess the compliment to watch him. Halfan-hour later, when Winchester got back to the ship, limping with a hurt in his leg, and with his people exhausted and
mortified, it was found that the undertaking had cost the
lives of seven good men, besides the temporary suspension
of the services of fifteen more.
Captain Cuffe was aware that his enterprise had failed, as
soon as he perceived the lugger under her canvass, playing
around the felucca and the boats, held in perfect command.
But, when he discovered the latter pulling for the shore, he
was certain that they must have suffered, and he was pre
pared to learn a serious loss, though not one that bore so
large a proportion to the whole numbers of the party sent
on the expedition. Winchester he considerately declined
questioning, while his wound was being dressed; but Griffin
was summoned to his cabin, as soon as the boats were
hoisted in and stowed.
" Well, Mr. Griffin, a d- d pretty scrape is this, into
which you have led me, among you, with your wish to go
boating about after luggers, and Raoul Yvards! What will
the admiral say, when he comes to hear of twenty-two men's
being laid on the shelf, and a felucca to be paid for, as a
morning's amusement?"
' Really, Captain C.ffe, we did our best; but a man might





142


LE FEU-FOLLET.


as well have attempted to put out Vesuvius with snow-balls,
as to stand the canister of that infernal lugger! I don't think
there was a square yard in the felucca that was not peppered.
The men never behaved better; and down to the moment
when we last cheered, I was as sure of le Feu-Follet, as I
ever was of my own promotion."
" Ay, they needn't call her le Few-Folly any longer, the
Great-Folly being a better name. What the devil did you
cheer for at all, sir? did you ever know a Frenchman cheer,
in your life? That very cheering was the cause of your
being found out, before you had time to close. You should
have shouted vive la republique, as all their craft do, when
we engage them. A regular English hurrah would split a
Frenchman's throat."
"I believe we did make a.mistake there, sir; but I never
was in an action in which we did not cheer; and when it
got to be warm-or to seem warm-I forgot myself, a little.
But, we should have had her, sir, for all that, had it not been
for one thing."
"And what is that, pray? You know, Griffin, I must
have something plausible to tell the admiral; it will never do
to have it published in the gazette that we were thrasn.d by
our own hallooing."
"I was about to say, Captain Cuffe, that had a, the
lugger fired her first broadside just as she did, and had she
given us time to get out of the range of her shot, we
should have come in upon her before she could have loaded
again, and carried her, in spite of the breeze that so much
favoured her.. Our having three men hurt in the launch,
made some difference, too, and set as- many oars catching
crabs, at a most critical instant. Everything depends on
chance, in these matters, you know, sir, and that was our
bad luck."
" Umph!-It will never do to t6ll Nelson that.-' Everything was going well, my lord, until three of the launch's
people went to work catching crabs with their oars, which
threw the boat a-stern.'---No, no, that will never do for a
gazette. Let me see, Griffin; after all, the lugger made off
from you-you would have had her, had she not made sail,
and stood to the southward and westward on a bowline?"
'* Yes, sir, she certainly did that. Had she not made sail,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


14a


as you say, nothing could have prevented our getting along.
side."
"'Well, then, she ran. Wind sprung up, enemy made
sail-every attempt to get alongside unsuccessful.-Brave
fellows, cheering and doing their utmost.-Not so bad an
account, after all-but, how about that d- d felucca?You see, she is burned to the water's edge, and will go down
in a few minutes."
" Very true, Captain Cuffe, but not a Frenchman entered
her, while we were there-"
" Yes, I now see how it was-threw all hands into the
boats, in chase, the felucca being too unwieldy, and every
effort to get alongside unsuccessful. He's a devil of a fellow, that Nelson & Bronte; and I had rather hear the thunder of ten thousand tempests, than get one of his tempestuous
letters. Well, I think I understand the affair, now, and
shall speak of you all as you deserve. 'T was a gallant
thing, though it failed. You deserved success, whatevec
may have caused you to lose it."
In this Captain Cuffe was nearer right than in anything
else he uttered on the occasion.
CHAPTER X.
*0! 'tis a thought sublime, that man can force
A path upon the waste, can find a way
Where all is trackless, and compel the winds,
Those freest agents of Almighty power,
To lend their untamed wings, and bear him orl
To distant climes."
WARE.
THE situation of Ghita Caraccioli, on board the lugger
was of the most unpleasant nature, during the fierce struggle
we have related. Fortunately, for her, this struggle was
very short, Raoul having kept her in profound ignorance of
the approach of any danger, until the instant le Feu-Folle
commenced her fire. 't is true, Qhe had heard the guns





144


LE FEU-FOLLET.


between the felucca and the boats, but this she had been told
was an affair in which the privateer had no participation;
and the reports sounding distant, to one in the cabin, she
had been easily deceived. While the actual conflict was
going on, she was on her knees, at the side of her uncle;
and the moment it ceased, she appeared on deck, and interposed to save the fugitives, in the manner related.
Now, however, the scene was entirely changed. The
lugger had escaped all damage, worthy of notice; her decks
had not been stained with blood; and her success had been
as-complete as could be desired. In addition to these advantages, the result removed all apprehension from the only
source of danger that Raoul thought could exist, as between
his own vessel and the frigate; or a boat-attack in a calm;
for men who had just been so roughly handled in an enterprise so well concealed, would not be likely to renew the
attempt while they still smarted under the influence of the
late repulse. Affairs of this sort exact all the discipline and
resolution that a well-regulated service can afford; and are
not to be thought of under the temporary demoralization of
defeat. All in the lugger, therefore, considered this collision
with the Proserpine at an end, for the moment at least.
Ghita had dined, for the day had now turned some time,
and the girl had come on deck to escape the confinement of
a very small cabin, leaving her uncle to enjoy his customary
siesta. She was seated under the awning of the quarterdeck, using her needle, as was her wont, at that hour, on
the heights of Argentaro. Raoul had placed himself on a
gun-slide, near her, and Ithuel was busy within a few feet
of them, dissecting a spy-glass, with a view to clean its
lenses.
"I suppose, the most excellent Andrea Barrofaldi wil!
sing a Te Deum for his escape from our fangs," suddenly
exclaimed Raoul, laughing. "Pardie he is a great histo.
rian, and every way fit to write an account of this great
victory, which Monsieur l'Anglais, la bas, is about to send
to his government!"
" And you, Raoul, have you no occasion for a Te Deum,
after your escape?" demanded Ghita, gently, and yet with
emphasis. " Is there no God for you to thank, as well as
for the vice-governatore?'





LE FEU-FOLLET.


145


"tPeste!-our French deity is little thought of, just now,
Ghita. Republics, as you know, have no great faith in
religion-is it not so, mon brave American? Tell-us, Etooell; have you any religion in America?"
As Ithuel had often heard Raoul's opinions on this subject,
and knew the prevailing state of France, in this particular,
he neither felt nor expressed any surprise at the question.
Still, the idea ran counter to all his own notions and prejudices, he having been early taught to respect religion, even
when he was most serving the devil. In a word, Ithuel
was one of those descendants of Puritanism, who, " Godward," as it is termed, was quite unexceptionable, so far
as his theory extended; but who, " manward" was, " as the
Scribes and Pharisees." Nevertheless, as he expressed it
himself, " he always stood up for religion;" a fact that his
English companions had commented on injokes; maintaining
that he even "stood up" when the rest of the ship's company were on their knees.
" I'm a little afraid, Monsieur Rule," he answered, "that
in France you have entered the rope of republicanism at the
wrong eend. In Ameriky, we even put religion before dollars; and if that isn't convincing, I'll give it up. Now, I
do wish you could see a Sunday once in the Granite State,
Signorina Ghita, that you might get some notion what our
western religion ra'ally is."
"All real religion--all real devotion to God, is, or ought
to be, the same, Signor Ithuello, whether in the east or in
the west. A Christian, is a Christian; let him live and die
wnere he may."
" That's not exactly platform, I fancy. Why, Lord bless
ye, young lady-your religion, now, is no more like mine,
than my religion is like that of the Archbishop of Canterbury's, or Monsieur Rule's, here!"
"La mienne!" exclaimed Raoul- -" I pretend to none,
mon brave; there can be no likeness to nothing."
Ghita's glance was kind, rather than reproachful; but it
was profoundly sorrowful.
-' In what can our religion differ," she asked, "if we are
both Christians? Americans, or Italians, it is all the same."
" That comes of knowing nothing about Ameriky," said
Ithuel, filled with the conceit of his own opinion of himself
13           10





146


LE FEU-FOLLET.


and of the part of the world from which he came. " In the
first place, you have a Pope, and cardinals, and bishops, and
all such"things, in your religion; while we have none."
"' Certainly, there is the Holy Father, and there are cardinals; but they are not my religion," answered Ghita, looking surprised. " Bishops, it is true, are appointed of God,
and form part of his church; and the bishop of Rome is the
ead of the church on earth-but nothing more."
"Nothing more!-Don't you worship images, and take off
and put on garments at your prayers, and kneel down in a
make-believe, profane way; and don't you turn everything
into vain ceremonies?"
Had Ithuel been engaged, body and soul, in maintaining
one of the propositions of the Oxford Tracts' controversy, he
could not have uttered these words with greater zeal, or with
a more self-righteous emotion. Iis mind was stored with
the most vulgar accusations of an exceedingly vulgar set of
sectarian distinctions; and he fancied it a high proof of
Protestant perfection, to hold all the discarded usages in
abhorrence. On the other hand, Ghita listened with surprise; for, to her, the estimation in which the rites of the
Romish church were held by the great bulk of Protestants,
was a profound secret. The idea of worshipping an image,
never crossed her innocent mind; and although she often
knelt before her own little ivory crucifix, she had never supposed any could be so ignorant as to confound the mere
material representation of the sacrifice it was meant to pourtray, with the divine expiation itself.
"It is decent to use proper vestments, at the altar," sne
replied; " and its servants ought not to be clad like other
men. We know it is the heart, the soul, that must be
touched, to find favour with God; but this does not make
the outward semblance of respect that we show even to each
oeher, the less necessary. As to worshipping images--that
would be idolatry; and as bad as thie poor heathens, themselves."
Ithuel looked mystified; for he never doubted, in the least,
that the worshipping of images was a material part of Catholic devotion; and, as for the.pope and the cardinals, he
deemed them all as indispensablo-to the creed of this church;
as h, fancied it important, in his own, that the priests should





LE FEU-FOLLET.


147


dot wear gowns; and that the edifices in which they worshipped, should have square-topped windows. Absurd as
all this may seem, to-day, and wicked as it will probably
appear a century hence, it formed, and forms, no small part
of sectarian belief; and entered into the animosities and
jealousies of those who seem to think it necessary to quarrel
for the love of God. Could we but look back at our own
changes of opinion, it would render us less confident of the
justice of our sentiments; and, most of all, one would think
that the American, who has lived long enough to witness
the summersets that have been thrown in the practices and
creeds of most of the more modern sects of his own country,
within the last quarter of a century, would come to have
something like a suitable respect for the more stable and
venerable divisions of the Christian world.
" Proper vestments!" repeated Ithuel, with contempt;
" what vestments are wanting, in the eyes of the Supreme
Being? No; if I must have religion - and I know it's
necessary and whullsum', let it be a pure, naked religion,
that will stand to reason. Is not that your way of thinking,
Monsieur Rule?"
"Ma foi, oui. Reason before all things, Ghita; amu,
most of all, reason in religion."
"Ah! Raoul, this it is which misleads and betrays you,"
returned the girl, earnestly. " Faith, and a meek dependence,
is what makes a proper state of feeling; and yet you demand
a reason of Him who created the universe, and breathed into
you the breath of life!"
" Are we not reasoning creatures, Ghita," returned Raoul,
gently, and yet with a sincerity and truth, for the circumstances, that rendered even, his scepticism piquant and respectable; " and is it unreasonable to expect us to act up to
nur natures? Can I worship a God I do not understand?"
" Couldst thou worship one thou didst? He would cease
to be a deity, and would become one of ourselves, were his
nature and attributes brought down to the level of our conorehensions. Did one of thy followers come on this quarte:deck, and insist on hearing all thine own motives for the
orders given in this little felucca, how readily wouldst thou
drive him back, as mutinous and insolent; and yet thou





-I 48


LE FEU-FOLLET.


wouldst question the God of the universe, and pry into his
mysteries!"
Raoul was mute, while Ithuel stared. It was so seldom
that Ghita lost her exceeding gentleness of manner, that the
flush of her cheek, the severe earnestness of her eyes, the
mpassioned modulations of her voice, and the emphasis with
which she spoke on this occasion, produced a sort of awe,
hat prevented the discourse from proceeding further. The
girl, herself, was so much excited, that, after sitting for a
minute with her hands before her face, the tears were seen
forcing their way through her fingers. She then arose, and
darted into the cabin. Raoul was too observant of the rules
of propriety to think of following; but he sat moody and
lost in thought, until Ithuel drew his attention to himself.
"Gals will be gals," said that refined and philosophical
observer of the human family, "( and nothing touches their
natur's sooner than a little religious excitement.  I dare
say, if it wasn't for images, and cardinals, and bishops, and
such creatur's, the Italians (Ithuel always pronounced this
word Eyetalians) would make a very good sort of Christians."
But Raoul was in no humour to converse; and as the
hour had now arrived when the zephyr was to be expected,
he rdse, ordered the awning taken in, and prepared to make
himself master of the state of things around him. There
lay the frigate, taking her siesta, like all near; her three
topsails standing, but every other sail that was loose, hanging in festoons, waiting for the breeze. Notwithstanding
her careless appearance, so closely had she been tended,
for the last few hours, however, and so sedulously had even
the smallest breath of air been improved, that Raoul started
with surprise, when he found how much nearer she was
than when he had last looked at her. The whole trick was
apparent to him, at a glance; and he was compelled to acknowledge his own remissness, when he perceived that he
lay within the reach of the shot of this powerful foe; though
still so distant as to render her aim a little uncertain; more
especially should a sea get up. The felucca had burnt to
the water's edge; but, owing to the smoothness of the water
her wreck still floated, and was slowly setting into the bay
there being a slight current in that direction, where she now





LE FEU-FOLLET


149


lay. The town was basking in the afternoon's sun, though
hid from view, and the whole island of Elba had the appearance of being asleep.
" What a siesta!" said Raoul, to Ithuel, as both stood on
the heel of the bowsprit, looking curiously at the scene:
"sea, land, mountains, bourgeois and mariners all dozing.
Bien; there is life, yonder at the west, and we must get
farther from votre Proserpine. Call the hands, Monsieur
Lieutenant. Let us get out our sweeps, and put the head
of le Feu-Follet the other way. Peste! the lugger is so sharp,
and has such a trick of going exactly where she looks, that
I am afraid she has been crawling up towards her enemy,
as the child creeps into the fire that burns its fingers."
All hands were soon in motion on board le Feu-Follet,
the sweeps were on the point of being handled, when the
jigger fluttered, and the first puff of the expected western
breeze swept along the surface of the waters. To the seamen, it was like inhaling oxygen gas. Every appealance
of drowsiness deserted the people of both vessels, and every
one was instantly busy in making sail. Raoul had a proof
into what dangerous proximity to the frigate he had got, by
the sound of the calls on board her; and the stillness of
the sea was yet so great, that the creaking of her fore-yard
was actually audible to him, as the English rounded in their
braces briskly, while laying their fore-top-sail aback.
At that moment a second respiration of the atmosphere
gave birth to the breeze. Raoul whistled for the wind, and
the lugger moved ahead, gliding towards the frigate. But,
in half a minute, she had gathered sufficient way, her helm
was put down, and she came round as easily and as gracefully as the bird turns on his wing. Not so with the heavier
frigate. She had hauled in her starboard head-braces, and
had to get the foretopsail aback, and to pay well off with
her head to leeward, in order to swing her yards and fill
her sails, while le Feu-Follet was slipping through the water,
going seemingly into the wind's eye. By this sing'e evolution, the lugger gained more than a cable's-le!igth on her
enemy, and five minutes more would have put her beyond
1ll immediate danger. But, Captain Cuffe knew this, as
vell as his competitor, and had made his preparations ac.
zordingly. Keeping his head-yards aback, he knocked his
13*





150


LE FEU-FOLLET


ship round off, until her broadside bore on the lugger, whel.
he let fly every gun of his starboard batteries, the utmost
care having been taken to make the shot tell. Twenty-two
heavy round-shot coming in at once upon a little oraft, like
le Feu-Follet, was a fearful visitation; and, the boldest held
their breath for a time, as the iron whirlwind whistled past
them. Fortunately, the lugger was not hulled; but a grave
amount of mischief was done aloft. The jigger-mast was
cut in two, and flew upward like a pipe-stem. A serious
wound was given to the mainmast below the hounds, and the
yard itself was shivered in the slings. No less than six
shot plunged through both luggs, leaving holes in the canvass
that made it resemble a beggar's shirt, and the jib-stay was
cut in two half-way between the mast-head and the end of
the bowsprit. No one was hurt; and, yet, for a moment,
every one looked as if destruction had suddenly lighted on
the lugger. Then it was that Raoul came out, in his true
colours. He knew he could not spare a stitch of canvass
just at that moment, but, that on the next ten minutes depended every thing. Nothing was taken in, therefore, to
secure spars and sails, but all was left to stand, trusting to
the lightness of the breeze, which usually commenced very
moderately. Hands were immediately set to work, to get
up a new stay; a new main-yard and sail were got along,
and every thing was prepared for hoisting both, as soon as
it could be ascertained that the mast would bear them. Nearly
similar preparations were made forward, as the shortest way
of getting rid of the torn fore-sail; for these, it was the intention to unbend and bend, the yard being sound.
Luckily, Captain Cuffe determined to lose no more time
with his guns, but swinging his head-yards, the frigate came
sweeping up to the wind, and in three minutes every thing
was trimmed for the utmost. All this time, le Feu-Follet
had not stood still. Her canvass fluttered, but it held on,
and even the spars kept their places, though so much injured. In a word, the wind was not yet strong enough to
tear the one, or to carry away the other. It was an advantage, too, that these casualties, particularly the loss of her
jigger, rendered le Feu-Follet less weatherly than she would
otherwise have been, since by keeping the frigate directly
in her wake, she was less exposed to the chase-guns, than





LE FEU-FOLLET.


151


she would have been a little on either bow. Of this truth,
Raoul was soon persuaded, the Proserpine beginning to work
both her bow-guns, as soon as she came to the wind, though
neither exactly bore; the shot of one ranging a little to
windward, and the other about as much on the other side.
By these shot, too, the young Frenchman soon had the sa.
tisfaction of seeing that, notwithstanding her injuries, the
lugger was drawing ahead;-a fact of which the English
became so sensible themselves, that they soon ceased firing
So far, things went better than Raoul had reason, at first,
to hope, though he well knew that the crisis was yet to
come. The westerly wind often blew fresh at that period
of the day, and should it now increase he would require all
his canvass to get clear of a ship with the known qualities
of the vessel in chase. How much longer his mast or his
main-yard would stand he did not know, but as he was fast
gaining, he determined to make hay while the sun shone,
and get far enough ahead, if possible, before the breeze
grew fresh, to enable him to shift his sails and fish his spars,
without being again brought within the reach of visiters as
rude as those who had so lately come hurtling into his tnin
hamper. The proper precautions were not neglected, in the
meantime. Men were sent aloft to do what they could,
under the circumstances, with the two spars; and the strain
was a little relieved by keeping the lugger as much away,
as might be done without enabling the frigate to set her
studding sails.
There is always something so exciting in a chase, that
seamen never fail to wish for more wind; forgetful that the
power which increases their own speed, may also increase
the speed of the other party, and that too in an undue proportion. It would have been more favourable to le FeuFollet to have had less wind than even now blew, since her
relative rtte of sailing was greater in light than in strong
breezes. Raoul knew, from Ithuel's statemeits, that the
Proserpine was an exceedingly fast ship, more especially
when it blew fresh; and yet it did not appear to him tnat
his lugger got along with sufficient speed, though his enemy
would be certain to follow at a rate of sailing in a just proportion to his own, did there come more wind.
The wish of the young privateersman, however, was soon





152


LE FEU-FOLLET.


gratified. The wind freshened materially, and by the time
the two vessels opened the Canal of Corsica, as the passage
between that island and Elba is called; the frigate was
obliged to take in her royals, and two or three of those light
and lofty staysails, which it was then the custom for ships
to carry. At first, Raoul had thought he might fetch into
Bastia, which lies due-west of the southern end of Elba;
but though the wind drew a little down through the canal, it
soon blew too fresh to allow any formation of the land materially to alter its current. The zephyr, as the afternoon's
summer breeze of southern Italy, in particular, was termed
by the ancients, is seldom a due-west wind, there generally being a little northing in it, as seamen say; and, as one
gets farther up the coast, this same wind ordinarily comes
round the head of Corsica, blowing from nearly west-northwest. This would have enabled the lugger to lay her course
for a deep bay on which lies the town of Biguglia, could she
have been jammed up on a wind, as might usually have been
done; but, a few minutes of experiment convinced Raou.
that he must be more tender on his wounded spars, and keep
off for the mouth of the Golo. This was a river of some
size into which it was possible for a vessel of a light draught
to enter; and, as there stood a small battery near the anchorage, he determined to seek shelter in that haven, in order to
repair his damages. His calculations were made accordingly, and, taking the snow-clad peaks in the neighbourhood
of Corte as his land-marks, he ordered the lugger to be
steered in the proper direction.
On board the Proserpine, there was scarcely less interest felt
in the result, than on board le Feu-Follet. If the people of
the frigate had nothing to apprehend, they had something to
revenge-; in addition to the anticipated credit of having captured the boldest privateer that sailed out of France. For
a short time, as the ship came up with the west end of Elba,
it was a serious question whether she would be able to wea.
ther it, the lugger having gone past, within a cable's-length
of the cliffs, on the very verge of the breakers, and much
closer in than the frigate would dare to follow. But the last
had taken the breeze farther off the land than the first, and
tklight possibly fetch past the promontory, on the tack she
was then steering. To have gone about, would have been




LE FEU-FOLLET.


153


to abandon the chase, as it would have carried the ship off,
due north, while le Feu-Follet was gliding down to the southward and westward, at the rate of seven knots. The distance across the canal is only about thirty miles, and there
would not have been time to recover the lost ground.
This uncertainty made a most feverish moment on board
the Proserpine, as she came up fast towards the headland.
All depended on getting by without tacking. The appear.
ances were favourable for deep water, close in;. but there is
always the danger of rocks to be dreaded, near mountainous
coasts. The promontory, too, was comparatively low; and
this was rather an indication that it ought not to be approached too closely. Winchester was in his berth, just
oeginning to feel the smart of his wound; but Griffin was at
the captain's elbow, both he arid the third lieutenant, entering
keenly into all their commander's wishes and anxieties.
"There she goes, into the very breakers!" exclaimed
Cuffe, as they watched le Feu-Follet, in her attempt to pass
the promontory; " Monsieur Yvard must be determined to
cast away his craft, rather than be taken. It will be touch
and go with him."
" I think not, Captain Cuffe," answered Griffin; "the.oast is bold, hereabduts, and even the Proserpine would find
sufficient water, there, where the lugger now is. I hope we
shall not be obliged to tack, sir."
"Ay, this is very well for an irresponsible-but, when it
got to a court, and punishment, I fear that all the last would
fall on my shoulders, should his Majesty's ship happen to lay
her bones along-shore, here. No, no, Griffin; we must go
a clear cable's-length to windward of that, or I go alout
though Raoul Yvard were never taken."
" There, he fetches-up, by George!" cried Yelverton, the
youngest lieutenant; and, for a moment, it was, in truth,
believed in the frigate, that le Feu-Follet, as a breaker actually curled directly under her lee, was aground. But this
notion lasted a moment only, the little lugger continuing her
course as swiftly as before; and, a minute or two later, keeping a little away, to ease her spars, having been jammed up
is close as possible, previously, in order to weather the extreme end of what was thought to be the dangerous point.
['he frigate was fully two miles a-stern; and, instead of





154


LE FEU-FOLLE f.


losing anything of her vantage-ground, she was kept so netr
the wind, as to be occasionally touching. This was the more
safe, inasmuch as the sea was perfectly. smooth, and the
vessel made no lee-way. Still the frigate looked, as it is
termed, barely up to the point it was deemed indispensable
to weather; and as ships rarely " do" better than they " look,"
it became a question of serious doubt, on board the Proser.
pine, as she came up with the headland, whether she could
clear it.
" I am afraid, Captain Cuffe, we shall never clear it wnh
a good-enough berth, sir," observed the fidgeting Griffin; "it
seems, to me, the ship sets unaccountably to leeward, to.
day 1"
" She never behaved better, Griffin. I am really in hopes
there is a slight current off-shore, here; if anything, we
actually open the highlands of Corsica, by this promontory.
You see that the wreck of la Divina Providenza is sweeping
round the bay, and is coming out to windward, again."
" That may serve us, indeed! All ready in the chains,
sir!-shall we make a cast of the lead?"
Cuffe assented, and the lead was hove. At this moment
the ship was going eight knots, and the man reported no
oottom, with fifteen fathoms of line out. This was well;
and two or three subsequent casts confirmed it. Orders
were now given to drag every bowline, swig-off on every
brace, and flatten-in all the sheets. Even the halyards
were touched, in order that the sails might stand like boards.
The trying moment was near; five minutes must decide
the matter.
" Let her shake a little Mr. Yelverton, and eat into the
wind," said Cuffe, addressing the officer of the watch; " we
must do all we can here; for, when abreast of the breakers,
everything must be a rap-full, to keep the ship under quick
command. There-meet her with the helm, and give her a
good full."
This experiment was repeated twice, and each time the
frigate gained her length to windward, though she necessarily lost more than three times that distance in her velocity.
At length, the trial came, and a profound silence, one in
which nervousness* and anxiety were blended with hope,
reigned in the vessel. The eyes of all turned from tlie sails





LE FEU-FOLLET.


155


tc the breakers, from the breakers to the sails; and from
both to the wake of the ship.
At such moments the voice of the lead's-man prevails over
all other sounds. His warning cry is listened to with breathless attention, when the songs of a siren would be unheard.
Cast after cast was made, as the ship.drove on, and the
answer to Cuffe's questions, was uniformly, " no bottom, sir,
with fifteen fathoms out;" but, just at this instant, arose the
regular song from the weather main-chains, of" by the mark
seven!" This came so suddenly on the Captain's ear, that
he sprang upon the taffrail, where he could command a full
view of all he wanted to see; and then he called out, in a
stentorian voice:
" Heave again, sir!-be brisk, my lad!-be brisk!"
"Be-e-e-ther-r-r-dee-e-e-eep six!" followed almost as
boon as the Captain's voice had ceased.
" Ready-about!" shouted Cuffe. " See all clear, gentleren.-Move lively, men; move lively."
"And-a-a-eh half-ef-four-"
" Stand by!-What the devil are you at, sir, on that forecastle?-Are you ready, forward?"
"All ready, sir-"
" Down with your helm-hard down, at once-"
"Be-e-e-ther-r-r-dee-e-e-p nine-"
"Meet her! -up with your helm.- Haul down your
sheets, forward-brail the spanker--let go all the bowlines,
aft.-So-well, there, well.-She flew round like a top; but,
by Jove, we've caught her, gentlemen.-Drag your bowlines, again.-What's the news from the chains?"
" No bottom, sir, with fifteen fathoms out-and as good
a cast, too, sir, as we 've had to-day."
" So-you 're rap full-don't fall off- very well dyce"
(Anglice, thus)-" keep her as you are.-Well, by the Lord,
Griffin, that was a shave; half-four was getting to be squally,
in a quarter of the world where a rock makes nothing of
pouting its lips fifteen or twenty feet at a time at a mariner.
We are past it all, however, and here is the land, trending
away to the southward, like a man in a consumption, fairly
under our lee. A dozen Raoul Yvards wouldn't lead me
into such a d--d scrape, again!"
" The danger that is over, is no longer a danger at all,





156


LE FEU-FOLL:ET


sir," answered Griffin, laughing. "( Don't you think, Cap.
tain Cuffe, we might ease her about half a point? that would
be just her play; and the lugger keeps off a little, I rather
suspect, to ease her mainmast. I'm certain I saw chips
fly from it, when we dosed her with them two-and-twenty
pills."
" Perhaps you're right, Griffin.-Ease her, with the helm,
a little, Mr. Yelverton. If Master Yvard stands on his pre.
sent course an hour longer, Biguglia will be too far to-wind.
ward for him; and, as for Bastia, that has been out of the
question, from the first. There is a river, called Golo, into
which he might run; and that, I rather think, is his aim.
Four hours, however, will let us into the secret."
And four intensely interesting hours were those which
succeeded. The wind was a cap-full; a good, fresh, westerly breeze, which seemed to have started out of the ovenlike heat of a week of intensely hot weather that had preceded it, and to have collected the force of two or three zephyrs
into one. It was not a gale, at all, nor did it induce either
party to think of reefing; for, no trifle would have done
that, under the circumstances; but it caused the Proserpine
to furl her fore and mizzen-top-gallant-sails, and put Raoul
in better humour with the loss of his jigger. When fairly
round the headland, and, at a moment when he fancied the
frigate would be compelled to tack, the latter had seized an
opportunity to get in his foresail, to unbend it, and to bend
and set a new one; an operation that took just four minutes,
by the watch. He would have tried the same experiment
with the other lugg, but the mast was scarce worth the risk,
and he thought the holes might act as reefs, and thus diminish the strain. In these four hours, owing to the disadvantage under which le Feu-Follet laboured, there was not a
difference of half a.knot in the distance run by the two vessels, though each passed over more than thirty miles of
water. During this time they had been drawing rapidly
nearer to the coast of Corsica, the mountains of which,
ragged and crowned with nearly eternal snows, had been
glittering in the afternoon's sun, before them, though they
lay many a long league inland. But the formation of the
coast, itself, had now become plain, and Raoul, an hour
before the sun disappeared, had noted his landmarks, by





LE FEU-FOLLET


-157


which to make for the river he intended to enter. The
eastern coast,of Corsica is as deficient in bays and harbours,
as its western is affluent with them; and this Golo, for which
the lugger was shaping her course, would never have been
thought of, as a place of shelter, under ordinary circumstances. But, Raoul had once anchored, in its mouth, and
he deemed it the very spot in which to elude his enemy. It
had shoals off its embouchure; and these, he rightly enough
fancied, would induce Captain Cuffe to be wary.
As the evening approached, the wind began to decrease in
force, and then the people of the lugger lost all their apprehensions. The spars had all stood, and Raoul no longer
hesitated about trusting his wounded mainmast with a new
yard and sail. Both were got up, and the repairs were immediately commenced. The superiority of the lugger, in
sailing, was now so great, as to put it out of all questior
that she was not to be overtaken in thb chase; and Raoul, at
one time, actually thought of turning up along the land, and
going into Bastia, where he might even provide himself with
a new mainmast, at need. But this idea, on reflection, he
abandoned, as too hazardous; and he.continued on, in the
direction of the mouth of the Golo.
Throughout the day the Proserpine had shown no colours,.xcept for the short period when her boats were engaged,
and while she herself was firing at the lugger. The same
was the fact with le Feu-Follet, though Raoul had run up
the tri-colour, as he opened on the felucca, and he kept it
flying as long as there was any appearance of hostilities.
As the two vessels drew in near to the land, several coasters
were seen beating up against the westerly wind, or running
down before it, all of which, however, seemed so much to distrust the appearance of the lugger, as to avoid her as far as
was possible. This was a matter of indifference to our
hero, who knew that they were all probably countrymen;
or, at least, smugglers, who would scarcely reward him for
the trouble, had he the time to bring them to, and capture
Jhem. Corsica was then, again, in the hands of the French,
the temporary and imperfect possession of the English hav -
ing terminated three or four years earlier; and Raoul felt
certain of a welcome anywhere in the island, and of protection wherever it could be offered. Such was the state of
14





158


LE FEU-FOLLET.


things, when, just as the lugger was preparing to entei
among the shoals, the Proserpine unexpectedly tacked, and
seemed to bestow all her attention on the coasters of which
tlree or four were so near that two fell into her hands almost
without an effort to escape.
It appeared to Raoul, and those with him in his little craft
that the English seized these insignificant vessels solely with
a wish for vengeance, since it was not usual for ships of the
force of the Proserpine to turn aside to molest the poor fishermen and coasters. A few execrations followed, quite as
a matter of course, but the intricacy of the chahnel and the
necessity of having all his eyes about him, soon drove every
other thought from the mind of the dashing privateersman,
but such as were connectdd with the care and safety of his
own vessel.
Just as the sun set le Feu-Follet anchored. She had
"hosen a berth sufficiently within the shallow water to be
safe from the guns of the frigate, though scarcely within the
river. The latter the depth of the stream hardly permitted,
though there was all the shelter that the season and weather
required. The Proserpine manifested no intention to give
up her pursuit; for she, too, came off the outlet, and brought
up with one of her bowers, about two miles to-seaward of the
lugger. She seemed to have changed her mind as to the
coasters, having let both proceed, after a short detention;
though, it falling calm, neither was enabled to get any material distance from her, until the land breeze should rise
In these positions, the belligerents prepared to pass the night,
each party taking the customary precautions as to his ground
tackle, and each clearing up the decks and going through
the common routine of duty, as regularly as if he lay in a
riendly port.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


159


CHAPTER XI,
SThe human mind, that lofty thing,
The palace and the throne,
Where reason sits, a scepter'd king,
And breathes his judgment tone;
Oh! who with silent step shall trace
The borders of that -haunted place,
Nor in his weakness own,
That mystery and marvel bind
That lofty thing-the human mind.
ANONYMOUS.
IT is unnecessary to dwell on the glories of the Mediter
ranean. They are familiar to every traveller, and books
have, again and again, laid them before the imaginations of
readers of all countries and ages. Still, there are lights and
shades peculiar to every picture, and this of ours has some
of its own that merit a passing notice. A sunset, in midsummer, can add to the graces of almost any scene. Such
was the hour when Raoul anchored; and Ghita, who had
come on deck, now that the chase was over, and the danger
was thought to be past, fancied she had never seen her own
Italy, or the blue Mediterranean, more lovely.
The shadows of the mountains were cast far upon the
sea, long ere the sun had actually gone down, throwing the
witchery of eventide over the whole of the eastern coast,
some time before it came to grace its western. Corsica
tnd Sardinia resemble vast fragments of the Alps, which
have fallen into the sea by some accident of nature, where
they stand in sight of their native beds, resembling, as it
might be, out-posts to those great walls of Europe. Their
mountains have the same formations, the same white peaks,
for no small portion of the.year at least, and their sides the
same mysterious and riven aspect.. In addition, however, to
their other charms, they have one that is wanting in most
of Switzerland, though traces of it are to be found in Savoy
and on the southern side of the Alps; they have that strange
admixture of the soft and the severe, of the sublime and
beautiful, that so peculiarly characterize the witchery of





160


LE FEU-FOLLET.


Italian nature. Such was now the aspect of all visible from
the deck of le Feu-Follet. The sea, with its dark-blue tint,
was losing every trace of the western wind, and was becoming glassy and tranquil; the mountains on the other side
were solemn and grand, just showing their ragged outlines
along a sky glowing with " the pomp that shuts the day;"
while the nearer valleys and narrow plains were myster'ous,
yet soft, under the deep shadows they cast. Pianosa lay
nearly opposite, distant some twenty miles, rising out of the
water like a beacon; Elba was visible to the north-east, a
gloomy confused pile of mountain at that hour; and Ghita,
once or twice thought she could trace on the coast of the main,
the dim outline of her own hill, Monte Argentaro; though
the distance, some sixty or seventy miles, rendered this
improbable. Outside, too, lay the frigate, riding on the glassy
surface of the sea, her sails furled, her yards squared, every
thing about her cared for and in its place, until she- formed
a faultless picture of nautical symmetry and naval propriety,
Fhere are all sorts of men in a marine, as well as in civil
life; these taking things as they come, content to perform
their duties in the most quiet manner, while others again
have some such likingg for their vessels as the dandy has for
his own person, and are never happy unless embellishing
them. The truth, in this, as in most other matters, lies in a
medium; the officer who thinks too much of the appearance
of his vessel, seldom having mind enough to bestow due attention on the great objects for which she was constructed,
and is sailed; while, on the other hand, he who is altogether
indifferent to these appearances is usually thinking of things
-foreign to his duty and his profession; if, indeed, he thinks
at all. Cuffe was near the just medium, inclining a little too
much, perhaps, to the naval dandy. The Proserpine, thanks
to the builders of Toulon, was thought to be the handsomest
model then afloat in the Mediterranean, and like an estab.
lished beauty, all who belonged to her were fond of decorating ner, and of showing her fine proportions to advantage.
As she now lay, at single anchor, just out of gun-shot from
his own berth, Raoul could not avoid gazing at her with
envy, and a bitter feeling passed through his mind, when
he recalled the chances of fortune and of birth, which deprived him of the hope of ever rising to the command of





LE FEU-FOLLET.


161


Bsach a frigate, but which doomed him, seemingly, to the fate
of a privateersman for life.
Nature had intended Raoul Yvard for a much higher
destiny than that which apparently awaited his career. He
had come ihto active life with none of the, advantages that
accompany the accidents of birth, and, at a moment, in the
history of his great nation when its morals, and its religious
sentiments, had become unsettled by the violent reaction
which was throwing off the abuses of centuries. They who
imagine, however, that France, as a whole, was guilty of
the gross excesses that disfigured her struggles for liberty,
know little of the great mass of moral feeling that endured
through all the abominations of the times; and mistake thecrimes of a few desperate leaders, and the exaggerations of
misguided impulses, for a radical and universal depravity.
The France of the Reign of Terror, even, has little more to
answer for than the compliance which makes bodies of men
the instruments of the enthusiastic, the designing, and the
active-our own country often tolerating error, that differs
only in the degree, under the same blind submission to combinations and impulses; this very degree, too, depending
more on the accidents of history and natural causes, than
any agencies which are to be imputed to the one party, as a
fault, or, to the other, as a merit. It was with Raoul, as it
had been with his country-each was the creature of circumstances; and if the man had some of the faults, he had also
most of the merits of his nation and his age. The looseness
on the subject of religion, which was his principal defect in
the eyes of Ghita, but which could scarcely fail to be a
material one, with a girl educated and disposed as was the
case with our her6ine, was the error of the day, and with
Raoul it was, at least, sincere; a circumstance that rendered
him, with one so truly pious as the gentle being he loved,
the subject of a holy interest, which, in itself, almost rivalled
the natural tenderness of her sex, in behalf of the object of
her affections.
While the short engagement with the boats lasted, and
during the few minutes he was under the fire of the frigate,
Raoul had been himself; the excitement of actual war always
oerving him to deeds worthy of his command, and the high
name he had acquired; but, throughout the remainder of the
14 *              11





162


LE FEU-FOLLET.


day, he had flt little disposed to strife. The chase, onc.
assured that his spars were likely to stand, gave him little
concern; and now that he was at anchor within the shallow
water, he felt much as the traveller who has found a comfortable inn, after the fatigue of a hard day's ride. When
Ithuel suggested the possibility of a night-attack, in boats,
he laughingly reminded the American that "the burnt child
dreads the fire,'? and gave himself no great concern in the
matter. Still, no proper precaution was neglected. Raoul
was in the habit of exacting much of his men, in moments
of necessity; but, at all other times, he was as indulgent as
a kind father, among obedient and respectful children. This
quality, and the never-varying constancy and coolness that
he displayed in danger, was the secret of his great influence
with them; every seaman under his orders feeling certain,
that no severe duty was required at his hands, without a
corresponding necessity for it:
On the present occasion, when the people of le Feu-Follet
had supped, they were indulged in their customary dance;
and the romantic songs of Provence were heard on the forecastle. A light-hearted gaiety prevailed, that wanted only
the presence of woman, to make the scene resemble the
evening amusement of some hamlet on the coast. Nor was
the sex absent in the sentiment of the hour, or wholly so in
person. The songs were full of chivalrous gallantry, and
Ghita listened, equally touched and amused. She sat on
the taffrail, with her uncle standing at her side, while Raoul
paced the quarter-deck, stopping, in his turn, to utter some
thought, or wish, to ears that were always attentive. At
length the song and the dance ended, and all but the few
who were ordered to remain on watch, descended to their
hammocks. The change ivas as sudden, as it was striking.
The solemn, breathing stillness of a star-lit night succeeded
to the light laugh, melodious song, and spirited merriment
of a set of men, whose constitutional gaiety seemed to be
restrained by a species of native refinement, that is unknown
to the mariners of other regions, and who, unnurtured as
they might be deemed, in some respects, seldom or never
offended against the proprieties; as is so common with the
mariners of the boasted Anglo-Saxon race. By this time.he cool air from the mountains began to descend, and float.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


163


ng over the heated sea, it formed a light land-bree.-, that
blew in an exactly contrary direction to that, which, about
the same hour, came off from the adjacent continent. There
was no mnoon; but the night could not be called dark.
Myriads of stars gleamed out from the fathomless firmament,
filling the atmosphere with a light that served to render
objects sufficiently distinct; while it left them clad in a semiobscurity that suited the witchery of the scene and the hour.
Raoul felt the influence of all these circumstances in an
unusual degree. It disposed him to more sobriety of thought
than always attended his leisure moments, and he took a
seat on the taffrail, near Ghita, while her uncle went below,
to his knees and his prayers.
Every foot-fall in the lugger had now ceased. Ithuel
was posted on a knight-head, where he sat watching his old
enemy, the Proserpine; the proximity of that ship not allowing him to sleep. Two experienced seamen, who alone
formed the regular anchor-watch, as it is termed, were
stationed apart, in order to prevent conversation; one on the
starboard cat-head, and the other in the main rigging; both
keeping vigilant ward over the tranquil sea, and the different
objects that floated on its placid bosom. In that retired spot,
these objects were necessarily few, embracing the frigate,
the lugger, and three coasters; the latter of which had all
been boarded before the night set in, by the Proserpine, and,
after short detentions, dismissed. One of these coasters lay
about half-way between the two hostile vessels, at anchor,
having come-to, after making some fruitless efforts to get
to the northward, by means of the expiring west-wind.
Although the light land-breeze would now have sufficed to
carry her a knot or two through the water, she preferred
maintaining her position, and giving her people a good
night's rest, to getting under-way. The situation of this
felucca, and the circumstance that she had been boarded by
the frigate, rendered her an object of some distrust with
Raoul, through the early part of the evening, and he had
ordered a vigilant eye to be kept on her; but nothing had
been discovered to confirm these suspicions. The movements of her people-the manner in which she brought-upthe quiet that prevailed on board her, and even the lubberly
di-position of her spars and rigging, went to satisfy RPoul





164


4LE FEU-FOLLET.


hat she had no man-of-war's men on board her. Still, as
she lay less than a mile outside of the lugger, though now
dead to leeward all that distance, she was to be watched,
and one of the seamen, he in the rigging, rarely had fiis eyes
off her, a minute at a time. The second, coaster was a little
to the southwa-rd of the frigate, under her canvass, hauling
in for the land; doubtless with a view to get as much as
possible of the breeze from the mountains; and standing
slowly to the south. She had been set by compass, an hour
before, and all that time had altered her bearings but half a
point, though not a league off-a proof how light she had
the wind. The third coaster, a small felucca, too, was to
the northward; but, ever since the land-breeze, if breeze it
could be called, had come, she had been busy turning slowly
up to windward; and seemed disposed either to cross the
shoals, closer in than the spot where the lugger lay, or to
enter the Golo. Her shadowy outline was visible, though
drawn against the land, moving slowly athwart the lugger's
hawse, perhaps half-a-mile in-shore of her. As there was a
current setting out of the river, and all the vessels rode with
their heads to the island, Ithuel occasionally turned his head
to watch her progress; which was so slow, however, as to
produce very little change.
After looking around him several minutes, in silence,
Raoul turned his face upward, and gazed at the stars.
"You probably do not know, Ghita," he said, ": the use
those stars may be, and are, to us mariners. By their aid,
we are enabled to tell where we are, in the midst of the
broadest oceans-to know the points of the compass; and so
feel at home even when furthest removed from it. The seaman must go far south of the equator, at least, ere he can
reach a spot where he does not see the same stars that he
beheld from the door of his father's house."
' That is a new thought, to me," answered Ghita, quickly,
her tender nature, at once, struck with the feeling and poetry of such an idea; " that is a new thought, to me, Raoul
and I wonder you never mentioned it before. It is a great
thing to be able to carry home and familiar objects with you,
when so distant from those you,ove."
"Did you n.ver hear that overs have chosen an hour





LE FEU-FOLLET.


165


and a star, by gazing at which they might commune together, though separated by oceans and countries?"
"That is a question you might put to yourself, Raoul
all I have ever heard of lovers, and love, haying come from
your own lips."
" Well, then, I tell it you; and hope that we shall not
part, again, without selecting our star, and our hour-if,
indeed, we ever part more. Though I have forgotten to tell
you this, Ghita, it is because you are never absent from my
thoughts-no star is necessary to recall Monte Argentaro
and the Towers."
If we should say Ghita was not pleased with this, it would
be to raise her above an amiable and a natural weakness.
Raoul's protestations never fell dead on her heart; and few
things were sweeter, to her ear, than his words, as they
declared his devotedness and passion. The frankness with
which he admitted his delinquencies, and most especially the
want of that very religious sentiment which was of so much
value in the eyes of his mistress, gave an additional weight
to his language, when he affirmed his love. Notwithstanding Ghita blushed, as she now listened, she did not smile;
she rather appeared sad. For near a minute she made no
reply; and when she did answer, it was in a low voice, like
one who felt and thought intensely.
"Those stars may well have a higher office," she said.
" Look at them, Raoul;--count them we cannot, for they
seem to start out of the depths of heaven, one after another,
as the eye rests upon the space, until they mock our efforts
at calculation. We see they are there in thousands, and
may well believe they are in myriads. Now, thou hast been
taught, else couldst thou never be a navigator, that those
stars are worlds, like our own, or suns, with worlds sailing
around them; how is it possible to see and know this, without
believing in a God, and feeling the insignificance of our
being?"
" I do not deny that there is a power to govern all this,
Ghita-but I maintain that it is a principle; not a being, in
our shape and form; and that it is the reason of things,
rather than a deity."
" Who has said that God is a being, in our shape and





166


LE FEU-FOLLET.


form, Raoul? None know that-none can know it; nonu
say it, who reverence and worship him as they ought!"
" Do not your priests say that man has been created in
his image? and is not this creating him in his form and
likeness?"
" Nay, not so, dear Raoul, but in the image of his spirit
-that man hath a soul which partakes, though in a small
degree, of the imperishable essence of God; and thus far
doth he exist in his image. More than this, none have presumed to say. But what a being, to be the master of all
those bright worlds!"
" Ghita, thou know'st my way of thinking, on these matters; and thou also know'st that I would not wound thy
gentle spirit by a single word that could grieve thee."
" Nay, Raoul, it is not thy way of thinking, but thy
fashion of talking, that makes the difference between us.
No one, who thinks, can ever doubt the existence of a being
superior to all of earth, and of the universe; and who is
Creator and Master of all."
" Of a principle, if thou wilt, Ghita; but of a being, I ask
for the proof. That a mighty principle exists, to set all
these planets in motion - to create all these stars, and to
plant all these suns, in space, I never doubted; it would be
to question a fact which stands, day and night, before my
eyes; but to suppose a being capable of producing all these
things, is to believe in beings I never saw."
" And why not as well suppose that it is a being that does
all this, Raoul, as to suppose it what you call a principle?"
" Because I see principles, beyond my understanding, at
work all around me: in yonder heavy frigate, groaning
under her load of artillery, which floats on this thin water,
in the trees, of the land that lies so near us; in the animals,
which are born, and die; the fishes, the birds, and the
human beings. But I see no being-know no being, that i,
aole to do all this."
" That is because thou know'st not God! He is the
creator of the principles of which thou speak'st, and is
greater than thy principles, themselves."
" It is easy to say this, Ghita-but hard to prove. I take
the acorn, and put it in the ground; in due time it comes up
plant, in the course of years, it becomes a tree. Now,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


167


all this depends on a certain mysterious principle, which is
unknown to me, but which I am sure exists, for I can cause
it, myself, to produce its fruits, by merely opening the earth
and laying the seed in its bosom. Nay, I can do moreso well do I understand this principle, to a certain extent, at
least, that, by choosing the season and the soil, I can hasten
or retard the growth of the plant, and, in a manner, fashion
the tree."
"True, Raoul, to a certain extent thou canst; and it is
precisely because thou hast been created after the image of
God. The little resemblance thou enjoyest to that Mighty
being, enables thee to do this much more than the beasts of
the field: wert thou his equal, thou couldst create that principle of which thou speakest, and which, in thy blindness,
thou mistakest for its master."
This was said with more feeling than Ghita had ever
before manifested, in their frequent discourses on this subject, and with a solemnityof tone that startled her listener.
Ghita had no philosophy, in the common acceptation of the
term, while Raoul fancied he had much, under the limitations of a deficient education; and yet the strong religious
sentiment of the girl so quickened her faculties, that he had
often been made to wonder why she had seemingly the best
of the argument, on a subject in which he flattered himself
with being so strong.
" I rather. think, Ghita, we scarcely understand each
other," answered Raoul. "I pretend not to see any more
than is permitted to man; or, rather, more than his powers
can comprehend; but this proves nothing, as the elephant
understands more than the horse, and the horse more than
the fish. There is a principle which pervades everything,
which we call Nature; and this it is which has produced
these whirling worlds, and all the mysteries of creation.
One of its laws is, that nothing it produces shall comprehend
its secrets."
"' You have only to fancy your principle a spirit, a being
with mind, Raoul, to have.the Christian God. Why not
believe in him, as easily as you believe in your unknown
principle, as you:call it? You know that you exist-that
you can build a lugger--can reason on the sun and stars,
vo as to find your way across the widest ocean, by means





168


LE FEU-FOLLET.


of your nmmd; and why not suppose that some superior being
exists, who can do even more than this? Your principles
can be thwarted, even by yourself-the seed can be deprived
of its power to grow-the tree destroyed; and, if principles
can thus be destroyed, some accident may one day destroy
creation, by destroying its principle. I fear to speak to
you of revelation, Raoul, for I know you mock it!"
"Not when it comes from thy lips, dearest. I may not
believe, but I never mock at what thou utterest and reverencest."
" I could thank thee for this, Raoul, but I feel it would be
taking to myself a homage that ought to be paid elsewhere.
But, here is my guitar, and I am sorry to say that the hymn
to the Virgin has not been sung on board this lugger to.
night; thou canst not think how sweet is a hymn sung upon
the waters. I heard the crew that is anchored towards the
frigate, singing that hymn, while thy men were at their light
Provencal songs, in praise of woman's beauty; instead of
joining in praise of their Creator."
"Thou mean'st to sing thy hymn, Ghita, else the guitar
would not have been mentioned?"
" Raoul, I do. I have ever found thy soul the softest, after
holy music. Who knows, but the mercy of God may one
day touch it, through the notes of this very hymn!"
Ghita paused a moment, and then her light fingers passed
over the strings of her guitar, in a solemn symphony; after
which came the sweet strains of "Ave Maria," in a voice
and melody that might, in sooth, have touched a heart of
stone. Ghita, a Neapolitan by birth, had all her country's
love for music; and she had caught some of the science that
seems to pervade nations, in that part of the world. Nature
had endowed her with one of the most touching -voices of her
sex; one less powerfil, than mellow and sweet; and she never
used it, in a religious office, without its becoming tremulous
and eloquent with feeling. While she was now singing this
well-known hymn, a holy hope pervaded her moral system,
that, in some miraculous manner, she might become the
agent of turning Raoul to the love and worship of God; and
the feeling communicated itself to her execution. Never
before had she sung so well; as a proof of which, Ithuel left
his knight-head, and came aft, to listen, while the two French





LE FEU- FOLLET.


169


mariners on watch, temporarily forgot their duty, in entranced attention.
"If anything could make me a believer, Ghita," murmured Raoul, when the last strain had died on the lips of
his beloved, "it would be to listen to thy melody! 'What
now, Monsieur Etqoell! are you, too, a lover of holy music?"
" This is rare singing, Captain Rule; but we have different
business on hand. If you will step to the other end of the
lugger, you can take a look at the craft that has been crawling along, in-shore of us, for the last three hours-there is
something about her that is unnat'ra-; she seems to be dropping down nearer to us, while she has no motion through
the water. The last circumstance I hold to be unnat'ral
with a vessel that has all sail set, and in this breeze."
Raoul pressed the hand of Ghita, and whispered her to go
below, as he was fearful the air. of the night might injure her.
He then went forward, where he could command as good a
view of the felucca, in-shore, as the obscurity of the hour
permitted; and.,he felt a little uneasiness, when he found
how near she had got to the lugger. When he last noted
her position, this vessel was quite half-a-mile distant, and
appeared to be crossing the bows of le Feu-Follet, with
sufficient wind to have carried her a mile ahead, in the interval; yet could he not perceive that she had advanced as far,
in that direction, as she had drifted down upon the lugger
the while.
" Have you been examining her long?" he demanded of
the New-Hampshire-man.
" Ever since she has seemed to stand still; which is now
some twenty minutes. She is dull, I suppose, for she has
been several hours getting along a league; and there is now
air enough for such a craft to go three knots to the hour.
Her coming down upon us is easily accounted for, there
being a considerable current out of this river, as you may
see by the ripple at our own cut-water; but I find nothing to
keep her from going ahead, at the same time. I set her by
the light you see, here, in the wake of the nearest mountain
at least a quarter of an hour since, and she has not advanced
five times her own length, since."
"'T is nothing but a Corsican coaster, after all, Etooell:
I hardly think the English would risk our canister, again
15





170


LE FEU-FOLLET.


for the pleasure of being beaten off, in another attempt tu
board!"
" They're a spiteful set, aboard the frigate; and the Lord
only knows! See, here is a good heavy night-air, and that
felucca is not a cable's-length from' us; set her by the jibstay, and judge for yourself, how slowly she goes ahead!
That it is, which non-plushes me I"
Raoul lid as the other desired, and, after a short trial, he
found that the coaster had no perceptible motion ahead, while,
it was certain, she was drifting down with the current,
directly athwart the lugger's hawse. This fact satisfied him
that she must have drags astern; a circumstance that, at
once, denoted a hostile intention. The enemy was probably
on board the felucca, in force; and it was incumbent on him
to make immediate preparations for defence.
Still, Raoul was reluctant to disturb his people. Like all
firm and cool men, he was averse to the parade of a false
alarm; and it seemed so improbable that the lesson of the
morning was so.soon forgotten, that he Wpuld hardly per
suade himself to believe his senses. Then the men had been
very hard at work, throughout the day; and most of them
were sleeping the sleep of the weary. On the other hand,
every minute brought the coaster nearer, and increased the
danger, should the enemy be really in possession of her.
Under all the circumstances, he determined, first, to hail;
knowing that his crew could be got up in a minute, and that
they slept with arms at their sides, under an apprehension
that a boat attack might possibly be attempted, in the course
of the night.
" Felucca, ahoy!" called out the captain of le Feu-Follet,
the other craft being too near to render any great effort of
the voice necessary; " What felucca is that? and why have
you so great a drift?"
" La Bella Corsienne!" was the answer, in a patois, half
French, half Italian, as Raoul expected, if all were right.
'We are bound into la Padulella; and wish to keep in with
the land, to hold the breeze the longer. We are no great
sailer, at the best, and have a drift, because we are, just now
in the strength of the current."
' "At this rate, you will come athwart my hawse.-You
know I am armed, and cannot suffer that '"





LE FEU-FOL'LE~r.


171


" Ah, Signore, we are friends of the republic, and would
not harm you, if we could. We hope you will not injure
poor mariners, like us. We will keep away, if you please,
and pass you under your stern-"
This proposition "was made so suddenly, and so unexpectedly, that Raoul had not time to object, and, had he been
disposed to do so, the execution was too prompt to allow him
the means. The felucca fell broad off, and came down
almost in a direct line for the lugger's bows, before the wind
and current; moving fast enough, now, to satisfy all Ithuel's
scruples.
"Call all hands to repel boarders!" cried Raoul, spring.
ing aft to the capstan, and seizing his own arms -" Come
up lively, mes enfans!-here is treachery!"
These words were hardly uttered before Raoul was back
on the heel of the bowsprit, and the most active of his mensome five or six, at most-began to show themselves on deck.
In that brief space, the felucca had got within eighty yards,
when, to the surprise of all in the lugger, she luffed into the
wind, again, and drifted down, until it was apparent that she
was foul of the lugger's cable, her stern swinging round
directly on the latter's starboard bow. At that instant, or
just as the two vessels came in actual contact, and Raoul's
men were thronging around him, to meet the expected attack,
the sounds of oars, pulled for life or death,'were heard, and
flames burst upward from the open hatch of the coaster.
Then a boat was dimly seen gliding away, in a line with the
hull, by the glowing light.
" Un bruflot!-un brflot!--a fireship!" exclaimed twenty
voices together, the horror that mingled in the cries proclaiming the extent of a danger which is, perhaps, the most
terrific that seamen can encounter.
But the voice of Raoul Yvard was not among them
The moment his eye caught the first glimpse of the flames
he disappeared from the bowsprit. He might have been
absent about twenty seconds. Then he was seen on the taffrail of the felncca, with a spare shank-painter, which had
been lying on the forecastle, on his shoulder.
" Antoine!-Francois!-Gr6goire!"-he called out, in a
voice of thunder,-" follow me!-the rest, clear away the
-able, and bend a hawser to the better end!"





172            LE FEU-FOLLET.
The people of le Feu-Follet were trained to order and
implicit obedience. By this time, too, the lieutenants were
among them; and the men set about doing as they had been
directed. Raoul, himself, passed into the felucca, followea
by the three men he had selected by name. The adventu
rers had no difficulty, as yet, in escaping the flames, though,
by this time, they were pouring upward from the hatch in a
orrent. As Raoul suspected, his cable had been grappled;
nd, seizing the rope, he tightened it to a severe strain,
securing the in-board part. Then he passed down to thp
cable, himself, directing his companions to hand him the
rope-end of the shank-painter, which he fastened to the cable
by a jamming hitch. This took half-a-minute; in halfa-minute more, he was on the felucca's forecastle, again.
Here the chain was easily passed through a hawse-hole; and
a knot tied, with a marlinespike passed through its centre.
To pass the fire, on the return, was now a serious matter;
but it was done without injury, Raoul driving his companions
before him. No sooner did his foot reach the bows of le
Feu-Follet, again, than he shouted" Veer away!-pay out cable, men, if you would save
our beautiful lugger from destruction!"
Nor was there a moment to spare. The lugger took the
cable that was given her, fast enough, under the pressure of
the current, and-helped by the breeze; but at first the firevessel, already a sheet of flame, her decks having been saturated with tar, seemed disposed to accompany her. To the
delight of all in the lugger, however, the stern of the felucca
was presently seen to separate from their own bows; and a
sheer having been given to le Feu-Follet, by means of the
helm. in a etw seconds even her bowsprit and jib had cleared
the danger. The felucca rode stationary, while the lugger
dropped astern, fathom after fathom, until she lay more than
a hundred yards distant from the fiery mass. As a matter
of course, while the cable was paid out, the portion to which
the lanyard, or rope part of the shank-painter was fastened.
Jropped into the water, while the felucca rode by the chain.
These events occupied less than five minutes; and all had
been done with a steadiness and promptitude that seemed
more like instinct, than reason.  Raoul's voice was not
heard, except in the few orders mentioned; and when, by the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


173


glaring light, which illuminated all in the lugger and the
adjacent water to some distance, nearly to the brightness of
noon-day, he saw Ghita gazing at the spectacle in awed
admiration and terror, he went to her, and spoke as if the
whole were merely a brilliant spectacle, devised for their
amusement.
" Our girandola is second only to that,f St. Peter's," he
said, smiling. " 'T was a narrow escape, love; but, thanks
to thy God, if thou wilt it shall be so, we have received no
narm."
" And you have been the agent of his goodness, Raoul;
I have witnessed all, from this spot. The call to the men
brought me on deck; and, Oh! how I trembled, as I saw
you on the flaming mass!"
" It has been cunningly planned, on the part of Messieurs
les Anglais; but it has signally failed. That coaster has a
cargo of tar, and naval stores, on board; and, capturing her,
this evening, they have thought to extinguish our lantern by
the brighter and fiercer flame of their own. But, le FeuFollet will shine again, when their fire is dead!"
" Is there, then, no danger that the brulot will yet come
down upon us-she is fearfully near!"
1" Not sufficiently so to do us harm; more especially as
our sails are damp with dew. Here she cannot come, so
long as our cable stands. and, as that is under water, where
she lies, it cannot burn. In half-an-hour there will be little
of her left; and we will enjoy the bonfire, while it lasts."
And, now the fear of danger was past, it was a sight truly
to be enjoyed. Every anxious and curious face in the lugger was to be seen, under that brilliant light, turned toward
-he glowing mass, as the sun-flower follows the great' source
of heat, in his track athwart the heavens; while the spars,
sails, guns, and even the smallest object on board the lug.ger, started out of the obscurity of night, into the brightness
of such an illumination, as if composing paits of some brilliant scenic display. But so fierce a flame soon exhausted
itself. Ere long, the felucca's masts fell, and with them a
pyramid of fire. Then the glowing deck tumbled in; and
finally, timber after timber, and plank after plank fell, unti
fhe conflagration, in a great measure, extinguished itself in
15 -*





174


LE FEU-FOLLET.


the water on which it floated. An hour after the flames
appeared, little remained but the embers which were glowing in the hold of the wreck.
CHAPTER XII.
*A justice of the peace, for the time being,
They bow to, but may turn him out, next year:
They reverence their priest, but, disagreeing,
In price or creed, dismiss him without fear;
They have a natural talent for foreseeing
And knowing all things;--and should Park.appear
From his long tour in Africa, to show
The Niger's source, they'd meet him with- We know."
HALLECK.
RAOUL was not mistaken as to the manner in which they
were obtained, and the means employed by his enemies.
The frigate had found one of the feluccas loaded with naval
stores, including some ten or fifteen barrels of tar; and it
instantly struck Griffin, who was burning to revenge the
defeat of the morning, that the prize might be converted into
a fire-vessel. As the second lieutenant volunteered to carry
her in, always a* desperate service, Cuffe gave his consent.
Nothing could have been better managed than the whole
duty connected with this exploit, including the manner in
which our hero saved his vessel from destruction. The
frigate kept between her prize and the lugger, to conceal the
fact that a boat remained on board the former; and, when
all was ready, the felucca was apparently permitted to pro'
ceed on her voyage. The other two prizes were allowed to
go free, also, as cloaks to the whole affair. Griffin, as has
been seen, kept standing in For the land; his object being to
get up stream from the lugger, and as near her as possible.
When he found himself almost as far ahead as was desirable,
drags were used, to keep the craft stationary; and, in this
manner, she drifted dQwn on her intended victim, as has
been already described. But for the sagacity and uneasiness





LE FEU-FOLLET.


175


nf lthuel, the plan would altogether have escaped detection;
and, but for the coolness, courage, and resources of Raoul,
it would infallibly have succeeded, notwithstanding the suspicions that had been excited.
Cuffe, and the people on deck, watched the whole affair
with the deepest interest. They were barely able to see
the sails of the felucca, by means of a night-glass, as she
was dropping down on the lugger; and Yelverton had just
exclaimed that the two vessels were foul of each other, when
the flames broke out. As a matter of course, at that distance, both craft seemed on fire; and when le Feu-Follet
had dropped a hundred yards nearer to the frigate, leaving
the felucca blazing, the two were so exactly in a line, as to
bring them together, as seen from the former's decks. The
English expected, every moment, to hear the explosion of
the lugger's magazine; but, as it did not happen, they came
to the conclusion it had been drowned. As for Griffin, he
pulled in-shore, both to avoid the fire of le Feu-Follet, in
passing her broadside, and in the hope of intercepting Raoul,
while endeavouring to escape in a boat. He even went to
a landing in the river, quite a league from the anchorage,
and waited there until long past midnight, when, finding the
night beginning to cloud over, and the obscurity to increase,
he returned to the frigate, giving the smouldering wreck a
wide berth, for fear of accidents.
Such, then, was the state of things, when Captain Cuffe
appeared on deck, just as the day began to dawn, on the
following morning. He had given orders to be called at
that hour, and was now all impatience to get a view of the
sea, more particularly in-shore. At length the curtain began
slowly to rise, and his view extended farther and farther
towards the river, until all was visible, even to the very land
Not a craft of any sort was in sight. Even the wreck had
disappeared; though this was subsequently discovered in the
surf; having drifted out with the current, until it struck an
eddy, which carried it in again, when it was finally stranded.
No vestige of le Feu-Follet, however, was to be seen. Not
even a tent on the shore, a wandering boat, a drifting spar.
ýr a rag of a sail! All had disappeared, no doubt, in the
confligration. As Cuffe went below, he walked with a more,rect mien than he had done since the affair of the pre





176


LE FEU-FOLLET.


vious morning; and as he opened his writing-desk, it %-as
with the manner of one entirely satisfied with himself, and
his own exertions. Still, a generous regret mingled with
his triumph. It was a great thing to have aestroyed the
most pernicious privateer that sailed out of France; and yet
it was a melancholy fate to befall seventy or eighty human
beings-to perish like so many curling caterpillars, destroyed by fire. Nevertheless, the thing was done; and it
must be reported to the authorities above him. The following letter was consequently written to the commanding
officer in that sea, viz:
His Majesty's Ship, Proserpine, off the mouth of the Golo,
Island of Corsica, July 23, 1799.
My Lord-I have the satisfaction of reporting, for the
information of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,
the destruction of the Republican privateer, the le Few-Folly,
commanded by the notorious Raoul Yvard, on the night of
the 22d inst. The circumstances attending this important
success, are as follows. Understanding that the celebrated
picaroon had been on the Neapolitan and Roman coasts,
doing much mischief, I took His Majesty's ship close in,
following up the peninsula, with the land in sight, until we
got through the Canal of Elba, early on the morning of the
21st. On opening Porto Ferrajo bay, we saw a lugger
lying at anchor off the town, with English colours flying.
As this was a friendly port, we could not suppose the craft
to be the le Few-Folly; but, determined to make sure, we
beat in, signalling the stranger, until he took advantage of
our stretching well over to the eastward, to slip round the
rocks, and get off to-windward. We followed, for a short
distance, and then ran over under the lee of Capraya, where
we remained until the morning of the 22d, when we again
went off the town. We found the lugger in the offing; and
being now well satisfied of her character, and it falling calm,
I sent the boats after her, under Messrs. Winchester and
Griffin, the first and second of this ship. After a sharp
skirmish, in which we sustained some loss, though that of
the Republicans was evidently much greater, Monsieur
Yvard succeeded in effecting his escape, in consequence of a
breeze's suddenly springing up. Sail was now made on the
ilip, and we chased the lugger into the mouth of the Golo.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


177


Having fortunately captured a felucca, with a quantity of
tar, and other combustible materials on board, as we drew
in with the land, I determined to make a fire-ship of her, and
to destroy the enemy by that mode; he having anchored
within the shoals, beyond the reach of shot. Mr. Winchester, the first, having been wounded in the boat-affair, I
entrusted the execution of this duty to Mr. Griffin, who
handsomely volunteered, and by whom it was effectually
discharged, about ten last evening, in the coolest and most
officer-like manner. I enclose this gentleman's report of
the affair, and beg leave to recommend him to the favour of
my Lords Commissioners. With Mr. Winchester's good
conduct, under a sharp fire, in the morning, the service has
also every reason to be satisfied. I hope this valuable officer
will soon be able to return to duty.
Permit me to congrat.ulate you, my lord, on the complete
destruction of this most pernicious cruiser of the enemy. So
effectual has it been, that not a spar, or a fragment of wreck,
remains. We have reason to think every soul on board
perished; and though this fearful loss of human life is to be
deeply deplored, it has been made in the service of good
government and religion. The lugger was filled with loose
women; our people hearing them singing their philosophical
and irreligious songs, as they approached with the fire-vessel.
I shall search the coast for any rafts that may be drifting
about, and then proceed to Leghorn for fresh provisions.
I have the honour to be, my lord,
Your lordship's most obedient servant,
RICHARD CUFFE
To Rear Admiral the Right Hon. Lord Nelson,
Duke of Bronte, &c., &c., &c.
Cuffe read this report over twice; then he sent for Griffin
to whom he read it aloud, glancing his eye meaningly at his
subordinate, when he came to the part where he spoke of
the young man', good conduct.
" So much for that d-  d Jack-o'-Lantern, Grifn.
ancy it will lead no one else on a wild-goose chase."
" I trust not, sir. Will you allow me to suggest a slight
alteration in the spelling of the lugger's name, Captain Cuffe;
the clerk can make it, when he writes out the letter fairly."
12





178


LE FEU-FOLLET.


SAy-I dare say, it is different from what we would have
it; French spelling being no great matter, in general. Put
it as you please; though Nelson has as great a contempt
for their boasted philosophy and learning, as I have myself.
I fancy you will find all the English spelt right. How do
you write their confounded gibberish?"
" Feu-Follet, sir, pronouncing the last part of it fol-lay;
not fol-ly. I was thinking of asking leave, Captain Cuffe,
to take one of the cutters, and pull up to the lugger's anchorage, and see if anything can be found of her wreck. The
ship will hardly get under-way until the westerly wind
comes."
"No, probably not. I will order my gig manned, and
we 'lI go together.  Poor Winchester must keep house
awhile; so there is no use in asking him. *I saw no necessity for putting Nelson into a passion, by saying anything
about the exact amount of our loss, in that boat scrape,
Griffin."
"I agree with you, sir, that it is best as it is.--' Some loss'
covers every thing-it means, 'more or less.'
" That was just my notion.-I dare say, there may have
been twenty women in the lugger?"
" I can't answer for the number, sir; but I heard female
singing, as we got near, in the fire-ship; and think it likely
there may have been that number. The lugger was fullmanned; for they were like bees swarming on her forecastle,
when we were dropping foul. I saw Raoul Yvard, by the
light of the fire, as plainly as I now see you; and might
have picked him off with a musket; but that would hardly
have been honourable."
To this Cuffe assented, and then he led the way on deck,
having previously ordered the boats manned. The two
officers proceeded to the spot where they supposed the FeuFollet had been anchored, and rowed round, for near an
hour, endeavouring to find some traces of her wreck on the
bottom. Griffin suggested that, when the magazine was
drowned, in the hurry and confusion of the moment, the cock
may have been left open-a circumstance that might very
well have carried down the bottom of so small a vessel, in
two or three hours; more especially after her hull had
burnt to the water's edge. The next thing was to find this





LE FEU-FOLLET.


179


Lottom, by no means a hopeless task, as the waters of the
Mediterranean are usually so clear, that the eye can pene
trate several fathoms, even off the mouth of the Golo; a
stream that brought more or less debris from the mountains.
It is scarcely necessary to say, that the search was not
rewarded with success, the Feu-Follet being, just at that
time, snug at anchor at Bastia, where her people had already
taken out her wounded mainmast, with a view to step a new
one in its place. At that very moment, Carlo Giuntotardi
his niece, and Raoul Yvard, were walking up the principal
street of the town, the place standing on a hill, like Porto
Ferrajo, perfectly at their ease, as regards fire-ships, English frigates, and the dangers of the seas. But all this was
a profound mystery to Cuffe and his companions, who had
long been in the habit of putting the most favourable constructions on the results of their professional undertakings,
and, certainly, not altogether without reason; and who
nothing doubted that le Feu-Follet had, to use their own
language, " laid her bones somewhere along-shore, here."
After two or three hours passed in a fruitless search, Cuffe
determined to return to his ship. He was a keen sportsman,
and had brought a fowling-piece with him, in his gig, with a
half-formed design of landing, and whiling away the time,
until the westerly wind came, among some marshes that he
saw near the shore; but had been persuaded, by Griffin, not
to venture.
" There must be woodcock in that wet ground, Griffin,"
he said, as he reluctantly yielded a little in his intention,
"and Winchester would fancy a bird, exceedingly, in a day
or two. I never was hit, in my life, that I did not feel a
desire for game, after the fever was gone. Snipe, too, must
ive on the banks of that stream. Snipe are coming in
season, now, Griffin?"
"It's more likely, sir, that some of the privateersmew
have got ashore on planks, and empty casks, and are prowling about in the weeds, watching our boats. Three or four
of them would be too much for you, Captain Cuffe, as the
scoundrels all carry knives as long as ships' cutlasses."
"I suppose your notion may be true; and I shall have to
give it up. Pull back to the frigate, Davy, and we 'll be off,fler some more of these French ragamuffiis."





180


LE FEU-FOLLET.


This settled the matter, In half-an-hour, the boats were
swinging at the Proserpine's quarters; and three hours
later, the ship was under her canvass, standing slowly off
the land. That day, however, the zephyr was exceedingly
light, and the sun set, just as the ship got the small island
of Pianosa abeam; when the air came from the northward,
and the ship's head was laid in to the eastward; the course
lying between the land just mentioned, and that of Elba.
All night the Proserpine was slowly fanning her way along
the south side of the latter island, when, getting the southerly
air again, in the morning, she reappeared in the Canal of
Piombino, as the day advanced, precisely as she had done
before, when first introduced to the acquaintance of the
reader. Cuffe had given orders to be called, as usual, when
the light was about to return; it being a practice with him,
in that active and pregnant war, to be on deck at such moments, in order to ascertain, with his own eyes, what the
fortunes of the night had brought within his reach.
" Well, Mr. Griffin," he said, as soon as he had received
the salutation of the officer of the watch, " you have had a
still night of it. Yonder is the Point of Piombino, I see; and
here we have got Elba, and this little rocky island, again,
on our larboard hand. One day is surprisingly like another,
about these times, for us mariners, in particular."
" Do you really think so, Captain Cuffe?-Now, to my
notion, this day hasn't had its equal on the Proserpine's log,
since we got hold of l'Epervier, and her convoy. You forget, sir, that we destroyed le Feu-Follet, last night!"
"Ay - that is something - especially for you, Griffin.
Well, Nelson will hear of it by mail, as soon as we can get
into Leghorn; which will be immediately after I have had
an opportunity of communicating with these people in Porto
Ferrajo. After all that has passed, the least we can do is to
let your veechy-govern-the-tories know of our success."
" Sail, ho!" shouted the look-out, on the foretopsail-yard.
The two officers turned, and gazed around them, in every
direction, when the captain made the customary demand of
' Where-away?"
" Here, sir, close aboard of us, on our larboard -hand, and
on our weather quarter."
"' On our weather quarter!-D-  n me, if that cano he





LE FEU-FOLLET.


18i


true, Griffin. There is nothing but the island, there.-The
tellow cannot have mistaken this little island for the hull of
a ship!"
"If he has, sir," answered Griffin,laughing, " it must be
for a twenty-decker. That is Ben Brown, aloft; and he is
as good a look-out as we have in the ship."
" Do you see her, sir?" demanded Ben Brown, looking
over his shoulder, to put the question.
" Not a bit of her," cried Cuffe. "You must be dream
ing, fellow.-What does she look like!"
"There, this small island shuts her in, from the deck, sir.
She is a lugger; and looks as much like the one we burnt
last night, sir, as one of our cat-heads is like t'other."
"A lugger!" exclaimed Cuffe. "What, another of the
blackguards! By Jove! I '11 go aloft, and take a look for
myself. It's ten to one that I see her from the maintop."
In three minutes more, Captain Cuffe was in the top in
question; having passed through the lubber-hole, as every
sensible man does, in a frigate, more especially when she
stands up for want of wind. That was an age in which
promotion was rapid; there being few grey-bearded lieutenants, then, in the English marine; and even admirals were
not wanting who had not cut all their wisdom-teeth. Cufie,
consequently, was still a young man; and it cost him no
great effort to get up his ship's ratlins, in the manner named.
Once in the top, he had all his eyes about him. For quite
a minute, he stood motionless, gazing in the direction that
had been pointed out by Ben Brown. All this time Griffin
stood on the quarter-deck, looking quite as intently at his
superior, as the latter gazed at the strange sail. Then Cuffe
deigned to cast a glance literally beneath him, in order to
appease the curiosity, which, he well understood, it was so
natural for the officer of the watch to feel. Griffin did not
dare to ask his captain what he saw; but he looked a volume
of questions on the interesting subject.
" A sister corsair, by Jupiter Ammon!" cried Cuffe; " a
twin sister, too; for they are as much alike as one cat-head
s like another. More, by Jove, if I am any judge."
" What will you have us do, Captain Cuffe?" inquired the
lieutenant. "We are now going to leeward, all the while.
16





182


LE FEU-FOLLET.


I don't know, sir, that there is positively a current here
but-"
" Very well, sir-very well-haul up on the larboard
tack, as soon as possible, and get the larboard batteries.clear.
We may have to cripple the chap, in order to get hold of
him."
As this was said, Cuffe descended through the same lubberhole, and soon appeared on deck. The ship, now, became
a scene of activity and bustle. All hands were called, and
the guns were cleared away, by some, while others braced
Le yards, according to the new line of sailing.
The reader would be greatly aided, in understanding what
is to follow, could he, perchance, cast a look at a map of
the coast of Italy. He will there see that the eastern side
of the Island of Elba, runs in a nearly north and south
direction, Piombino lying off about north-north-east, from its
northern extremity. Near this northern extremity, lies the
little rocky islet, so often mentioned, or the spot which Napoleon, fifteen years later, selected as the advanced redoubt
of his insular empire. Of course, the Proserpine was on one
side of this islet, and the strange lugger on the other. The
first had got so far through the Canal, as to be able to haul
close upon the wind, on the larboard tack, and yet to clear
the islet; while the last was just far enough to windward, or
sufficiently to the southward, to be shut out from view, from
the frigate's decks, by the intervening rocks. As the distance from the islet to the island did not much exceed a
hundred or two yards, Captain Cuffe hoped to enclose his
chase between himself and the land, never dreaming -that
the stranger would think of standing through so narrow and
rocky a pass. He did not know his man, however, who
was Raoul Yvard; and who had come this way, from Bastia,
in the hope of escaping any further collision with his formidable foe. He had seen the frigate's lofty sails, above the
rock, as soon as it was light; and being under no hallucination, on the subject of her existence, he knew her at a glance.
His first order was to haul everything as flat as possible;
and his great desire was, to get from under the lee of the
mountains of Elba, into this very pass, through which. the
wind drew with more force, than it blew anywhere, near by.
As the Proserpine was quite a league off, in the Canal, le





LE FEU-FOLLET.


83


Feu-Follet, which sailed so much the fastest, in light winds,
had abundance of time to effect her object. Instead of
avoiding the narrow pass between the two islands, Raoul
glided boldly into it; and, by keeping vigilant eyes on his
fore-yard, to apprize him of danger, he succeeded in making
two stretches, in the strait itself, coming out to the southward,
on the starboard tack, handsomely clearing the end of the
islet, at the very instant the frigate appeared on the other
side of the pass. The lugger had now an easy task of it;
for she had only to watch her enemy, and tack in season, to
deep the islet between them; since the English did not dare
to carry so large a ship through so narrow an opening.
This advantage Raoul did not overlook, and Cuffe had gone
about twice, closing, each time, nearer and nearer to the islet
before he was satisfied that his guns would be of no service,
until he could, at least, weather the intervening object; after
which they would most probably be useless, in so light a
wind, by the distance between them and their enemy.
" Never mind, Mr. Griffin; let this scamp go," said the
captain, when he made this material discovery; " it is pretty
well to have cleared the seas of one of them.-Besides, we
do not know that this is an enemy, at all. He showed no
colours, and seems to have just come out of Porto Ferrajo,
a friendly haven."
"Raoul Yvard did that, sir, not once, but twice," muttered
Yelverton, who, from the circumstance that he had not been
employed in the different attempts on le Feu-Follet, was one
of the very few dissentients in the ship, touching her fate.
" These twins are exceedingly alike; especially Pomp, as
the American negro said of his twin children.". This remark passed unheeded; for so deep was the delusion, in the ship, touching the destruction of the privateer, it
would have been as hopeless an attempt, to try to persuade
her officers and people, generally, that le Feu-Follet was not
burned, as it would be to induce a "great nation" to believe
it had any of the weaknesses and foibles that confessedly
beset smaller communities  The Proserpine was put about,
again; and, setting her ensign, she stood into the bay of
Porto Ferrajo; anchoring quite near the place that Raoul
had selected for the same purpose, on two previous occasions.
The gig was lowered, and Cuffe. accompanied by Griffin, as





184


LE FEU-FOLLET.


an interpreter, landed, to pay the usual visit of ceremony to.he authorities.
The wind being so light, several hours were necessary
to effect all these changes; and, by the time the two officers
were ascending the terraced street, the day had advanced
sufficiently to render the visit suitable, as to time. Cuffe
appearing in full uniform, with epaulettes and sword, his
tpproach attra'cted notice; and Vito Viti had hurried off to
ipprize his friend of the honour he was about to receive.
The vice-governatore was not taken by surprise, therefore,
)ut had some little time to prepare his excuses, for being the
tupe of a fraud, as impudent as that which Raoul Yvard
'iad so successfully practised on him. The reception was
"ignified, though courteous; and it had none the less of
ceremony, from the circumstance that all which was said by
she respective colloquists, had to be translated, before it
could be understood. This circumstance rendered the few
first minutes of the interview a little constrained; but each
party having something on his mind, of which it was his
desire to be relieved, natural feeling soon got the better of
forms.
"I ought to explain to you, Sir Cuffe, the manner in
which a recent event occurred in our bay,.here," observed
the vice-goyernatore; " since, without such explanation, you
might be apt to consider us neglectful of our duties, and
unworthy of the trust which the Grand Duke reposes in
us. I allude, as you will at once understand, to the circumstance that le Feu-Foliet has twice been lying peaceably
under the guns of our batteries, while her commander, and,
indeed, some of her crew, Aave been hospitably entertained
on shore."
" Such things must occur, in times like these, Mr. VeechyGovernatory; and we seamen set them down to the luck of
wa'r," Cuffe answered, graciously, being much too magnani..mous, under his own success, to think of judging others too
harshly. " It might not be so easy to deceive a man-ofwar's-man, like myself; but, I dare say, Veechy-Governa.
tory, had it been anything relating to the administration of
your little island, here, even Monsieur Yvard sould have
found you too much for him?"
The reader will perceive that Cuffe had got a,t. wray





LE FEU-FOLLET.


185


of pronouncing the appellation of the Elban functionary; a
circumstance that was owing to the desire we all have, when
addressing foreigners, to speak in their own language, rather
than in our own. The worthy captain had no more precise
ideas of what a vice-governor means, than the American
people, just now, seem to possess of the signification of vicepresident; but, as he had discovered that the word was
pronounced "veechy," in Italian, he was quite willing to
give it its true sound; albeit, a smile struggled round the
mouth of Griffin, while he listened.
" You do me no more than justice, Signor Kooffe, or Sir
Kooffe, as, I presume, I ought to address you," answered the
functionary; " for, in matters touching our duties on shore,
here, we are by no means as ignorant, as on matters touching your honourable calling. This Raoul Yvard presented
himself, to me, jn the character of a British officer, one I
esteem and respect; having audaciously assumed the name
of a family of high condition, and of great power, I believe,
among your people-"
" Ah-the Barone!" exclaimed Cuffe; who, having discovered by his intercourse with the southern Italians that
this word meant a " rascal," as well as a " baron," was fond
of using it, on suitable occasions. " Pray, Veechy-Governatory, what name did he assume? Ca'endish, or Howard,
or Seymour, or some of those great nobs, Griffin, I'll engage.
I wonder that he spared Nelson!"
" No, Signore, he took the family appellation of another
illustrious race. The republican corsair presented himself
before me as a Sir Smees-the son of a certain Milordo
Smees."
" Smees-Smees-Smees!-I 've no recollection of any
such name, in the peerage. It can't be Seymour that the
Veechy means!-That is a great name, certainly; and some
)f them have been in the service; it is possible this barone
may have had the impudence to hail for a Seymour!"
" I rather think not, Captain Cuffe. ' Smees' is very
much as an Italian would pronounce ' Smith,' as, you know,
the French call it 'Smeet.' It will turn out that this Mr.
Raoul has seized upon the first English name he fell in with,
as a man overboard clutches at a spar adrift, or a life-buoy;
apd that happened to be ' Smith. "
16 *





186


LE  FEU-FOLLETo


" Who the devil ever heard of a my lord Smith! A
pretty sort of aristocracy we should have, Griffin, if it were
made up of such fellows!"
'" Wh, sir, the name can make no great difference; the
deeds and the antiquity forming the essentials."
" And he assumed a title to-Sir Smees!-I dare say, he
was ready to swear His Majesty made him a Knight Banneret, under the Yoyal ensign, and on the deck of his own
ship; as was done with some of the old admirals. The
veechy, however, has forgotten a part of the story, as it,nust have been Sir John, or Sir Thomas Smees, at least."
" No, sir; that is the way with the French and the Italians
who do not understand our manner of using Christian names,vith Titles; as in our Sir Edwards, and Lord Harrys, and
nady benys."
" Blast the French! I can believe anything of them,
t.bhough I should have thought that these Italians knew better. However, it may be well to give the veechy a hint of
what we have been saying, or it may seem rude-and,
hearkee, Grinlm, while you are about it, rub him down a
little touching books, and that sort of thing; for the surgeon
tells me, he has neard of him, in Leghorn, as a regular leaf
-utter."
The lieutenant did as ordered, throwing in an allusion to
Andrea's reputation for learning, that, under the circumstances, was nor ill-timed; and which, as it was well-enough
expressed, was exceedingly grateful to his listener, just at
that awkward moment.
" My claims to literature are but small, Signore," answered Andrea, with humility, " as I beg you will inform
SirKooffe;but they were sufficient to detect certain assu~mp
tions of this corsair; a circumstance that came very near
bringing about an exposure, at a most critical moment. fH
ftad the audacity, Signore, to wish to persuade me, that there
was a certain English orator of the same name, and of equal
merit of him of Roma and Pompeii-one Sir Cicero!"
" The Barone!" again exclaimed Cuffe, when this new
offence of Raoul's was explained to him. " I believe the
rascal was up to anything. But there is an end of him,
now, with all his Sir Smees, and Sir Ciceroes, into the bai




LE FEU-FOLLET.


187


gain. Just let the veechy into the secret of the fellow's fate,
Griffin."
Griffin then related to the vice-governatore the manner in
which it was supposed that le Feu-Follet, Raout Yvard, and
all his associates, had been consumed, like caterpillars on a
tree. Andred Barrofaldi listened, with a proper degree of
horror expressed in his countenance; but Vito Viti heard the
tale with signs of indifference and incredulity that he did not
care to conceal. Nevertheless, Griffin persevered, until he
had even given an account of the manner in which he and
Cuffe examined the lugger's anchorage, in the bootless attempt
to discover the wreck.
To all this, the two functionaries listened with profound
attention, and a lively surprise. After looking at each other
several times, and exchanging significant gestures, Andrea
assumed the office of explaining.
" There is some extraordinary mistake in this, Signor
Tenente," he said; " for Raoul Yvard still lives. He passed
this promontory just as day dawned, in his lugger, this very
morning!"
" Ay, he has got that notion from having seen the fellow
we fell in with off the harbour, here," answered Cuffe, when
this speech was translated to him; " and I don't wonder at
it, for the two vessels were surprisingly alike. But the
Barone, that we saw burned with our own eyes, Griffin, can
never float again. I say Barone; for, in my opinion, the
Few-Folly was just as much of a rascal, as her commander,
and all who sailed in her."
Griffin explained this; but it met with no favour from the
two Italians.
" Not so, Signor Tenente-not so," returned the vicegovernatore; " the lugger that passed, this morning, we
know to be le Feu-Follet, inasmuch as she took one of our
own feluccas, in the course of the night, coming from
Livorno, and Raoul Yvard permitted her to come in, as he
said to her padrone, on account of the civil treatment he had
received, while lying in our port. Nay, he even carried his
presumption so far, as to send me, by means of the same
Yman, the compliments of' Sir Smees,' and his hopes of being
sble, some day to make his acknowledgments in person."





188            LE FEU-FOLLET
The English Captain received this intelligence, as might
be expected; and, unpleasant as it was, after putting various
questions to the vice-governatore, and receiving the answers,
he was obliged, unwillingly enough, to believe it all. He
had brought his official report in his pocket; and, as the
conversation proceeded, he covertly tore it iWto fragments,
so small, that even a Mahommedan would reject them, as
not large enough to write the word " Allah" on.
" It's d-  h lucky, Griffin, that letter didn't get to Leghorn, this morning," he said, after a long pause. " Nelson
would have Brontdd me, famously, had he got it! Yet, I
never believed half as devoutly in the twenty-nine articles,
as-"
" I believe there are thirty-nine of them, Captain Cuffe,"
modestly put in Griffin.
" Well, thirty-nine, if you will-what signifies ten, more
or less, in such matters? A man is ordered to believe them
all, if there were a hundred.-But I never believed in them,
as devoutly, as I believed in the destruction of that infernal
picaroon. My faith is unsettled, for life!"
Griffin offered a few words of condolence, but he was also
too much mortified to be very able to administer consolation.
Andrea Barrofaldi, understanding the state of the case, now
interposed with his courtesies, and the two officers were in.
vited to share his bachelor's breakfast. What followed, in
consequence of this visit, and the communications to which
it gave rise, will appear in the course of the narrative.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


CHAPTER XIII.
SIf evel you have looked on better days,
If ever been where bells have knolled to church;
If ever sat at any good man's feast!
If ever from your eyelids wiped a tear,
And know what 'tis to pity, and be pitied,
Let gentleness my strong enforcement be."
SHAKSPEARE.
IT is now necessary to advance the time, and to transfer
the scene of our tale to another, but not a distant part of the
same sea. Let the reader fancy himself standing at the
mouth of a large bay, of some sixteen or eighteen miles
in diameter, in nearly every direction; though the shores
must be indented, with advancing promontories, and receding
curvatures, while the depth of the whole might possibly a little
exceed the greatest width. He will then occupy the spot at
which we wish to present to him one of the fairest panoramas
of earth. On his right stands a high, rocky island, of dark
tufa, rendered gay, amid all its magnificent formations, by
smiiling vineyards and teeming villages, and interesting by
ruins that commemorate events as remote as the Caesars.
A narrow passage of the blue Mediterranean separates this
island from a bold cape on the main, whence follows a succession of picturesque, village-clad heights and valleys,
relieved by scenery equally bold and soft, and adorned by
the monkish habitations called in the language of the country, Camaldolis, until we reach a small city which stands on
a plain that rises above the water between one and two hun,
dred feet, on a base of tufa, and the houses of which extend
to the very verge of the dizzy cliffs that limit its extent on
the north. The plain, itself, is like a hive, with its dwellings
and scenes of life, while the heights behind it teem with cottages and the signs of human labour. Quitting this smiling
part of the coast, we reach a point, always following the
-ircuit of the bay, where the hills or heights tower into
-agged mountains, which stretch their pointed peaks upvaris to some six or seven thousand feet towards the





190


LE FEU-FOLLET.


crlouds, having sides now wild with precipices and ravines,
now picturesque with shooting-towers, hamlets, monasteries
and bridle-paths; and bases dotted, or rather lined, with
towns and villages. Here the mountain formation quits the
margin of the bay, following the coast southward, or running
into the interior of the country; and the shore, sweeping
round to the north and west, offers a glimpse into a back.
ground of broad plain, ere it meets a high, insulated, conical
mountain, which properly forms the head of the coast indentation. The human eye never beheld a more affluent
scene of houses, cities, villages, vineyards and country residences, than was presented by the broad breast of this
isolated mountain; passing which, a wider view is obtained
of the rich plain that seems to lie behind it, bounded, as it is,
by a wall of a distant and mysterious-looking, yet bold
range of the Apennines. Returning to the shore, which now
begins to incline more westwardly, we come to another swell
of tufa, which has all the characteristic fertility and abruptness of that peculiar formation, a vast and populous town of
near half a million of souls being seated, in nearly equal
parts, on the limits of the plain and along the margin of the
water, or on the hill-sides, climbing to their summits. From
this point, the northern side of the bay is a confused mass
of villages, villas, ruins, palaces and vines, until we reacb
its extremity; a low promontory, like its opposite neighbour. A small island comes next, a sort of natural sentinel;
then the coast sweeps northward, into another and a smaller
bay, rich, to satiety, with relics of the past, terminating at a
point, some miles farther seaward, with a high, reddish,
sandy bluff, which almost claims to be a mountain. After
this we see two more islands, lying westward, one of which
is flat, fertile, and more populous, as is said, than any other
part of Europe of the same extent; while the other is a
glorious combination of pointed mountains, thronged towns,
fertile valleys,-castles, country-houses, and the wrecks of
long-dormant volcanoes, thrown together in a grand, yet:
winning confusion. If the reader will, to this description,
rdd a shore that has scarce a foot that is not interesting
with some lore of the past, extending from yesterday into the
darkest recesses of history, give life to the water-view with a
i(ect of little latine-rigged craft, rendered more picturesque by





LE FEU-FOLLET.


191


an occasional ship, dot the bay with countless boats of fisher
men, and send up a wreath of smoke from the summit of the
cone-like mountain that forms the head of the bay, he will
get an outline of all that strikes the eye, as the stranger
approaches Naples from the sea.
The zephyr was again blowing, and the daily fleet of
sparanaras, or undecked fetuccas, that passes every morning,
at this season, from the south shore to the capital, and returns at this hour, was stretching out from under Vesuvius;
some looking up as high as Massa; -othrs heading towards
Sorrento, or Vico, or Persano, and many keeping more
before the wind, towards Castel a Mare, or the landings in
that neighbourhood. The breeze was getting to be so fresh,
that the fishermen were beginning to pull in towards the land,
breaking up their lines, which, in some places, had extended
nearly a league, and this, too, with the boats lying within
speaking distance of each other. The head of the bay,
indeed, was alive with craft, moving in different directions,
while a large feet of English, Russians, Neapolitans, and
Turks, composed of two-deckers, frigates and sloops, lay at
their anchors, in front of the town. On board of one of the
largest of the former, was flying the flag of a rear-admiral
at the mizzen, the symbol of the commander's rank. A
corvette, alone, was under-way. She had left the anchorage an hour before, and, with studding-sails on her starboard
side, was stretching diagonally across the glorious bay,
apparently heading towards the passage between Capri and
the Point of Campanella, bound to Sicily. This ship might
easily have weathered the island; but her commander, an
easy sort of person, chose to make a fair wind of it from the
start, and he thonght, by hugging the coast, h. might possibly benefit by the land-breeze, during the night, trusting to
the zephyr that was then blowing, to carry him across the
Gulf of Salerno. A frigate, too, shot out of the fleet, under
her staysails, as soon as the westerly wind made, but, she
had dropped an anchor under-foot, and seemed to wait some
oreparation, or orders, before taking her departure; her
captain being, at that moment, on board the flag-ship, on
duty with the rear-admiral. This was the Proserpine thirty
six, Captain Cuffe, a vessel and an officer that are already
both acquaintances of the reader. About an hour before 'he





192


LE FEU-FOLLET.


present scene opens, Captain Cuffe, in fact, had been called
on board the Foudroyant, by signal, where he had found a
small, sallow-looking, slightly-built man, with his right arm
wanting, pacing the deck of the fore-cabin, impatient for his
appearance.
"Well, Cuffe," said this uninviting-looking personage
twitching the stump of the maimed arm, " I see you are ou
of the flock; are you all ready for sailing?"
" We have one boat ashore, after letters, my lord; as
soon as she comes off, we shall lift our anchor, which is only
under-foot."
" Very well-I have sent the Ringdove to the southward,
on the same errand, and I see she is half-a-league from the
anchorage, on her way, already. This Mr. Griffin appears
to be a fine young man-I like his account of the way he
handled his fire-ship; though the French scoundrel did con
trive to escape! After all, this Royl E-E- how do you
pronounce the fellow's name, Cuffe?-I never can make
anything out of their gibberish-"
" Why, to own the truth, Sir Horatio-I beg pardon-my
lord-there is something in the English grain of my feelings
that would prevent my ever learning French, had I been
born and brought up in Paris. There is too much Saxon in
me, to swallow words that half the time have no meaning."
" I like you all the better, for that, Cuffe," answered the
admiral, smiling, a change that converted a countenance that
was almost ugly, when in a state of rest, into one that was
almost handsome-a peculiarity that is by no means of rare
occurrence, when a strong will gives the expression to the
features, and the heart, at bottom, is really sound. " An
Englishman has no business with any Gallic tendencies.
This young Mr. Griffin seems to have spirit; and I look
upon it, always, as a good sign, when a young man volunteers for a desperate thing of this sort-but, he tells me, he
is only second; where was your first, all the while'?"
" Why, my lord, he got a little hurt in the brush of the
morning; and I would not let him go, as a matter of course.
His name is Winchester; I think you must remember him,
as junior of the Captain, at the affair off St.Vincent. Miller*
* Ralph Willet Miller, the officer who commanded the ship to which
Nelson shifted his pennant, at the battle of Cape St. Vincent. This





LE FEU-FOLLET.


193


had a good opinion of him; and, when I went from the
Arrow to the Proserpine, he got him sent as my second.
The death of poor Drury made him first, in the natural
way."
" I have some recollection of him, Cuffe.-That was a
brilliant day, and all its events should be impressed on my
mind. You tell me, Mr. Griffin fairly grappied the lugger's
cable?"
"Of that there can be no manner of doubt.-I saw the
two vessels foul of each other, with my night-glass - and,
seemingly, both were on fire-as plainly as I ever saw Vesuvius, in a dark night."
" And yet this Few-Folly has escaped!-Poor Griffin has
runa desperate risk, for little purpose."
" He has, indeed, my lord."
Here, Nelson, who had been pacing the cabin with quick
steps, while Cuffe stood, respectfully declining the gesture to
be seated, at the table in its centre, suddenly stopped, and
looked the Captain steadily in the face. The expression of
his countenance was now mild and earnest, and the pause
which preceded his words, gave the latter solemnity and
weight.
" The day will come, Cuffe," he said, " when this young
man will rejoice that his design on these picaroons, Frenchmen as they are, failed. Yes, from the bottom of his heart,
will he be glad."
SMy lord!"
"I know you think this strange, Captain Cuffe; but no
man sleeps the sounder for having burnt or blown up a
hundred of his fellow-creatures, like so many widows at a
suttee.-But we are not the less to commend those who did
what was certainly their duty."
"Am I to understand, Lord Nelson, that the Proserpine
is not to destroy the Few-Folly, at every hazard, should we
again have the luck to fall in with her?"
"By no means, sir. Our orders are to burn, sink and
genftleman was an American, and a native Manhattanese; his near
relatives, of the same name, still residing in New York. It is I elieved
that he got the name of Willet from the first English mayor; a gentle.
man from Whom are descended many of the old families of the lower
part of the state; more particulary those on Long-Island.
17           13





194


LE FEU-FOLLET.


destroy. Such is England's policy, in this desperate war,
and it-must be carried out. You know what we are con
tending for, as well as I do; and it is a struggle that is not
to be carried on with courtesies; still, one would not wish to
see a glorious and sacred cause tarnished by inhumanity.
Men that fall in fair, manly combat, are to be envied rather
than pitied, since it is only paying the great debt of nature
little sooner than might otherwise have happened; but
here is something revolting to humanity, in burning up our
fellow-creatures, as one would burn rags, after the plague.
Nevertheless, this lugger must be had, at any price; for
English commerce and English power are not to be cut up
and braved, in this audacious manner, with impunity. The
career of these French tigers must be stopped, at every sacrifice, Captain Cuffe."
"I know that, my lord; and I like a republican as little
as you can do; or His Majesty, himself, for that matter;
and, 1 take it, he has as little relish for the animal as flesh
and blood can give."
" I know you do, Cuffe-I 'm sure you do; and I esteem
you all the more for it. It is a part of an Englishman's
religion, in times like these, to hate a Frenchman. I went
across the Channel, after the peace of '83, to learn their
language, but had so little sympathy with them, even in
peaceable times, as never to be able to make out to write a
letter in it, or even to ask intelligibly for the necessaries of
life."
"If you can ask for anything, it far surpasses my efforts;
I never can tell head from stern, in their dialect."
"( It is an infernal jargon, Cuffe, and has got to be so confused by their academies, and false philosophy, and infidelity,
that they will shortly be at a loss to understand it themselves. What sort of names they give their ships, for in.
stance, now they have beheaded their king, and denounced
their God!-Who ever heard of christening a craft, as you
tell me this lugger is named, the 'Few-Folly?'--I believe
've got the picaroon's title right?"
" Quite right-Griffin pronounces it so, though he has
got to be a little queerish, in his own English, by using so
much French and Italian. The young man's father was a
consul; and he has half-a-dozen foreign lingos stowed away





LE FEU-FOLLET.


195


in his brain. He pronounces Folly, something broadishlike Follay, I believe -but it means all the same thing.
Folly is folly, pronounce it as you will."
Nelson continued to pace his cabin, working the stump
of his arm, and smiling half-bitterly; half in a sort of irony
that inclined him to be in a good-humour with himself.
"Do you remember the ship, Cuffe, we had that sharp
brush with, off Toulon, in old Agamemnon?" he said, after
making a turn or two, in silence? " I mean the dismasted
eighty-four, that was in tow of the frigate, and which we
peppered until their Gallic soup had some taste to it! Now,
do you happen to know her real name, in good honest Eng.
lish?"
"I do not, my lord. I remember, they said she was
called the Ca Ira; and I always supposed that it was the
name of some old Greek or Roman-or, perhaps, of one of
their new-fangled republican saints."
"They!-D-     n 'em, they 've got no saints, to name
my good fellow, since they cashiered all the old ones!
There is something respectable in the names of a Spanish
fleet; and one feels that he is flogging gentlemen, at least,
while he is at work on them. No, sir, Ca Ira means, neither
more nor less, than ' That '11 Do;' and, I fancy, Cuffe, they
thought of their own name more than once, while the old
Greek was hanging on their quarter, smashing their cabinwindows for them! A pretty sound it would have been, had
we got her, and put her into our own service-His Majesty's
ship 'That'll Do,' 84, Captain Cuffe!"
" I certainly should have petitioned my Lords Commissioners to change her name."
"You would have done quite right.-A man might as
well sail in a man-of-war called the ' Enough.' Then, there
was the three-decker, that helped her out of the scrape, the
Sans-Culottes, as the French call her;-I suppose, you know
what that means?"
" Not I, my lord; to own the truth, I 'm no scholar; and,m entirely without ambition, in that way. 'Sans,' I suppose, is the French for 'saint;' but who 'Culottes' was, I 've
not the least notion."
Nelson smiled, and the turn the conversation had taken
appeared to give him secret satisfaction. If the truth were





M6             LE FEU-FOLLET.
known, something lay heavily on his mind; and, with one
of his strong impulses, his feelings disposed him to rush
from one extreme to the other, as is often the case, with men
who are controlled by such masters; more especially,if their
general disposition is to the right.
" You 're wrong, this time, my dear Cuffe," he said; "for
'sans,' means ' without,' in French, and 'culottes,' means
breeches.' Think of naming a three-decker, the ' Without
Breeches!' I do not see how any respectable flag-officer
can mention such names, in his despatches, without a feeling
of awkwardness, that must come near to capsizing all his
philosophy. The line was formed by the Republic's ship,
the ' That '11 Do,' leading, supported by the ' Without
Breeches,' as her second astern!--Ha! Cuffe-D-- e, sir,
if I'd serve in a marine, that had such names to the ships!
It's a thousand times worse, than all those saints, the Spaniards tack on to their vessels-like a line of boats, towing a
ship up to her moorings!"
Here the conversation was interrupted by the appearance
of a midshipman, who came down to say that a man and a
woman, from the shore, wished to see the rear-admiral, on
pressing business.
" Let them come down, sir," answered Nelson; " I 've a
hard life of it, Cuffe; there is not a washerwoman, or a shopkeeper, in Naples, who does not treat me exactly as if I
were a podesta, and it were my duty to hear all the contentions about lost clothes, and mislaid goods. His Majesty
must appoint a Lord Chief Justice of the Steerage, to administer the law, for the benefit of the young gentlemen, or he 'l
soon get no officer to serve, with a flag at his mast-head."
" Surely, my lord, the captains can take this weight off
your shoulders!"
" Ay, there are men, in the fleet, that can, and there are
men. who do; but there are men who do not. But here
comes the plaintiff, I suppose-you shall hear the case, and
act as a puisne judge, in the matter."
This was said as the cabin-door opened, and the expected
guests entered. They were, a man turned of fifty, and a
girl of nineteen. The former was a person of plain exterior,
abstracted air, and downcast look; but the latter had all
the expression, beauty, nature; and grace of mien, that so





LE FEU-FOLLET.


19'/


singularly marked the deportment and countenance of Ghita
Caraccioli. In a word, the two visiters were Carlo Giuntotardi, and his gentle niece. Nelson was struck with the
modesty of mien and loveliness of the latter, and he courteously invited her to be seated, though he and Cuffe both
continued standing. A few efforts at making himself understood, however, soon satisfied this renowned admiral that he
had need of an interpreter, his guests speaking no English,
and his own Italian being too imperfect to carry on anything
like a connected conversation. He hesitated an instant, and
then went to the door of the inner cabin, an apartment in
which voices had occasionally been heard, the whole time,
one of the speakers beingeyidently a female. Here he stood,
leaning against the bulkhead, as if in doubt; and then he
uttered his wishes.
' I must ask a service of you, which I would not think of
doing in any ordinary case," he said, with a gentleness of
voice and manner that showed he addressed one who had
habitual influence over him. " I want an interpreter,
between myself and the second handsomest woman in the
kingdom of Naples; and I know no one so fit for the office,
as the first."
" With all my heart, dear Nelson," answered a full, rich,
female voice from within. " Sir William is busied in his
antiquities; and I was really getting to be ennuieed, for want
of an occupation. I suppose you have the wrongs of some
injured lady to redress, in your capacity of Lord High Chancellor of the Fleet."
" I am yet ignorant of the nature of the complaint; but it
is not unlikely it will turn out to be something like that
which you suspect. Even in such a case, no better intercessor can be required, than one who is so much superior to
the frailties and weaknesses of her sex, in general."
The lady who now made her appearance from the inner
cabin, though strikingly handsome, had not that -in her
appearance which would justify the implied eulogium of the
British admiral's last speech. There was an appearance of
art and worldiiness, in the expression of her countenance,
that was only so much the more striking, when placed in
obvious contrast to the ingenuious nature and calm purity
that shone in every lineament of the face of Ghita. One
17 *





198


LE FEU-FOLLET.


might very well have passed for an image of the goddess
Circe; while the other would have made no bad model for
a vestal, could the latter have borne the moral impression
of the sublime and heart-searching truths that are inculcated
by the real oracles of God. Then the lady was a woman
in the meridian of her charms, aided by all the cunning of
the toilet, and a taste that was piquant and peculiar, if not
pure; while the other stood in her simple, dark Neapolitan
boddice, and a head that had no other ornament than its own
silken tresses; a style of dress, however, that set off her
faultless form, and winning countenance, more than could
have been done by any of the devices of the mantua-maker
or the milliner. The lady betrayed a little surprise, and,
perhaps, a shade of uneasiness, as her glance first fell on
G ita; but, much too good an actress to be disconcerted
easily, she smiled, and immediately recovered her ease.
" Is this the being, Nelson, who comes with such a petition?" she demanded, with a touch of natural, womanly
sensibility, in her voice;-" and that poor old man, I dare
say, is the heart-stricken father."
"As to the errand, you will remember, I know nothing,
as yet; and pledge myself to nothing."
"Captain Cuffe, I hope I have the pleasure to see you
well.-Sir William joins the admiral, in hoping you will
make one of our little family party to-day, at dinner, and-"
" And what says the mistress-not of the house, but of
the ship?" put in Nelson, whose eyes had scarce turned an
instant from the face of the siren, since she entered the
fore-cabin.
"That she - always disclaiming the title, honourable
though it be-that she unites with all the rest, in inviting
Captain Cuffe to honour us with his company. Nelson tells
me you were one of his old Agamemnons, as he calls you
all, aged and young, men and boys, little and big; and I
love even the sound of the name. What a glorious title for
a ship-Agamemnon!-A Greek, led on by a true English
heart!"
" Ay, it zs somewhat better than.' That'll -Do,' and the
other affhir, Ha! Cuffe!" returned the admiral, smiling, and
glancing at his subordinate-" But, all this time, we are





LE FEU-FOLLET.


199


ignorant of the errand of this honest-looking Italian, and his
exceedingly innocent-looking companion."
"Well, then, in this matter, gentlemen, I am only to be
regarded as a mere mouth-piece," put in the lady-" an
echo, to repeat what reaches my ear, though it be an Irish
echo, which repeats in a different tongue from that in which
the sounds first reach it. Put your questions, my lord; they
shall be faithfully rendered, with all the answers that may
be given. I only hope Captain Cuffe will come out of this
affair, as innocent as he now looks."
The two gentlemen smiled; but the trifling could not disturb its subject, as he was profoundly ignorant of the existence of the two strangers, five minutes before; while the
boldness of the allusions, rather suited the freedom of a ship,
and the habits of the part of the world in which they happened
to be.
" We will first inquire the name of this worthy man, if
you will condescend to ask it," observed Nelson, to his fair
friend.
" Carlo Giuntotardi, noble lady-once a poor scholar, in
Napoli, here, and now a keeper of the prince's watch-towers,
on the heights of Argentaro,"' was the quiet, but respectful
answer of the man, who, like his niece, had declined taking
a seat, a circumstance that left the whole party standing;
"Carlo Giuntotardi, illustrious lady."
" A very good name, Signore, and one of which you have
no need to be ashamed. And thine?" turning to the girl.," Ghita Caraccioli, Eccellenza; the sister's daughter of
this honest tower-keeper of the prince."
Had a bomb exploded over the Foudroyant, Nelson certainly would not have been as much startled; while the
lady's beautiful face assumed a look of dark resentment, not
unmingled with fear. Even Cuffe understood enough of the
sounds to catch the name, and he advanced a step, with
lively curiosity, and an anxious concern expressed on his
ruddy face. But these emotions soon subsided, the lady
first regaining her self-possession, though Nelson paced the
cabin five or six times, working the stump of his arm, before
he even looked up, again.
SI was about to ask if there never is to be an end of these
annoyances," observed the lady, in English; " but there must





200


LE FEU-FOLLET.


be sorre mistake in this. The house of Caraccioli is one of the
most illustrious of Italy, and can scarcely have any of this
class, who feel an interest in him of whom we are thinking.
I will, therefore, inquire further into this matter. Signorina,"
-changing the language to Italian, and speaking with severity, like one who questioned what she heard-" Carac
cioli is a noble name; and is not often borne by the daughtei
of any prince's tower-keepers!"
Ghita trembled, and she looked abashed. But she was
sustained by too high a principle, and was too innocent,
herself, to stand long rebuked, in the presence of guilt; and,
as the flush, which resembled that which so often passes over
her native skies, at even, left her countenance, she raised
her eyes to the dark-looking face of the lady, and gave her
answer.
" I know what your Eccellenza means," she said, " and
feel its justice. Still, it is cruel to the child, not to bear the
name of her parent. My father was called Caraccioli; and
he left me his name as my sole inheritance. What may
have been his right to it, let my uncle say."
"Speak, then, Signor Giuntotardi. First, give us the
history of this name; then tell us what has brought you
here."
"Noble lady, my sister, as pious and innocent a woman
as ever lived in Italy, and now, blessed in heaven, married
Don Francesco Caraccioli, the son of Don Francesco of that
illustrious family, who now stands condemned to death, for
having led the fleet against the king; and Ghita, here, is
the only fruit of the union. It is true, that the church did
not authorize the connection which brought my niece's
father into being; but the noble admiral never hesitated te
acknowledge his son, and he gave him his name, until love
bound him in wedlock with a poor scholar's sister. Then
indeed, his father turned his face from him; and death soon
removed both husband and wife from the reach of all earthly
Jispleasure. This is our simple story, noble and illustrious
signora; and the reason why my poor niece, here, bears a
came as great as that of Caraccioli."
"You mean us to understand, Signor Giuntotardi; that
your niece is the grand-daughter of Don Francesco Caraci.ioli, through a natural son of that unfortunate admiral 7"





,LE FEU-FOLLET.                   ]
" Such is the fact, Signora. As my sister was nonestly
married, I could do no less than bring up her daughter to.
bear a name that her father was permitted to bear before
her."
" Such things are common; and require no apology.
One question more, before I explain to the English admiral
what you have said.-Does Prince Caraccioli know of the
existence of this grand-daughter?"
" Eccellenza, I fear not. Her parents died so soon-I
loved the child so well-and there was so little hope that one
illustrious as he, would wish to acknowledge a connection
through the holy church, with persons humble as we, that I
have never done more to make my niece known, than to let
'her bear the same name as her father."
The lady seemed relieved, by this; and she now briefly
explained to Nelson, the substance of what the other had
said.
"It may be," she added, " they are here on that errand
concerning which we have, already, heard so much, and so
uselessly; but I rather think not, from this account; for
what interest can they feel in one who is absolutely a
stranger to them. It may be some idle conceit, however,
connected with this same affair. What is your wish, Ghita?
-This is Don Horatio Nelsoni, the illustrious English admiral, of whom you have heard so much."
"Eccellenza, I am sure of it," answered Ghita, earnestly;
" my good uncle, here, has told you who we are; and you
may well guess our business. We came from St. Agata, on
the other side of the bay, only this morning, and heard from
a relation in the town, that Don Francesco had been seized,
that very hour. Since, we are told, that he has been condemned to die, for treason against the king; and that, by
officers who met in this very ship. Some even say, signora
that he js-to meet his fate ere the sun set!"
" If this should be so, what reason is it that thou shoulds4
give thyself concern?"
" Eccellenza, he was my father's father; and though I
never saw him, I know that the same blood runs in our
reins. When this is so, there should be the same feelings,n our hearts."
"This is well. Ghita in appearance, at least; but thou





20              LE FEU-FOLLET.
canst hardly feel much for one thou never saw'st, and who
has even refused to own thee for a child. Thou art young,
too, and of a sex that should ever be cautious; it is unwi(s
for men, even, to meddle with politics, in these troubled
times."
" Signora, it is not politics that brings me here, but nature,
and duty, and pious love for my father's father."
" What wouldst thou say, then?" answered the lady, im.
patiently; " remember, thou occupiest one whose time is
precious, and of high importance to entire nations."
" Eccellenza, I believe it; and will try to be brief. I wish
to beg my grandfather's life, of this illustrious stranger.
They tell me, the king will refuse him nothing; and he has
only to ask it of Don Ferdinando, to obtain it."
Many would have thought the matured charms of the
lady superior to the innocent-looking beauty of the girl; but
no one could have come to such an opinion, who saw them
both, at that moment. While Ghita's face was radiant with
a holy hope, and the pious earnestness which urged her on,
a dark expression lowered about the countenance of the
English beauty, that deprived it of one of its greatest attractions, by depriving it of the softness and gentleness of her
sex. Had there not been observers of what passed, it is
probable the girl would have been abruptly repulsed; but
management formed no small part of the character of this
woman; and she controlled her feelings, in order to effect
her purposes.
"This admiral is not a Neapolitan, but an Englishman,"
she answered; " and can have no concern with the justice
of your king. He would scarcely think it decent, to interfere with the executien of the laws of Naples."
" Signora, it is always decent to interfere to save life;
nay, it is more-it is merciful, in the eyes of God."
" What canst thou know of this! A conceit that thou
hast the blood of the Caraccioli, has made thee forget thy
sex and condition, and placed a romantic notion of duty
before thine eyes."
"No, signora, it is not so. For eighteen years have I
been taught that the unfortunate admiral was my grandfhther, but, as it has been his pleasure to wish not to see
Cne, never have 1 felt the desire to intrude on his time





LE FEU-FOLLET.


203


Before this morning, never has the thought that I have the
blood of the Caraccioli, crossed my mind; unless it was to
mourn for the sin of my grandmother; and even now, it has
come to cause me to mourn for the cruel fate that threatens
the days of her partner in guilt."
"Thou art bold, to speak thus of thy parents, girl; and
they, too, of the noble and great! "
This was said with a flushed brow, and still more lowering
look; for, haply, there were incidents in the past life of that
lady, which made the simple language of a severe morality,
alike offensive to her ears and her recollections.
" It is not I, Eccellenza, but God, that speaketh thus.
The crime, too, is another reason why this great admiral
should use his influence to save a sinner from so hurried an
end. Death is terrible to all, butto those who trust, with
heart and soul, to the mediation of the Son of God; but
it is doubly so, when it comes suddenly, and unlooked for.
It is true, Don Francesco is aged; but have you not remarked, signora, that it is these very aged who become
hardened to their state, and live on, as if never to die? - I
mean those aged, who suffer youth to pass, as if the pleasures of life are never to have an end."
"Thou art too young to set up for a reformer of the
world, girl; and forgettest that this is the ship of one of
the greatest officers of Europe, and that he has many demands on his time. Thou canst now go; I will repeat
what thou hast said."
" I have another request to ask, Eccellenza-permission
to see Don Francesco; that I may, at least, receive his
blessing."
" He is not in this ship. Thou wilt find him on board the
Minerva frigate; no doubt, he will not be denied. Stopthese few lines will aid thy request. Addio, signorina."
"And may I carry hope with me, Eccellenza?-Think
how sweet life is to those who have passed their days, so
long, in affluence and honour. It would be like a messenger
from heaven, for a grandchild to bring but a ray of hope."
" I authorize none. The matter is in the hands of the
Neapolitan authorities; and we English cannot meddle. Go,
now, both of you-the illustrious admiral has business of
importance, that presses."





204


LE FEU-FOLLET.


Ghita turned, and slowly and sorrowfully she left the
cabin. At. its very door, she met the English lieutenant,
who was in charge of the unhappy prisoner, coming with a
last request that he might not be suspended like a thief, but
might, at least, 'die the death of a soldier. It would exceed
the limits set to our tale, were we to dwell on the conver
sation which ensued; but every intelligent reader knows
that the application failed.
CHAPTER XIV.
" Like other tyrants, Death delights to smite
What smitten most proclaims the pride of power,
And arbitrary nod."
YOUNG.
IT is probable that Nelson never knew, precisely, what
passed between Ghita and the lady mentioned in the last
Chapter. At all events, like every other application that
was made to the English admiral, in connection with this sad
affair, that of Ghita produced no results. Even the mode of
execution was unchanged; an indecent haste accompanying
the whole transaction; as in the equally celebrated trial and
death of the unfortunate Due d'Enghien. Cuffe remained to
dine with the commander in chief, while Carlo Giuntotardi
and his niece got into their boat, and took their way, through
the crowde.l roadstead, towards the Neapolitan frigate, that
now formed the prison of the unfortunate Caraccioli.
A request, at the gangway, was all that was necessary, to
procure an admission on board the ship. As soon as the
Signor Giuntotardi reached the quarter-deck, he let his
errand be known, and a messenger was sent below, to ascertain if the prisoner would see two visiters; the name of the
uncle being alone given. Francesco Caraccioli, of the
Princes Caraccioli, or, as he was more commonly called, in
English, Prince Caraccioli, was now a man approaching
seventy; and being a member of one of the most illustrious





LE FEU- FOLLET.


0()5


nouses of Lower Italy, he had long been trusted in employments of high dignity and command. On his offence-its
apology-the indecent haste of his trial and execution, and
the irregularity of the whole proceedings, it is now unnecessary to dwell; they have all passed into history, and are
familiarly known to the world. That very morning had he
been seized, and sent on board the Foudroyant;- in the
cabin of that vessel had a court of his own countrymen con
vened; and there had he been hastily condemned to death
The hour of doom was near; and he was already in the
ship where the execution was to take place.
The messenger of Carlo Giuntotardi found this unfortu.
nate man with his confessor; by whom he had just been
shrived. He heard the request with cold indifference, but
granted it on the instant, under the impression that it came
from some dependent of his family, or estates, who had a
last favour to ask, or an act of justice to see performed.
"Remain here, father, I beseech you," said the prisoner,
perceiving that the priest was about to retire; " it is some
contadino, or some tradesman, whose claims have been overlooked. I am happy that he has come; for one would wish
to stand acquitted of injustice, before he dies. Let them
come in, my friend."
A sign was given, with these words, the door of the cabin
was opened, and Ghita, with her uncle, entered. A pause
of quite a minute followed, during which the parties regarded
each other in silence; the prisoner endeavouring, in vain, to
recall the countenances of his guests, and the girl trembling,
equally with grief and apprehension. Then the last advanced to the feet of the condemned man, knelt, bowed
her head, and said" Grandfather, your blessing, on the child of your only
son."
" Grandfather!-Son!-and his child!" repeated Don
Francesco. " I had a son, to my shame and contrition be
it now confessed; but he has long been dead. I never knew
that he left a child."
" This is his daughter, Signore," replied Carlo Giunto.
tardi; " her. mother was my sister. You thought us, then,
too humble to be received into so illustrious a connection
18





206


L E FEU-FOLLET.


ind we have nver wished to bring ourselves before youi
eyes, until we thought our presence might be welcome."
" And thou comest now, good man, to claim affinity with
a condemned criminal!"
" Not so, grandfather," answered a meek voice, at his
feet; " it is your son's daughter, that craves a blessing from
her dying parent. The boon shall be well requited, in
pr-ayers for your soul."
" Holy father! I deserve not this! Here has this tender
plant lived, neglected in the shade, until it raises its timid
head to offer its fragrance in the hour of death! I deserve
not this!"
" Son, if heaven offered no mercies, until they are merited,
hopeless, truly, would be the lot of man. But we must not
admit illusions, at such a moment. Thou art not a husband,
Don Francesco; hadst thou ever a son?"
" That, among other sins, have I long since confessed;
and, as it has been deeply repented of, I trust it is forgiven.
I had a son-a youth who bore my name, even; though he
never dwelt in my palace; until a hasty and indiscreet marriage, banished him from my presence. I ever intended
to pardon him, and to make provision for his wants; but
death came too soon, to both husband and wife, to grant the
time. This much I did know; and it grieved me that it
was so; but, of his child, never, before this instant, have I
heard! 'T is a sweet countenance, father; it seems the very
abode of truth!"
"Why should we deceive you, grandfather," rejoined
Ghita, stretching har arms upward,'as if yearning for an
embrace; "( most of all, at a time like this? We come not
for honours, or riches, or your great name; we come simply
to crave a blessing, and to let you know that a child of your
own blood will be left on earth, to thy aves, in behalf of
your soul!"
" Holy priest, the~e can bte no deception, here!-This
dear child even looks like her wronged grandmother; ano
my heart tells me she is mine. I know not whether to con.
sider this discovery a good or an evil, at this late hour;
coming, as it.does, to a dying man!"
"Grandfather, your blessing. Bless Ghita, once, that I
may hear the sound of a parent's benediction."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


207


SBless thee!-bless thee, daughter!" exclaimed the ad.
milal, bending over the weeping girl, to do the act she
solicited, and then, raising her to his arms, and embracing
her tenderly; "this must be my child-I feel that she is no
other."
" Eccellenza," said Carlo, " she is the daughter of your
son, Don Francesco, and of my sister, Ghita Giuntotardi,
born in lawful wedlock. I would not deceive any-least of
all, a dying man."
" I have no estates to bequeath-no honours to transmitno name to boast of. Better the offspring of the lazzaroni,
than a child of Francesco Caraccioli, at this moment."
" Grandfather, we think not of this-care not for this. I
have-come only to ask the blessing you have bestowed, and
to offer the prayers of believers, though we are so lowly.
More than this we ask not-wish not-seek not. Our
poverty s familiar to us, and we heed it not. Riches would
but distress us, and we care not for them."
" c  remember, holy father, that one great reason of dis.
ple 'sure at my son's marriage, was distrust of the motive of
t'e family which received him; and yet, here, have these
nonest people suffered me to live on unmolested in prosperity,
while they now first claim the affinity, in my disgrace and
ignominy! I have not been accustomed to meet with wishes
and hearts like these!"
"You did not know us, grandfather," said Ghita, simply,
her face nearly buried in the old man's bosom. "We have
long prayed for you, and reverenced you, and thought of
you as a parent, whose face was turned from us in anger;
but we never sought your gold and honours."
" Gold and honours!" repeated the admiral, gently placing
his grand-daughter in a chair. " These are things of the past,
for me. My estates are sequestered-my name disgraced,
and, an hour hence, I shall have suffered an ignominious
death. No selfish views can have brought these good
people, father, to claim affinity with me, at a moment like
this."
" It comes from the goodness of God, son. By letting
you feel the consolation of this filial love, and by awakening
in your own bosom the spark of parental affection, he foreshadows the fruits of his own mercy and tenderness, to the





208


LE FEU-FOLLET.


erring but penitent. Acknowledge his bounty, in your soul
it may bring a blessing on your last moment."
" Holy priest, I hope I do.-But what says this!-"
Don Francesco took a note from the hand of a servant,
and read its contents eagerly; the world, and its feelings,
having too much hold on his heart, to be plucked cut in an
instant. Indeed, so sudden had been his arrest, trial and
conviction, that it is not surprising the priest found in him a
divided spirit, even at an instant like that. His countenance
fell; and he passed a hand before his eyes, as if to conceal a
rweakness that was unbecoming.
" They have denied my request, father," he said; ' and
[ must die like a felon-"
"The Son of God suffered on the cross, suspended between two thieves."
"I believe there is far less, in these opinions, than we are
accustomed to think-yet it is cruel for one who has filled
so high employments-a prince-a Caraccioli, to die like a
lazzarone!"
" Grandfather-"
" Did you speak, child? I wonder not that this indignity
should fill thee with horror."
" It is not that, grandfather," resumed Ghita, shaking off
her doubts, and looking up with flushed cheeks, and a face
radiant with holy feelings--" Oh! it is not that. If my
life could save thine, gladly would I give it up for such a
purpose; but, do not-do not-at this awful moment, mistake the shadow for the substance. What matters it how
death is met, when it opens the gates of heaven? Pain, I
am sure, you cannot fear;-even I, weak and feeble girl
that I am, can despise that;-what other honour can there
be, in the hour of death, than to be thought worthy of the
mercy and care of God? Caraccioli or lazzarone-prince
or beggar-it will matter not, two hours hence; and let me
reverently beg of you, to humble your thoughts to the level
which becomes all sinners."
" Thou say'st thou art my grand-child, Ghita-the daugh
ter of my son Francesco?"
" Signore, I am, as all tell me-as my heart tells me--
and as I belidve."
" And thou look'st upon these opinions as unworthy--





LEF FEU-FOLLET.


209


unsuited, if thou lik'st that better-to this solemn moment,
and considerest the manner of a death, as matter of indiffe
rence, even to a soldier?"
" When placed in comparison with his hopes of heavenwhen viewed through his own demerits, and the merits cf
his Saviour, grandfather."
" And wilt thou, then, just entering on the stage of life,
with the world before thee, and all that its future can offer,
accompany me to the scaffold; let it be known to the
mocking crowd, that thou derivest thy being through the
felon, and art not ashamed to own him for a parent?"
"I will, grandfather-this have I come to do," answered
Ghita, steadily. " But do not ask me to look upon thy
sufferings! All that can be done to lessen, by sharing
thy disgrace, if disgrace it be, will I most gladly do; though
I dread to see thy aged form in pain!"
" And this wilt thou do for one thou never beheld'st, until
this hour?-one thou canst hardly have been taught to consider just to thyself?"
"If I have never seen thee before this visit, grandfather,
I have loved thee, and prayed for thee, from infancy. My
excellent uncle early taught me this lesson in duty; but he
never taught me to hate thee, or any one. My own father
is taken away; and that which he would have been to thee,
chis day, will I endeavour to be for him. The world is
nought to me; and it will console thee to think that one is
near, whose heart weeps for thee, and whose soul is lost in
prayers, for thy eternal pardon."
"And this being, father, is made known to me, an hour
before I die! God punishes me sufficiently for the wrong
I 've done her, in letting me thus know her worth, when it
is too late to profit by it. No, Ghita-blessed child, such a
sacrifice shall not be asked of thee. Take this cross-it
was my mother's; worn on her bosom, and has long been
worn on mine-keep it as a memorial of thy unhappy parent, and pray for me; but, quit this terrible ship, and do
not grieve thy gentle spirit with a scene that is so unfit for
thy sex and years. Bless thee -bless thee, my child.
Would to heaven I had earlier known thee-but even this
glimpse of thy worth, has lightened my heart. Thou find'st
mne, here, a poor condemned criminal; unable to provide for
18 *               14





210


LE FEU-FOLLET.


thy future wants-nay, I can yet do a little for thee, too.
This bag contains gold. It has been sent to me by a relative, thinking it might be of service, in averting the punish
ment that awaits me. For that purpose, it is now useless,
with thy simple habits, however, it will render thy life easy,
and above, care."
Ghita, with streaming eyes, steadily put aside the gold,
though she pressed the cross to her bosom, kissing it fervent y,
again and again.
" Not that-not that, grandfather," she said; " I want it
not-wish it not. This is enough; and this will I keep to
my own last moment. I will quit the ship, too; but not the
place. I see many boats collecting, and mine shall be among
them; my prayers shall go up to God for thee, now thou
art living; and, daily, after thou art dead. There needs no
gold, grandfather, to purchase a daughter's prayers."
Don Francesco regarded the zealous and lovely girl with
intense feeling; then he folded her to his heart, once more,
blessing her audibly, again and again. While thus employed,
the Foudroyant's bell struck once, and then those of all the
surrounding shins, English and Neapolitan, repeated the
stroke.  This Caraccioli, a seaman himself, well knew
denoted that the time was half-past four; five being the hour
named for h.im execution. He felt it necessary, therefore,
to dismiss hia new-found relative, that he might pass a few
more minutes alone with his confessor. The parting was
solemnn but tender; and as Ghita left the cabin, he.r con.
dernned grandfather felt, as he would, had he taken leave,
for ever, of one whom he had long loved, and whose virtues
had been a solace to him from the hour of his birth.
The deck of the Minerva presented a sorrowful scene.
Although the prisoner had been condemned by a court of
Neapolitan officers, the trial was had under the British
ensign; and the feeling of the public was with the prisoner.
There existed no necessity for the hurry in which everything
had been done; for no immediate danger pressed; and an
example would have been more impressive, had there been
less of the appearance of a desire for personal vengeance,
and more of the calm deliberation of justice, in the affair
Ghita's connexion with the prisoner could not be even sus.
oected; but, as it was known that she had been in the cabin,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


21i


and believed that she felt an interest in the condem.rd, the
ojficers manifested an interest in her wishes, and too evident
emotions. An immense throng of boats had assembled
around the ship; for, hasty as had been the proceedings, the
tidings that Franeesco Caraccioli was to be hanged for
treason, spread like wild-fire; and scarce a craft, of proper
size, was left within the omole, so eager was the desire to
witness that which was to occur. Either in the confusion,
or bribed by money, the man who had brought off Carlo
Giuntotardi and his niece, was no longer to be found; and
the means of quitting the ship seemed, momentarily, to be
lost.
" Here is a boat, close to our gangway," said the officer
of the deck, who, had kindly interested himself in behalf of
so interesting a girl, " with a single man in it; a few grani
would induce him to put you ashore."
The fellow in the boat was of the c lass of the lazzaroni,
wearing a clean cotton shirt, a Phrygian cap, and cotton
trowsers, that terminated at the knees; leaving his muscular
arms and legs entirely bare; models for the statuary, in their
neatness, vigour and proportions. The feet, alone, formed
an exception to the ordinary attire, for they were cased in a
pair of quaint canvass shoes, that were ornamented a little,ke the moccasins of the American Indian. Carlo caught
ne eye of this man, who appeared to be eagerly watching
the frigate's gangway, for a fare, and, holding up a small
piece of silver, in a moment the light boat was at the foot:f the accommodation-ladder. Ghita now descended; and,
as soon as her uncle and she were seated, the skiff, for it
was little more, whirled away from the ship's side, though
two or three more, who had also been left by recreant boat.
men, for better fares, called out to him to receive them, also.
" We had best go alone, even though it cost us a heavier
price," quietly observed Carlo, to his niece, as he noted this
)ccurrence. " Pull us a short distance from the ship, friend;
-here, where there are fewer boats; and thou shalt meet
vith a fair reward. We have an interest in this solemn;cene, and could wish not to be observed."
" 1 know that well, Signor Carlo," answered the boat.
~nan; " and will see that you are not molested."
ihita uttered a faint exclamation, and, looking up, first





212


2LE FEU FOLLET.


saw that the feigned lazzarone was no other than Raoul
Yvard. As her uncle was too unobservant, in general, to
detect his disguise, he made a sign for her to command herself, and continued sowing, as if nothing had occurred.
" Be at ease, Ghita," said Carlo; " it is not yet the time,
and we have twenty good minutes, for our aves."
Ghita, however, was far from being at ease. She felt all
the risks that the young man now, ran, and she felt that it
was on her account, solely, that he incurred them. Even
the solemn feeling of the hour, and the occasion, was disturbed by his presence; and she wished he were away, on
more accounts than one. Here he was, nevertheless, and in
the midst of enemies; and it would not have been in nature,
for one of her years and sex, and, most of i, of her feelings,
not to indulge in a sentiment of tender gratitude towards
him, who had, as it were, thrust his head into the very lion's
mouth, to do her a service. Between Raoul and Ghita, there
had been no reserves, on the subject of parentage; and the
former understood why his mistress was here, as well as the
motive that brought her. As for the last, she glanced timidly
around her, fearful that the lugger, too, had been brough
into the throng of ships that crowded the anchorage. 'Fo
this, however, Raoul was much too wary, nothing resemblin.
his little craft being visible.
The reader will have understood that many vessels of wa
English, Russian, Turkish and Neapolitan, were now ani
chored in the bay. As the French still held the Castle o'
St. Elmo, or the citadel that crowns the heights, that, in thei
turn, crown the town, the shipping did not lay quite as clos
to the mole as usual, lest a shot from the enemy above migi
do them injury; but they were sufficiently near to permit at
the idle and curious of Naples, who had the hearts and th
means, to pull off and become spectators of the sad seený
that was about to occur. As the hour drew near, boat afte
boat arrived, until the Minerva was surrounded with specttors, many of whom belonged even to the higher classes o
society.
The distance between the Neapolitan frigate, and the shi
of the English rear-admiral, was not grea'.; and everythin
/hat occurred on board the former, and which was not actt
dlly hidden by the sides and bulwarks of the vessel itsel





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  1;~
was easily to be seen from the decks of the latter. Still, the
Poudroyant lay a little without the circle of boats; and in
that direction Raoul had pulled, to avoid the throng, resting
on his oars, when about a third of a cable's-length from the
British admiral's stern. Here it was determined to wait for
the awful signal, and its fatal consequences. The brief
interval was passed, by Ghita, in telling her beads, while
Carlo joined in the prayers, with the devotion of a zealot. It
is scarcely necessary to say, that all this Raoul witnessed
without faith, though it would be doing injustice to his nature, as well as to his love for Ghita, to say he did so with.
out sympathy.
A solemn and expecting silence reigned in all the neighbouring ships. The afternoon was calm and sultry, the
zephyr ceasing to blow, earlier than common, as if unwilling
to disturb the melancholy scene, even with its murmurs. On
board the Minerva, no sign of life-scarcely of death-was
seen; though a single whip was visible, rigged to the. foreyard-arm, one end being led in-board, while the other ran
along the yard, passed through a leading-block, in its quarter,
and descended to the deck. There was a platform fitted, on
twQ of the guns, beneath this expressive, but simple arrangement; but, as it was in-board, it was necessarily concealed
irom all but those who were on the Minerva's decks. With
these preparations Raoul was familiar, and his understanding eye saw the particular rope that was so soon to
deprive Ghita of her grandfather; though it was lost to her
and her uncle, among the maze of rigging by which it was
surrounded.
There might have been ten minutes passed, in this solemn
tillness, during which the crowd of boats continued to collect; and the crews of the different ships were permitted to
take-such positions, as enabled them to become spectators
of a scene that it was hoped might prove admonitory. It is
oart of the etiquette of a vessel of war to make her people,'eep close; it being deemed one sign of a well-ordered ship,,o let as few men be seen as possible, except on those occa-;ions when duty requires them to show themselves. This
igid rule, however, was momentarily lost sight of, and the
aeming masses that floated around La Minerva, gave up,heir thousands, like bees clustering about their hives. I





214


1,E FEU-FOLLET.


was in the mids' of such signs of expectation, that the cal.
of the boatswain was heard piping the side, on board the
Foudroyant, and four side-boys lay over on the accommodation-ladder, a mark of honour never paid to one of a rank
less than that of a captain. Raoul's boat was within fifty
yards of that very gangway, and he turned his head in idle
curiosity, to see who might descend into the gig that was
lying at the foot of the long flight of steps. A stranger, with
two epaulettes, came first, showing the way to. two civilians,
and a sea-lieutenant; when all descended in a line, and
entered the boat. The next instant, the oars fell, and the
gig whirled round under the Foudroyant's stern, and came
glaiicing up towards his own skiff. Four or five of the
strong man-of-war jerks, sufficed to send the long, narrow
boat as far as was desired, when the men ceased rowing,
their little craft losing her way within ten feet of the skiff
occupied by our party. Then it was that Raoul, to his
surprise, discovered that the two civilians were no other than
Andrea Barrofaldi, and Vito Viti, who had accompanied
Cuffe and Griffin, their companions in the gig, on a cruise;
of which the express object was to capture himself and his
vessel.
Another man would have been alarmed, at finding himself
in such close vicinity to his enemies; but Raoul Yvard was
amused, rather than rendered uneasy, by the circumstance.
He had faith in his disguise; and he was much too familiar
with incidents of this sort, not to retain his self-command,
and composure. Of course, he knew nothing of the personi
of the two Englishmen; but, perfectly aware of the presenc:
of the Proserpine, he guessed at their identity, and very
correctly imagined the circumstances that brought companions, so ill-assorted, together. He had taken no precau.
tions to disguise his face; and the red Phrygian cap which
he wore, in common with thousands on that bay, left every
feature and lineament fully exposed. With Ghita, however;
the case was different. She was far better known to the
two Elbans, as indeed was the person of her uncle, than he
was himself; but both had veiled their faces in prayer.
" I do not half like this business, Griffin," observed th(
captain, as his gig entirely lost its way; " and wish, with al
iyv heart, we had nothing to do with it. I knew this tok





LE J EU-FOLLET.


214


Caraccioli; and a very good sort of mah he was; and, as to
treason, it is not easy to say who is, and who is not a traitor,
in times like these, in such a nation as this.-Ha!-I believe
my soul, this is the same old man, and the same pretty girl,
that came to see Nelson, half-an-hour ago, about this very
execution?"
" What could they have to do with Prince Caraccioli, or
his treason, sir?-The old chap looks bookish; but he is not
a priest; and, as to the girl, she is trim-built enough; I fancy
the face is no great matter, however, or she would net take
so much pains to hide it."
Raoul muttered a " sacr-r-re," between his teeth, but he
succeeded in suppressing all outward expression of feeling.
Cuffe, on the contrary, saw no other motive for unusual discretion, beyond the presence of his boat's crew, before whom,
however, he was accustomed to less reserve, than with his
people in general.
" If she be the same as the one we had in the cabin," he
answered, " there is no necessity for a veil; for a prettier
or a more modest-looking girl, is not often fallen in with.
What she wanted, exactly, is more than I can tell you, as
she spoke Italian, altogether; and 'miladi' had the interview
pretty much to herself. But her good looks seem to have
taken with this old bachelor, the justice of the peace, who
eyes her as if he had an inclination to open his mind to the
beauty. Ask him, in Italian, Griffin, what mare's nest he
has run foul of, now."
"You seem to have found something to look at, beside the
Minerva, Signor Podesta," observed Griffin, in an under,
tone;: I hope it is not Venus."
"Cospetto!" grunted Vito Viti, nudging his neighbour
the vice-governatore, and nodding towards the other boat
"if that be not little Ghita, who came into our island like a
comet, and went out of it-to what shall I liken her sudden
and extraordinary disappearance, Signor Andrea?-"
"To that of le Feu-Follet, or ze Ving-y-Ving," put in
Griffin; who, now he had got the two functionaries fairly
afloat, spared none of the jokes that come so easy and natural
to a man-of-war's man. " She went out, too, in an 'extraordinary disappearance,' and perhaps the lady and the lugger
went out together."





216


LE FEU-VOLLET.


Vito Viti muttered an answer; for, by this time, he had
discovered that he was a very different personage, on board
the Proserpine, from what the other had appeared to consider
him, while in his native island. He might have expressed
himself aloud, indeed,; but, at that instant, a column of
smoke glanced out of the bow part of the Minerva-a yellow
flag was shown aloft-and then came the report of the signalgun.
It has been said that vessels of war, of four differen
nations, were, at that time, lying in the Bay of Naples.
Nelson had come in, but a short time previously, with seventeen ships of the line; and he found several more of his
countrymen lying there. This large force had been assembled to repel an expected attack on the Island of Minorca;
and it was still kept together in an uncertainty of the fiture
movements of the enemy. A Russian force had come out
of the Black Sea, to act against the French, bringing with
it a squadron of the Grand Signor; thus presenting to the
world the singular spectacle of the followers of Luther, devotees of the Greek church, and disciples of Mahomet, uniting
in defence of "our rights, our firesides, and our altars!"
To these vessels must be added a small squadron of ships
of the country; making a mixed force of four different
ensigns, that was to witness the melancholy scene we are
about to relate.
The yellow flag, and the signal-gun, brought everything,
in the shape of duty, to a stand-still, in all the fleets. The
hoarse commands ceased-the boatswains, and their mates,
laid aside their calls, and the echoing midshipmen no longer
found orders to repeat. The seamen gathered to the sides
of their respective vessels-every part glistened with expectant eyes-the booms resembled clusters of bees, suspended
from the boughs of a forest-and the knight-heads, taffrails
gangways, and stretchers of the rigging, were garnished with
those whose bright buttons, glazed hats, epaulettes, and
dark-blue dresses, denoted to belong to the privileged classes
of a ship. Notwithstanding all this curiosity, nothing like
the feeling which is apt to be manifested, at an exhibition of
merited punishment, was visible in a single countenance.
An expression resembling a sombre gloom, appeared to have
settled on all those grim warriors of the deep; English,





L   FPEU-FOLLE'T.


217


Ruia:a.. Ncap -'iita  or Turk, apparently reserving all his
sympa-his for ihe suiferer, rather than for the majesty of
justice. Still, no murmur arose--no sign of resistance was
made--no look of remons:trance given. The uneen mantle
of authority covered all; and these masses of' discontented
men submitted, as we bow to what is believed to be the fiat
of fate. The deep-seated and unresisting habit of discipline,
suppressed complaint; but there was a general conviction
that some act was about to be committed, that, it were better
for humanity and justice, should not be done; or, if done at
all, that it needed more of form, greater deliberation, and a
fairer trial, to be so done as to obtain the commendation of
men. The Turks, alone, showed apathy; though all showed
submission. These subjects of destiny looked on coldly:
though even among them, a low runmur had passed, that a
malign influence prevailed in the fleet; and that a great and
proud spirit had gotten to be mastered by the passion that so
often deprives heroes of their self-command and independence.
Ghita ceased her prayers, as the report of the gun broke
rudely on her ears, and, with streaming eyes, she even
dared to look towards the frigate. Raoul, atid all the rest,
bent their gaze in the same direction. The bailors, among
them, saw the rope at the fore-yard-arm move, and then
heads rose slowly above the hammock-cloths; when the prisoner and his attendant priest were visible even to their feet.
The unfortunate Caraccioli, as has been said, had nearly
numbered his threescore and ten years, in the regular course
of nature; and his bare head now showed the traces of
time. He wore no coat; and his arms were bound behind
his back, at the elbows, leaving just motion enough to the
hands, to aid him in the slighter offices about his own person.
His neck was bare, and the fatal cord was tightened sufficiently around it, to prevent accidents, constantly admonish.
ing its victim of its revolting office.
A low murmur arose among the people in the boats, as
this spectacle presented itself to their eyes; and many bowed
their faces in prayer. The condemned man caught a ray
of consolation from this expression of sympathy; and he
looked around him, an instant, with something like a return
of those feelings of the world, which it had been his effort
19





218


LE; FEU-FOLLET.


and his desire totally to eradicate, since he had taken leave
of Ghita, and learned that his last request - that of
changing his mode of punishment-had been denied. That
was a fearful moment, for one like Don Francesco Caraccioli, who had passed a long life in the midst of the scene
that surrounded him-illustrious by birth, affluent, honoured
for his services, and accustomed to respect and deference.
Never had the glorious panorama of the bay, appeared more
lovely than it did at that instant, when he was about to quit
it for ever, and this by means of a violent and disgraceful
death. From the purple mountains-the cerulean void above
him-the blue waters over which he seemed already to be
suspended-and the basking shores, rich in their towns,
villas and vines, his eye turned toward the world of ships,
each alive with its masses of living men. A glance of
melancholy reproach was cast upon the little flag that was
just waving at the mizzen-mast-head of the Foudroyant;
and then it fell on the carpet of faces beneath, that seemed
fairly to change the surface of the smooth sea, into an arena
of human countenances. His look was steady, though his
soul was in a tumult. Ghita was recognized by her companion, and by her dress. He moved towards the edge of
his narrow scaffolding, endeavoured to stretch forth his arms,
and blessed her, again, aloud. The poor girl dropped on
her knees, in the bottom of the boat, bowed her head, and in
that humble attitude did she remain, until all was over; not
daring once to look upward, again.
" Son," said the priest, " this is a moment when the earth,
and its feelings, must be forgotten."
" I know it, father," answered the old man, his voice
trembling with emotion, for his sensations were too powerful,
too sublime, even, for the degrading passion of.fear--" but
never before did this fair piece of the creation seem so lovely
in my eyes, as now, when I am about to quit it for the last
time."
"Look beyond this scene, into the long vista of eternity,
son; there thou wilt behold that, which mocks at all human,
all earthly means, to equal. I fear that our time is but
short-hast thou aught yet to say, in the flesh?"
" Let it be known, holy priest, that in my dying moment
I prayed for Nelson, and for all who have been active in





LE FEU-FOLLET.


219


bringing me to this end. It is easy for the fortunate, and the
untempted, to condemn; but he is wiser, as he is safer, who
puts more reliance on the goodness of God, than on his own
merits."
A ray of satisfaction gleamed athwart thespale countenance
of the priest-a sincerely pious man, or fear of personal
consequences might have kept aloof from such a sceneand he closed his eyes, while he expressed his gratitude to
God, in the secret recesses of his own spirit. Then he
turned to the prince, and spoke cheeringly.
" Son," he said, " if thou quittest life with a due dependence on the Son of God, and in this temper towards thy
fellow-creatures, of all this living throng, thou art he who is
most to be envied! Address thy soul in prayer, once more,
to Him, whom thou feelest can alone serve thee."
Caraccioli, aided by the priest, knelt on the scaffold; for
the rope hung loose enough to permit that act of humiliation,
and the other bent at his side.
" I wish to God, Nelson had nothing to do withi this!"
muttered Cuffe, as he turned away his face, inadvertently
bending his eyes on the Foudroyant, nearly under the stern
of which ship, his gig lay. There, in the stern-walk, stood
the lady, already mentioned in this Chapter, a keen spectator of the awful scene. No one, but a maid, was near her,
however, the men of her companionship not being of moods
stern enough to be at her side. Cuffe turned away from
this sight, in still stronger disgust; and just at that moment,
a common cry arose from the boats. Looking round, he
was just in time to see the unfortunate Caraccioli dragged
from his knees, by the neck, until he rose, by a steady, manof-war pull, to the end of the yard; leaving his companion
alone on the scaffold, still lost in prayer. There was a
horrible minute, of the struggles between life and death,
when the body, so late the tenement of an immortal spirit,
hung, like one of the jewel-blocks of the ship, dangling passively at the end of the spar, as insensible as the wood which
sustained it.





220


LE FEU-FOLLET.


CHAPTER XV.
" Sleep, sleep, thou sad one, on the sea!
The wash of waters lulls thee, now;
His arm no more will pillow thee,
Thy hand upon his brow.
He is not near, to hurt thee, or to save
The ground is his - the sea must be thy grave."
DANA.
A LONG summer's evening did the body of Francesco
Caraccioli hang suspended at the yard-arm of the Minerva;
a revolting spectacle to his countrymen, and to most of the
strangers who had been the witnesses of his end. Then was
it lowered into a boat, its feet loaded with double-headed
sh t, and it was carried out a league, or more, into the bay,
and east into the sea. The revolting manner in which it
rose to the surface, and confronted its destroyers, a fortnight
later, has passed into history; and, to this day, forms one
of the marvels related by the ignorant and wonder-loving of
that region.*  As for Ghita, she disappeared, no one knew
how; Vito Viti, and his companions, being too much absorbed
with the scene, to note the tender and considerate manner in
which Raoul rowed her off from a spectacle that could but
be replete with horrors, to one so situated.  Cuffe, himself,
stood but a few minutes longer; but he directed his boat's
crew to pull alongside of the Proserpine.   In half-an-hour
after the execution took place, this frigate was aweigh; and
then she was seen standing out of the bay, before a light air,
SSingular as was this occurrence, and painful as it must have
proved to the parties to the execution, it is one of the simplest conse.
quences of natural causes. All animal matter swells, in water, pre.
riounly to turning corrupt. A body that has become of twice its
natural size, in this manner, as a matter of course, displaces twice the
usual quantity of water; the weight of the mass remaining the same.
Most human frames floating, in their natural state, so long as the
lungs are inflated with air, it follows that one in this condition would
bring up with it, as much weight, in iron, as made the difference be
tween its own gravity, and that of the water it displaced. The upright
attitude of Caraccioli, was owing to the shot attached to the feet; of
which. it is also probable, one or two had hecomie loosened





LE FEU-FOLLE.T.


2 1


covered with canvass, from her truck to her hammock.
cloths. Leaving her, for the moment, we will return to the
party in the skiff.
Neither Carlo Giuntotardi, nor Ghita Caraccioli-for so
we must continue to call the girl, albeit the name is much
too illustrious to be borne by one of her humble condition in
life-but, neither of these two had any other design, -in thus
seeking out the unfortunate admiral, than to perform what
each believed to be a duty. As soon as the fate of Caraccioli was decided, both were willing to return to their old
position in life; not that they felt ashamed to avow their
connection with the dead; but because they were quite devoid df any of that worldly ambition, which renders rank
and fortune necessary to happiness.
When he left the crowd of boats, Raoul pulled towards
the rocks which bound the shores of the bay, near t>e gardens of Portici. This was a point sufficiently removed crom
the common anchorage, to be safe from observation; -nd
yet so near, as to be reached in considerably less than ax
hour. As the light boat proceeded, Ghita gradually regained
her composure. She dried her eyes, and looked around her
inquiringly, as if wondering whither their companion was
taking them.
" I will not ask you, Raoul, why you are here, at a moment like this, and whence you have come," she said; "but
I may ask whither you are now carrying us? Our home
is at St. Agata, on the heights above Sorrento, and on the
other side of the bay. We come there, annually, to pass
a month with my mother's sister; who asks this much of
)ur love."
"If I did not know all this, Ghita, I would not, and could
not be here. I have visited the cottage of your aunt, this
day; followed you to Naples; heard of the admiral's trial
gnd sentence; understood how it would affect your feelings;
traced you on board the English admiral's ship, and was in
waiting, as you found me; having first contrived to send
away the man who took you off. All this has come about
as naturally, as the feeling which has induced me to venture,
again, into the lion's mouth."
"The pitcher that goes often to the well, Raoul, gets
broken at last," said Ghita, a little reproachfully, though it
19 *





i2


LE FEU-FOLLETo


surpassed her power to prevent the tones of tenderness from
mingling with her words.
" You know all, Ghita. After months of perseverance,
and a love such as man seldom felt before, you deliberately
and coldly refused to be my wife;-nay, you have deserted
Monte Argentaro, purposely to get rid of my importunities;
for there I could go with the lugger, at any moment; and
have come here, upon this bay, crowded with the English,
and other enemies of France, fancying that I would not dare
to venture hither.-Well, you see with what success; for
neither Nelson, nor his two-deckers, can keep Raoul Yvard
from the woman he loves, let him be as victorious and skilful as he may!"
The sailor had ceased rowing, to give vent to his feelings
in this speech, neither of the two colloquists regarding the
presence of Carlo Giuntotardi, any more than if he had been
a part of themselves. This indifference to the fact that a
third person was a listener, proceeded from habit, the worthy
scholar and religionist being usually too abstracted to attend
to concerns as light as love, and the youthful affections.
Ghita was not surprised, either at the reproaches of her
suitor, or at his perseverance; and her conscience told her
he uttered but the truth, in attributing to her the motives he
had, in urging her uncle to make their recent change of residence; for, while a sense of duty had induced her to quit
the towers, her art was not sufficient to suggest the expediency of going to any other abode than that which she was
accustomed to inhabit periodically, and about which Raoul'
knew, from her own innocent narrations, nearly as much as
she knew herself.
"I can say no more than I have said, already," the
thoughtful girl answered, after Raoul had begun again to
row. " It is better, on every account, that we should part.
I cannot change -my country; nor can you desert that
glorious republic, of which you feel so proud. I am an
Italian, and you are French; while, more than all, I worship
my God, while you believe in the new opinions of your own
nation. Here are causes enough for separation, surely,
however favourably and kindly we may happen 4o think
of each other, in general."
"Tell me not, any more, of the heart of an Italian girl,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


223


and of her readiness to fly to the world's end, with the man
of her choice!" exclaimed Raoul, bitterly. " I can find a
thousand girls, in Languedoc, who would make the circuit
of the earth, yearly, rather than be separated, a day, from
the seamen they have chosen for their husbands."
"' Then look among the girls of Languedoc, for a wvife,"
answered Ghita, with a smile so melancholy that it contradicted her words. " Better to take one of your own nation
and ophion, Raoul, than risk your happiness with a strangerwho might not answer all your hopes, when you came to
know her better."
" We will not talk further of this, now, dearest Ghita,
my first care must be to carry you back to the cottage of
your aunt-unless, indeed, you will at once embark in le
Feu-Follet, and return to the towers?"
" Le Feu-Follet! - she is hardly here, in the midst of a
fleet of her enemies! - Remember, Raoul, that your men
will begin to complain, if you place them too often in such
risks, to gratify your own wishes."
"Peste!- I keep them in good-humour, by rich prizes.
They have been successful; and that which makes yondei
Nelson popular, and a great manmakes Raoul Yvard popular, and a great man, also, in his little way. My crew is
like its captain-it loves adventures, and it loves success."
" I do not see the lugger-among a-hundred ships, there
is no sign of yours?"
"The Bay of Napoli is large, Ghita," returned Raoul,
laughing; "and le Feu-Follet takes but little room. Seeyonder vaisseaux-de-ligne appear trifling among these noble
mountains, and on this wide gulf; you cannot expect my
little lugger to make mut h show. We are small, Ghita
mia, if not insignificant!"
" Still, where there are so many vigilant eyes, there is
always danger, Raoul!. Besides, a lugger is an unusual rig,
as you have owned to me, yourself."
"Not here, among all these eastern craft. I have always
found, if I wished to be unnoticed, it was best to get into a
crowd; whereas, he who lives in a village, lives in open
"day-light. But we will talk of these things, when alone,
Ghita-yonder fisherman is getting ready to receive us."
By this time the skiff was near the shore, where a little





224


LE FEU-FOLLET.


yawl was anchored, containing a solitary fisherman. Thh
man was examining them, as they approached; and, recognising Raoul, he was gathering in his lines, and preparing
to raise his grapnel. In a few minutes the two craft lay
side by side; and then, though not without difficulty, owing
to a very elaborate disguise, Ghita recognised Ithuel Bolt.
A very few words sufficed to let the American into all that
it was necessary he should know, when the whole party
-made its arrangements to depart. The skiff which Raoul,
having found it lying on the beach, had made fiee with,
without leave, he anchored, in the full expectation that its
right owner might find it, some day or other; while its cargo
was transferred to the -yawl, which was one of the lugger's
own attendants. The latter was a light, swift pulling little
boat, admirably constructed, and fit to live in a sea-way;
requiring, moreover, but two good oars, one of which Raoul
undertook to pull, himself, while Ithuel managed the other.
In five minutes after the junction was made, the party was
moving again from the land, in a straight line across the bay,
steering in the direction of its southern cape, and proceeding
with the steady, swift movement oi minn accustomed to the
toil.
There are few portions of the sea in which a single ship
or boat is an object of so little notice, as the Bay of Naples.
This is true of all times and seasons; the magnificent scale
on which nature has created her panorama, rendering ordinary objects of comparative insignificance; while the constant movement, the fruit of a million of souls thronging
around its teeming shores, covers it, in all directions, with
boats, almost as the streets of a town are crowded with
pedestrians. The present occasion, too, was one likely to
set everything in motion; and Raoul judged rightly, when
he thought himself less likely to be observed in such a scene,
than on a smaller and less-frequented water. As a matter
of course, while near the mole, or the common anchorage,
it was necessary to pass amid a floating throng; but, once
beyond the limits of this crowd, the size of the bay rendered
it quite easy to avoid unpleasant collisions, without any ap.
parent effort; while the pascage of a boat, in any direction,*
was an occurrence too common to awaken distrust. One
would think no more of questioning a,-,rf th at was encour





LE FEU-FOLLET.                   WO
tered, even in the centre of that spacious bay, tnan he would
think of inquiring about the stranger, met in a market-place.
All tniis noth Raoul and Ithuel knew and felt; and, once in
motion, in their yawl, they experienced a sense of security,
that, for the four or five previous hours, had not always
existed.
By this time, the sun was low, though it was possible, as
Raoul perceived, to detect the speck that was still swinging
at the Minerva's fore-yard-arm; a circumstance to which
the young man, with considerate feeling, refrained from
adverting. The Proserpine had been some time in motion,
standing out of the fleet under a cloud of canvass, but with
an air so light as to permit the yawl to gain on her, thuugh
the heads of both were turned in the same direction. In this
manner, mile after mile was passed, until darkness came.
Then the moon arose, rendering-the bay less distinct, it is
true, but scarcely more mysterious, or more lovely, than in
the hours of stronger light. The gulf, indeed, forms an exception, in this particular, to the general rule, by the extent
of its shores, the elevation of its mountains, the beauty of its
water-which has the deep tint of the ocean off soundingsand the softness of the atmosphere; lending to it, by day,
all the mellowed and dreamy charms that other scenes borrow from the illusions of night,.and the milder brilliance of
the secondary planets. Raoul did not exert himself, at the
oar; and, as he sat aft, his companion was obliged to take
the stroke from his movement. It was so pleasant to have
Ghita with him, on his own element, that he never hurried
himself, while in the enjoyment of her society. The conversation, it will readily be imagined, was not lively; but
the saddened melancholy of Ghita's voice, as she occasionally hazarded a remark of her own, or answered one of his
questions, sounded sweeter, in his ears, than the music of
the ships' bands, that was now wafted to them across the
water.
As the evening advanced, the land-breeze increased, and
thr Proserpine gradually gained upon the boat. When the
latter was about two-thirds of the distance across the bay
the frigate caught the stronger current, that came down
athwart the oampagna, between Vesuvius and the mountains
oehind Castel i Mare. when she drove ahead fast. Her
15





226


LE FEU-FOLLET.


sails, as seamen express it, were all asleep; or swelled outward, without collapsing; and her rate of sailing was between
five and six miles in the hour. This brought them up with,
the boat, hand-over-hand, as it is called; and Ghita, at Raoul's
request, put the helm aside, in order that they might gcv
out of the way of the huge body that was approaching. I
would seem that there was some design, on the part of the
ship, in coming so near, for she made a sheer towards the
yawl, in a way to frighten the timid helmswoman, and to
induce her to relinquish her hold of the tiller.
"Fear nothing," called out Griffin, in Italian-" we intend to offer you a tow. Stand by, and catch the lineHeave-"
A small repe was thrown; and, falling directly across
Ithuel's head, that person could do no less than seize it.
With all his detestation of the English in general, and of this
vessel in particular, the man-of-all-work had the laboursaving propensity of his countrymen; and it struck him as
a good thing, to make a " king's ship" aid an enemy's privateer, by accepting the offer. As he used the line with proper
dexterity, the yawl was soon towing on the quarter of the
frigate; Raoul taking the helm, and giving the boat the
sheer necessary to prevent her dragging in, alongside. This
was a change so sudden,.and so totally unexpected, that
Ghita murmured her disapprobation, lest it should lead to a
discovery of the true character of her companions.
"Fear nothing, dearest," answered Raoul, " they cannot
suspect us; and we may learn something useful by being
here. At all events, le Feu-Follet is safe from their designs,
just at this moment."
"Are you boatmen of Capri?" called out Griffin, who
stood on the taffrail of the ship, with Cuffe and the two
Italians near by; the first dictating the questions his lieutenant put.
SS'nore, si;" answered Raoul, adopting the patois of the
country, as well as he could, and disguising his deep mellow
vI. byhv speaking on a high shrill key. "Boatmen of
Capri, that have been to Napoli with wine, and have been
kent out later than we intended by the spectacle at the yardarm of the Minerva. Cospetto! therm signori make no more
of a prince, than we do of a quail, in the season, on our





LE FEU-FOLLET.


227


Aittle island. Pardon me, dearest Ghita; but we must throw
dust into thei: eyes."
" Has any strange sail been seen about your island,
within the last twenty-four hours?"
"The bay is full of strange sail, S'nore; even the Turks
coming to see us, since the last trouble with the French."
"( Ay-but the Turks are now your allies, like us Eng.
lish.-Have you seen any other strangers?"
" They tell me, there are ships from the far north, too,
S'nore, off the town. Russians, I believe, they call them."
" They, too, are allies; but, I mean, enemies. Has there
not been a lugger seen off your island, within the last day
or two-a lugger of the French T"
"Si-si-I know what you mean, now, S'nore; there
has been a vessel like that you mention, off the island; for I
saw her with my own eyes-si-si. It was about the
twenty-third hour, last evening-a lugger, and we all said
she must be French, by her wicked looks."
" Raoul!" said Ghita, as if reproaching him for an indis.
cretion.
" This is the true way to befog them," answered the young
man; "they have certainly heard of us; and by seeming
to tell a little truth, frankly, it will give me an opportunity
of telling more untruth."
" Ah, Raoul, it is a sad life, that renders untruths neces.
sary!"
' It is the art of war, dearest; without it, we should soon
be outwitted, by these knaves of English.-Si-si, S'nori,
we all said just that, concerning her looks and rig.":' Will you sheer your boat alongside, friend!" inquired
Griffin, "and come on board of us? We have a ducat,
here, that wants an owner; I fancy it will fit your pocket,
as well as another's. We will haul you ahead, abreast of
the gangway."
"Oh! Raoul, do not think of this rash act," whispered
Ghita; "the vice-governatore, or the podesta, will recollect
you; and then all will be lost!"
"Fear nothing, Ghita-a good cause, and a keen wit,
will carry me through; while the least hesitation might,
Indeed, ruin us. These English first ask, and then tak?,





228


LE FEU-FOLLET.


without asking, if you tell them no. Corpo di Bacco! who
ever heard, either, of a lazzarone's refusing a ducat!"
Raoul then whispered a few words to Ithuel, when, the
boat being, by this time, far enough ahead, he gave it a
sheer alongside of the ship, seized a man-rope, and went up
the cleets as actively as a cat. It is certain, not a soul on
board that fine frigate had the least suspicion of the true cha.
racter of the individual who now confidently trod her quar.
ter-deck. The young man, himself, loved the excitement of
such an adventure, and he felt the greater confidence in his
impunity, from the circumstance that there was no other
light than that of the moon. The sails, too, cast their shadows upon deck; and then, neither of the two Italians was
a wizard, at detecting impostors, as he knew by experience.
The watch was set for the night, and Winchester, who
had returned to duty, held the trumpet, while Griffin had no
other immediate office, but to interpret. Two or three midshipmen were lounging about the quarter-deck; here and
there a seaman was on the look-out, at the halyards, or on
a cat-head; some twenty or thirty old sea-dogs were pacing
the gangways or the forecastle, with their arms crossed, and
hands stuck in their jackets; and a quick-eyed, active
quarter-master stood near the man at the wheel, conning
the ship. The remainder of the watch had stowed themselves between the guns, or among the booms, in readiness
to act, but, in truth, dozing. Cuffe, Griffin, and the two
Italians, descended from the taffrail, and awaited the approach of the supposed lazzarone, or boatman of Capri, as he
was now believed to be, near the stern of the vessel. By an
arrangement among themselves, Vito Viti became the spokesman; Griffin translating to the captain, all that passed, in
an under-tone, as soon as it was uttered.
" Come hither, friend," commenced the podesta, in a
patronizing, but somewhat lofty manner; " this generous and
noble English captain, Sir Kooffe, desires me to present you
with a ducat, by way of showing that he asks no more of
you than he is willing to pay for. A ducat* is a great deal
* The silver ducat of Naples is worth 80 grani, or rather less than.O cents; the golden ducat, or sequin of Italy, Holland, Turkey, &c.
is worth a trifle more than two American dollars. Raoul was offered
the former





LE FEU-FOLLET.


229


of money, as you know; and good pay merits good ser.
vices."
"S'nore, si; your eccellenza says the truth; a gooa
ducat, certainly, deserves good services."
" Bene. Now, tell these signori all you know about that
said lugger; where you saw her; when you saw her; and
what she was about. Keep your mind clear, and tell us
one thing at a time."
" S'nore, si. I will keep my mind clear, and tell you no
more than one thing at a time. I believe, eccellenza, I am
to begin with where I. saw her; then I 'm to tell you when
I saw her; after which, you wish to know what she was
about. I believe, this is the way you put it, S'nore?"
" Excellently well; answer in that order, and you will
make yourself understood. But, first, tell me;-do all the
natives of Capri speak the same sort of Italian as you do
yourself, friend?"
"S'nore, si-though my mother having been a French
woman, they tell me that I have caught a little from her.
We all get something from our mothers, eccellenza; and its
a pity we could not keep more of it."
" True, friend; but now for the lugger. Remember that
honourable signori will hear what you say; therefore, for
your own credit, speak to the point; and speak nothing but
truth, for the love of God."
"Then, S'nore, first, as to where I saw her-does your
eccellenza mean, where I was at the time, or where the
lugger was?"
" Where the lugger was, fellow. Dost think Sir Kooffe
cares where thou spent thy day!"
" Well, then, eccellenza, the lugger was near the Island
of Capri, on the side next the Mediterranean, which, you
know, S'nore, is on the side opposite to the bay, and near,
as might be, abreast of the house of Giacomo Alberti-doe?
your eccellenza know anything of the house I mean?"
" Not I; but tell your story, as if I knew all about it. It
is these particulars which give value to a tale. How far
from the nearest land?-Mention that fact, by all means, if
you happen to remember."
" Well, eccellenza, could the distance be measured, now,
I lhink it would prove to be about as far-not quite, S'nore;
20





23 u


LE FEU-FOLLET.


but, I say, about-about as far as from the said Giacomo's
largest fig-tree, to the vines of Giovanni, his wife's cousin.
Si-I think, just about that distance."
" And how far may that be, friend. Be precise, as much
may depend on your answers."
" S'nore, that may be a trifle farther than it is from the
church to the top of the stairs that lead to Ana Capri."
"Cospetto!-Thou' wilt earn thy ducat speedily, at this
rate! Tell us, at once, in miles; was the lugger one, two,
six, or twenty miles from your island, at the time thou
speak'st of?"
'' Eccellenza, you bid me speak of the time, in the second
place; after I had told you of the where, in the first place.
[ wish to do whatever will give you pleasure, S'nore."
" Neighbour Vito Viti," put in the vice-governatore, " it
may be well to remember that this matter is not to be recorded, as you would put on file the confessions of a' thief;
it may be better to let the honest boatman tell his story in his
own way."
"Ay, nofv the veechy has set to work, I hope we shall
get the worth of our ducat," observed Cuffe, in English.
"S'nori," rejoined Raoul, "(it shall be just as your
eccellenzi say. The lugger you speak of was off the island,
last evening, steering towards Ischia; which place she must
have reached, in the course of the night, as there was a good
land-wind, from the twenty-third to the fifth hour."
" This agrees with our account, as to the time and place,"
said Griffin; " but not at all, as to the direction the corsair
was steering.  We hear, she was   ':her rounding the
southern cape, for the Gulf of Salerno.'
Raoul started, and gave thanks, mentally, that he had
come on board, as this statement showed that his enemies
had received only too accurate information of his recent
movements. He had hopes, however, of being able, yet, to
change their intentions, and to put them on a wrong scent.
" S'nori," he said, " I should like to know who it is that
mistakes south-east for north-west. None of our pilots or
boatmen, I should think, could ever make so great a blunder.
S'nore, you are an officer, and understand such things; and
I will just ask you, if Ischia does not lie north-west of
Capri?"





LE FEU-FOLLET.


231


" Of that fact, there can be no manner of doubt," returned
Griffin; "it is equally true, that the Gulf of Salerno lies
south-east of both-"
"There, now!" interrupted Raoul, with a well-acted
assumption of vulgar triumph, " I knew, your eccellenza,
when you came to look into it, would see the folly of saying
that a vessel, which was standing from Capri towards Ischia,
was going on any other course than north-west!"
"But this is not the question, amico. We all understand
the bearings of these islands, which are the bearings of the
whole coast, down here-away; but the question is, which
way the lugger was steering?"
"I thought I had said, eccellenza, that she was heading
across towards Ischia," answered Raoul, with an air of
obtuse innocence.
" If you do, you give an account exactly different from
that which has been sent to the admiral, by the good bishop
of your own island. May I never eat another of his own
quails, if I think he would deceive us; and it is not easy to
suppose, a man like him, does not know north from south."
Raoul inwardly muttered a malediction on all priests; a
class of men, which, rightly enough, he believed to be united
in their hostility to France. But, it would not do to express
this, in his assumed character; and he affected to listen, as
one of his class ought to give ear, to a fact that came from
his spiritual father.
"North from south, eccellenza!-Monsignore knows a
great deal more than that, if the truth were said; though, I
suppose, these noble signori are acquainted with the right
ieverend father's great infirmity?"
" Not we-none of us, I fancy, ever had the honour to be
in his company. Surely, fellow, your bishop is a man of
ruth?"
"Truth!-Yes, eccellenza, so true is he, that if he were
to tell me that the thing I saw myself, had not, and could
not happen, I should rather believe Monsignore, than believe
my own eyes. Still, signori, eyes are something; and as
the right reverend father has none, or, what are as bad as
none, for any use they can be in looking at a vessel half-amile off, he may not always see what he thinks he sees.
When Monsignore tells us that so and so is Gospel, we all





1)32


LE FEU FOLLET.


believe it; for we know the time has been when he could read;
but we never think of going to his door to ask which way a
hip is steering, having the use of our own senses."
" Can this fellow tell us the truth, Griffin?" asked Cuffe,
i good deal mystified by Raoul's artifice, and his assumed
simplicity. " If so, we shall be going exactly on the wrong
scent, by hauling round Campanella, and running into the
Gulf of Salerno. The French hold Gaeta, yet, and it is
quite likely that Master Yvard may wish to keep a friendly
)ort open under his lee!"
" You forget, Captain Cuffe, that his lordship has sent a
ight cruiser, already, up that way; and le Feu-Follet would
hardly dare to show herself near one of our regular fellOWS--"
" Umph!-I don't know that, Mr. Griffin;-I don't exactly know that. The Proserpine is a ' regular fellow,' afte:
a fashion, at least; and the Few-Folly has dared to show
herself to her. Jack-o'-Lantern!-D- n-me, Griffin, but
K think she is well named, now. I'd rather chase a jack-o'lantern, in the Island of Sicily, than be hunting after such a
chap;-first, he's here; then, he's there; and, presently,
he's nowhere. As for the sloop, she's gone south, at my
suggestion, to look into the bays along the Calabrian coast.
I told Nelson I wanted another ship; for, just so certain as
this Rule-Raw-owl-what the d-      1 do you call the
pirate, Griffin?-"
"Raoul, CaptaiQ Cuffe; Raoul Yvard is his name. 'Tis
thoroughly French.-Raoul, means Rodolph."
" Weil, I told Nelson, if this lad should get to dodging
round one of the islands, we might as well set about playing
puss in the corner,' by the week, as to think of driving him
off the land, for a fair chase. He works his boat like a
stage-coach, turning in to an inn-yard!"
" I wonder my lord did- ot think of this, and give us a
sloop or two, to help us."
" Catch Nel. at that!-He might send one Englishman to
look after two Frenchmen; but he'd never dream of sending
two Englishmen to look after one Frenchman."
"But this is not a fighting matter, sir; only a chaseand one Frenchman will run faster than tuo Enlishmen
tny day of the week."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


232


"Sa-c-r-r.r-e," muttered Raoul, in a tone that he endeavoured to suppress, and which was inaudible, to all ears,
but those of Andrea Barrofaldi; the vice-governatore happening to stand nearer his person, just at that moment, than
any other of the party.
"Very true," answered Cuffe; "but so it is. We are
sent alone; and if this Few-Folly get in between Ischia and
Procida, it will be easier to unearth a fox, than to drive her
out, single-handed. As for any more boat-service against
her, I suppose, you've all had enough of that?'
" Why, sir, I rather think the people would be shy,"
answered Griffin, with a little hesitation of manner, and yet
with the directness and simplicity of a truly brave man.
" We must let them get over the last brush, before they are
depended on much, for any new set-to,.of that s6rt."
"Bon i" muttered Raoul, quite unconscious he was overheard.
" Nevertheless, we must catch this fellow if we wear out
our shoes, in the chase."
All this time Andrea Barrofaldi. and Vito Viti were profoundly ignorant of what was passing between the two officers, though Raoul listened eagerly, and so well understood
every syllable they uttered. Until this moment, the vicegovernatore had been rather indifferent and inattentive, as to
what occurred; but the two exclamations of Raoul, awakened
a vague distrust in his mind, which, while it had no direct object, was certainly pregnant with serious consequences to the
Frenchman himself. Deep mortification at the manner in
which they had been duped by this celebrated privateersman.
with a desire to absent themselves from the -island, until the
edge was a little taken off the ridicule they both felt they
merited, blended with certain longmgs to redeem their characters, by assisting in capturing the corsair, were the reasons
why these two worthies, the deputy-governor and the podesta
were now on board the Proserpine. Cuffe had offered them
cots in his cabin, and seats at his table, in a moment of confidence; and the offer was gladly accepted. Andrea had
-ot been on board the ship a day, however, before he became
thoroughly convinced of his utter uselessness; a circumstance that added materially to the awkwardness of his
situation. Like all well-meaning and simple-minded men,
20 *





2 34


LE FEU-FOLLE T.


he had a strong wish to be doing; and day and night i.
ruminated on the means, by himself, or discussed them in
private dialogues with his friend, the podesta. Vito Viti
frankly admonished him to put his faith in heaven; affirm,,
ing that something worth while, would yet turn up, in tho
cruise, to render the enterprise memorable; it being a habit,
with the magistrate, to say an ave or two, on all trying
occasions, and then trust to God.
"You never knew a miracle, vice-governatore," said Vitc
Viti, one day, when they were discussing the matter by
themselves; " you never knew a miracle come to pass, that
another was not close on its heels; the first being a mere
preparation for the last, and the last always.proving to be
the most remarkable. Now, when Anina Gotti fell off the
cliffs, it was a miracle she didn't break her neck, but, when
she rolled over into the sea, it was a much greater she wasn't
drowned!"
" It is better to leave these things to the church, neighbour
Vito," was the vice-governatore's answer; ' nor do I see
that there has been any miracle in the affair, to start with."
"How!-Do you not call it a miracle, Signor Andrea,
that two such men as you and I, should be deceived, as we
were, beyond all doubt, by this knave of a French corsair?
-I look upon it as so great a miracle, myself, that it ought
to follow, instead of going before its companion."
To this Andrea made an answer suitable to his greater
information, and the discourse took its usual direction, towards the means of doing something to relieve the two functionaries from the stigma, that they mutually felt now rested
on their sagacity; and that, too, as this sagacity might be
considered conjointly or individually.
It was probably owing to this fever of the mind, that the
vice-governatore, a man usually so simple and confiding,
was now so suspicious and keen-sighted. The presence ot
Carlo Giuntotardi and Ghita had, at first, struck him as a
little out of the common way; and, though he could not
distinguish their faces by the light of the moon, and at the
distance at which they were placed in the yawl, he fancied,
from the first, that his old acquaintances were in the boat
the ship was towing. Now Andrea Barrofaldi, certainly,.ad never, before that day, connected Ghita, or her uncle





LE FEU-FOLLE~


235


in any manner with Raoul Yvard; but, it was bey. i dis.
pute, that the mysterious manner in which they disappeared
from the island, had excited some remarks; and, in his
present state of mind, it was not an extraordinary circumstance that he had some distant and vague glimmerings of
the truth. But for Raoul's indiscreet exclamations, however,
nothing probably would have come of these indistinct fancies;
and we are to refer all that followed to those unguarded outbreakings of the Frenchman's humour, rather than to any
very clear process of ratiocination on the part of the vicegovernatore.
Just as Cuffe made the declaration last recorded, Andrea
stepped up to the spot where he and Griffin were conversing
apart, and whispered a few words in the ear of the latter.
"The d--!" exclaimed the lieutenant, in English.
"If what the vice-governatore tells me, be true, Captain
Cuffe, the work is half done to our hands!"
" Ay, the veechy is a good fellow, at the bottom, Griffin
though he '11 never burn the bay of Naples. What has he
to say, now?"
Griffin led his captain a little aside, and conferred a moment with him, alone. Orders were then passed to the
officer of the deck, when Cuffe and his companion went
below, like men in a hurry.





236


LE  F U-FOLLET.;


CHAPTER XVI.
'What countryman, I pray?"
"Of Mantua."
"Of Mantua, sir?- marry, God forbid!
And come to Padua, careless of your life?"
Taming of the Shrew.
D)TRTsN the momentous five minutes occupied in these
private movements, Raoul affected to be gaping about
in vulgar astonishment, examining the guns, rigging, ornaments of the quarter-deck, &c.; though, in truth, nothing
that passed among thos6 near him, escaped his vigilant
attention. He was uneasy at the signs of the times, and
now regretted his own temerity; but still he thought his
incognito must be impenetrable. Like most persons, who
fancy they speak a foreign language well, he was ignorant, too, in how many little things he betrayed himself; the
Englishman, cmeteris paribus, usually pronouncing the Italian
better than the Frenchman, on account of the greater affinity
between his native language and that of Italy, in what
relates to emphasis and sounds. Such was the state of mind
of our hero, then, as he got an intimation that the captain
of the ship wished to see him below. Raoul observed, as he
descended the ladder, to comply with what sounded very
much like an order, that he was followed by the two Elban
tunctiona ries.
The cabin-lamp was trimmed, and the privateersman found
himself under a strong light, as soon as he had crossed the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


237


threshold o7 the apartrment. Cuffe and Griffin were standing
near the table, where the vice-governatore and the podesta
took their stations, also; giving the whole arrangement a
most uncomfortable air of investigation and 'ustice. For an
instant, Raoul wished that it was a portion of the Holy Inqui.
sition, rather than fhe tribunal before which he now found
himself so unexpectedly arraigned.
"You must be cool," said Griffin, as the other moved
slowly up to the table, maintaining the outward signs of
steadiness, but cursing, in his heart, the severe ordeal which
he felt he was undergoing;-" do me the favour to put this
silk handkerchief about your neck."
" S'nore, your eccellenza is pleased to joke; we men of
Capri think little of the nights, at this season of the yearstill,.as it seems to be your wish, I will honour myself so
much."
In that age, a black silk kerchief was the certain mark
of a military man. The old-fashioned stock had gone out,
with all but old-fashioned people, and the new-fashioned
subs:itute did not make its appearance until many years
later; the present usage, indeed, having come in from an
imitation of the military mania which pervaded Christendom
at the close of the last general war. Black around the neck,
properly relieved by the white of the linen, was then deemed
particularly military; and even in the ordinary dress, such
a peculiarity was as certain a sign, as the cockade, that the
wearer bore arms. Raoul knew this, and he felt he was
aiding in unmasking himself, by complying; but he thought
there might be greater danger, should he refuse to assume
the kerchief.
"Your eccellenza is making a prince, of a very humble
boatman," he said, when his neck was fairly enveloped;
"-and my wife will think some great general is coming,
when I enter the door."
" To help the delusion, friend, wear this, also," continued
Griffin, throwing the other one of his own undress uniform
coats, his stature and that of Raoul being very nearly the
same.
The true state of the case was now getting to be somewhat unequivocal; nevertheless, as steadiness and compiisnce were his only hopes, Raoul did as desired, and stood





!238


LE FEU-FOLLET

with all his upper man decorated in an English naval undress uniform, while the nether remained a la lazzarone.
" What say you, now, vice-governatore," resumed Grifin,
" here are lights, and the dress?"
"I say that this gentleman has done me the honour of
several visits, in my poor residence, 'at Porto Ferrajo,"
returned Andrea; " and that never has he been more welcome, than he is at this moment. Signor Smees, you are a
great lover of masquerades, and make a carnival of the
whole year. I trust, your distinguished countryman, Sir
Cicero, will have it in his power to convince these brave
Inglese, that all is done in pure pleasantry, and without a
crime."
" Messieurs," said Raoul, stripping himself of his bor
rowed plumes, "it is too late to feign, any longer. If I ar
Raoul Yvard, as you say, I am certainly not le Feu-Follet
" Of course, you are aware, Monsieur," observed Griffin,
in French, " that you are a prisoner to His Britannic Majesty?"
" Sa Majestd Brntannique has not made a conquest equal
to his success at the Nile," returned Raoul, ironically;
" but he has me in his hands. It is not the first time that I
have had the honour to be a prisoner of war, and that, too,
in one of his own ships."
" You are not to suppose that such will be your situation,
now, Monsieur Yvard. We arrest you in a totally differenL
character."
" Not as a friend, I trust, Monsieur; for, I protest, I have
not the smallest claim to the character; as witness a short
interview off Porto Ferrajo, and an interesting incident at
the mouth of the Golo."
"Your taunts may be spared, sir; fortune favoured you,
then, we allow; but, now, we arrest you as a spy."
" Espion!" repeated Raoul, starting; "that is an office
[ never contemplated, Monsieur, on coming on board your.hip. You will do me the justice to acknowledge, that it
was only at your own invitation, that I came on deck.
'T would be an infamy to pretend differently!"
" We will endure the infamy of our acts, Monsieur Yvara.
No one accuses you of having come on board the Proserpine
as a spy; but, when an enemy is found rowing about our





LE FEU-FOLLET.


239


fleet, which is anchored in a hostile bay, and this in a disguise like yours, it must be a very scrupulous conscience,
that hesitates to pronounce him a spy, and liable to the
punishment of one."
This was so true, that the unfortunate young man now
felt the exceeding delicacy of his situation. In coming into
the bay, he had certainly been led by no other intention than
to find Ghita; and yet he could not but confess, to himself,
that he should not have hesitated about profiting, in his public character, by any information incidentally obtained. He
had subjected himself to the severest penalties of military
law, by yielding to his passion for Ghita; and he could not
discover a single available excuse, to plead in mitigation.
" What does the poor devil say, Griffin," asked Cuffe,
who felt regret that so brave an enemy should be reduced to
so desperate a strait, notwithstanding his determined hostility
to all Frenchmen; " do not bear too hard upon him, at the
first go off. Has he any excuse for his disguise?"
" The usual apology, no doubt, sir-a desire to serve his
one and undivided republic! If we should believe all such
chaps tell us, Captain Cuffe, we might go home, and send
deputies to the National Convention; if, indeed, they would
do us the favour to admit them to seats."
" Gentlemen," said Raoul, in English, " there is no
longer any occasion for an interpreter between us; I speak
your language sufficiently well to make myself understood."
" I am sorry for your situation, Mr. Yvard," said Cuffe,
" and wish, with all my heart, you had fallen into our hand
in open battle, instead of in this irregular way."
" In which case, Monsieur le Capitaine, le Feu-Follel
would have been in your power, also!" returned Raoul,
smiling ironically; " but, messieurs, words are idle, now; I
am your prisoner, and must take my chance with you
There is no necessity, however, for causing others to suffer
for my indiscretion. I shall esteem it a favour, messieurs, if
you will let the good people, in the boat alongside, pull
ashore, without molestation. It is getting late, and we must
iow, be nearly, or quite abeam ef the place where they wish
to land; which is the marina grande of Sorrento."
" Do you wish us to understand that your companions are:iut French, Monsieur Yvard?"





240


LE FEU-FOLLET.


*' Oui, Monsieur le Capitaine; there is not a Frenchman
among them, I give you my parole d'honneur."
" Of that fact, it may be well to satisfy ourselves by an
examination, Captain Cuffe," put in Griffin, drily.
" I have sent up to beg Mr. Winchester would get these
people on board-"
" There is a young woman, in the boat, who is unaccustomed to entering ships," interrupted Raoul, hastily, " and
I implore your tenderness, in her behalf. Let the men come
on board, if you think it. necessary; but the signorina can
never climb this frigate's sides!"
' We will see to that; more especially, Monsieur Yvard,
as you appear to be so much interested in the lady's comfort.
At present, it will be my duty to put you under a sentry's
charge; and that it may be done in a way the least offenpsi ve to yourself, your prison, for the night at least, shall be
ihis cabin. Mr. Griffin, give orders to the marine officer,
accordingly."
In a few minutes, a soldier was introduced into the forward cabin, and Raoul was regularly placed under his
charge. Not till then did the officers return to the quarterdeck. All this time, Ithuel, and his companions in the yawl,
were left to their own reflections, which were anything but
agreeable. Matters had been conducted so quietly, in-board,
however, that they possessed no clue to what had actually
occurred; though Ghita, in particular, was full of forebodings
and apprehensions. The frigate had towed them along at a
rate, which, as Raoul had said, had brought them quite
abreast of their landing, and within a league of it; and yet
she showed' no signs of an intention to abate her speed, nor
did any one appear at the gangway, to speak to them. At
length a hoarse call was heard on deck, and the ship began
to shorten sail. Her fore-course was hauled up, and the
spanker was brailed; then the royals were clewed up, and
furled;, the top-gallant-sails followed; and presently the
Proserpine was reduced to her three topsails and jib. All
this, finished just as Cuffe reappeared on deck, was done by
the watch, and in about five minutes. As soon as sail was
thus taken in, the helm was put to port, the ship came up to
the wind, on the starboard tack, and the main-topsail was
laid to the mast, bringing the yawl under her lee, and close





LE FEU-FOLLET.


241


alongside of the -ship. This mariceuvre was no sooner exe.
cuted, than a seaman ran lightly down the vessel's side, and
entered the yawl. After examining forward and aft, he
called out, "all right, sir," and shoved the boat off to a
little distance from the frigate. The yard and stay-tackics
fell, at the next instant, were overhauled downi, and hooked
by the man in the boat. The boatswain's mate, in the gangway, piped, " haul-taut," and the slack of the tackle was
pulled in; then followed a long, steady blow of the call,
piping, " sway-away," and the boat, with all in her, rose
from the water, and ascended as high as the hammockcloths in the waist, when the stay-tackles took the strain,
the yard-tackles " eased-off," and the boat was landed in the
waist of the ship, as gingerly as if it were made of glass,
an'd as steadily as if it had no more weight than a seaman's
hammock. Ghita uttered a faint scream, when she found
herself rising into the air, and then she hid her face, awaiting the result with dread. As for Carlo Giuntotardi, the
movement aroused him a little from his customary apathy,
and that was all; whereas, Ithuel bethought him seriously
of leaping into the water, and striking out for the land. He
could swim a league, he thought; but there was the certainty
of being followed by boats, and overtaken; a consideration
that effectually curbed his impatience. It is not easy to
describe the sensation with which this man found himself,
once more, standing on the deck of his old prison, with the
additional danger of being detected and treated as a deserter.
It may sound revolting, at the present day, to suppose a case
in which a foreigner was thrown by violence, into the military
service of a nation, and then was put in jeopardy of his life,
because he used a privilege of nature, to fly from such perse,
cution, as soon as circumstances placed the means in his
power. The last age, however, witnessed many scenes of
similar wrongs; and, it is to be feared, in despite of all
the mawkish philanthropy, and unmeaning professions of
eternal peace, that it is now the fashion to array against the
experience of mankind, that the next age will present their
parallels, unless the good sense of this nation infuse into the
federal legislative bodies juster notions of policy, more extended views of their own duties, and more accurate opinions
of the conditions of the several communities of Christendom,
21           16





242            LE FEU-FOLLET.
than has marked their laws and reasoning for the few past
months. in a word, the subject of all these tribulations
felt an intimate conviction, that his rights, legal and moral,
would avail him but little, on the present occasion. Then a
man never does wrong, even in defence of that which is
inherently his due, without the secret consciousness that
" evil may not be done, that good may come of it;" and Ithuel
ad a certain inward monitor to remind him, that, much as
e had in the way of justifiable complaint, he had carried
the war into the enemy's country. -
The boat had no sooner touched the deck, than its cargo
was handed out by the boatswain, who, keeping no watch,
had not yet turned in; and who was almost as important a
functionary, on board the Proserpine, as was Vito Viti, in
the town of Porto Ferrajo. He examined each individual,
as he or she landed, as he called it; Ghita attracting so
much of his attention, as completely to eclipse her companions. The soft air and manner of the girl appeared so winning, indeed, by the light of the moon, which now fell clear
upon the decks, that all near her, including the officers,
submitted to very much the same influence.
" So, so, Master Yvard,"-said Cuffe, in English, " if you
do come into an enemy's camp, incog., it is in reasonably
good company. That girl is Italian, Winchester; and she
even seems modest!"
"Little Ghita!" exclaimed Vito Viti, "as I hope, one
day, to lie in the bosom of Father Abraham! Belissima
Ghita, what has brought thee here, and in such evil company?"
Ghita was in tears; but, uncertain how far Raoul was
committed, she struggled for self-command, and did succeed
in suppressing emotions that might, otherwise, have rendered
his situation more dangerous. Drying her eyes, she curtsied
to the vice-governatore and the podesta, and then answered
the question.
" Signori," she said, " it is a relief to meet countrymen
and old acquaintances, on board this strange ship; and I look
to you for protection. I do not call it strange, or evil company, for an orphan niece to be on the water with her uncle,
and one that has ever been a father to her."
" Ah--sure enough, vice-governatore, this is Carlo Giun




LE FEU-FOLLET.


24.3,ctardi, the uncle; and the man who dwells so much with
the saints, even on earth, that he seldom speaks to a sinner.
But thou knowest, little Ghita, that one of thy watermen is
no less a person than Raoul Yvard, the wickedest corsait
that sails out of France, and the pest and persecution of the
whole Italian coast? Did the church condescend to notice
such an unbelieving republican, it would be to command all
its faithful to unite in their prayers for his destruction."
" Raoul Yvard!" repeated Ghita, with sufficient astonishment in her manner to satisfy any reasonable amount of
wonder, on the part of the other. "Are you certain, Signoi
Podesti, of the truth of what you say?"
"As certain as the confession of the party, himself, can
make us."
' Confession, Signore!"
"Si, bella Ghita' confession-your boatman-your man
of Capri-your lazzarone, confesses himself to be neither
more nor less than the commander of that worker of iniquity,
le Feu-Follet."
" Does le Feu-Follet do more than other cruisers of the
enemy?"-but Ghita felt she was getting to be indiscreet, and
she ceased.
" I do believe, Winchester," said Cuffe, " that this is the
very girl, and yonder is the very old man, who came into
Nelson's cabin, to-day, with something to say about the
poor prince who was executed this afternoon!"
" What could such people have in common with the un
fortunate Caraccioli!"
"Sure enough-yet, these are the people. The Queen
of the Fleet -our Lady Admiraless, had it all to herself;
and what passed betweenthem, in Italian, I know no more
than if it had been in Greek. She never told me, you may
rest assured; and, from the look of her eye, I question a
good deal if she ever told Nelson."
" I wish to heaven his lordship would cut adrift from h's
moorings alongside of that craft, Captain Cuffe. I do assure
you, sir, the fleet begins to talk loudly on the subject;-was
t any other man, there'd be the devil to pay about it-but,
we can all stand a good deal from Nelson and Bronte."
" Well-well-let every man father his own children:
you ought to be quiet, Winchester, for he asked very kindly





244


LE FEU-FOLLET..


itbout your hurt, to-day, and would have sent you aboard
some knick-knack or other, for the stomach, but I told him
you were all a-tanto again, and at duty. What between
his head, and his arm, and his eye, he's got to be such a
hulk, himself, that he thinks every wounded man a sort of
a relation. I should not complain, however, if the smallpox could lay hold of that beauty."
"This has been a bad day's work, for England, depend
n it, Captain Cuffe!"
" Well, if it has, St. Vincent, and the Nile, were good
days' works; and we'll let one balance the other. Inquire
of this young woman, Mr. Griffin, if I had not the pleasure
of seeing her, to-day, on board the Foudroyant?"
The question was put, as desired, and Ghita quietly, but
unhesitatingly, answered in the affirmative.
"Then ask her to explain how she happened to fall into
the company of Raoul Yvard "
" Signori," said Ghita, naturally, for she had nothing to
conceal on this point, " we live on Monte Argentaro, where
my uncle is the keeper of the Prince's towers. 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, signori, 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.
" Ay, 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





LE rEU-FOLLET


245


Tell her she shall not be harmed, though we cannot deprive
ourselves of the pleasure of her company immediately. She
shall have the larboard state-room in my cabin, until morning, where she and her uncle may live a great deal more
comfortably than in one of their out-of-door Neapolitan
rookeries. Monte Argeritaro, ha!- That 's a bluff just beyond the Roman coast, and it is famously besprinkled with
towers-half a dozen of them, at least, within as many
miles, and who knows but this Jack-o'-Lantern may be
extinguished some fine morning, should we fail of laying
our hands on it, now'!"
"We can hardly fail of the last, Captain Cuffe, having
her commander in our possession."
Orders were then given to dispose of the prisoners, leaving the boat on deck. Raoul was sent below, and put in
a canvass state-room, the arms having been removed, even to
the razors, and a sentinel placed at the door. Escape from
such a situation was impossible; and as for self-violence,
when that point was considered, Cuffe had coolly remarked
-" Poor devil; hanged he must be, and if he should be his
own executioner, it will save us the discomfort of having a
scene on board. I suppose Nelson will order*him to our
fore-yard-arm, as a jewel-block. I don't see, why he cannot use a Neapolitan frigate, for this job, too; they are good
for nothing else."
"I rather think, Captain Cuffe, he will swing on board
his own lugger, should we succeed in catching her," answered the lieutenant.
"By George, you're right, Griffin; and that's another
inducement for looking out sharp for the Few-Folly. How
much better it would have been, had we burnt them all, in
a bunch, off the Golo!"
Then followed the arrangement by which the prisoner
was put into the gun-room, as mentioned. Ghita and her
uncle were shown into the empty cabin state-room, and
mattresses were provided on which they might repose.
Then the captain and his two guests retired to the aftercabin, whither Griffin was invited to accompany them.
Flere the captain recollected that there had been a fourth
\ndividual in the boat, and he sent an order on deck for him
V como down for examination. Ithuel observing the atten
2t1





240


LE FEU-FOLLET.


tion of the officers occupied by Ghita and her uncle, had
stolen back towards his own yawl, of which he had taken
possession, stretching himself out at length, with the apparent design to sleep, but, in reality, to keep himself " out of
mind," by remaining " out of sight;" reserving, in petto, an
intention to jump overboard, should the ship go near enough
to the land to give him a chance for his life, after the moon
set. In this situation he was found, aroused from his lair,
and led into the cabin.
It has been mentioned tht. Ithuel would not consent to
trust himself near the Proserpine, without disguising his
person. Raoul being well provided with all the materials
for a masquerade, this had been effected by putting a black
curling wig over his own lank, sandy hair, colouring his
whiskers and eye-brows, and trusting the remainder to the
transformation which might be produced by the dress, or
rather undress, of a Neapolitan waterman. The greatest
obstacle to this arrangement had been a certain queue,
which Ithuel habitually wore in a cured eel-skin that he
had brought with him from America, eight years before, and
both of which, " queue and eel-skin," he cherished as relics
of better days. Once a week this queue was unbound and
combed, but all the remainder of its existence it continued in
a solid mass quite two feet in length, being as hard, and
about as thick as a rope an inch in diameter. Now, the
queue had undergone its hebdomadal combing just an hour
before Raoul announced his intention to proceed to Naples
in the yawl, and it would have been innovating on the only
thing that Ithuel treated with reverence, to undo the work
jntil another week had completed its round. The queue,
therefore, was disposed of, under the wig, in thebes: man.
ner that its shape and solidity would allow.
Ithuel was left in the fore-cabin, and his presence xvas
announced to Cuffe.
"It's no doubt some poor devil belonging to the Few.
Folly's crew," observed the English captain, in a rather
compassionate manner, " and we can hardly think of stringmg him up, most probably for obeying an order. That would
never do, Griffin; so we'll just step out and overhaul his
log, in French, and send him off to England to a prison.
phip, by the first return vessel."





LE FEU-FOILET.
As this was said, the four in the after-cabin left it toge
ther, and stood before this new prisoner. Of course Ithuel
understood all that was said in English, while the very idea
of being catechised in French threw him into a cold sweat.
In this strait, the idea suddenly crossed his mind, that his
greatest security would be in feigning dumbness.
" Ecoutez, mon ami," commenced Griffin, in very respectable English-French, " you are to tell me nothing but
the truth, and it may be all the better for you. You belong
to the Feu-Follet, of course?"
Ithuel shook his head in strong disgust, and endeavoured
to make a sound that he intended to represent a dumb man
struggling to utter the word " Napoli."
' What is the fellow after, Griffin?" said Cuffe. "Can
it be he doesn't understand French! Try him a touch in
Italian, and let us see what he will say to that."
Griffin repeated very much what he had said before,
merely changing the language, and received the same gagging sounds for an answer. The gentlemen looked at each
other, as much as to express their surprise. But, unluckily
for Ithuel's plan, he had brought with him from the granite
state, a certain propensity to pass all the modulations of his
voice through his nose; and the effort to make a suppressed
sound brought that member more than usually into requisition, thereby producing a certain disagreeable combination
that destroyed everything like music that commonly characterizes the Italian words. Now, Andrea had been struck
with this peculiarity about the tones of the American's voice,
in the interview at Benedetta's wine-house; and the whole
connection between Raoul and. this singular person being
associated in his mind, the truth flashed on him, as it might
be, at a glance. His previous success that night had emboldened the worthy vice-governatore, and, without any
remark, he walked steadily up to Ithuel, removed the wig,,nd permitted the eel-skin queue to resume its natural position down the back of its owner.
"Ha! - What, veechy," exclaimed Cuffe, laughing -
'you unearth them like so many foxes, to-night. Now,
Griffin, hang me if I do not think I've seen that chap before! Isn't he the very man we found at the wheel of 4i
Voltigeuse, w1en we boarded her?"





24-8


LE FEU-FOLLET.


"Lord bless me, Captain Cuffe - no sir. This fellow is
as long as two of that chap-and yet I know the face, tooI wish ou 'd let me send for one of the young gentlemen,
sir; they 're worth all the rest of the ship at remembering
faces."
The permission was given, and the cabin steward was
sent on deck to desire Mr. Roller, one of the oldest midshipmen, and who was known to have the watch, to come
below.
" Look at this fellow, Mr. Roller," said Griffin, as soon
as the youngster had taken his place in the group, " and
tell us if you can make anything of him?"
"It's the lazy-rony, sir, we hoisted in, a bit ago, whLa
we struck the boat on deck."
" Ay, no doubt of that - but we thii.k we have seen his
face before; -can you make that out."
Roller now walked round the immovable subject of all
these remarks: and he, too, began to think the singularlooking object was no stranger to him. As soon, however,
as he got a sight of the queue, he struck Ithuel a smart slap
on the shoulder, and exclaimed" You're welcome back, my lad; I hope you'll find youi
berth aloft, as much to your mind as it used to be. This
is Bolt, Captain Cuffe, the fore-top-man, who ran from us
when last in England, was caught and put in a guard-ship,
from which they sent us wrord he stole a boat, and got off
with two or three French prisoners, who happened to be
there at the moment, on some inquiry or other. Don't you
remember it all, Mr. Griffin-you may remember the fellow
pretended to be an American."
Ithuel was now completely exposed, and he at once perceived that his wisest way was to submit. Cuffe's countenance darkened, for he regarded a deserter with a species
of professional horror, and the impressed deserter to whose
services England had no other right than that of might,
with an additional degree of resentment, that was very
fairly proportioned to the inward consciousness he felt that
a great wrong was done in detaining the man at all. There
-s nothing extraordinary in these feelings; a very common
resource, under such circumstances, being to imagine delinquencies that justify us to ourselves, by endeavourilng to





LE FEU-FOLLET.


249


believe that The subject of any act of our oppression at least
merits the infliction.
" Do you dare to deny what this young gentleman has
just said, sirrah?" demanded the captain. "I now remember you, myself; you are Bolt, the fore-top-man, that ran
at Plymouth."
" You'd 'a run, too, Captain Cuffe, had you been in my
place, had the ship been at Jericho."
" Enough-no impudence, sir. Send for the master-atarms, Mr. Griffin, and have the fellow ironed: to-morrow
we'll look into the affair."
These orders were obeyed, and Ithuel was removed to the
place where the master-at-arms usually reigns on board
ship. Cuffe now gave the lieutenant his conge, and then
withdrew to the inr.r-cabin, to prepare a despatch for the
rear-admiral. He was near an hour writing a letter to his
mind, but finally succeeded. Its purport was as follows.
He reported the capture of Raoul, explaining the mode, and
the circumstances under which that celebrated privateersman had fallen into his hands. He then asked for instructions as to the manner in which he was to dispose of his
prisoner. Having communicated this important fact, he
ventured some suggestions as to the probable vicinity of the
lugger, and the hopes he entertained of being able to find
out her precise situation, through the agency of Bolt, whose
condition he also explained, hinting at the same time the
expediency of bringing both delinquents to as speedy trials
as possible, as the most certain manner of using their apprehensions in seizing le Feu-Follet. The letter concluded
with an earnest request that another frigate, which was
mentioned, her captain being junior to Cuffe, and a fast-sailing sloop that was lying off Naples, might be sent down to
assist him in " heading off" the lugger, as he feared the
latter was too swift to be overtaken by the Proserpine alone
more especially in the light winds which prevailed..
When this letter was written, addressed and sealed, Cuffe
went on deck, again. It was now nine o'clock, or two bells
und Winchester had the quarter-deck nearly to himself. All
was as tranquil and calm on the deck of that fine frigate,
as a moonlight night, a drowsy watch, a light wind, and
imooth water could render things, in a bay like that of Na





250


LE FEU-FOLLET.


p!es. Gleamings of fire were occasionally seen over N esu.
vius, but things in that direction looked misty and mysterious,
though Capri loomed up, dark and grand, a few miles toleeward, and Ischia was visible, a confused but distant pile
on the lee-bow. An order from Cuffe, however, set everybody in motion. Yard and stay-tackles were overhauled,
and hooked on, the boatswain's-mate piped the orders, and
the first-cutter was hoisted over the waist-cloths, and lowered into the water. " Away, there, you first-cutters," had
been hoarsely called on the berth-deck, and the crew were
ready to enter the boat, by the time the latter was lowered.
The masts were stepped, Roller appeared, in a pee-jacket,
tc guard against the night air, and Cuffe gave him his instructions.
" Set your sails, and stretch over under the north shore,
MYr. Roller," said the captain, who stood in the lee-gangway,
to give a last word. "You will fetch in about Queen Joan's
Palace. There, you had better take to your oars, and pull
up along the land. Remember, sir, to join us by the first
ship that comes out; and, if none is sent, to come down with
the morning breeze, in the boat."
Roller gave the customary " ay, ay, sir;" the boat shoved
off; as soon as from under the lee of the ship, the luggs
were set, and half an hour later, the night had swallowed
up her form. Cuffe remained an hour longer, walking the
deck with his first-lieutenant, and then, satisfied that the
night would prove propitious, he went below, leaving orders
to keep the ship lying-to, until morning.
As for Roller, he pulled alongside of the Foudroyant, just
as the bells of the fleet were striking eight, or at midnight.
Nelson was still up, writing in his cabin. The despatch
was delivered, and then the secretary of the admiral, with
a clerk or two, were called from their berths, for nothing,agged that this active-minded man had in charge. Orders
were written, copied, signed, and sent to different ships, by
two o'clock, in order that the morning breeze might not be
lost; and then, and not till then, did the employes think of
best.
Roller left the flag-ship at two, having eaten a hearty supper in Nelson's own cabin, and repaired on board the Terpsichore, a smart little frigate of thirty-two guns, twelve




LE FEU-FOLLET.


251


pounders, with instructions to her captain to receive him.
Two hours later, this ship, in company with another still
smaller, the Ringdove, 18, left her anchorage, under a cloud
of canvass, and stood down the bay, carrying studding-sails
on both sides, with a light wind at north-west, heading to
wards Capri.
CHAPTER XVII.
"Speak to the business, Master Secretary:
Why are we met in council?"
King Henry VIII
WHEN the idlers of the Proserpine appeared on deck the
following morning, the ship was about a league to-windward
of Capri, having forged well over towards the north side of
the bay, during the night, wore round, and got thus far back
on the other tack. From the moment light returned, lookouts had been aloft with glasses, examining every nook and
corner of the bay, -in order to ascertain whether any signs
of the lugger were to be seen, under its bold and picturesque
shpre. So great is the extent of this beautiful basin, so
grand the natural objects which surround it, and so clear
the atmosphere, that even the largest ships loom less than
usual on its waters; and it would have been a very possible
thing for le Feu-Follet to anchor near some of the landings,
and lie there unnoticed for a week, by the fleet above, unless tidings were carried to the latter by observers on the
4hore.
Cuffe was the last to come on deck, six bells, or seven
O'clock, striking, as the occupants of the quarter-deck first
tifted their hats to him. He glanced around him, and then:urned towards Griffin, who was now officer of the watch.
" I see two ships coming down the bay, Mr. Griffin," hQ
said-" no signals yet, I suppose, sir?"
" Certainly not, sir, or they would have been reported





252


LE FEU-FOLL ET.


We make out the frigate to be the Terpsichore, and the
sloop, I know by her new royals, is the Ringdove. The
first ship, Captain Cuffe, brags of being able to travel faster
than anything within the Straits!"
"( I'11 bet a month's pay the Few-Folly walks away from
her, on a bow-line, ten knots to her nine. If she can do that
with the Proserpine, she '11 at least do that with Mistress
Terpsichore. There goes a signal from the frigate now, Mr.
Griffin, though a conjuror could hardly read it, tailing directly
on as -it does. Well, quarter-master, what do you make it
out to be?"
"It's the Terpsichore's number, sir; and the other ship
has just made the Ringdove's."
"Show ours, and keep a sharp look-out; there'll be
something else to tell us presently."
In a few minutes, the Terpsichore expressed a wish to
speak the Proserpine, when Cuffe filled his main-top-sail, and
hauled close upon a wind. An hour later, the three ships
passed within hail of each other, when both the junior commanders lowered their gigs and came on board the Proserpine to report. Roller followed in the first-cutter, which had
been towed down by the Terpsichore.
The Terpsichore was commanded by Captain Sir Frederick Dashwood, a lively young baronet, who preferred the
active life of a sailor, to indolence and six thousand a year
on shore; and who had been rewarded for his enterprise by
promotion and a fast frigate, at the early age of two-andwenty. The Ringdove was under a master-commandant,
k f the name of Lyon, who was just sixty years old, having
worked his way up to his present rank by dint of long and
arduous services, owing his last commission and his command to the accident of having been a first-lieutenantat the
battle of Cape St. Vincent. Both these gentlemen appeared
simultaneously on the quarter-deck of the Proserpine, where
they were duly received by the captain and all the assem
bled officers.
' Good morrow to you, Cuffe," said Dashwood, giving the
other the tip of his fingers, as soon as the ceremonious part
of the reception was over; and casting a glance, half-admiring, half-critical, at the appearance of things on deck--





LE FEU-FOLLET


253


' What has Nelson sent us down here about, this fine morn.
ing, and- ha!-how long have you had those brass ornaments on your capstan?
" They were only put there yesterday, Sir Frederick; a
little slush-money did it all."
"Has Nelson seen them? I rather fancy not-they tell
me he's as savage as an Arab about knick-knackery, nowa-days. What an awkward job that was yesterday afternoon, by the way, Cuffe!"
" It has been a bad business, and, as an old Agamemnon,
I would give a year's rank that it never had taken place."
" A year's rank!-that's a great deal; a year would set
me back, hard aground alongside of old Lyon, here. I was
a lieutenant less than three years since, and couldn't afford
half a year. But all you old Agamemnons think as much
of your little Nel. as if he were a pretty girl; isn't it true,
Lyon?"
" I dare say it may be, Sir Frederick," answered Lyon;
"and if you had been the first-lieutenant of a two-decker,
off Cape St. Vincent, on the 14th February, 1797, you would
have thought as much of him, too. Here we were, only
fifteen sail in all,-that is, of vessels of the line-with the
wind at-"
"Oh, hang your battle, Lyon, I've heard all that, at least
seventeen times!"
" Well, if ye haave, Sir Frederick," returned Lyon, who
was a Scotchman, " it'll be just once a year since ye war'
born, leaving out the time ye war' in the nursery. But
we've not come here to enlighten Captain Cuffe in these
particulars, so much as in obedience to an order of the rearadmiral's-little Nel. as ye'll be calling him, I suppose,
Sir Frederick Dashwood?"
"Nay, it's you old Agamemnons, or old fellows, who
gave him that name -"
" Ye 'll please to excuse me, sir," interrupted Lyon, a little dogmatically-" ye've never heard me call him anything
but my lord, since His Majesty, God bless him! was graciously pleased to elevate him to the peerage - nothing but
Smy lord,' and the ' rear-admiral;' naval rank being entitled
to its privileges even on the throne. Many a king has been
a colonel, and I see no disparagement in one's being at,
22





-254=


LE  FEU-FOLLET.


admiral. Won't ye be thinking, Captain Cuffe, that since
my lord is made Duke of Bronte, he is entitled to be called
SYour Grace'-all the Scottish dukes are so designated, and
I see no reason why the rear-admiral should not have his
just dues, as well as the best of them."
" Let him a one for that," said Cuffe, laughing; "Nel.
will look out for himself, as well as for the king. But, gentlemen, I suppose you have not come down here merely for
a morning walk - have I any reports to hear?"
"I beg your pardon, Captain Cuffe, but I was really for.
getting my errand," answered Dashwood. " Here are youi
orders for you, 'and we are both directed to report to you.
The lieutenant who brought the package aboard me, said
there would be a spy to try, and a lugger to catch. Did they
tell you anything of this matter, Lyon?"
"No, Sir Frederick; not being inquisitive, I hear but little
of what is going on in the fleet. My orders are to report
myself and ship to Captain Cuffe, for service, which I have
the honour now to do.''
" Well, gentlemen, here are further instructions for you.
This is an order to hold a court, composed of Captain Richard Cuffe, of the Proserpine, president; Captain Sir Frederick
Dashwood, Bart., of the Terpsichore, &c. &c.; and Lyon,
Winchester, and Spriggs, yotr first-lieutenant, Sir Frederick, for the trials of Raoul Yvard, a French citizen, on the
charge of being a spy, and Ithuel Bolt, seaman, &c., on the
charge of being a deserter. Here is everything in rule, ano
there are your respective orders, gentlemen."
" Bless me, I'd no notion of this!" exclaimed Lyon, who
was greatly averse to this part of an officer's duty. " I 'd
thought it altogither a trial of speed after a Frenchman, for
which purpose, the rear-admiral, or my lord, or his grace,
whichever it may be right to call him, had seen fit to bring
three of his fastest ships together."
" I wisIh it was nothing but the last, Captain Lyon; but
we have the disagreeable duty of trying a spy and a deserter,
before us. You will return to your ships, gentlemen, and
follow us in to an anchorage. I intend to bring up, at a
single anchor, under the shore at Capri, where we can lie
during the calm, and get through with our courts. The
cases will be clear, and not detain us long, and we can serd





LE FEU-FOLLET.


250


ook-outs up on the heights to examine the sea and the coast
outside. In the meantime, we must be busy lest we lose the
breeze. You will attend to the signal for the court."
At this order the two visiters got into their boats, anl. the
Proserpine again filled. The three vessels now made the
best of their way towards the point of destination, anchoring
off the town, or village, in the island of Capri, just as two
bells struck. Ten minutes later, the Proserpine fired a gun
and ran up the flag which denotes.the sitting of a courtmartial.
Although it has not been deemed necessary to relate them,
the reader will understand that all the details required by
the law, had been observed, as regards these trials; the
promptitude of the proceedings being partly characteristic
of the decision of the admiral, but more in consequence of a
wish to use the charges against the delinquents, as a means
of seizing the true hero of our tale, the little Feu-Follet.
While a mistaken, not to say a mawkish philanthropy,
is unsettling so many of the ancient land-marks of society,
and, among other heresies, is preaching the doctrine that
"the object of punishment is the reformation of the criminal," it is a truth which all experience confirms that nothing
renders justice so terrible, and consequently so efficient, as
its promptitude and certainty. When all its requirements
are observed, the speediest exercise of its functions is the
most conducive to the protection of society, the real motive
for the existence of all human regulations of this nature;
and it is a great merit of the rmuch-abused English ordinances, that the laws are rarely made stalking-horses for the
benefit of the murderer or the forger; but, that once thirly
tried and convicted, the expiation of their crimes awaits the
offenders with a certainty and energy that leave the impres.
sion on the community that punishments were intended to
produce. That this people has done well in liberating itself
from many of their inherited usages and laws, is. as certain
as that one age has interests different from another one set
of circumstances, governing principles at variance with those
which preceded them; but, it would be well, also, to remember, that, while moral changes are as necessary as physical
exercise, there are truths that are eternal, and rules of right





256


LE FEU-FOLLET.


and prudence, which can never be departed from with im
punity.
When the members of the court mentioned, assembled in
the cabin of the Proserpine, it was with all the forms and
exterior observances that were necessary to command
respect. The officers were in full dress, the oaths were
administered with solemnity, the table was arranged with
taste, and an air of decent gravity reigned over all. Little
time, however, was lost unnecessarily, and the officer to
whom had been assigned the duty of prev6t-marshal, was
directed to produce his prisoners.
Raoul Yvard and Ithuel Bolt were brought into the cabin
at the same moment, though they came from different parts
of the ship, and were allowed to hold no communication
with each other. When both were present, they were
arraigned, and the accusations were read to them. Raoul
having admitted his knowledge of English, no interpreter
was sworn, but the proceedings were had in the usual manner. As it was intended to try the Frenchman first, and
Ithuel might be wanted as a witness, the latter was taken
out of the cabin again, courts-martial never permitting one
witness to hear what another has testified, although an ingenious substitute for ears has been adopted of late, by publishing in the journals, from day to day, whatever passes,
when the length of the proceedings will admit of such a
device.
" We will now swear the Signor Andrea Barrofaldi,"
commenced the Judge Advocate, as soon as the preliminaries were observed. " This is a Catholic bible, sir, and I
will put the oaths in Italian, if you will have the goodness
first to swear me in as an interpreter."
This was done, when the oath was duly administered to
the v-ce-governatore. Then came a few questions as to the
station, country, &c., of the witness, after which more material matter was inquired into.
" Signor Vice-Governatore, do you know the prisoner by
sight?" demanded the Judge Advocate.
" Si; I have had the honour to receive him in my residence in the island of Elba."
" Under what name and circumstances was he known to
you, Signore?"





LE FEU-FOLLET.                    57
SEh-he called himself Sir Smees, a capitaro in the service of the English king."
" What vessel did he pretend to command'?"
" Ze Ving-y-Ving-a lugger, which I have since had rea
son to think is le Feu-Follet, a corsair under the French
flag. Monsieur did me the favour to make two visits. to
Porto Ferrajo, in the character of Sir Smees."
" And you now know that this is Raoul Yvard, the French
privateersman you have mentioned?"
" Eh-know?-I know they say this is the Signor Yvard,
and that ze Ving-y-Ving is le Feu-Follet."
" They say, will not do, Signor Barrofaldi. Can you no
say this much of your own knowledge?"
"Non, Signore."
The court was now cleared; when it re-opened, Vito Viti
was sent for, and properly sworn, his attention being par.
ticularly directed to the cross on the back of the book.
" Did you ever see the prisoner, before this occasion,
Signor Viti," demanded the Judge Advocate, after the prelir linary questions had been put.
" Signore, oftener than it is agreeable to remember. I do
not think that two grave magistrates were ever more mystified, than were the vice-governatore and myself! Eh-h-h--
Signori, the wisest sometimes become like sucking children,
when there passes a mist before the understanding."
" Relate the circumstances under which this occurred, to
the court, Signor Podesta."
" Why, Signori, the facts were just these. Andrea Barrofaldi, as you know, is, the vice-governatore of Porto Fer
rajo, and I am its unworthy podesta. Of course, it is our
duty to look into all matters affecting the public weal, and
more especially into the business and occupations of strangers
vho come into our island. Well, it is now three weeks or
more since a lugger, or felucca, was seen -"
"Which was it, a felucca, or a lugger?" demanded the
fudge Advocate, holding his pen ready to write the answer.
"Both, Signore; a felucca and a lugger."
" Ah-there were two; a felucca and a lugger."
" No, Signore-but this felucca was a lugger. Tommaso
ronti wished to mystify me about that, too; but I have not
been podesta in a sea-port, so many years, for nothing. No,
22 *            17





258


LE FEU FOLLET.


Signori, there are all sorts of feluccas-ship-feluccas, brig.
feluccas, and lugger-feluccas."
When this answer was translated, the members of the
court smiled, while Raoul Yvard fairly laughed.
"Well, Signor Podesth," resumed the Judge Advocate" the prisoner came into Porto Ferrajo in a lugger?"
" So it was said, Signore. I did not see him actually on
board of her, but he professed to be the commander of a
certain vessel, in the service of the King of Inghilterra,
called ze Ving-y-Ving, and said that his own name was
Smees-si-il capitano, or Sir Smees."
" Professed?-Do you not know that this lugger was the
notorious French privateer, le Feu-Follet?"
I know they say so, now, Signori; but the vice-governa.
tore and I supposed her to be ze Ving-y-Ving."
" And do you not know that the prisoner is actually Raoul
Yvard; of your own knowledge, I mean?"
"Corpo di Bacco!--How should I know any such thing,
Signor Guideca-Avvocato," exclaimed Vito Viti, who literally translated what he understood to be the title of his
interrogator, thereby converting him into a sort of shipfelucca -" how should I know any such thing! I do not
keep company with corsairs, except when they come upon
our island and call themselves ' Sir Smees.'"
The Judge Advocate and the members of the court
looked gravely at each other. No one in the least doubted
that the prisoner was Raoul Yvard, but it was necessary
legally to prove it, before he could be condemned. Cuffe
was now asked if the prisoner had not confessed his own
identity, but no one could say he had done so in terms,
although much of his conversation would seem to imply as
much. In a word, justice was like to be in what is by no
means an unusual dilemma for that upright functionary;
viz.-unable to show a fact that no one doubted. At length
Cuffe recollected Ghita and Ithuel, and he wrote their names
on a piece of paper, and passed them down the table to the
Judge Advocate. The latter nodded his head, as much as.0 say he understood the president's meaning; and then he
told the prisoner he might cross-examine the witness, if he
s1aw fit.
Raoul fully understood his situation. Although he cer





LE FEU-FOLLET.


259


tainly had not entered the Bay of Naples with an3 "-f the
ordinary views of a spy, he was aware how far ho hau committed himself, and foresaw the readiness with which his
enemies would destroy him, could they find the legal means
of so doing. He also comprehended the dilemma in which
his accusers were placed for the want of testimony, and, at
once, resolved to turn the circumstance as much as possible
to his advantage. Until that moment, the idea of denying
his own identity had never crossed his. mind; but perceiving
what he fancied an opening for escape, it was but natural
to avail himself of its protection. Turning, then, to the
podesta, he put his questions in English, that they might go
fairly through the same process of interpretation as the rest
of the examination.
" You say, Signor Podesta," he commenced, "that you
saw me in the town of Porto Ferrajo, and in the island of
Elba?"
" Si-in which town I have the honour to be one of the
authorities."
" You say I professed to command a vessel in the service
of the King of England; a felucca, called ze Ving-and.
Ving?"
" Si-ze Ving-y-Ving-the commander of that felucca."
"I understood you to say, Mr. Podesta," put in Lyon,
"that the craft was a lugger?"
" A felucca-lugger, Signor Capitano - nothing more nor
less than that, on my honour."
" And all these honourable officers well know," observed
Raoul, ironically, " that a felucca-lugger, and a lugger, such
as le Feu-Follet is understood to be, are very different things.
Now, Signore, you have never heard me say that I am a
Frenchman?"
"Non-you have not been so weak as to confess that to
one who hates the name of the Francese. Cospetto!-If
all the Grand Duke's subjects detested his enemies as I do,
fie would be the most powerful prince in Italy!"
" No doubt, Signore; and, now, suffer me to inquire if
you heard any other name for that felucca, than ze Viig.
and-Ving. Did I ever call her le Feu-Follet?"
" Non - always ze Ving-y-Ving; never anything else;
'}it-"





.260


LE FEU-FOLLET,


" Your pardon, Signore; have the goodness to answer my
questions: I called the felucca ze Ving-and-Ving; and I
called myself le capitaine Smeet; is it not true?"
"Si-Ving-y-Ving and il capitano Smees-Sir Smees;
a signore of an illustrious English family of that name, if I
remember right."
Raoul smiled, for he was confident this notion proceeded
principally from the self-illusion of the two Pialians, themselves; the little he had said on the subject, having been
drawn out more by their suggestions than by any design
on his part. Still; he did not deem it prudent to contradict
the podesta, who, as yet, had testified to nothing that could
possibly criminate him.
"If a young man has the vanity to wish to be thought
noble," answered Raoul, calmly, "it may prove his folly,
but it does not prove him a spy. You did not hear me confess myself a Frenchman, you say: now did you not hear
me say I was born in Guernsey?"
" Si-the Signore did say that the family of Smees came
from that island-as the vice-governatore calls it, though I
acknowledge I never heard of such an island. There are
Sicilia, Sardegna, Elba, Caprea, Ischia, Irlanda, Inghilterra,
Scozia, Malta, Capraya, Pianosa, Gorgona, and America,
with several more in the east; but I never heard of such an
island as Guernsey. Si, Signore; we are humble people,
and I hope modest people in the island of Elba, but ive do
know something of the rest of the world, notwithstanding.
If you wish to hear these matters touched on ingeniously,
however, you will do well to call in the vice-governatore,
for half an hour, and invite him to open his stores of knowledge. San Antonio! - I doubt if Italy has his equal-at
islands, in particular."
" Good," continued Raoul; " and now tell these officers,
Signore Podesta, if you can say, on your oath, that I had
anything to do with that felucca, ze Ving-and-Ving, at all."
"I cannot, Signore, except from your own words. You
were dressed like one of these officers, here, in an English
uniform, and said you commanded ze Ving-y-Ving. While
speaking of islands, Signori, I forgot Palmavola ana.Ponza,
both of which we passed in this ship, on our voyage from
~Iha."





LE FEU-FOLLET.                   261
'Good - it is always well to be particular under oath.
Now, Signor Podesta', the result of all your evidence is,
that you do not know that the felucca you mention was le
Feu-Follet, that I am a Frenchman even, much less that I
am Raoul Yvard, and that I told you I was from Guernsey,
and that my name was Jaques Smeet - is it not so?"
"Si-you did say your name was Giac Smees, and you
did not say you were Raoul Yvard. But, Signore, I saw
you firing your cannon at the boats of this frigate, with
French colours flying, and that is some signs of an enemy,
as we understand these matters, in Porto Ferrajo."
Raoul felt that this was a direct blow; still, it wanted the
connecting link to make it testimony.
" But you did not see me doing this?--You mean you
saw ze Ving-and-Ving in a combat with the frigate's boats."
"Si-that was it-but you told me you were commander
of ze Ving-y-Ving."
" Let us understand you," put in the Judge Advocate -
"is it the intention of the prisoner to deny his being a
Frenchman and an enemy?"
"It is my intention, sir, to deny everything that is not
proved."
" But your accent-your English-nay, your appearance,
show that you are a Frenchman."
" Your pardon, sir. There are many nations that speak
French, which are not French, to-day. All along the north
frontier of France, is French spoken by foreigners-Savoy,
and Geneva, and Vaud - also, the English have French
subjects in the Canadas, besides Guernsey and Jersey. You
will not hang a man because his accent is not from London?"
" We shall do you justice, prisoner," observed CutTe,
"' and you shall have the benefit of every doubt that makes
in your favour. Still, it may be well to inform you that the
impression of your being a Frenchman and Raoul Yvard, is
very strong; and if you can show the contrary, you would
Jo well to prove it, by direct testimony."
" How will this honourable court expect that to be done?
1 was taken in a boat, last night, and am tried, thismorn.
ing, at a notice as short as that which was given to Caracmiioli. Give me time to send for witnesses, and I will prov,'
aho and what I am."





262            LE FEU-FOLLET.
This was said coolly, and with the air of a man assurec
of his own innocence, and it produced a slight effect on his
judges; for an appeal to the unvarying principles of right,
seldom falls unheeded on the ear. Nevertheless, there
could be no doubt in the minds of the officers of the Proserpine, in particular, either as to the character of the lugger,
or as to that of the prisoner; and men, under such circumstances, were not likely to allow an enemy who had done
them so much injury to escape. The appeal only rendered
them more cautious, and more determined to protect themselves against any charge of unfair proceedings.
"Have you any further questions to put to the witness,
prisoner?" inquired the president of the court.
" None, at present, sir - we will go on, if you please,
gentlemen."
"Call Ithuel Bolt," said the Judge Advocate, reading the
new witness's name from a list before him.
Raoul started, for the idea of the American's being brought
forward in this capacity, had never occurred to him. In a
minute Ithuel appeared, was sworn, and took his place at
the foot of the table.
" Your name is Ithuel Bolt?" observed the Judge Advocate, holding his pen in readiness to record the answer.
"So they say aboard here," answered the witness, coolly
--" though, for my part, I've no answer to give to such a
question."
"Do you deny your name, sir?"
"I deny nothing-want to say nothing, or to have anything to do with this trial, or this ship."
Raoul breathed easier; for, to own the truth, he had not
much confidence in Ithuel's constancy, or disinterestedness;
and he apprehended that he had been purchased, with the promise of a pardon for himself.
",You will remember that you are under oath, and may
be punished for contumacy, on refusing to answer."
"I've some gineral idees of law," answered Ithuel, pass,
ing his hand over his queue, to make sure it was right, "for
we all do a little at that in Ameriky. I practised some my
self, when a young man, though it was only afore a justiceoeace. We used to hold that a witness needn't answer ag'in
'imself."





LE FEU-FOLLET


263


"Is it, then, on account of criminating yourself, that you
answer thus vaguely?"
"I decline answering that question, answered Ithuel, with
an air of dignity.
" Witness have you any personal knowledge of the prisoner?"
" I decline answering that question, too."
"Do you know anything of such a person as Raotu
Yvard?"
" What if I do? - I'm a native American, and have a
tigi- to form acquaintances, in foreign lands, if I see it's to
my interest, or it's agreeable to my feelin's."
" Have you never served on board His Majesty's ships?"
"What majesty?-There's no majesty in Ameriky, as I
know, but the majesty of heaven."
" Remember that your answers are all recorded, and may
tell against you, on some other occasion."
" Not lawfully; a witness can't be made to give answers
that tell ag'in himself."
" Certainly not made to do it; still he may do it, of his
own accord."
" Then it's the duty of the court to put him on his guard.
I've heerd that, ag'in and ag'in, in Ameriky."
" Did you ever see a vessel called le Feu-Follet?"
"How, in natur', is a mariner to tell all the vessels he
may happen to see on the wide ocean!"
" Did you ever serve under the French flag?"
" I decline entering at all into my private affairs. Being
free, I 'm free to sarve where I please."
"It is useless to ask this witness any further questions,
Cufe quietly observed. "The man is well known in this
ship, and his own trial will most probably take place as
soon as this is ended."
The Judge Advocate assented, and Ithuel was permitted
to withdraw, his contumacy being treated with the indifference that power is apt to exhibit towards weakness. Still
there was no legal proof on which to convict the prisoner.
No one doubted his guilt, and there were the strongest reasons, short of a downright certainty, for supposing that he
commanded the lugger which had so recently fought the
voats of the very ship in which the court was sitting; but





264


LE FEU-FOLLET.


rotwithstanding, supposition was not the evidence the laws
required; and the recent execution of Caraccioli had made
so much conversation, that few would condemn without seeing their justification before them. Things were really gettmg to be -seriously awkward, and the court was again
cleared for the purpose of consultation. In the private discourse that followed, Cuffe stated all that had occurred,
the manner in which Raoul had been identified, and the
probabilities - nay, moral certainties of the case. At the
same time, he was forced to allow, that he possessed no
direct evidence that the lugger he had chased was a Frencn.
man at all, and least of all le Feu-Follet. It is true, she
had worn the French flag, but she had also worn the English, and the Proserpine had done the same thing. To be
sure, the lugger had fought under the drapeau tricolor,
which might be taken as a strong circumstance against her;
but it was not absolutely conclusive, for the circumstances
might possibly justify deception to the last moment; and he
admitted that the frigate, herself, had appeared to fire at tne
batteries, under the same ensign. The case was allowed
to be embarrassing; and, while no one really doubted the
identity of Raoul, those who vere behind the curtains greatly
feared they might be co'mpelled to adjourn the trial for want
of evidence, instead of making an immediate sentence the
means of getting possession of the lugger, as had been
hoped. When all these points had been sufficiently discussed, and Cuffe had let his brethren into his view of the
real state of the case, he pointed out a course that he still
trusted would prove effectual. After a few minutes of further deliberation on this information, the doors were opened,
and the court resumed its public sitting, as before.
" Let a young woman who is known by the name of
Ghita, be brought in, next," said the Judge Advocate, con.
sulting his notes.
Raoul started, and a shade of deep concern passed over
his face'; but he soon recovered, and seemed unmoved.
Ghita and her uncle had been taken from the cabin stateroom, and placed below, in order that the private consultations might be perfectly secret, and it was necessary to wait
a few minutes, until she could be summoned. These past
the door opened and the girl entered the room. She cast a





LE FEU-FOLLET.


265


glance of tender concern at Raoul; but the novelty of her
situation, and the awful character of an oath to one of her
sensitive conscience and utter inexperience, soon drew her
attention entirely to the scene more immediately before.her.
The Judge Advocate explained the nature of the oath she
was required to take, and then he administered it. Had
Ghita been taken less by surprise, or had she, in the least,
foreseen the consequences, no human power could have
induced her to submit to be sworn; but, ignorant of all this,
she submitted passively, kissing the cross with reverence,
and even offering to kneel as she made the solemn protestation. All this was painful to the prisoner, who distinctly
foresaw the consequences. Still, so profound was his reverence for Ghita's singleness of heart and mind, that he would
not by look or gesture, in any manner endeavour to undermine that sacred lbve of truth, which he knew formed the
very foundations of her character. She was accordingly
sworn, without anything occurring to alarm her affections,
or to apprise her of what might be the sad result of the act.
CHAPTER XVIII
"Hic et ubique? Then we'll shift our ground:Come hither, gentlemen,
And lay your hands upon my sword:
Swear by my sword."
Hamlet.
"YouR name is Ghita," commenced the Judge Advocate,
examining his memoranda--" Ghita what?"
" Ghita Caraccioli, Signore," answered the girl, in a voice
so gentle and sweet, as to make a friend of every listener.
The name, however, was not heard, without producing a
general start, and looks of surprise were exchanged among
all in the room; most of the officers of the ship who were
not on duty being present as spectators.
23





titi          ILE FEU-FOLLET.
" Caiaccioli," repeated the Judge Advocate, with empha
sis. "That is a great name in Italy. Do you assume to
belong to the illustrious house which bears this appellation?"
"Signore, I assume to own nothing that is illustrious,
being merely an humble girl who lives with her uncle, in
the prince's towers, on Monte Argentaro."
"How happens it, then, that you bear the distinguished
Dame of Caraccioli, signorina?"
"I dare say, Mr. Medford," observed Cuffe, in English,
of course, " that the young woman doesn't know herself,
whence she got the name. These matters are managed
very loosely in Italy."
" Signore," resumed Ghita, earnestly, after waiting respectfully for the captain to get through, " I bear the name of my
father, as is usual with children; but, it is a name on which
a heavy disgrace has fallen, so lately as yesterday; his father
having been a sight for the thousands of Naples to gaze on,
as his aged lody hung at the yard of one of your ships."
" And do you claim to be the grand-daughter of that un
fortunate admiral?"
"So I have been taught to consider myself; may his sou
rest in a peace that his foes would not grant to his body
That criminal, as you doubtless believe him, was my father'.
father, though few knew it when he was honoured as r
prince and a high officer of the king's."
A deep silence followed; the singularity of the circum
stance, and the air of truth which pervaded the manner o
the girl, uniting to produce a profound sensation.
" The admiral had the reputation of being childless," oh
served Cuffe, in an under tone. " Doubtless this girl's fathe
has been the consequence of some irregular connection."
" If there has been a promise, or any words of recogni
tion uttered before witnesses," muttered Lyon, "accordin'
to the laws of Scotland, issue, and a few pairtenant expressions, will splice a couple as strongly as ye 'll be doing it in
England, before either of the archbishops."
" As this is Italy, it is not probable that the same lav
rules here. Proceed, Mr. Judge Advocate."
" Well, Ghita Caraccioli-if that be your name-I wish
to know if you have any acquaintance with a certain Raoul
Yvard; a Frenchman, and the commander of a private





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  %0
lugger-of-war, called le Feu-Follet?-Remember. you are
sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth."
Ghita's heart beat violently, and the colour came into her
face with the impetuosity of sensitive alarm. She had no
knowledge of courts, and the object of the inquiry was un.
known to her. Then followed the triumph of innocence;
the purity of her mind, and - the quiet of her conscience
reassuring her, by bringing the strong conviction that she
had no reason to blush for any sentiment she might happen
to entertain.
" Signore," she said, dropping her eyes to the floor, for
the gaze of all the cdurt was fastened on her face--" I am
acquainted with Raoul Yvard, the person you mention;
this is he, who sits between those two cannon. He is a
Frenchman, and he does command the lugger called the
Feu-Follet."
" I knew we should get it all by this witness!" exclaimed
Cuffe, unable to suppress the relief he felt at obtaining the
required testimony.
"You say that you know this, of your own knowledge,"
resumed the Judge Advocate"Messieurs," said Raoul, rising, "will you grant me
leave to speak? This is a cruel scene; and, rather than
endure it-rather than give this dear girl the cause for future
pain, that I know her answers will bring, I ask that you
permit her to retire, when I promise to admit all that you
can possibly prove by her means."
A short consultation followed; then Ghita was told to
withdraw. But the girl had taken the alarm, from the
countenance of Raoul, although she did not understand what
had passed in English; and she was reluctant to quit the
place in ignorance.
" Have I said aught to injure thee, Raoul?" she anxiously
asked-" I was sworn on the Word of God, and by the
sacred cross-had I foreseen any harm to thee, the power
of England would not have made me take so solemn an oath,
and then I might have been silent."
" It natters not, dearest-the fact must come out, in some
way or other, and, in due time, you shall know all. And
now, Messieurs,"-the door closing on Ghita-" t iere need





268


LE FEU-FOLLET.


be no further concealment between us. I am Raoul Yvardthe person you take me for, and the person that some of
you must well know me to be. I fought your boats, Monsieur Cuffe-avoided your brulot, and led you a merry chase
round Elba. I deceived the Signor Barrofaldi, and his friend
the podesta, and all for the love of this beautiful and modest
girl, who has just left the cabin; no other motive having
carrikd me into Porto Ferrajo, or into this Bay of Naples, on
he honour of a Frenchman."
"Umph!" muttered Lyon-" it must be admitted, Sir
Frederick, that the prisoner appeals to a most eligible standard!"
On another occasion, national antipathy and national
prejudice might have caused the rest of the court to smile at
this sally; but there was an earnestness and sincerity in the
manner and countenance of Raoul, which, if they did not
command entire belief, at least, commanded respect. It was
impossible to deride such a man; and long-cherished antipathies were rebuked by his spirited and manly declarations.
" There will be no further occasion for witnesses, Mr.
Judge Advocate, if the prisoner be disposed to acknowledge
the whole truth," observed Cuffe. " It is proper, however,
Monsieur Yvard, to apprise you of the possible consequences.
You are on trial for your life; the charge being that of
coming on board an English ship in disguise, or rather, into
the centre of an English fleet, you being an alien enemy,
engaged in carrying on open warfare against His Majesty."
" I am a Frenchman, Monsieur, and I serve my country,"
answered Raoul, with dignity.
"Your right to serve your country, no*one will dispute,
but you mr st know it is against the laws of civilized warfare
to act the part of a spy. You are now on your guard, and
will decide for yourself. If you have anything to say, we
will hear it."
"Messieurs, there is little more to be said," answered
Raoul. "That I am your enemy, as I am of all those who
seek the downfall of France, I do not deny. You know who
I am, and what I -am, and I have no excuses to make for
Being either. As brave Englishmen, you will know how to
allow for the love a Frenchman bears his country. As for
roming on board this ship, you cannot bring that as a cha:ge





LE FEU-FOLLET.


269


against me, since it was at your own invitation I did it. The
rights of hospitality are as sacred as they are general."
The members of the court exchanged significant glances
with each other, and there was a pause of more than a
minute. Then the Judge Advocate resumed his duties, by
Paying~" I wish you to understand, prisoner, the precise legal
effect of your admissions; then I wish them to be made formally and deliberately; else we must proceed to the examination of other witnesses. You are said to be Raoul Yvard
an alien enemy, in arms against the king."
" Monsieur, this I have already admitted; it cannot
honourably be denied."
"You are accused of coming on board His Majesty's ship
Proserpine disguised, and of calling yourself a boatman of
Capri, when you were Raoul Yvard, an alien enemy, bearing
arms against the king."
" This is all true; but I was invited on board the ship, as
I have just stated."
" You are furthermore accused of rowing in among the
ships of His Majesty, now lying in the Bay of Naples, and
which ships are under the orders of Rear-Admiral Lord
Nelson, Duke of Bronte, in sicily, you being in the same
disguise, though an alien enemy, with the intent to make
your observations as a spy, and, doubtless, to avail yourself
of information thus obtained, to the injury of His Majesty'u
subjects, and to your own advantage, and that of the nation
you serve."
"Monsieur, this is not so-parole d'honneur, I went into
the bay in search of Ghita Caraccioli, who has my whole
heart, and whom I would persuade to become my wife.
Nothing else carried me into the bay; and I wore this dress,
because I might otherwise have been known and arrested."
" This is an important fact, if you can prove it; for,
though it might not technically acquit you, it would have its
effect on the commander-in-chief, when he comes to decide
on the sentence of this court."
Raoul hesitated. He did not doubt that Ghita, she whose
testimony had just proved so serious a matter against him
would testify that she believed such was alone his motive;
ind this, too, in a way, and with corroborative circu. -
23 *





270


LE FEU-FOLLEiT.


stances, that would carry weight with them, more particu.
larly as she could testify that he had done the same thing
before, in tne Island of Elba, and was even in the practice
of paying her flying visits at Monte Argentaro. Nevertheless, Raoul felt a strong reluctance to have Ghita again
brought before the court. With the jealous sensitiveness of
true love, he was averse to subjecting its object to the gaze
and comments of the rude of his own sex; then he knew his
power over the feelings of the girl, and had too much sensibility not to enter into all the considerations that might
influence a man on a point so delicate; and he could not
relish the idea of publicly laying bare feelings that he wished
to be as sacred to others, as they were to himself.
" Can you prove what you have just averred, Raoul
Yvard?" demanded the Judge Advocate.
" Monsieur-I fear it will not be in my power. There is
one-but-I much fear it will not be in my power-unless,
indeed, I am permitted to examine my companion; he who
has already been before you."
" You mean Ithuel Bolt, I presume. He has not yet been
regularly before us, but you can produce him, or any other
witness; the court reserving to itself the right to decide,
afterwards, on the merits of the testimony."
" Then, Monsieur, I could wish to have Etoo-ell here."
The necessary directions were given, and Ithuel soon
stood in the presence of his judges. The oath was tendered,
and Ithuel took it like a man who had done such things
before.
" Your name is Ithuel Bolt?" commenced the Judge Advocate.
"So they call me on board this ship-but if I am to be
a witness, let me swear freely; I don't wish to have words
put into m) mouth, or idees chained to me with iron."
As this was said, Ithuel raised his arms, and exhibited
his hand-cuffs, which the master-at-arms had refused to
remove, and the officers of the court had overlooked. A
reproachful glance from Cuffe, and a whisper from Yelver,on, disposed of the difficulty-Ithuel was released.
" Now I can answer more conscientiously," continued
the witness, grinning sardonically; " when ir6n is eating
into the flesh, a man is apt to swear to what he thinks wilt





LE FEU-FOLLET.


271


be most agreeable to his masters. Go on 'squire, if you
have anything to say."
'You appear to be an Englishman."
"Do I?   Then I appear to be what I am not.  I'm
a native of the Granite state, in North America. My fathers went to that region, in times long gone by, to uphold
their religious idees. The whole country, thereabouts, sets
onaccountable store by their privileges."
" Do you know the prisoner, Ithuel Bolt, the person who
is called Raoul Yvard?"
Ithuel was a little at a loss exactly how to answer this
question. Notwithstanding the high motive which had led
his fathers into the wilderness, and his own peculiar estimate of his religious advantages, an oath had got to be a
sort of convertible obligation with him, ever since the day
he, had his first connection with a custom-house. A man
who had sworn to so many false invoices, was not likely to
stick at a trifle in order to serve a friend; still, by denying
the acquaintance, he might bring discredit on himself, and
thus put it out of his power to be of use to Raoul on some
more material point. As between himself and the Frenchman, there existed a rema rkable moral discrepancy; for,
while he who prided himself on his religious ancestry and
pious education, had a singularly pliable conscience, Raoul,
almost an Atheist in opinion, would have scorned a simple
lie, when placed in a situation that touched his honour. In
the way of warlike artifices, few men were more subtle, or
loved to practise them oftener, that Raoul Yvard; but the
mask aside, or when he fell back on his own native dignity
of mind, death itself could not have extorted an equivocation
from him. On the other hand, Ithuel had an affection for a
he; more especially if it served himself, or injured his
enemy-finding a mode of reconciling all this to his spirituality, that is somewhat peculiar to fanaticism, as it begins
to grow threadbare.  On the present occasion, he was
ready to say whatever he thought would most conform to
his shipmate's wishes, and luckily he construed the expression of the other's countenance aright.
"( I do know the prisoner, as you call him, 'squire," Ithue
answered, after the pause that was necessary to come to his
conclusion-" I do know him wcll; and a master-crittur he





272


LE FEU-FOLLET.


is, when he fairly gets into a current of your English trade.
Had there been a Rule Yvard, on board each of the French.
men, at the Nile, over here, in Egypt, Nelson would have
found that his letter stood in need of some post-cripts, I
guess."
" Confine your answers, witness, to the purport of the
question," put in Cuffe, with dignity.
Ithuel stood too much in habitual awe of the captain of
his old ship, to venture on an answer; but if looks could
have done harm, that important functionary would not have
escaped altogether uninjured. As he said nothing, the examination proceeded.
" You know him to be Raoul Yvard, the commander of
the French privateer lugger, le Feu-Follet?" continued the
Judge Advocate, deeming it prudent to fortify his record of
the prisoner's confession of identity, with a little collateral
evidence.
" Why-I some think-" answered Ithuel, with a peculiar
provincialism, that had a good *deal of granite in it--" that
is, I kind o' conclude-" catching an assent from Raoui's
eye-" oh! yes-of that, there is n't the smallest mite of
doubt in the world. He's the captain of the lugger, and a
right down good one he is!"
" You were with him, in disguise, when he came into the
Bay of Naples yesterday?"
"I in disguise, 'squire!-Wha$ have I got to disguise? 1
am an American of different callings, all of which I prac.
tyse, as convenience demands; being a neutral, I've no
need of disguises to go anywhere. I am never disguised,
except when my jib is a little bowsed up; and that,. you
know, is a come-over that befals most seafaring men, at
times."
"You need answer nothing concerning yourself, that will
tend to criminate you. Do you know with what inducement, or on what business, Raoul Yvard came into the Bay
of Naples yesterday?"
"To own to you the candid truth, 'squire, I do not,"
answered Ithuel, simply; for the nature of the tie which
bound the young Frenchman so closely to Ghita, was a pro
found mystery, in all that related to its more sacred feelings,
to a being' generally so obtuse on matters of pure sentiment.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


273


" Captain Rule is a good deal given to prying about on
the coast; and what particular eend he had in view, in this
expedition, I cannot tell you. His a'r'n'ds inshore, I must
own, be sometimes onaccountable!-Witness the island of
Elby, gentlemen."
Ithuel indulged in a small laugh, as he made this allusion;
for, in his own way, he had a humour in which he occasionally indulged, after a manner that belonged to the class of
which he was a conspicuous member.
"Never mind what occurred at Elba. Prisoner, do you
wish to question the witness?"
" Etuelle," asked Raoul, " do you not know that I love
Ghita Caraccioli?"
"Why, Captain Rule, I know you think so, and say sobut I set down all these matters as somewhat various and
onaccountable."
"Have I not often landed on the enemy's coast, solely to
see her, and to be near her?"
By this time, Ithuel, wh6 was a little puzzled at first to
understand what it all meant, had got his cue, and no witness could have acquitted himself better than he did from
that moment.
" That you have," he answered; "a hundred times, at
least; and right in the teeth of my advice."
" Was not roy sole object in coming into the Bay yesterday, to find Ghita, and Ghita only?"
"Just so. Of that, gentlemen, there can be no more
question, than there is about Vesuvius standing up at the
head of the Bay, smoking like a brick-kiln. That was
Captain Rule's sole a'r'n'd."
" I just understood ye to say, witness," put in Lyon, " and
that only a bit since, that ye did not know the prisoner's
motive in coming into the Bay of Naples. Ye called his
behaviour unaccountable."
" Very true, sir, and so it is to me. I know'd all along,
lhat love was at the bottom of it; but I don't call love a
motive, whil. I do call it onaccountable. That's the expla.
nation on't. Yes, I know'd it was love for Miss Gyty, but
Ihen that's not a motive in law."
6' Answer to the facts. The court will judge of the motive for itself. How do you know that love for the young
18





2)74


LE FEU-FOLLET.


woman you mention, was Raoul Yvard's only object in
coming into the Bay?"
" One finds out such things by keeping company with a
man. Captain Rule went first to look for the young woman
up on the mountain yonder, where her aunt lives, and I
went with him to talk English, if it got to be necessary;
and not finding Gyty at home, we got a boat and followed
her over to Naples. Thus, you see, sir, that I have reason
to know what craft he was in chase of the whole time."
As all this was strictly true, Ithuel related it naturally,
and in a way to gain some credit.
"You say you accompanied Raoul Y vard, witness, in a
visit to the aunt of the young woman, called Ghita Caraccioli," observed Cuffe, in a careless way, that was intended
to entrap Ithuel into an unwary answer-" where did you
go from, when you set out on your journey?"
" That would depend on the place one kept his reckoning
from, and the time of starting. Now, I might say I started
from Ameriky, which part of the world I left some years
since; or I might say from Nantes, the port in which we
fitted for sea. As for Captain Rule, he would probably say
Nantes."
" In what manner did you come from Nantes?" continued
Cuffe, without betraying resentment at an answer that might
be deemed impertinent; or surprise, as if he found it difficult to comprehend. " You did not make the journey on
horseback, I should think?"
"Oh, I begin to understand you, Captain Cuffe. Why,
if the truth must be said, we came in the lugger, the FewFolly."
" I supposed as much. And when you went to visit this
aunt, where did you leave the lugger?"
" We did n't leave her at all, sir; being under her canvass, our feet were no sooner in the boat, and the line cast
off, than she left us as if we had been stuck up, like a tree,
on dry ground."
" Where did this happen?"
" Afloat, of course, Captain Cuffe; such a thing would
nardly come to pass, ashore."
" All that, I understand; but you say the prisoner left
his vessel, in order to visit an aunt of the young woman's





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  275
thence he went into the Bay, for the sole purpose of finding
the young woman herself. Now, this is an important fact,:Is it concerns the prisoner's motives, and may affect his life.
I'he court must act with all the facts before it; as a commencement, tell us where Raoul Yvard left his lugger, to go
on yonder head-land."
"I do not think, Captain Cuffe, you've got the story
exactly right. Captain Rule didn't go on the mounta'n,
after all, so much to see the aunt, as to see the niece at the
aunt's dwelling; if one would end right in a story, he must
begin right."
" I left le Feu-Follet, Monsieur le Capitaine," Raoul
calmly observed, "not two cables' length from the very spot
where your own ship is now lying; but it was at an hour of
the night when the good people of Capri were asleep, and
they knew nothing of our visit. You see the lugger is no
longer here."
" And do you confirm this story, under the solemnity of
your oath?" demanded Cuffe of Ithuel, little imagining how
easy it was to the witness to confirm anything he saw fit, in
the way he mentioned.
" Sartain; every word is true, gentlemen," answered
Ithuel. " It was not more than a cable's length from this
very spot, according to my judgment."
"And where is the lugger, now?" asked Cuffe, betraying
the drift of all his questions, in his eagerness to learn more.
Ithuel was not to be led on so hurriedly, or so blindly.
Affecting a girlish sort of coyness, he answered, simpering,
"Why, Captain Cuffe, I cannot think of answering a
question like that, under the solemnity of an oath, as you
call it. No one can know where the little Folly is, but them
hat's in her."
Cuffe was a little disconcerted at the answer, while Lyon
smiled ironically; the latter then took upon himself the
office of cross-examining, with an opinion of his own penetration and shrewdness, that, at least, ought to have made
him quite equal to encountering one of Ithuel's readiness in
subterfuges.
"We do not expect you to tell us, of your own knowiedge, witness," he said, " precisely the position, by latitude
aid longitude, or by the points of the compass, at this iden.





276


LE FEU-FOLLET.


tical instant, of the craft called by some the le Few-Folly, by
others, the Few-Follay, and, as it would now seem, by your.
self, the Little Folly; for that, as ye've well obsairved, can
be known only to those who.are actually on board her; but
ye 'll be remembering, perhaps, the place it was agreed on
between you, where ye were to find the lugger at your
return from this hazardous expedition that ye've been makilig amang ye, into the Bay of Naples?"
" I object to that question, as contrary to law," put ir
ithuel, with a spirit and promptitude that caused the Judge
Advocate to start, and the members of the court to look at
each other in surprise.
" Nay, if ye object to the question on the ground that a
true ainswer will be criminating yersel', ye 'll be justified in
so doing, by reason and propriety; but then ye'll consider
well the consequences it may have on your own case, when
that comes to be investigated."
" I object on gin'ral principles," said Ithuel. " Whatever
Captain Rule may have said on the subject, admitting that
he said anything, just to bear out the argument, (by the
way, Ithuel called this word argooment, a pronunciation
against which we enter oir solemn protest;) admitting, I
say, that he said anything on the subject, it cannot be testimony, as hearsay evidence is ag'in law, all the world
over."
The members of the court looked at the Judge Advocate,
who returned the glance with an air of suitable gravity;
then, on a motion of Sir Frederick's, the court was cleared,
to discuss the point in private.
" How's this, Mr. Judge Advocate," demanded Cuffe, as
soon as the coast was clear; " it is of the last importance
to find where that lugger is-do you hold that the question
is contrary to law?"
" Its importance makes it pertinent, I think, sir; as for
toe legality, I do not see how it can be affected by the circumstance that the fact came up in discourse."
" D'ye think so?" observed Sir Frederick, looking much
more profound than was his wont. " Legality is the boast
of English law, and I should dislike excessively to fail in
that great essential. What is said, must be heard, to be





LE FEU-FOLLET.


277


repeated; and this seems very like hearsay testimony. I
believe it's admitted all round, we must reject that."
" What is your opinion, Captain Lyon?" demanded the
president.
"( The case is somewhat knotty, but it may be untied,"
returned the Scot, with a sneer on his hard features. " No
need of Alexander and his sword to cut the rope, I'm thinking, when we bring common sense to bear on the point.
What is the matter to be ascertained?-Why, the place
which was agreed on as the point of rendezvous between
this Rawl Eevart and his people. Now, this arrangement
must have been made orally, or in writing; if orally, testimony to the words uttered will not be hearsay, farther than
testimony to what a man has seen will be eyesight."
" Quite true, Mr. President and gentlemen!" exclaimed
the Judge Advocate, who was not a little relieved at finding
a clue to lead him out of the difficulty. " If the agreement
had been made in writing, then that writing would have to
be produced, if possible,- as the best evidence the acase
affords; but, being made in words, those words can be
sworn to."
Cuffe was much relieved by this opinion, and, as Sii
Frederick did not seem disposed to push his dissent very far
the matter would have been determined on the spot, but foi
a love of disputation that formed part and parcel, to speak
legally on a legal subject, of Lyon's moral temperament.
"I'm agreeing with the Judge Advocate, as to his dis
tinction about the admissibility of the testimony on the
ground of its not being technically what,is called hearsay
evidence," he observed; " but a difficulty suggests itself to
my mind touching the pairtenency. A witness is sworn to
speak to the point before the court; but he ii not sworn to
discuss all things in heaven and airth. Now, s it pairtenent
to the fact of Rawl Eevart's being a spy, that he made sairtain agreements to meet this or that fellow-creature, in this
or that place. Now, as I comprehend the law, it divides
all questions into two great classes-the pairtinent, and the
mpairtinent, of which the first are legal, and the second
i'legal."
"I think it would be a great piece of audacity," said Sir
24





47             LE FEUJ-FOLLET.
Frederick, disdainfully, " for such a fellow as this Bolt. to
pretend to call any question we can put him, impertinent!"
"That's no just the.p'int, Sir Frederick; this being alto.
gether a matter of law, while ye '11 be thinking of station
and etiquette. Then, there's two classes of the pairtinent,
and two of the impairtenent; one being legal and logical, as
it might be, and the other conventional and civil, as one
may say. There's a nice distinction, latent, between the
two."
" I believe the court is of opinion that the question may
be put," observed Cuffe, who was impatient of the Scotchman's subtleties, bowing to Sir Frederick, to ask an acquiescence which he immediately received. " We will re-open
the doors, and proceed in the examination."
" The court is of opinion, witness," resumed the Judge
Advocate, when every one was in his place again, " that
you must answer the question. In order that you may
understand it, I will now repeat it. Where was it agreed
between Raoul Yvard and his people, that they should meet
agAin?"
" I do not think the people of the lugger had anything to
say in the matter," answered Ithuel, in the most unmoved
manner. " If they had, I knew nothing on 't."
The court felt embarrassed; but as it would never do to
be thwarted in this manner, a look of determination was
exchanged between the members, and the examination proceeded.
' If not the people, the officers, then. Where was it
agreed between the prisoner and his oficers, that the former
should find the lugger, when he returned from his expedition
into the Bay?"
" Well, now, gentlemen," agswered Ithuel, turning his
quid from one cheek into the other, "I some conclude,
you've no great acquaintance with Captain Rule, a'ter all!
He is not apt to enter into any agreements, at all. What
he wants done, he orders; and what he orders, must be
done."
" What did he order, then, as respects the place where
the lugger was to wait for his return?"
" I 'm sorry to be troublesome, please the court," returned
the witness, with admirable self-possession; "but law is





LE FEU-FOLLET.


279


law, all over the world, and I rather guess this question is
ag'in it. In the Granite state, it is always held that when
a thing can be proved by the person who said any particular
words, that the question must be put to him, and not to a
bystander."
" Not if that person is a prisoner, and on his trial,"
answered the Judge Advocate, staring to hear such a distincuon from such a source; "though the remark is a
good one, in the cases of witnesses, purely. You must
answer, therefore."
" It is unnecessary," again interposed Raoul. " I left
my vessel here, where I have told you, and had I made a
certain signal, the last night, from the heights of St. Agata,
le Feu-Follet would have stood in, near to the rocks of the
Sirens, and taken me off again. As the hour is passed, and
the signal is not likely to be made, it is probable my lieutenant has gone to another rendezvous,' of which the witness
knows nothing, and which, certainly, I shall never betray."
There was so much manliness and quiet dignity in Raoul's
deportment, that, whatever he said made an impression.
His answer disposed of the matter, for the moment at least.
The Judge Advocate, accordingly, turned to other inquiries.
Little remained, however, to be done. The prisoner had
admitted his identity; his capture, with all the attendant
circumstances, were in proof, and his defence came next.
When Raoul rose to speak, he felt a choking emotion;
but it soon left him, and he commenced in a steady, calm
tone, his accent giving point and interest to many of his
expressions.
" Messieurs," said he, "I will not deny my name, mN
character, or my manner of life. I am a Frenchman, and
the enemy of your country. I am, also, the enemy of the
King of Naples, in whose territories you found me. I have
destroyed his and your ships. Put me on board my lugger,
and I should do both again. Whoever is the enemy of
la France, is the enemy of Raoul Yvard. Honourable seamen, like yourselves, Messieurs, can understand this. I am
young. My heart is not made of rock; evil as it may be,
it can love beauty, and modesty, and virtue, in the other
sex.  Such has been my fate-I love Ghita Caraccioli;
have endeavoured to Thake her my wife for more than a





280


LE FEU-FOLLET.


year. She has not authorized me to say that my suit was
favoured-this I must acknowledge; but she is not the less
admirable for that. We differ in our opinions of religioi,;
and I fear she left Monte Argantaro, because, refusing my
hand, she thought it better, perhaps, that we should not
meet again. It is so with maidens, as you must know,
Messieurs. But it is not usual for us, who are less refined,
to submit to such self-denial. I learned whither Ghita had
come, and followed; my heart was a magnet, that her
beauty drew after it, as our needles are drawn towards the
pole.  It was necessary to go into the Bay of Naples,
among the vessels of enemies, to find her I loved; and this
is a very different thing, from engaging in the pitiful attempts of a spy. Which of you would not have done the
same, Messieurs? You are braves Anglais, and I know you
would not hesitate. Two of you are still youthful, like
myself, and must still feel the power of beauty; even the
Monsieur that is no longer a young man, has had his moments ot passion, like all that are born of woman. Messieurs, I have no more to say: you know the rest. If you
condemn me, let it be as an unfortunate Frenchman, whose
heart had its weaknesses-not as an ignominious and treacherous spy."
The earnestness and nature with which Raoul spoke,
were not without effect. Could Sir Frederick have had his
way, the prisoner would have been acquitted on the spot.
But, Lyoii was sceptical, as to the story of love, a sentiment
about which he knew very little; and there was a spirit oi
opposition in him, too, that generally induced him to take
the converse of most propositions that were started. The
prisoner was dismissed, and the court closed its doors, to
make up its decision, by itself, in the usual form.
We should do injustice to Cuffe, if we did not say that he
had some feeling in favour of the gallant foe, who had so
often foiled him. Could he have had his will at that moment, he would have given Raoul his lugger, allowed the
latter a sufficient start, and then gladly have commenced a,hase round the Mediterranean, to settle all questions between them. But it was too much to give up the lugger, as
well as tne prisoner. Then his oath, as a judge, had its
obligations also, and he felt himself b5und to yield to the ar




LE FEU-FOLLET.


281 -

guments of the Judge Advocate, who was a man of technicalities, and thought no more of sentiment than Lyon,
himself.
The result of the deliberation, which lasted an hour, was
a finding against the prisoner. The court was opened, the
record made up and read, the offender introduced, and the
judgment delivered. The finding was "that Raoul Yvard
had been caught in'disguise, in the midst of the allied fleets,
and that he was guilty as a spy."  The sentence was to
suffer death the succeeding day, by hanging at the yardarm of such ship, as the commander-in-chief might select,
on approving of the sentence.
As Raoul expected little else, he heard his doom with
steadiness, bowing with dignity and courtesy to the court,
as he was led away, to be placed in irons, as befitted one
condemned.
CHAPTER XIX.
"The world 's all title-page; there's no contents;
The world's all face; the man who shows his heart
Is hooted for his nudities, and scorned."
Night Thoughts.
BOLT had not been tried. His case had several serious
difficulties, and the orders allowed of a discretion. The
punishment could scarcely be less than death, and, in addition
to the loss of a stout, sinewy man, it involved questions of
natural right, that were not always pleasant to be considered.
Although the impressment of American seamen into the
British ships of war was probably one of the most serious
moral, as well as political wrongs, that one independent
nation ever received at the hands of another, viewed as a
tractice of a generation's continuance, it was not wholly
without some relieving points. There was a portion of the
British marine that disdained to practise it at all; leaving it,o the coarser spirits of the profession to discharge a duty
24 *





282


LE FEU-FOLLET.


that they, themselves, found repugnant to their feelings and
thei' habits. Thus, we remember to have heard an American seaman say, one who had been present on many occasions when his countrymen were torn from under their
flag, that in no instance he ever witnessed, was the officer
who committed the wrong of an air and manner that he
should describe as belonging to the class of gentlemen, on
shore. Whenever one of the latter boarded his vessel, thl
crew was permitted to pass unquestioned.
Let this be as it might, there is no question that a strong
and generous feeling existed in the breasts of hundreds in
the British navy, concerning the nature of the wrong that
was done a foreign people, by the practice of impressing
men from under their flag. Although Cuffe was too much
of a martinet to carry his notions on the subject to a very
refined point, he was too much of a man not to be reluctant
to punish another for doing what he felt he would have don.
himself, under similar circumstances, and what he could nct
but know he would have had a perfect right to do. It was
impossible to mistake one like Ithuel, who had so many of
the Granite peculiarities about him, for anything but what
he was; and so well was his national character established
in the ship, that the sobriquet of The Yankee had been applied to him, by his shipmates, from the very first. The
fact, therefore, stood him so far in hand, that Cuffe, after a
consultation with Winchester, determined not to put the
alleged deserter on trial; but, after letting him remain a
short time in irons, to turn him to duty, again, under a pretence that was often used on such occasions, viz., to give
the man an opportunity of proving his American birth, if he
were really what he so strenuously professed to be. Poor
[thuel was not the only one who was condemned to this
equivocal servitude, hundreds passing weary years of proba
tion, with the same dim ray of hope, for ever deferred,
gleaming in the distance. It was determined, however, not
to put Ithuel on his trial, until the captain had conversed
with the admiral on the subject, at least; and Nelson, removed from the influence of the siren by whom he was
enthralled, was a man inclined to leniency, and of even
chivalrous notions of justice. To such contradictions is





LE FEU-FOLLEr


28.1


even a great mind subject, when it loses sight of tli polar
star of its duties!
When the sentence on Raoul was pronounced, therefore,
and the prisoner was removed, the court adjourned; a boat
being immediately despatched to the Foudroyant with a copy
of the proceedings, for the rear-admiral's approbation. Then
lollowed a discussion on much the most interesting topic for
them all; the probable position of, and the means of captur
ing the lugger. That le Feu-Follet was near, all were con
vinced; but where she was to be found, it was hard to tell.
Officers had been sent on the heights of Capri, one of which
towers more than a thousand feet above the sea; but they
returned from a bootless errand. Nothing resembling the
lugger was visible in the offing, among the islands, or in the
bays. A cutter had been sent to look round Campanella,
and another crossed the mouth of the bay, to take a look
to the northward of Ischia, in order to make certain that the
treacherous craft had not gone behind the mountains of that
island, for a refuge. In short, no expedient, likely to discover
the fugitive, was neglected. All failed, however; boat after
boat came back, without success, and officer after officer
returned wearied and disappointed.
Much of the day was passed in this manner, for it was a
calm, and moving either of the ships was out of the question.
In the full expectation of discovering the lugger somewhere
in striking distance, Cuffe had even gone so far as to detail
a party from each vessel, with a* view to attack her in boats,
again; feeling no doubt of success, now that he had the disposable force of three vessels to send against his enemy.
Winchester was to have commanded, as a right purchased by
his blood; nor was the hope of succeeding, in this way
abandoned, until the last boat, that which had been sent round
Ischia, returned, and reported its total want of success.."I have heard it said," observed Cuffe, as he and hi
brother captains stood conversing together on the quarter
deck of the Proserpine, just after this last report had been
made-" I have heard it said, that this Raoul Yvard has
actually gone boldly into several of our ports, under English
or neutral colours, and lain there a day or two at a time,
insuspected; until it has suited him to go out again. Can
it be possible he is up, off the town?--There is such a fleet





2S4


LE FEU-FOLLET.


of craft, in and about the mole, that a little lugger, with ner
paint and marks altered, might; be among them.-What
think you, Lyon?"
" It is sairtainly a law of nature, Captain Cuffe, that
smaller objects should be overlooked, in the presence of
greater; and such a thing might happen, therefore; though
I should place it among the improbables, if not absolutely
among the impossibles. 'T would be far safer, nevertheless,
to run in, in the manner you designate, among a hundred or
two of ships, than to venture alone into a haven or a roadstead. If you wish for retiiement, Sir Frederick, plunge at
once into the Strand, or take lodgings on Ludgate Hill; but
if you wish to be noticed, and chased, go into a highland
village, and just conceal your name for a bit! Ah-he
knows the difference, well, who has tried both modes of
life!"
"This is true, Cuffe," observed the Baronet, "and yet I
hardly think a Frenchman, big or little, would be apt to
come and anchor under Nelson's nose."
" 'T would be something like the lion's lying down with
the lamb, certainly, and ought not to be.counted on as very
likely. Mr. Winchester, is not that our boat coming round
the sloop's quarter?"
" Yes, sir-she has got back from  Naples-quartermaster-"
" Ay, quarter-master" - interrupted. Cuffe, sternly - " a
pretty look-out is this! Here is our own boat close in upon
us, and not a word from your lips on the interesting subject,
sir!"
This word, sir, is much used on board a man-of-war, and
iin all its convertible significations. From the inferior to the
superior, it comes as natural, as if it were a gift from above;
from equal to equal, it has a ceremonious and be-on-yourguard air, that sometimes means respect, sometimes disrespect; while, from a captain to a quarter-master, it always
means 'reproof, if it do not mean menace. In discussions of
this sort, it is wisest for the weaker party to be silent; and
nowhere is this truth sooner learned, than on ship-board.
The quarter-master, consequently, made no answer, and the
gig came alongside, bringing back the officer who had car
ried the proceedings of the court up to Naples.





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  25
" Here we have it," said Cuffe, opening the important document, as soon as he and his brother captains were again in
the cabin. 'Approved-ordered that the sentence be carried iito execution on board his Majesty's ship, the Proserpine, Captain Cuffe, to-morrow, between the hours of sunrise and sun-set.' "
Then followed the date, and the well-known signature of
" Nelson and Bront."'  All this was what Cuffe both
wished and expected, though he would have preferred a little
more grace in carrying out the orders. The reader is not
to suppose from this, that our captain was either vengeful
or bloody-minded; or that he really desired to inflict on
Raoul any penalty for the manner in which he had baffled
his own designs and caused his crew to suffer. So far from
this, his intention was to use the sentence to extort from the
prisoner a confession of the orders he had given to those
left in the lugger, and then to use this confession as a means
of obtaining his pardon, with a transfer to a prison-ship.
Cuffe had no great veneration for privateersmen, nor was.
his estimate of their morality at all unreasonable, when he
inferred that one, who served with gain for his principal
object, would not long hesitate about purchasing his own life,
by the betrayal of a secret like that he now asked. Had
Raoul belonged even to a republican navy, the English manof-war's-man might have hesitated *abbut carrying out his
plan; but, with the master oi a corsair, it appeared to be
the most natural thing imaginable to attempt its execution.
Both Sir Frederick and Lyon viewed the matter in. the
same light; and, now that everything was legally done that
was necessary to the design, the capture of the lugger was
deemed more than half accomplished.
" It is somewhat afflicting, too, Cuffe," observed Sir Frederick, in his drawling, indolent way; "it is somewhat
afflicting, too, Cuffe, to be compelled to betray one's friends,
or to be hanged! In parliament, now, we say we'll be
hanged if we do, and here you say you 'll be hanged if
you don't."
" Poh, poh, Dashwood; no one expects this Raoul Yvard
will come to that fate, for no one thinks he will hold out.
We shall get the lugger, and that will be the end of it. I 'd
give a thousand pounds to see that d- d Few-Folly at





291,            LE FEU-FOLLET.
anchor, within pistol-shot of my stern, at this blessed moo
ment. My feelings are in the matter."
"Five hundred would be a high price," observed Lyon
lrily. " I much doubt if the shares of us three come to ap
much as a hundred apiece, even should the craft fall into
our hands."
" By the way, gents," put in Sir Frederick, gaping"suppose we toss up, or throw the dice, to see which shall
have all, on the supposition we get her within the next
twenty-four hours, timing the affair by this ship's chronometers. You've dice on board, I dare say, Cuffe, and we
can make a regular time of it, here, for half an hour, and
no one the wiser."_
" Your pardon, Captain Dashwood; I can suffer no such
amusement. It is unmilitary, and contrary to regulations;
and, then, hundreds are not as plenty with Lyon and myself, as they are with you. I like to pocket my prizemoney first, and sport on it, afterwards."
"You're right, Captain Cuffe," said Lyon; " though
there can be no great innovation in sporting on Sir Frederick's portion, if he see fit to indulge.us. Money is an
agreeable acquisition beyond a doubt, and life is sweet to
saint and sinner alike; but I much question your facility in
persuading this Monshure Rawl to tell you his secret consairning the lugger, In the manner ye anticipate."
This opinion met with no favour; and after discussing the
point among themselves a little longer, the three captains
were on the point of separating, when Griffin burst into the
cabin, without even knocking, and altogether regardless of
the usual observances.
" One would think it blew a typhoon, Mr. Griffin," said
Cuffe, coldly, " by the rate at which you run before it."
" It 's an ill wind that blows no luck, sir," answered the
lieutenant, actually panting for breath, so great had been
his haste to communicate what he had to say. " Our lookout, on the heights above Campanella, has just signalled us
that he sees the lugger to the southward and eastwardsomewhere near the point of Piane, I suppose, sir; and what
is better, the wind is coming off-shore earlier than common
this evening."
" That is news!" exclaimed Cuffe, rubbing his hands with





iLE FEU-FOLLET.


281


Jelight. " Go on deck, Griffin, and tell Winchester to unmoor; then make a signal to the other ships to do the same.
Now, gentlemen, we have the game in our own hands, and
let us see and play it skilfully. In a couple of hours it will
be dark, and our movements can all be made without being
seen. As the Proserpine is, perhaps, the fastest ship,"-at
this remark, Sir Frederick smiled ironically, while Lyon
raised his eyebrows like one who saw a marvel--" As the
Proserpine is, perhaps, the fastest ship, she ought to go the
farthest to leeward; and I will get under way, and stand
off to sea, keeping well to the northward and eastward, as
if I were running for the straits of Bonifacio, for instance,
until it gets to be dark, when I will haul up south, for a
couple of hours or so; then come up as high as south-east,
until we are to the southward of the gulf of Salerno. This
will be before daylight, if the wind stand.  At daylight,
then, you may look out for me, off Piane, say two leagues
and to seaward, I hope, of the lugger. You shall fbllow,
Sir Frederick, just as the sun sets, and keep in my wake, as
near as possible; heaving-to, however, at midnight. This
will bring you fairly abreast of the gulf, and about midway
between the two capes, a little west of south from Campanella. Lyon, you can lie here until the night has fairly set
in, when you can pass between Capri and the cape, and run
down south two hours, and heave-to. This will place you
in a position to watch the passage to and from the gulf,
under the northern shore."
"And this arrangement completed to your satisfaction
%aptain Cuffe," asked Lyon, deliberately helping himself to
an enormous pinch of snuff, "what will be your pleasure in
the posterior evolutions?"
" Each ship must keep her station until the day has fairly
dawned. Should it turn out, as I trust it may, that we 've
got the le Few-FoUy in-shore of us, all we 'll have to do,
will be to close in upon her, and drive her up, higher and
higher, into the Bay. She will naturally run into shallow
water; when we must anchor off, man the boats, send them
north and south of her, and let them board her, under cover
of our fire. If we find the lugger embayed, we'll have hei:
as sure as fate."
" Very prettily conceived, Captain Cuffe; and in a wa;





288


LE FEU-FOLLET.


to be handsomely executed. But if we should happen to
find the heathen outside of us?"
" Then make sail in chase to seaward, each ship acting
for the best. Come, gentlemen, I do not wish to be inhospitable, but the Proserpine must be off. She has a long
road before her; and the winds of this season of the year
can barely be counted on for an hour at a time."
Cuffe being in such a hurry, his guests departed without
further ceremony. As for Sir Frederick, the first thing he
did, was to order dinner an hour earlier than he had intended, and then to invite his surgeon and marine-officer,
two capital pairs of knives and forks, to come and share it
with him; after which, he sat down to play somewhat villanously on a flute. Two hours later, he gave the necessary orders to his first-lieutenant; after which, he troubled
himself very little about the frigate he commanded. Lyon,
on the other hand, sat down to a very frugal meal alone, as
soon as he found himself again in his sloop; first ordering
certain old sails to be got on deck, and to be mended for the
eighth or ninth time.
With the Proserpine it was different. Her capstan-bars
flew round, and one anchor was actually catted, by the time
her captain appeared on deck. The other soon followed,
the three topsails fell, were sheeted-home and hoisted, and
then sail was set after sail, until the ship went steadily past
the low promontory of Ana Capri, a cloud of canvass. Her
head was to the westward, inclining a little north; and had
there been any one to the southward, to watch her movements, as there was not, so far as the eye could see, it would
have been supposed that she was standing over towards the
coast of Sardinia, most probably with an intention of passing,
by the Straits of Bonifacio, between that island and Corsica.
The wind being nearly east, and it blowing a good breeze,
the progress of the ship was such as promised to fulfil all
the expectations of her commander.
As the sun set, and darkness diffused itself over the Mediterranean, the lighter steering-sails were taken in, and the
Proserpine brought the wind abeam, standing south. One
of the last things visible from the decks, besides the mountains of the islands and of the main, the curling smoke of
Vesuvius, the blue void above and the bluer sea below, was





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  289
the speck of the Terpsichore, as that ship followed, as near
as might be, in her wake; Sir Frederick and his friends
still at table, but with a vigilant and industrious first-lieutenant on deck, who was sufficient in himself for all that
was required of the vessel, in any emergency. The latter
had his orders, and he executed them with a precision and
attention that promised to leave nothing to be wished for.
On the other hand, the people of the Ringdove were kept at
work mending old sails until the hour to " knock-off work"
arrived; then the ship unmoored. At the proper time, the
remaining anchor was lifted, and the sloop went through the
pass, between Capri and Campanella, as directed, when
Lyon sent for the first-lieutenant to join him in his cabin.
"Look you here, McBean," said Lyon, pointing to the
chart which lay on the table; " Captain Cuffe has just run
down off Plane, and will find himself well to leeward, when
the west wind comes to-morrow; Sir Frederick has followed,
famously clear of the land, and won't be in a much better
box. Now, this lugger must be pretty picking, if all they
say of her be true. Ten to one, but she has gold in her.
These corsairs are desperate rogues after the siller, and,
taking hull, sails, armament, head-money, and the scrapings
of the lockers together, I shouldn't marvel, if she come to
something as good as 8 or ~10,000. This would be fair
dividing for a sloop, but would amount to a painfully small
trifle, as between the officers of three ships, after deducting
the admiral's share. What are you thinking of, Airchy?"
SOf just that, Captain Lyon. It would be dividing every
lieutenant's share by three, as well as every captain's."
"That 's it, Airchy, and so ye'll have a shairp look out,
on deck. There'll be no occasion to run down quite as far
as Captain Cuffe suggested, ye'll obsairve; for, if in the
bay, the lugger will work her way up towards this headland, and we '11 be all the more likely to fall in with her, by
keeping near it ourselves. Ye '11 take the idea?"
" It's plain enou', Captain Lyon; and I '11 be obsairving
it. How is the law understood as respects dairkness?-I
understand that none share but such as are in sight; but is
dairkness deemed a legal impediment?"
'"To be sure it is; the idea being that all whd can see
may act. Now, if we catch the lugger before Captain Cuffe
19





290


LE FEU-FOLLET.


and Sir Frederick even know where she is, on what principle
can they aid and sustain us in the capture?"
"And you wish a shairp look-out, the night, Captain
Lyon?"
" That's just it, Airchy. Ye 'll all be doing your best,
in the way of eyes, and we may get the lugger alone.
'T would be such a pity, Mr. McBean, to divide by three,
when the sums might be kept entire!"
Such was the state of feeling with which each of these
three officers entered on his present duty.  Cuffe was
earnest in the wish to catch his enemy, and this principally
for the credit of the thing, though a little out of a desire to
revenge his own losses; Sir Frederick Dashwood, indifferent
to all but his own pleasures; and Lyon, closely attentive to
the main chance. An hour or two later, or just before Cuffe
turned in, he sent a message to request the presence of his
first-lieutenant, if the latter were still up. Winchester was
writing up his private journal; closing the book, he obeyed
the order, in that quiet, submissive manner, which a first.
lieutenant is more apt to use towards his captain, than
towards any one else.
" Good-evening, Winchester," said Cuffe, in a familiar,
friendly way, which satisfied the suborlinate that he was not
sent for to be " rattled-down"; " draw a chair, and try a
glass of this Capri wine, with some water. It 's not carrying sail hard to drink a gallon of it; yet I rather think it
fills up the chinks better than nothing."
"Thank'ee, Captain Cuffe; we like it in the gun-room,
and got off a fresh cask or two, this morning, while the
cour. was sitting. So they tell me, sir, his lordship has put
his name to it, and that this Frenchman is to swing from
our fore-yard-arm, sometime to-morrow?"
" It stands so on paper, Winchester; but if he confess
where his lugger lies, all will go smoothly enough with him.
However, as things look, now, we'll have her, and thanks
only to ourselves."
"Well, sir, that will be best, on the whole. I do not like
to see a man selling his own people."
"There you are right enough, Winchester, and I trust
we shall get along without it though the lugger must be





LE FEU-FOLLET.


291


DUIS. I sent for you, by the way, about this Bolt-sDmething must be done with that fellow."
*" It's a clear case of desertion, Captain Cuffe; and, as it
would now seem, of treason, in the bargain. I would rather
hang ten such chaps, than one man like the Frenchman."
"Well, it's clear, Mr. Winchester, you do not beai
malice! Have you forgotten Porto Ferrajo, and the boats,
already? or do you love them that despitefully use you?"
" 'T was all fair service, sir, and one never thinks anything of that. I owe this Monsieur Yvard no grudge for
what he did; but, now it's all fairly over, I rather like him
the better for it. But it's a very different matter as to this
Bolt; a skulking scoundrel, who would let other men fight
his country's battles, while he goes a-privateering against
British commerce."
" Ay, there's the rub, Winchester! Are they his country's battles?"
" Why we took him for an Englishman, sir, and we must
act up to our own professions, in order to be consistent."
"And so hang an innocent man for a treason that he
could not commit?"
" Why, Captain Cuffe, do you believe the fellow's whining
story about his being a Yankee? If that be true, we have
done him so much injustice already, as to make his case a
very hard one. For my part, I look upon all these fellows
as only so many disaffected Englishmen, and treat them
accordingly."
"That is a sure way to quiet one's feelings, Winchester,
but it's most too serious when it comes to hanging. If Bolt
deserve any punishment, he deserves death; and that is a
matter about which one ought to be tolerably certain, before
he pushes things too far. I've sometimes had my doubts
about three or four of our people's being Englishmen, after
all."                                  *
" There can be no certainty in these matters, unless one
could carry a parish register for the whole kingdom, in his
ship, Captain Cuffe. If they are not Englishmen, why do
they not produce satisfactory proofs to show it? That is
but reasonable, you must allow, sir?"
' I don't know, Winchester; there are two sides to that
question, too. Suppose the King of Naples shoild seize





292


LE FEU-FOLLET


you here, ashore, and call on you to prove that you are not
one of his subjects?-How would you go to work to make
it out-no parish register being at hand?"
" Well, then, Captain Cuffe, if we are so very wrong, w,
had better give all these men up, at once-though onb of
them is the very best hand in the ship; 1 think it right to
tell you that, sir."
" There is a wide difference, sir, between giving a man
up, and hanging him. We are short-handed as it is, and
cannot spare a single man. I've been looking over your
station bills, and they never appeared so feeble before. We
want eighteen or nineteen good seamen to make them respectable again; and, though this Bolt is no great matter,
as a seaman, he can turn his hand to so many things, that
he was as useful as the boatswain. In a word, we cannot
spare him; either to let him go, or to hang him; even were
the latter just."
"I'm sure, sir, I desire to do nothing unjust, and so act
your pleasure in the affair."
" My pleasure is just this then, Winchester. We must
turn Bolt to duty. If the fellow is really an American, it
would be a wretched business even to flog him for desertion;
and as to treason, you know, there can be none without
allegiance. Nelson gives me a discretion, and so we'll act
on the safe side, and just turn him over to duty again.
When there comes an opportunity, I 'll inquire into the facts
of his case, and if he can make out that he is not an Englishman, why he must be discharged. The ship will be
going home in a year or two, when everything can be
settled fairly and deliberately. I dare say, Bolt will not
object to the terms."
" Perhaps not, sir.  Then there's the crew, Captain
Cuffe.-They may think it strange, treason and desertion go
unpunished! * These fellows talk and reason more than is
always known, aft."'
I've thought of all that, Winchester. I dare say you
have heard of such a thing as a King's evidence?-Well,
here has Raoul Yvard been tried and found guilty as a spy;
Bolt having been a witness. A few remarks judiciously
made, may throw everything off on that tack; and appearances will be preserved, so far as discipline is concerned."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


29M


" Yes, sir, tLat might be done, it's true; but an uneasy
berth will the poor devil have of it, if the people fancy hehas been a King's evidence  Men of that class hate a
traitor worse than they do crime, Captain Cuffe, and they 'll
ride Bolt down like the main tack."
" Perhaps not; and if they do, 'twill not be as bad as
hanging. The fellow must think himself luckily out of a
bad scrape, and thank God for all his mercies. - You can
see that he suffers nothing unreasonable, or greatly out of
the way. So send an order to the master-at-arms to knock
the irons off the chap, and.send him to duty, before you
turn in, Winchester."
This settled the matter as to Ithuel, for the moment, at
least. Cuffe was one of those men who was indisposed to
push things too far, while he found it difficult to do his
whole duty. There was not an officer in the Proserpine
who had any serious doubts about the true country of Bolt,
though there was not one officer, among them all, who
would openly avow it. There was too much " granite"
about Ithuel to permit Englishmen long to be deceived,
and that very language on which the impressed man so
much prided himself, would have betrayed his origin, had.
other evidence been wanting. Still there was a tenacity
about an English ship of war, in that day, that did not
easily permit an athletic hand to escape its grasp, when it had
once closed upon him. In a great and enterprising service,
like that of Great Britain, an esprit de corps existed in the
respective ships, which made them the rivals of each other,
and men being the great essentials of efficiency, a single
seaman was relinquished with a reluctance that must have
been witnessed, fully to be understood. Cuffe, consequently
could not make up his mind to do full justice to Ithuel, while
he could not make up his mind to push injustice so far as
trial and punishment. Nelson had left him a discretion, as
has been said, and this he chose to use in the manner just
mentioned.
Had the case of the New Hampshire man been fairly
brought before the British Admiral, his discharge would
have been ordered without hesitation. Nelson was too far
removed from the competition of the separate ships, and
irdinarily under the control of too high motives, to be
25*





294


LE FEU-FOLLET.


accessary to the injustice of forcibly detaining a foreignex
in his country's service; for it was only while under the
malign influence to which there has already been allusion,
that he.ceased to be high-minded and just. Prejudiced he
was, and in some cases, exceedingly so; America standing
but little better in his eyes than France herself. For the
first of these antipathies he had some apology; since in
addition to the aversion that was naturally produced by the
history of the cis-atlantic Republic, accident had thrown him
in'the way, in the West Indies, of ascertaining the frauds,
deceptions, and cupidities of a.class of men that never exhibit national character in its brightest and most alluring
colours. Still, he was too upright of mind, willingly to
countenance injustice, and too chivalrous to oppress. But
Ithuel had fallen into the hands of one who fell far short of
the high qualities of the Admiral, while, at the same time,
he kept clear of his more prominent weaknesses, and who
was brought within the sphere of the competition between
the respective -ships and their crews.
Winchester, of course, obeyed his orders. He roused the
master-at-arms from his hammock, and directed him to.bring Ithuel Bolt to the quarter-deck.
" In consequence of what took place this morning," said
the first-lieutenant, in a voice loud enough to be heard by all
near him, " Captain Cuffe has seen fit to order you to be
released, Bolt, and turned to duty again. You will know
how to appreciate this leniency, and will serve with greater
zeal than ever, I make no doubt. Never forget that you
have been with a yard-rope, as it might be, round your neck.
In the morning you wili be stationed and berthed anew."
Ithuel was too shrewd to answer. He fully understood the
reason why he escaped punishment, and it' increased his
hopes of eventually escaping from the service itself. Still
he gagged a little at the idea of passing for one who peached
-or for a 1" State's-evidence" as he called it; that character
involving more of sin, in vulgar eyes, than the commission
of a thousand legal crimes. This gave Winchester no con.
cern. After dismissing his man, he gossiped a minute or
\wo with Yelverton, who had the watch, gaped once or twice
somewhat provokingly, and going below, was in a deep sleep
in ten minutes.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


29-)5


CHAPTER XX.
"White as a white sail on a dusky sea,
When half the horizon's clouded and half free,
Fluttering between the dun wave and the sky,
Is hope's last gleam in man's extremity."
The Island.
THE dawning of day, on the morning which succeeded,
was a moment of great interest, on board the different Eng.
lish ships which then lay off the Gulf of Salerno. Cuffe
and Lyon were called, according to especial orders left by
themselves, while even Sir Frederick Dashwtod allowed
himself to be awakened, to hear the report of the officer of the
deck. The first was up quite half-an-hour before the light
appeared. He even went into the main-top, again, in order
to get as early and as wide a survey of the horizon as he
wished. Griffin went aloft with him, and, together they
stood leaning against the top-mast rigging, watching the
slow approach of those rays which gradually diffused themselves over the whole of a panorama that was as bevitching
as the hour and the lovely accessories of an Italian landscape
tould render it.
" I see nothing, in-shore," exclaimed Cuffe, in a tone of
disappointment, when the light permitted a tolerable view of
the coast. "If she should be outside of us, our work will
be only half done!"
"There is a white speck close in with the land, sir,"
returned Griffin; " here, in the direction of those ruins, of
which our gentlemen that have been round in the boats to
look at, tell such marvels; I believe, however, it is only a
felucca or a sparanara. There is a peak to the sail that
does not look lugger-fashion."
" What is this, off here at the north-west, Griffin?-Is it
too large for the le Few-Folly?"
"That must be the Terpsichore, sir. It's just where she
ought to be, as I understand the orders; and, I suppose, Sir
Frederick has carried her there. But yonder's a sail, in the





296


LE FEU-FOLLET.


northern board, which may turn out to be the lugger, she's
fairly within Campanella, and is not far from the north shore
of the bay."
"By George!"-that must be she; Monrsieur Yvard has
kept her skulking round and about Amalfi, all this time!
Let us go down, and set everything that will draw, at once,
sir."
In two minutes Griffin was on deck, hauling the yards,
and clearing away to make sail. As usual, the wind was
light at the southward, again, and the course would be nearly
before it. Studding-sail booms were to be run out, the sails
set, and the ship's head laid to the northward, keeping a
little to seaward of the chase. At this moment the Proserpine had the Point of Piane, and the little village of Abate,
nearly abeam. The ship might have been going four knots
through the water, and the distance across the mouth of the
bay was something like thirty miles. Of course, eight hours
would be necessary to carry the frigate over the intervening
space, should the wind stand, as it probably would not, at
that seasdn of the year. A week later, and strong southerly
winds might be expected, but that week was as interminable
as an age, for any present purpose.
HalI-an-hour's trial satisfied all on the deck of the Proserpine, that the chase was keeping off, like themselves, and
that she was standing towards the mountains of Amalfi.
Her progress, too, was about equal to that of the frigate, for,
dead before the wind, the latter ship was merely a good
sailer; her great superiority commencing only when she
brought the breeze forward of the beam. It had been supposed that the stranger, when first seen, was about fifteen
miles distant, his canvass appearing both small and shapeless; but some doubts now began to be entertained, equally
as to his rig, his size, and his distance. If a large or a lofty
vessel, of course he must be materially farther off, and if a
large or lofty vessel it could not be le Feu.Follet.
The other frigate took her cue from the Proserpine, and
stood across for the northern side of the gulf; a certain proof
that nothing was visible, from her mast-heads, to lead her
in any other direction. Two hours, however, satisfied all
on board the latter ship, that they were on a wrong scent,
and that the vessel to-leeward was their own consort, the





LE FEUI-FOLLET.                 297
sloop; *Lyon having, in his eagerness to get the prize befbre
she could be seen from the other ships, carried the Ringdove
quite within the bay, and thus misled Cuffe and Sir Frederick.
" There can no longer be any doubt!" exclaimed the
captain of the Proserpine, dropping his glass, with vexation
too strongly painted in his manner to be mistaken; "that is
a ship; and, as you say, Winchester, it must be the Ringdove;
though what the devil Lyon is doing away in there with
her, unless he sees something close under the land, is more
than I can tell. As there is clearly nothing in this quarter,
we will stand on, and take a look for ourselves."
This nearly destroyed the hope of success. The officers
began to suspect that their look-out on Campanella had been
deceived, and that what he had supposed to be a lugger, was,
in truth, a felucca, or perhaps a xebec; a craft which might
well be mistaken for a lugger, at the distance of a few
leagues. The error, however, was with those in the ship.
The officer sent upon the heights was a shrewd, practised
master's-mate, who knew everything about his profession,
that properly came within his line, and knew little else.
But for a habit of drinking, he would long since have been
a lieutenant, being, in truth, an older sailor than Winchester; but, satisfied of his own infirmity, and coming from a
class in life in which preferment was viewed as a God-send,
lather than as a right, he had long settled down into the
belief that he was to live and die in his present station, thereby
losing most of the desire to rise. The name of this man was
Clinch. In consequence of his long experience, within the
circle of his duties, his opinion was greatly respected by his
superiors, when he was sober; and, as he had the precaution
not to be otherwise, when engaged on service, his weakness
seldom brought him into any serious difficulties. Cuffe, as
a last.hope, had sent him up on the heights of Campanella,
with a perfect conviction that, if anything were really in
sight, he would not fail to see it. All this confidence, how.
ever, had now ended in disappointment; and, half-an-hour
later, when it was announced to Cuffe, that " the cutter, with
Mr. Clinch, was coming down the bay towards them," the
former even heard the name of his drunken favourite with
disgust. As was usual with him, when out of humour, he





298


LE FEU-FOLLET.


went below, as the boat drew near, leaving orders for her
officer to be sent down to him, the instant the latter got on
board. Five minutes later, Clinch thrust his hard-looking,
weather-beaten, but handsome red countenance in at the
cabin-door.
" Well, sir," commenced the captain, on a tolerably high
key-" a d---d pretty wild goose chase you've sent us all
on, down here, into this bay! The southerly wind is failing
already, and, in half-an-hour, the ships will be frying the pitch
off their decks, without a breath of air: when the wind does
come, it will come out at west, and bring us all four or five
leagues dead to leeward!"
Clinch's experience had taught h!m the useful man-of-wai
lesson, to bow to the tempest, and not to attempt to brave it.
Whenever he was " rattled-down," as he called it, he had
the habit of throwing an expression of surprise, comically
blended with contrition, into his countenance that seemed to
say, " what have I done, now?"-or, "if I have done anything amiss, you see how sorry I am for it."  He met his
irritated commander, on the present occasion, with this expression, and it produced the usual effect of mollifying him,
a little.
"Well, sir -explain this matter, if you please,'" continued Cuffe, after a moment's hesitation.
"Will you please to tell me, sir, what you wish explained?" inquired Clinch, throwing more surprise than
common, even, into his countenance.
"That is an extraordinary question, Mr. Clinch! I wish
the signal you made from yonder head-land explained, sir.
Did you not signal the ship, to say that you saw the le
Few-Folly down here, at the southward?"
" Well, sir, I'm glad there was no mistake in the matter,'
answered Clinch, in a confident and a relieved manner. " I
was afraid, at first, Captain Cuffe, my signal had not been
understood."
" Understood!-How could it be mistaken? You showed
a black ball, for 'the lugger's in sight.' You'll not deny
that, I trust?"
" No, sir -one black ball, for ' the lugger's in sight.'
That's just what I did show Captain Cuffe."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


299


' And three black balls together, for 'she bears due south
from Capri.' What do you say to that?"
" All right, sir.  Three black balls together, for 'she
bears due south from Capri.'  I didn't tell the distance,
Captain Cuffe, because Mr. Winchester gave me no signals
for that."
"And these signals you kept showing every half-hour,
as long as it was light; even until the Proserpine was off."
" All according to orders, Captain Cuffe, as Mr. Winches.
ter will tell you. I was to repeat evry half-hour, as long
as the lugger was in sight, and the day lasted."
" Ay, sir; but you were not ordered to send us after a
jack-o'-lantern, or to mistake some xebec or other, from
one of the Greek islands, for a light, handy French lugger."
" Nor did I, Captain Cuffe, begging your pardon, sir. I
signalled the Few-Folly, and nothing else, I give you my
word for it."
Cuffe looked hard at the master's-mate for half a minute,
and his ire insensibly lessened as he gazed.
"You are too old a seaman, Clinch, not to know what
you were about! If you saw the privateer, be good enough
to tell us what has become of her?"
"That is more than I can say, Captain Cuffe, though see
her I did; and that so plainly, as to be able to make out
her jigger, even. You know, sir, we shot away her jiggermast in the chase off Elba, and she got a new one that
steves for'rard uncommonly. I noticed that when we fell
in with her in the canal of Piombino; and seeing it again,
could not but know it. But there's no mistaking the saucy
Folly, for them that has once seen her; and I am certain we
made her out, about four leagues to the southward of the
cape, at the time I first signalled."
c Four leagues! - I had thought she must be at least
t'ght or ten, and kept off that distance, to get her in the net.
Why did you not let us know her distance?"
" Had no signals for that, Captain Cuffe."
" Well, then, why not send a boat to tell us the fact?"
" Had no orders, sir. Was told by Mr. Winchester just
to signal the lugger and her bearings; and this, you must
own, Captain Cuffe, we did pla;in enough. Besides, sir--"





300


LE FEU-FOLLET.


SWell; besides what?" demanded the wiptain, observing
that the master's-mate hesitated.
" Why, sir, how war I to know that any one in the ship
would think a lugger could be seen eight or ten leagues?
That's a long bit of water, sir; and it would take a heavy
ship's spars to rise high enough for such a sight."
"The l1nd you were on, Clinch, was much loftier than
any vessel s spars."
"Quite true, sir; but not lofty enough for that, Captain
Cuffe. That I saw the Folly, I'm as certain as I am of
being in this cabin."
" What has become of her, then? - You perceive she is
not in the bay now."
"I suppose, Captain Cuffe, that she stood in until near
enough for her purpose, and that she must have hauled off
ihe land, after night set in. There was plenty of room for
her to pass out to sea again between the two frigates, and
not be seen in the dark."
This conjecture was so plausible, as to satisfy Cuffe; and
yet it was not the fact. Clinch had made le Feu-Follet,
from his elevated post, to the southward, as his signal had
said; and he was right in all his statements about her, until
darkness concealed her movements. Instead of passing out
of the Bay, as he imagined, however, she had hauled up
within a quarter of a league of Campanella, doubled that
point, brushed along the coast to the northward of it, fairly
within the Bay of Naples, and pushed out to sea, between
Capri and Ischia; going directly athwart the anchorage the
men-of-war had so recently iuitted, in order to do so.
When Raoul quitted his vessel, he ordered her to stand
directly off the land, just keeping Ischia and Capri in view,
lying-to under her jigger. As this was low sail, and a lugger shows so little aloft, it was a common expedient with
cruisers of that rig, when they wished to escape observation.
Monsieur Pintard, Raoul's first-lieutenant, had expected a
signal from his commander at the very spot where Clinch
had taken his station; but seeing none, he had swept along
the coast, after dark, in the hope of discovering his position
by the burning of a blue-light. Failing of this, however, he
went off the land again, in time to get an offing before the
return of day, and to save the wind. It was the boldness





LE FEU-FOLLET.


301


of the manoeuvre, that saved the lugger; Lyor going out
through the pass between Capri and Campanoila, about
twenty minutes before Pintard brushed close round the
rocks, under his jigger and jib only, anxiously looking out
for a signal from his 'captain. The Frenchmen saw the
sloop-of-war quite plainly, and, by the aid of their nightglasses, ascertained her character; mistaking her, however,
for another ship, bound to Sicily or Malta; while their own
vessel escaped observation, owing to the little sail she carried, the want of hamper, and her situation so near the land,
which gave her a back-ground of rocks. Clinch had not
seen the movemnents of the lugger after dark, in consequence
of his retiring to the village of St. Agata to seek lodgings,
as soon as he perceived that his own ship had gone to sea,
and left him and his boat's crew behind. The following
morning, when he made the ship to the southward, he pushed
off, and pulled towards his proper vessel, as related..
"Where did you pass the night, Clinch?" demanded the
captain, after they had discussed the probabilities of the lugger's escape. " Not on the heights, under the canopy of
heaven?"
" On the heights, and under the ggeat canopy that hai,
covered us both so often, Captain Cuffe; but with a good
Neapolitan mud-roof between it and my head. As soon as
it was dark, and I saw that the ship was off, I found a village named St. Agata, that stands on the heights, just abeam
of those rocks they call the Sirens, and there we were well
berthed until morning."
"You are lucky in bringing back all the boat's crew,
Clinch. You know it's low-water with us as to men, just
now; and our fellows are not all to be trusted ashore, in a
uountry that is full of stone walls, good wine, and pretty
girls."
"I always take a set of regular steady-ones with me,
Captain Cuffe; I have n't lost a man from a boat, these five
years."
'* You must have some secret, then, worth knowing; for
even the admirals sometimes lose their barge-men. I dare
say, now, yours are all married chaps, that hold on to their
wives, is so many sheet-anchors; they say that is often a
good expedient."
26





302


LE FEU-FOLLET.


" Not at all, sir. I did try that, till I found that hailf thi
fellows would run to get rid of their wives. The Portsmouth
and Plymouth marriages don't always bring large estates
with them, sir, and the bridegrooms like to cut adrift at the
end of the honey-moon. Don't you remember when we
were in the Blenheim together, sir, we lost eleven of the
launch's crew at one time; and nine of them turned out to
be vagabonds, sir, that- deserted their weeping wives and
suffering families at home!"
"Now you mention it, I do remember something of the
sort;' draw a chair, Clinch, and take a glass of grog. Tim,
put a bottle of Jamaica before Mr. Clinch. 'I have heard it
said that you are married yourself, my gallant master'smate?"
"Lord, Captain Cuffe, that's one of the young'gentlemen's stories! If a body believed all they say, the Chris.
tian religion would soon get athwart-hawse, and mankind be
all adrift in their morals," answered Clinch, smacking his
lips, after a very grateful draught. "I We've a regular set
of high-flyers, aboard this ship, at this blessed minute, Captain Cuffe, sir, and Mr. Winchester has his hands full of
them! I often worder at his patience, sir."." We were young once ourselves, Clinch, and ought to
be indulgent to the follies of youth. But, what sort of a
berth did you find last night, upon the rocks yonder?"
" Why, sir, as good as one can expect out of Old Eng.
land. I fell in with an elderly woman calling herself Giuntotardi-which is regular-built Italian, isn't it, sir?"
" That it is -but, you speak the language, I believe,
Clinch?"
" Why, sir, I 've been drifting about the world so long,
that I speak a little of everything, finding it convenient
when I stand in need of victuals and drink. The old lady.
on the hill and I overhauled a famous yarn between us, sir.
It seems she has a niece and a brother at Naples, who ought.o have been back night before last; and she was in lots of
tribulation about them, wanting to know if our ship had seen
anything of the rovers?"
" By George, Clinch, you were on soundings, there, had
you but known it! Our prisoner has been in that part of
the world, and we might get some clue to his manoeuvres





LE FEU-FOLLET.


303


by questioning the old woman closely. I hope you parted
good friends?"
"The best in the world, Captain Cuffe. No one that
feeds and lodges me well, need dread me as an enemy."
" I'll warrant it! That's the reason you are so loyal,
Clinch."
The hard, red face of the master's-mate worked a little,
and, though he could not well look all sorts of colours, he
looked all ways, but in his captain's eye. It was now ten
yJars since he ought to have been a lieutenant, having once
actually outranked Cuffe, in the way of date of service at
least; and his conscience told him two things, quite distinctly;
first, the fact of his long and weary probation; and second,
that it was, in a great degree, his own fault.
" I love His Majesty, sir," Clinch observed, after giving
a gulp," and I never lay anything that goes hard with myself to his account. Still, memory will be memory; and
spite of all I can do, sir, I sometimes remember what I
might have been, as well as what I am. If His Majesty
does feed me, it is with the spoon of a master's-mate; and
if he does lodge me, it is in the cockpit."
" I have been your shipmate, often, and for years at a
time," answered Cuffe, good-naturedly, though a little in
the manner of a superior; " and no one knows your history
better. It is not your friends who have failed you, at need,
so much as a certain enemy, with whom you will insist on
associating, though he harms them most, who love him
best."
" Ay, ay, sir-that can't be denied, Captain Cuffe; yet
it's a hard life that passes altogether without hope."
This was uttered with an expression of melancholy that
said more for Clinch's character than Cuffe had witnessed
in the man for years, and it revived many early impressions
in his favour. Clinch and he had once been messmates,
even; and, though years of a decided disparity in rank had
since interposed their barrier of etiquette and feeling, Cuffe
never could entirely forget the circumstance.
" It is hard, indeed, to live as you say, without hope,"
returned the captain; " but hope ought to be the last thing
to die. You should make one more rally, Clinch, before
you throw up, in despair."





304


LE FEU-FOLLET.


" It's not so much for myself, Captain Cuffe, that I mind
it, as for some that live ashore. My father was as reputable a tradesman as there was in Plymouth, and when he got
me on the quarter-deck, he thought he was about to make a
gentleman of me, instead of leaving me to pass a life, in a
situation that may be said to be even beneath what his own
was."
" Now you undervalue your station, Clinch. The berth
of a master's-mate, in one of His Majesty's finest frigates, is
something to be proud of; I was once a master's-matenay, Nelson has doubtless filled the same station. For that
matter, one of His Majesty's own sons may have gone through
the rank."
" Ay, gone through it, as you say, sir," returned Clinch,
with a husky voice. " It does well enough for them that go
through it, but it's death to them that stick. It's a feather
in a midshipman's cap to be rated a mate; but 'it's no
honour to be a mate, at my time of life, Captain Cuffe."
"What is your age, Clinch?-You are not much my
senior."
" Your senior, sir!-The difference in our years is not as
great as in our rank, certainly, though I never shall see
thirty-two, again. But it's not so much that, after all, as
the thoughts of my poor mother, who set her heart on seeing
me with His Majesty's commission in my pocket; and of
another, who set her heart on one that I 'm afraid was never
worthy her affection."
" This is new to me, Clinch," returned the captain, with
interest. "One so seldom thinks of a master's-mate marrying, that the idea of your being in that way has never
crossed my mind, except in the manner of a joke."
" Master's-mates have married, Captain Cuffe, and they
have ended in being very miserable. But Jane, as well as
myself, has made up her mind to live single, unless we can
see brighter prospects before us than what my present hopes
afford."
"Is it quite right, Jack, to keep a poor young woman,
towing along in this uncertainty, during the period of life
when her chances for making a good connection are the
best?"
Clinch stared at his commander, until his eyes filled with





LE FEU-FOLLET.


305


tears. The glass had not touched his lips since the conversation took its present direction; and the usual, hard, settled character of his face was becoming expressive, once
more, with human emotions.
" It's not my fault, Captain Cuffe," he answered, in a
low voice; "it's now quite six years, since I insisted on
her giving me up; but she wouldn't hear of the thing. A
very respectable attorney wished to have her, and I even
prayed her to accept his offer; and the only unkind glance
I ever got from her eye, was when she heard me make a
request that she told me sounded impiously, almost, to her
ears. She would be a sailor's wife, or die a maid."
" The girl has unfortunately got some romantic notions
concerning 'the profession, Clinch, and they are ever the
hardest to be convinced of what is for their own good."
" Jane Weston! --Not she, sir---There is not as much
romance about her, as in the fly-leaves of a prayer-book.
She is all heart. poor Jane; and how I came to get such a
hold of it, Captain Cuffe, is a great mystery to myself. I
certainly do not deserve half her affection, and I now begin
to despair of ever being able to repay her for it."
Clinch was still ) handsome man, though exposure and his
habits had made some inroads on a countenance, that by
nature was frank, open, and prepossessing.  It now expressed the anguish that occasionally came over his heart,
as the helplessness of his situation presented itself fully to
his mind. Cuffe's feelings were touched, for he remembered the time when they were messmates, with a future before
them, that promised no more to the one than to the other,
the difference in the chances which birth afforded the captain, alone excepted. Clinch was a prime seaman, and as
brave as a lion, too; qualities that secured to him a degree
of respect, that his occasional self-forgetfulness had never
entirely forfeited.  Some persons thought him the most
skilful mariner the Proserpine contained; and, perhaps,
this was true, if the professional skill were confined strictly
to the handling of a ship, or to taking care of her on critical
occasions. All these circumstances induced Cuffe to enter
more closely into the master-mate's present distress than he
might otherwise have done. Insteadof showing the bottle
to him, however, as if conscious how much disappointed
26 *           20





306


3LE FEU-FOLLET.


hope had already driven the other to its indiscieet use, he
pushed it gently aside, and taking his old messmate's hand,
with a momentary forgetfulness of the difference in rank, he
said in a tone of kindness and confidence, that had long
been strangers to Clinch's ears"Jack, my honest fellow, there is good stuff in you yet,
if you will only give it fair play. Make a manly rally,
respect yourself for a few months, and something will turn
up, that will yet give you your Jane, and gladden your c-ld
mother's heart."
There are periods in the lives of men, when a few kind
words, backed by a friendly act or two, might save thousands of human beings from destruction.  Such was the
crisis in the fate of Clinch. He had almost given up hope,
though it did occasionally revive in him, whenever he got a
cheering letter from the constant Jane, who pertinaciously
refused to believe anything to his prejudice, and religiously
abstained from all reproaches. But, it is necessary to under.
stand the influence of rank, on board a man-of-war, fully
to comprehend the effect, which was now produced on the
master's-mate, by the captain's language and manner.
Tears streamed out of the eyes of Clinch, and he grasped
the hand of his commander, almost convulsively.
"What can I do, sir?-Captain Cuffe, what can'I do?"
he exclaimed. " My duty is never neglected; but there are
moments of despair, when I find the burthen too hard to be
borne, without calling upon the bottle for support."
" Whenever a man drinks with such a motive, Clinch, I
would advise him to abstain altogether. He cannot trust
himself; and that which he terms his friend, is, in truth, his
direst enemy. Refuse your rations, even; determine to be
free. One week, nay, one day, may give a strength that
will enable you to conquer, by leaving your reason unimpaired. Absence from the ship has accidentally befriended
you, for the little you have taken here, has not been suffi.
cient to do any harm. We are now engaged on a most
interesting duty, and I will throw service into your way,
that may be of importance to you. Get your name once
fairly in a despatch, and your commission is safe. Nelson
loves to prefer old tars; and nothing would make him
happier, than to be able to serve you  Put it in my power





LE FEU-FOLLET.


307


to ask it of him, and 1'11 answer for the result. Som-thing
may yet come out of your visit to the cottage of this woman,
and do-you be mindful to keep yourself in fortune's way."
" God bless you, Captain Cuffe - God bless you, sir,"answered Clinch, nearly choked,-" I 'll endeavour to do as
you wish."
" Remember Jane and your mother. With such a woman
dependent for her happiness on his existence, a man must
be a brute, not to struggle hard."
Clinch groaned, for Cuffe probed his wound deep; though
it was done with an honest desire to cure. After wiping
the perspiration from his face, and writhing on his chair,
however, he recovered a little of his self-command, and became comparatively composed.
"If a friend could only point out the way by which I
might recover some of the lost ground," he said, " my gratitude to him would last as long as life, Captain Cuffe."
" Here is an opening then, Clinch. Nelson attaches as
much importance to our catching this lugger as he ever did
to falling in with a fleet. The officer who is serviceable on
this occasion may be sure of being remembered, and I will
give you every chance in my power. Go, dress yourself in
your best; make yourself look as you know you can; then
be ready for boat service. I have some duty for you now,
which will be but the beginning of good luck, if you only
remain true to your mother, to Jane, and to yourself."
A new life was infused into Clinch. For years he had
been overlooked; apparently forgotten, except when thorough seamanship was required; and even his experiment
of getting transferred to a.vessel commanded by an old
messmate had seemingly failed. Here was a change, however, and a ray, brighter than common, shone athwart the
darkness of his future. Even Cuffe was struck with the
cheerfulness of his countenance, and the alacrity of the
master's-mate's movements, and he reproached himself with
having so long been indifferent to the best interests of one
who certainly had some claims on his friendship. Still,
there was nothing unusual in the present relations between
these old messmates.  Favoured by family and friends,
Cuffe had never been permitted to fall into despondency, and
had pursued his career successfully and with spirit; while





308


LE FEU-FOLLET.


the other, unsupported, and failing of any immediate oppoj
tunity for getting ahead, had fallen into evil ways, and come
to be, by slow degrees, the man he was. Such instances as
the latter, are of not unfrequent occurrence even in a marine
in which promotion is as regular as our own, though it is
rare indeed that a man recovers his lost ground, when placed
in circumstances so trying.
In half an hour Clinch was ready, dticsed in his best.
The gentlerien of the quarter-deck saw,ll these prepara.
tions with surprise; for, of late, the mastek'o-mate had seldom been seen in that part of the ship at all. But, in a
man-of-war, discipline is a:c.r of faith, aad no one presumed to ask questions.  Clinch was closeted with the
Captain for a few minutes, received his orders, and went
over the ship's side with a cheerful countenance, actually
entering the Captain's gig, the fastest rowing bat of the
ship. As soon as seated. lie shoved off, and held his way
towards the point of Campanella, then distant about three
leagues. No one knew whither he was bound, though all
believed it was on duty that related to the lugger, ant duty
that required a seaman's judgment. As for Cuffe, his manner, which had begun to be uneasy and wandering, bec,-me
more composed when he saw his old messmate fairly off,
and that too, at a rate whibc would carry him even to
Naples, in the course of a few hours should his voyaye
happen to be so long.
CHAPTER XXI.
"His honour's link'd
Unto his life; he that will seek the one
Must venture for the other, or lose both."
TATHAM.
IT was now certain that _e Feu-Follet was not in the Bav
of Salerno..By means of the lofty spars of the ship, ano
the aid of glasses, the whole coast had been effectually sur.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


30f)


veyed, and no signs of such a craft were visible. Even
Lyon had given it up, had wore round, and was standing
along the land again, towards Campanella, a 'disappointed
man. As Cuffe expected the next wind from the westward,
he continued on to the northward, however, intending to go
off Amalfi, and question any fisherman he might fall in with.
Leaving the ship slowly pursuing her course in that direc.
Lion, then, we will turn our attention to the state of the
prisoners.
Ghita and her uncle had been properly cared for, all this
time. The gunner's wife lived on board, and, being a
respectable woman, Cuffe had the delicacy to send the poor
girl forward to the state-room and mess of this woman.
Her uncle was provided for near by, and, as neither was
considered in any degree criminal, it was the intention to
put them ashore, as soon as it was certain that no information concerning the lugger was to be obtained from them
Ithuel was at duty again, having passed half the morningin
the fore-top. The shore-boat, which was in the way on
deck, was now struck into the water, and was towing astern,
in waiting for the moment when Carlo Giuntotardi and his
niece were to be put in possession of it again, and permitted
to depart. This moment was delayed, however, until the
ship should again double Campanella, and be once more in
the Bay of Naples, as it would have been cruel to send two
such persons as the uncle and niece adrift, at any material
distance from their proper place of landing.
It was very different with Raoul Yvard, however. He
was under the charge of a sentry on the berth-deck, in
waiting for the fearful moment when he should be brought
forth for execution. His sentence was generally known in
the ship, and with a few he was an object of interest;
though punishment, deaths in battle, and all the other
casualties of nautical life, were much too familiar in such a
war to awaken anything like a sensation in an active
cruising frigate. Still, some had a thought for the prisoner's
situation. Winchester was a humane man, and, to his
credit, he bore no malice for his own defeat and sufferings;
while in his capacity of first-heutenant, it was in his power
ro do much towards adding to the comfort of the condemned.
-Te had placed the prisoner between two open ports, where





310


LE FEU-FOLLET.


the aii circulated freely, no trifling consideration in so warm
l climate, and had ordered a canvass bulk-head to be placed
around him, giving Raoul the benefit of a state-room for his
rmeditations at so awful a momen!. His irons, too, had
been removed as useless; though cire had been had to take
away from the prisoner everything by which he might
attempt his own life. The probability of his jumping
through a port had been discussed between the first and
second lieutenants; but the sentry was admonished to be on
his guard against any such attempt, and little apprehension
was felt, Raoul being so composed and so unlikely to do
anything precipitately. Then it would be easy to pick him
up, while the vessel moved so slowly. To own the truth
too, many would prefer his drowning himself, to seeing him
swinging at a yard-arm.
In this narrow prison, then, Raoul passed the night and
morning. It would be representing him as more stoical
than the truth, if we said he was unmoved. So far from this,
his moments were bitter, and his anguish would have been
extreme, were it not for a high resolution which prompted
him to die, as he fancied it, like un Francqis. The numerous executions by the guillotine, had brought fortitude
under such circumstances, into a sort of fashion, and there
were few who did not meet death with decorum. With our
prisoner, however, it was still different; for, sustained by a
dauntless spirit, he would have faced the great tyrant of the
race, even in his. most ruthless mood, with firmness, if not
with disdain. But, to a young man and a lover, the last
great change could not well approach without bringing with
it a feeling of hopelessness, that, in the case of Raoul, was
unrelieved by any cheering expectations for the future. He
fully believed his doom to be sealed, and that, less on
account of his imaginary offence as a spy, than on account
of the known and extensive injuries he had done to the English commerce. Raoul was a good hater; and, according
to the fashion of past times, which we apprehend, in spite of
a vast deal of equivocal philanthropy that now circulates
freely from mouth to mouth, and from pen to pen, will continue to be the fashion of times to come, he heartily disliked
the people with whom he was at war, and consequently, was
"eadv to believe anvthing to their prejudice that political





LE FEU-FOLLET.


311


rivalry might invent; a frame of mind that led him to think
his life would be viewed as a trifle, when put in the scales
against English ascendency, or English profit. He was
accustomed to think of the people of Great Britain as a
"nation of shop-keepers," and, while engaged himself in a
calling that bears the brand of rapacity on its very brow,
he looked upon his own pursuit as comparatively martial
and honourable; qualities, in sooth, it was far from being
without, as he himself had exercised its functions. In a
word, Raoul understood Cuffe, as little as Cuffe understood
him; facts that will sufficiently appear in the interview
which it has now become our office to relate.
The prisoner received one or two friendly visits in the
course of the morning; Griffin, in particular, conceiving it
to be his duty to try to cheer the condemned man, on
account of his own knowledge of foreign tongues. On these
occasions, the conversation was prevented from falling into
anything like the sombre, by the firmness of the prisoner's
manner. With a view to do the thing handsomely, Winchester had caused the canvass bulk-head to include the guns
on each side, which of course gave more air and light within
the narrow apartme1., as it brought both ports into the little
room. Raoul adveed to this circumstance, as, seated on
one stool, he invited Griffin, in the last of his visits, to take
another.
" You find me, here, supported by a piece of eighteen on
each side," observed the prisoner, smiling, " as becomes a
seaman who is about tn die. Were my death to come from
the mouths of your cannon, Monsieur Lieutenant, it would
only meet me a few mo~tbs or perhaps a few days sooner
than it might happen by the same mode, in the ordinary
course of events."
" We know how to feel f') a brave man in your situation," answered Griffin, with emotion; "and nothing wouid
make us all happier than to have it as you say; you io a
good warm frigate, on our broa~3ide, and we in this of ouir
own, contending fairly for the honour of our respective
countries."
"Monsieur, the fortune of war h's ordered it otherwise--
but, you are not seated, Monsieur L;entenpnt."
(" Mon pardon-Captain Cuffe has sept me to request you





. 312


LE P FEU-FOLLET.


will favour him with your company, in his cabin, as soon as
it may be agreeable to yourself, Monsieur Yvard."
There is something in the polished expressions of the
French language, that would have rendered it difficult for
Griffin to have been other than delicate in his communications with the prisoner, had he been so disposed; but, such
was not his inclination; for, now that their gallant adversary was at their mercy, all the brave men in the Proserpine
felt a disposition to deal tenderly with him. Raoul was
touched with these indications of generosity, and, as he had
witnessed Griffin's spirit in the different attempts made on
his lugger, it inclined him to think better of his foes. Rising,
he professed his readiness to attend the captain, at that very
moment.
Cuffe was waiting in the after-cabin. When Griffin and
the prisoner entered, he courteously requested both to be
seated, the former being invited to remain, not only as a
witness of what might occur, but to act as interpreter in
case of need. A short pause succeeded, and then the captain opened the dialogue, which was carried on in English,
with occasional assistance from Griffin, whenever it became
necessary.
"I greatly regret, Monsieur Yvard, to see a brave man
in your situation," commenced Cuffe, who, sooth to say,
apart from the particular object he had in view, uttered no
more than the truth. " We have done full justice to your
spirit and judgment, while we have tried the hardest to get.you into our power. But the laws of war are severe, necessarily, and we English have a commander-in-chief who is
not disposed to trifle in matters of duty."
This was said, partly in policy, and partly from a habit
of standing in awe of the character of Nelson. Raoul
received it, however, in the most favourable light; though
the politic portion of the motive was altogether thrown away,
as will be seen in the sequel.
"t Monsieur, un Franqais knows how to die in the cause
of liberty and his country," answered Raoul, courteously,
yet with emphasis.
" I do not doubt it, Monsieur; still, I see no necessity of
things being pushed to that extremity. England is as liberal
of her rewaids, as she is powerful to resent injuries. Per




LE FEU-FOLLET.


313


haps some plan may be adopted which will avert the neces.
sity of sacrificing the life of a brave man, in so cruel a
mode."
" I shall not affect to playthe hero, Monsieur le Capitaine.
If any proper mode of relieving me, it. my present crisis,
can bd discovered, my gratitude will be in proportion to the
service rendered."
"This is talking sensibly, and to the purpose: I make no
doubt, when we come to a right understanding, everything
will be amicably arranged between us. Griffin, do me the
favour to help yourself to a glass of wine and water, which
you will find refreshing this warm day. Monsieur Yvard
will join us; the wine coming from Capri, and being far
from bad; though some do prefer the Lachrymue Christi
that grows about the foot of Vesuvius, I believe."
Griffin did as desired, though his own countenance was
far from expressing all the satisfaction that was obvious in
the face of Cuffe. Raoul declined the offer; waiting for the
forthcoming explanation with an interest he did not affect to
conceal. Cuffe seemed disappointed and reluctant to proceed; but, finding his two companions silent, he was obliged
to make his proposal.
"Oui, Monsieur," he added, "England is powerful to
resent, but ready to forgive. You are very fortunate in
having it in your power, at so serious a moment, to secure
her pardon for an offence that is always visited in war with
a punishment graver than any other."
" In what way can this be done, Monsieur le Capitaine?
I am not one who despises life; more especially when it is
in danger of being lost by a disgraceful death."
" I am rejoiced, Monsieur Yvard, to find you in this frame
of mind; it will relieve me from the discharge of a most
painful duty, and be the means of smoothing over many
difficulties. Without doubt, you have heard of the character
of our celebrated admiral, Nelson?"
" His name is known to every seaman, Monsieur,"
answered Raoul, stiffly; his natural antipathies being far
from cured by the extremity of his situation. "He has
written it on the waters of the Nile, in letters of blood!"
" Ay, his deeds, there, or elsewhere, will not soon be for.
gotten. He is a man of an iron will; when his heart is set
27





314


LE 1 FEU-FOLLET.I'


on a thing, he sticks at no risk to obtain it, especially if the
means be lawful, and the end is glory. To be frank, Monsieur, he wishes much for your ligger, the le Few-Folly."
"Ah!" exclaimed Raoul, smiling ironically--" Nelson is
not the only English admiral who has had the same desire.
Le Feu-Follet, Monsieur le Capitaine, is so charming, that
she has many admirers!"
" Among whom Nelson is one of the warmest. Now, this
makes your case so much the easier to be disposed of. You
have nothing to do but put the lugger into our hands, when
you will be pardoned, and be treated as a prisoner of war."
"Does Monsieur Nelson authorize you to make this proposal to me?" asked Raoul, gravely.
" He does. Intrusted with the care of his country's interests, he is willing to overlook the offence against her, under
the law of nations, to deprive the enemy of the means of
doing so much harm. Put the lugger into our hands, and
you shall be sent to an ordinary prison-ship. Nay, merely
let us into the secret of her position, and we will see to her
capture."
" Monsieur Nelsoj doubtless does no more than his duty,"
answered Raoul, quietly, but with an air of severe selfrespect. " It is his business to have a care for English
commerce, and he has every right to make this bargain.
But the treaty. will not be conducted on equal terms; while
he is doing no more than his duty, I have no powers."
"How?-You have the power of speech; that will suffice
to let us into the secret of the orders you have given the
lugger, and where she is probably to be found, at this mo
ment."
" Non, Monsieur; I have not even that power. I can
do nothing that must cover me with so much infamy. My
tongue is under laws that I never made, when treachery is
in question."
Had Raoul assumed a theatrical tone and manner, as
might have been expected, probably it would have made very
little impression on Cuffe; but his quiet simplicity and
steadiness carried conviction with them. To say the truth
the captain was disappointed. He would have hesitated
about making his proposition to an officer of the regular
French marine, low as even these stood, at that day, in the





LE FEU-FOLLET


315


estimation of Nelson's fleet, in particular; but from a priva.
teersman, he expected a greedy acquiescence, in 'i plan that
offered life as a reward, in exchange for a treachery like
that he proposed. At first he felt disposed to taunt Raoul
with the contradiction between what he, Cuffe, conceived to
be his general pursuits, and his present assumption of principles; but, the unpretending calmness of the other's manner,
and the truth of his feelings, prevented it. Then, to do
Cuffe, himself, justice, he was too generous to abuse the
power he had over his prisoner.
"You may do well to think of this, Monsieur Yvard"observed the captain, after a pause of quite a minute. "The
interest at stake is so heavy, that reflection may yet induce
yQu to change your mind."
"Monsieur Cuffe, I pardon you, if you can pardon yourself," answered Raoul, with severe dignity in his manner,
rising as he spoke, as if disdaining civilities which came
from his tempter. " I know what you think of us corsairsbut an officer in an honourable service, should hesitate long,
before he tempts a man to do an act like this. The fact that
the life of your prisoner is at stake, ought to make a brave
seaman still more delicate how he tries to work on his terrors or his principles. But, I repeat, I forgive you, Monsieur,
if you can forgive yourself."
Cuffe stood confounded. The blood rushed to his heart;
after which, it appeared as if about to gush through the pores
of his face. A feeling of fierce resentment almost consumed
him; then he became himself again, and began to see things,
vts was his wont, in cooler moments. Still he could not
speak, pacing the cabin to recover his self-command.
" Monsieur Yvard," he at length said, " I ask your forgiveness, sincerely, and from the bottom of my heart. I
did not know you, or such a proposal would never have
insulted you, or disgraced a British officer, in my person.,
Nelson, too, is the last man living, to wound the feelings-of
an honourable enemy; but we did not know you. All privateersmen are not of your way of thinking, and it was
there we fell into our mistake."
" Touchez-la," said Raoul, frankly extending his hand.
" Monsieur le Captiaine, you and I ought to meet in two
fine frigates, each for his country's honour; let what would





916


LE FEU-FO L LET.


be the result, it would lay the foundations of an eternal
friendship. I have lived long enough in votre Angleterre,
to understand how little you know notre France; mais
n'importe. Brave men can understand one another, all over
the world; for the little time which is left me, -we shall be
friends."
Cuffe seized Raoul's hand, and even a tear escaped him,
as he squeezed it warmly.
" This has been a d-d miserable business, Griffin," said
the captain, as soon as he could speak without betraying
weakness, " and one no man will ever find me employed in
again, though a fleet as large as that up in the Bay yonder
were the price."
t"I never thought it would succeed, sir; and, to say the
truth, I never hoped it would. You'll excuse me, Captain
Cuffe, but we English don't give the continentals exactly
the credit they deserve; and particularly the French.  I
thought it wouldn't do, from the first."
Cuffe now repeated his apologies; and after a few expressions of friendly esteem on both sides, Raoul returned to his
little room, declining the captain's offer to occupy one of the
cabin state-rooms.  Griffin was soon back again, and then
the conversation was resumed between the two officers.
" This is altogether a most painful business, Griffin,"
observed Cuffe. " There is no doubt that Monsieur Yvard
is technically a spy, and guilty, according to the forms of
law; but I entertain not the smallest doubt of the truth of
his whole story.  This Ghita Caraccioli, as the girl calls
herself, is the very picture of truth; and was actually in
Nelson's cabin the day before yesterday, under circum.
stances that leave no doubt of the simplicity and truth of
her character, while every part of the tale corresponds with
the other. E-ven the veechy, and this pursy old podesta,
confirm the account; for they have seen Ghita in Porto
Ferrajo, and begin to think the Frenchman came in there
solely on her account."
"I make no doubt, Captain Cuffe, that Lord Nelson will
give a respite, or even a pardon, were the facts fairly laid
before him," observed Griffin, who felt a generous interest
in preserving the life of Raoul, the very man he had endeavoured to destroy by fire only a few weeks before; but such





LE FEU-POLLET.


311


is the waywardness of man, and such are the mixed feelings
generated by war.
"This is the most serious part of the affair, Griffin.
The sentence is approved; with an order that it shall be
carried into effect this very day, between the hours of sun.
rise and sunset; while here it is already noon, and we are
to the southward of Campanella, and so distant from the
flag-ship, as to put signals out of the question."
Griffin started; all the grave difficulties of the case glancing upon his mind in a moment. An order, according to
the habits of the service, and more especially an order of
this serious character, was not to be questioned; yet here
was a dilemma in which there appeared no means of
relief.
"Good God, Captain Cuffe, how unlucky! Cannot an
express be sent across by land, so as yet to reach the flagship in time?"
"I have thought of that, Griffin, and Clinch has gone
precisely on that errand."
"Clinch!-Pardon me, sir; but such a duty requires a
very active and sober officer!"
" Clinch is active enough, and I know his besetting weakness will have no power over him to-day. I have opened
the way for a commission to him, and no one in the ship
can go to Naples in a boat sooner than Clinch, if he really
try. He will make the most of the afternoon's breeze,
should there be any, and I have arranged a signal with him,
by which he may let us know the result even at the distance
of eight or ten miles."
" Has Lord Nelson left no discretion in the orders, sir?"
"None; unless Raoul Yvard distinctly consent to give
up the lugger. In that case, I have a letter, which authorizes me to delay the execution, until I can communicate
directly with the commander-in-chief."
" How very unlucky it has been, all round! Is there no
sossibility, sir, of making up a case that might render this
discretion available?"
" That might do among you irresponsibles, Mr. Griffin,"
Inswered Cuffe, a little sharply; "but I would rather hang
rorty Frenchmen than be Bronted by Nelson, for neglect of
duty.'
27 *





318


LE FEU-FOLLET.


Cuffe spoke more strongly than he intended, perhaps; but,
the commander of a ship-of-war does not always stop to weigh
his'words, when he condescends to discuss a point with an
inferior. The reply put a check upon Griffin's zeal, however, though the discourse did not the less proceed.
" Well, sir," the lieutenant answered, " I'm sure we are
all as anxious as you can be, to avert this affair from our
ship. 'T was but the other day, we were boasting in the
gun-room, to some of the Lapwing's officers that were on a
visit here, that the Proserpine never had an execution or a
court-martial flogging on, board her, though she had now
been under the British ensign near four years, and had been
seven times under fire!"
" God send, Griffin, that Clinch find the admiral, and get
back in time!"
"How would it do, sir, to-send the vice-governatore to
try the prisoner; perhaps he might persuade him to seem to
consent-or, some such thing, you know, sir, as might justify
a delay. They say the Corsicans are the keenest-witted
fellows in all these seas; and Elba is so near to Corsica,
that one cannot fancy there is much difference between their
people."
" Ay, your veechy is a regular witch!-He made out so
well in his first interview with Yvard, that no one can doubt
his ability to overlay him, in another!"
"One never knows, Captain Cuffe. The Italian has
more resources than most men; and the Signor Barrofaldi
is a discreet, sensible man, when he acts with his eyes open.
Le Feu-Follet has cheated others besides the vice-governatore, and the podesta!"
"Ay, these d-   d Jack-o'-Lanterns are never.to be
trusted. It would hardly surprise me to see the Folly coming down, wing-and-wing, from under the land, and passing
out to sea, with a six-knot breeze, while we lay as still as a
cathedral, with not air enough to turn the smoke of the galley-fire from the perpendicular."
" She's not inside of us, Captain Cuffe; of that we may
be certain. I have been on the main-top-gallant-yard, with
the best glass in the ship, and have swept the whole coast,
from the ruins over against us, here to the eastward, up to





LE FEU-FOLLET.


319


the town of Salerno; there is nothing to be seen, as large
as a sparanara."
" One would think, too, this Monsieur Yvard might give
up, to save his own life, after all!"
*' We should hardly do it, I hope, Captain Cuffe?"
" I believe you are right, Griffin; one feels forced to
respect the privateersman, in spite of his trade. Who knows
but something might be got out of that Bolt? He must
know as much about the lugger as Yvard himself."
" Quite true, sir; I was thinking of proposing something
of the sort, not a minute since. Now, that's a fellow one
may take pleasure in riding down, as one would ride down
the main tack. Shall I have him sent for, Captain Cuffe?"
The captain hesitated; for the previous experiments on
Ithuel's selfishness had failed. Still, the preservation of
Raoul's life, and the capture of the lugger, were now objects
of nearly equal interest with Cuffe, and he felt disposed to
neglect no plausible means of effecting either. A sign of
approbation was all the lieutenant needed; and, in a few
minutes, Ithuel stood, again, in the presence of his captain.
" Here is an opportunity for you to fetch up a good deal
of lee-way, Master Bolt," commenced the captain; " and I
am willing to give you a chance to help yourself. You
know where you last left the Few-Folly, I suppose?"
"I don't know but I might, sir," answered Ithuel, rolling
his eyes around him, curious to ascertain what the other
would be at. " I don't know but I might remember, on a
pinch, sir; though, to own the truth, my memory is none
of the most desperate best."
" Well, then, where was it? Recollect that the life of
your late friend, Raoul Yvard, may depend on your
answer."
"I want to know!-Well, this Europe is a curious part
of the world, as all must admit, that come from Ameriky.
What has Captain Rule done now, sir, that he stands in such
jeopardy?"
" You know that he is convicted as a spy; and my orders
are to 'have him executed, unless we can get his lugger.
Then, indeed, we may possibly show him a little favour;
as we do not make war so much on individuals, as on
iations."





320


LE FEU-FOLLET.


Cuffe would probably have been puzzled to explain the
application of his own sentiment to the case before him; but,
presuming on his having to deal with one who was neither
very philosophical nor logical himself, he was somewhat
indifferent to his own mode of proceeding, so that it effected
the object. Ithuel, however, was not understood. Love for
Raoul, or the lugger, or, indeed, for anything else, himself
excepted, formed no part of his character; while hatred of
England had got to be incorporated with the whole of his
moral system; if such a man could be said to have a moral
system 'at all. He saw nothing to be gained by serving
Raoul, in particular; though this he might have done did
nothing interfere to prevent it; while he had so strong an
aversion to suffering the English, to get le Feu-Follet, as to
be willing even to risk his own life, in order to prevent it.
His care, therefore, was to accomplish his purpose, with the
least hazard to himself.
"And, if the' lugger can be had, sir, you intend to let
Captain Rule go?" he asked, with an air of interest.
" Ay, we may do that; though it will depend on the
admiral. Can you tell us 'where you left her, and where
she probably now is?"
" Captain Rule has said the first, already, sir. He told
the truth, about that, before the court. But, as to telling
where the lugger is now, I 'll defy any man to do it! Why,
sir, I 've turned in, at eight bells, and left her, say ten or
fifteen leagues dead to leeward of an island, or a light-house,
perhaps; and on turning out at eight bells, in the morning,
found her, just as far to windward of the same object.
She's as oncalculating craft as I ever put foot-aboard of."
" Indeed!" said Cuffe, ironically; " I do not wonder that
her captain's in a scrape."
" Scrape, sir!-The Folly is nothing but a scrape. I 've
tried my hand at keeping her reck'nin'."
"You!"
"Yes, sir, I; Ithuel Bolt, that's my name, at hum' or
abroad, and I've tried to keep the Folly's reck'nin', with all
the advantage of thermometer, and lead-lines, and logavithms, and such necessaries, you know, Captain Cuffe;
ind I never yet could place her within a hundred miles of
the spot where she was actually seen to be."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


321


" 1 am not at all surprised to hear this, Bolt; but what 1
want at present, is to know what you think may be the pro.
cise position of the lugger, without the aid of the thermome
ter, and of logarithms; I've a notion you would make out
better, by letting such things alone?"
"Well, who knows but I might, sir! My idee of the
Folly, just now, sir, is that she is somewhere off Capri,
under short canvass, waiting for Captain Rule and I to join
her, and keeping a sharp look-out after the inimies' cruisers."
Now, this was not only precisely the position of the lugger
at that very moment, but it was what Ithuel actually believed to be her position. Still, nothing was farther from
this man's intention than to betray his former messmates.
He was so very cunning, as to have detected how little
Cuffe was disposed to believe him; and he told the truth, as
the most certain means of averting mischief from the lugger.
Nor did his ruse fail of its object. His whole manner had
so much deceit and low cunning about it, that neither Cuife
nor Griffin believed a word he said; and after a little more
pumping, the fellow was dismissed in disgust, with a sharp
intimation that it would be singularly for his interest to look
out how he discharged his general duties in the ship.
" This will never do, Griffin," exclaimed the captain, vexed
and disappointed. "Should anything occur to Clinch, or
should the admiral happen to be off, with the king, on one
of his shooting excursions, we shall be in a most serious
dilemma. Would to God, we had not left the anchorage, at
Capri! Then, one might communicate with the flag, with
some certainty. I shall never forgive myself, if anything
fatal actually take place!"
" When one does all for the best, Captain Cuffe, his mind
ought to be at ease, and you could not possibly foresee
what has happened. Might not-one wouldn't like eitherbut-necessity is a hard master-"
" Out with it, Griffin-anything is better than suspense.'
"Well, sir,.1 was just thinking that possibly this young
Italian.girl might know something about the lugger, and, as
_he clearly loves the Frenchman, we should get a strong
purchase on her tongue, by means of her heart."
Cuffe looked intently at his lieutenant, for half a minute;.hen he sl'ook his head in disapprobation.
21





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LE FEU-FOLLET


1" No, Griffin, no," he said, " to this I never can consent..
A.s for this quibbling, equivocating Yankee, if Yankee he
be, one wouldn't feel many scruples of delicacy; but to
probe the affections of a poor, innocent girl, in this way,
would be going too far. The heart of a young girl should
be sacred, under every circumstance."
Griffin coloured, and he bit his lip. No one likes to be
outdone, in the appearance of. generosity, at least; and he
felt vexed that he should have ventured on a proposition
that his superior treated as unbecoming.
" Nevertheless, sir, she might think the lugger cheaply
sold," he said, with emphasis, "provided her lover's life
was what she got in exchange. It would be a very different thing were we to ask her to sell her admirer, instead
of a mere privateer."
" No matter, Griffin.  We will not meddle with the
private feelings of a young female, that chance has thrown
into our hands. As soon as we get near enough in with
the land, I intend to let the old man take his boat, and carry
his niece ashore. That will be getting rid of them, at least,
honourably and fairly. God knows what is to become of thb
Frenchman.".This terminated the conference. Griffin went on deck,
where duty now called him; and Cuffe sat down to re-peruse, for the ninth or tenth time, the instructions of the
admiral.
CHAPTER XXII.
"I 'have no dread,
And feel the curse to have no natural fear,
Nor fluttering throb, that beats with hopes or wishes,
Or lurking love of something on the earth."
Manfred.
BY this time, the day had materially advanced, and there
were grave grounds for the uneasiness which Cuffi began so
seriously to feel. All three of the ships were still in the Bay





LE FEU-FOLLET.


323


Df Salerno, gathering in toM ards its northern shore, however.
The Proserpine, the deepest embayed, the Terpsichore, and
the Ringdove, having hauled out towards Campanella, as soon
as satisfied nothing was to be seen in-shore of them. The
heights, which line the coast, from the immediate vicinity of
the town of Salerno, to the head-land that ends near Capri,
have long been celebrated, not only for their beauty and
grandeur, but in connection with the lore of the middle ages.
As the Proserpine had never been in this bay before, or never
so near its head, her officers found some temporary relief
from the very general uneasiness that was felt on account
of their prisoner, in viewing scenery that is remarkable even
in that remarkable section of the globe. The ship had gone
up abreast of Amalfi, and so close in, as to be less than a
mile from the shore. The object was to communicate with
some fishermen, which had been done; the information received going to establish the fact, that no craft resembling
the lugger had been in that part of the Bay. The vessel's
head was now laid to the southward and westward, in waiting for the zephyr, which might soon be expected. The gallant frigate, seen from the impending rocks, looked like a
light merchantman, in all but her symmetry and warlike
guise; nature being moulded on so grand a scale all along
that coast, as to render objects of human art, unusually diminutive to the eye. On the other hand, the country-houses,
churches, hermitages, convents, and villages, clustered all
along the mountain sides, presented equally delusive forms,
though they gave an affluence to the views, that left the
spectator in a strange doubt, which most to admire, their
wildness, or their picturesque beauty. The little air that
remained, was still at the southward, and as the ship moved
slowly along this scene of singular attraction, each ravine
seemed to give up a town, each shelf of rock, a human habitation, and each natural terrace, a villa and a garden.
Of all men, sailors get to be the most blazes in the way of.he sensations produced by novelties, and fine scenery. It appears to be a part of their calling, to suppress the emotions of
a greenhorn; and, generally, they look upon anything that is
t little out of the ordinary track, with the coolness of those
who feel it is an admission of inferiority to betray surprise.
't seldom happens with them, that anything occurs, or any




321


LE FEU-FOLLET


thing is seen to which the last cruise, or, if the vessel be en.
gaged in trade, the last voyage, did not at least furnish a
parallel; usually the past event, or the more distant ob.
ject, has the advantage. He who has a sufficient store of
this reserved knowledge and experience, it will at once be
seen, enjoys a great superiority over him who has not, and
is placed above the necessity of avowing a sensation as humiliating as wonder. On the present occasion, however,
but few held out against the novelty of the actual situation
of the ship; most on board being willing enough to allow
that they had never before been beneath cliffs that had such
a union of the magnificent, the picturesque, and the soft;
though a few continued firm, acting up to the old characters,
with the consistency of settled obstinacy.
Strand, the boatswain, was one of those who, on all such
occasions, " died hard."  He was the last man in the ship
who ever gave up a prejudice; and this for three several
reasons: he was a cockney, and believed himself born in
the centre of human knowledge; he was a seaman, and understood the world; he was a boatswain, and stood upon his
dignity.
As the Proserpine fanned slowly along the land, this personage took a position between the knight-heads, on the
bowsprit, where he could overlook the scene, and at the
same time hear the dialogue of the forecastle; and both with
suitable:decorum. Strand was as much of a monarch forward, as Cuffe was aft; though the appearance of a lieu.
tenant, or of the master, now and then, a little dimmed the
lustre of his reign. Still, Strand succumbed completely to
only two of the officers-the captain and the first-lieutenant;
and not always to these, in what he conceived 1b be purely
matters of sentiment. - In the way of duty, he understood
himself too well, ever to hesitate about obeying an order;
but when it came to opinions, he was a man who could
maintain his own, even in the presence of Nelson.
The first captain of the forecastle, was an old seaman of
the name of Catfall. At the precise moment when Strand
occupied the position named, between the knight-heads, this
personage.jvas holding a discourse with three or four of the
forecastle-men, who stood on the heel of the:owsprit.
inboard - the etiquette of the ship not permitting these wor




LE FEU-FOLLET.


325


thies.to show their heads above the nettings. Each of the
party had his arms folded; each chewed tobacco; each had
his hair in a queue; and each occasionally hitched up his
trousers, in a way to prove that he did not require the aid
of suspenders in keeping his nether garments in their proper
place. It may be mentioned, indeed, that the point of division between the jacket and the trousers, was marked in
each by a bellying line of a clean white shirt, that served to
relieve the blue of the dress, as a species of marine facing.
Aswas due to his greater experience and his rank, Catfall
was the principal speaker among those who lined the heel
of the bowsprit.
" This here coast is mountainious, as one may own,"
observed the captain of the forecastle; " but what I say is,
that it's not as mountainious as some I've seen. Now,
when I went round the 'arth with Captain Cook, we fell in
with islands that were so topped off with rocks, and the like
o' that, that these here affairs, alongside on 'em, wouldn't
pass for anything more than a sort of jury mountains."
"There you're right, Catfall," said Strand, in a patronizing way; " as anybody knows as has been round the Horn.
I didn't sail with Captain Cook, seeing that I was then the
boatswain of the Hussar, and she couldn't have made one
of Cook's squadron, being a post-ship, and commanded by
a full-built captain; but I was in them seas when a younker,
and can back Catfall's account of the matter by my largest
anchor, in the way of history. D- e, if I think these hillocks would be called even jury mountains, in that quarter
of the world. They tell me there's several noblemen's and
gentlemen's parks near Lunnun, where they make mountains just to look at; that must be much of a muchness with
these here chaps. I never drift far from Wappin', when
I'm at home, and so I can't say I've seen these artifice
hills, as they calls them, myself; but there's one Joseph
Shirk, that lives near St. Katharine's Lane, that makes
trips regularly into the neighbourhood, who gives quite a
oarticular account of the matter."
"I dare to say it's all true, Mr. Strand," answered the
captain of the forecastle, " for I've know'd some of them
travelling chaps who have seen stranger sights than that.
No, sir, I calls these mountains no great matter; and as to
28





326


LE FEU-FOLLET.


the houses and villages on 'ern, where you see one,* here,
you might say you could see two on some of the desert
islands-"
A very marvellous account of Cook's Discoveries was
suddenly checked by the appearance of Cuffe on the fore.
castle. It was not often the captain visited that part of the
ship; but he was considered a privileged person, let him go
where he would. At his appearance, all the "old salts"
quitted the heel of the spar, tarpaulins came fairly down to
a level with the bag-reefs of the shirts, and even Strand
stepped into the nettings, leaving the place between the
knight-heads clear. To this spot Cuffe ascended with a
light, steady step, for he was but six-and-twenty, just touching his hat, in return to the boatswain's bow.
A boatswain, on board an English ship-of-war, is a more
important personage than he is apt to be on board an American. Neither the captain nor the first-lieutenant disdains
conversing with him, on occasions; and he is sometimes
seen promenading the starboard side of the quarter-deck, in
deep discourse with one or the other of those high functionaries. It has been said that Cuffe and Strand were old shipmates, the latter having actually been boatswain of the ship
in which the former first sailed. This circumstance was
constantly borne in mind by both parties, the captain seldom
coming near his inferior, in moments of relaxation, withou.
having something to say to him.
"Rather a remarkable coast, this, Strand," he commenced,
on the present occasion, as soon as fairly placed between
the knight-heads; " something one might look for a week, in
England, without finding it."
SI beg your pardon, sir, but I'm not of the same way of
thinking. I was just telling the forecastle lads, down there,
that there's many a nobleman and gentleman, at home, as
has finer hills than these, made by hand, in his parks and
gardens, just to look at."
"The d--      you have!-And what did the forecastle
lads, down there, say to that?"
" What could they, sir? It just showed the superiority:f an Englishman to an Italian; and that ended the matter.
lon't you remember the Injees, sir?-" -





LE FEU-FOLLET.


327


t The Indies!-Why the coast between Bombay and
Calcutta is as flat as a pancake, most of the distance."
" Not them Injees, sir, but t' other - the West, I mean.
The islands and mountains we passed and went into in the
Rattler; your honour was only a young gentleman, then,
but was too much aloft to miss the sight of anything-and
all along America, too."
As Strand was speaking, he glanced complacently round,
as if to intimate to the listeners what an old friend of the
captain's they enjoyed in the person of their boatswain.
"Oh! the West-Indies-you 're nearer right there, Strand;
and yet they have nothing to compare to this. Why, here
are mountains, alive with habitations, that fairly come up to
the sea!"
" Well, sir, as to habitations, what's these to a street in
Lunnun? Begin on the starboard hand, for instance, as
you walk down Cheapside, and count as you go; my life
for it, you'll reel off more houses, in half an hour's walk,
than are to be found in all that there village yonder.
Then you 'll remember, sir, that the starboard hand only has
half, every Jack having his Jenny. I look upon Lunnun as
the finest sight in nature, Captain Cuffe, after all I have
seen in many cruises!"
"I don't know, Mr. Strand.-In the way of coast, one
may very well be satisfied with this. Yonder town, now,
is called Amalfi; it was once a place of, great commerce
they say."
"Of commerce, sir!-why it's nothing but a bit of a village, or at most, of a borough, built in a hollow.-No haven,
no docks, no comfortable place, even, for setting up the
frame of a ship on the beach. The commerce of such a
town must have been mainly carried on by means of mules
and jackasses, as one reads of in the trade of the Bible."
" Carried on as it might be, trade it once had.-There
does not seem to be any hiding-place, along this shore, for
a lugger like the Folly, after all, Strand."
The boatswain smiled, with a knowing look, while, at the
same time, the expression of his countenance was like that
of a man who did not choose to let others into all his
secrets.





328


LE FEU-FOLLET.


"The Folly is a craft we are not likely to see, again,
Captain Cuffe," he then answered, if it were only out of
respect to his superior.
" Why so?-The Proserpine generally takes a good look
at everything she chases."
"Ay, ay, sir; that may be true, as a rule, but I never
knew a craft found, after a third look for her. Everything
seems to go by thirds, in this world, sir; and I always look
upon a third chase as final. Now, sir, there are three
classes of admirals, and three sets of flags; a ship has three
masts; the biggest ships are three deckers; then there are
three planets-"
"The d-    1 there are!-How do you make that out,
Strand?"
" Why, sir, there's the sun, moon and stars; that makes
just three, by my count."
" Ay, but what do you say to Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and
all the rest of them, the earth included?"
"Why, sir, they 're all the rest of the stars, and not
planets, at all. Then, sir, look around you, and you 'll find
everything going by threes. There are three topsails, three
jibs, and three top-gallant-sails-"
" And two courses," said the captain, gravely, to whom
this theory of the threes was new.
" Quite true, sir, in name, but your honour will recollect
the spanker is nothing but a fore-and-aft course, rigged to a
mast, instead of to a jack-yard, as it used to be."
" There are neither three captains nor three boatswains,
to a.ship, Master Strand."
" Certainly not, sir; that would be oppressive, and they
would stand in each other's way; still, Captain Cuffe, the
thirds hold out wonderfully, even in all these little matters.
There's the three lieutenants; and there 's the boatswain,
gunner and carpenter-and-"
" Sail-maker, armourer, and captain of the mast," interrupted Cuffe, laughing.
" Well, sir, you may make anything seem doubtful, by
bringing forward a plenty of reasons; but all my experience
says, a third chase never comes to anything, unless it turns
out successful; but that after a third chase, all.may as well
be given up."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


329


"I fancy, Lord Nelson holds a different doctrine, Strand.
He'tells us to follow a Frenchman round the earth, rather
than let him escape."
"No doubt, sir. Follow him round three earths, if you
can keep him in sight; but not round four. That is all 1
contend for, Captain Cuffe. Even women, they tell me,
take what is called their thirds, in a fellow's forti'n."
" Well, well, Strand, I suppose there must be some truth
in your doctrine, or you wouldn't hold out for it so strenuously; and, as for this coast, I must give it up, too, for 1
never expect to see another like it; much less a third."
" It's my duty to give up to your honour; but I ask per
mission to think a third chase should always be the last
one. That's a melancholy sight to a man of feelin', Cap.
tain Cuffe, the object between the two midship-guns, on the
starboard side of the main-deck, sir?"
" You mean the prisoner?-I wish, with all my heart, he
was not there, Strand. I think I would rather he were in
his lugger again, to run the chances of that fourth chase of
which you seem to think so lightly."
" Your hanging ships are not often lucky ships, Captain
Cuffe. In my judgment, asking your pardon, sir, there
ought to be a floating gaol in every fleet, where all the courts
and all the executions should be held."
" It would be robbing the boatswains of no small part of
their duty, were the punishments to be sent out of the different vessels," answered Cuffe, smiling.
"Ay, ay, sir-the punishments, I grant, your honour;
but hanging is an execution, and not a punishment. God
forbid that, at my time of life, I should be ordered to sail in
a ship that has no punishment on board; but I'm really getting to be too old to look at executions with any sort of
pleasure. Duty that isn't done with pleasure, is but poor
duty, at the best, sir."
"There are many disagreeable, and some painful duties
to be performed, Strand; this of executing a man, let the
offence be what it may, is among the most painful."
"For my part, Captain Cuffe, I do not mind hanging a
Miutineer so very much, for he is a being that the world
aught not to harbour; but it is a different thing with an,nemy, and a spy. It's our duty to spy as much as we
28 *





330


LE FEU-FOLLET.


can for our king and country, and one ought never to bear
too hard on such as does their duty. With a fellow that
can't obey orders, and who puts his own will above the
pleasure of his superiors, I have no patience; but I do not
so much understand why the gentlemen of the courts are so
hard on such as do a little more reconn'itrin' than cor.
mon."
"That is because ships are less exposed to the attempts
of spies than armies, Strand. A soldier hates a spy, as
much as you do a mutineer. The reason is, that he may
be surprised by an enemy through his means, and butchered
in his sleep. Nothing is so unpleasant to a soldier as a
surprise; and the law against spies, though a general law of
war, originated with soldiers, rather than with us sailors, I
should think."
"Yes, sir, - I dare say your honour is right.. He 's a
rum 'un a soldier, at the best; and this opinion proves it.
Now, sir, Captain Cuffe, just suppose a Frenchman of about
our own metal, took it into his head to surprise the Proserpine, some dark night: what would come of it, after all?
There's the guns, and it's only to turn the hands up, to set
'em at work, just the same as if there wasn't a spy in the
world. And should they prefer to come on board us, and
to try their luck at close quarters, I rather think, sir, the
surprise would meet 'em face to face. No-no-sir; spies
is nothing to us, though it might teach 'em manners to keelhaul one, once-and-a-while."
Cuffe now became thoughtful and silent, and even Strand
did not presume to speak, when the Captain was in this
humour. The latter descended to the forecastle, and walked
aft, his hands behind his back, and his head inclining
downward. Every one he met made way for him, as a
matter of course; in that mood, he moved among the throng
of a ship of war, as a man tabooed. Even Winchester respected his commander's abstraction, although he had a
serious request to make, which it is time to explain.
Andrea Barrofaldi and Vito Viti remained on board the
frigate, inmates of the cabin, and gradually becoming more
accustomed to their novel situation. They did not escape
the jokes of a man-of-war, but, on the whole, they were well
reated, and were tolerably satisfied; more especially as the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


331


hope of capturing le Feu-F.llet began to revive. As?. mat
ter of course, they were apprised of the condition of Aaoul,
and, both kind and benevolent men -in the main, they were
desirous of conversing with the prisoner, and of proving to
him that they bore no malice. Winchester was spoken to
on the subject, but before he granted the permission, he
thought it safest to consult the Captain in the matter. At
length an opportunity offered, Cuffe suddenly rousing himself, and giving an order in relation to the canvass the ship
was under.
" Here are the two Italian gentlemen, Captain Cuffe,"
observed Winchester, "desirous of speaking to the prisoner.
I did not think it right, sir, to let him have communication
with any one, without first ascertaining your pleasure."
" Poor fellow!-His time is getting very short, unless we
hear from Clinch; and there can be no harm in granting
him every indulgence. I have been thinking of this matter,
and do not possibly see how I can escape ordering the
execution, unless it be cr- ntermanded from Nelson himself."
"Certainly not, sir. But Mr. Clinch is an active and
experienced seaman, when he is in earnest; we may still
hope something froir him. What is to be dbne with the
Italians, sir?"
"Let them, or ly one else that poor Yvard is willing to
see, go below."
"Do you mean to include old Giuntotardi and his niece,
Captain Cuffe?- and this deserter of our own, Bolt, - he,
too, has had something to say of a wish to take leave of his
late shipmate?"
" We might be justified in denying the request of the
last, Mr. Winchester, but hardly of the others. Still, if Raoul
Yvard wishes to see even him, his desire may as well be
granted."
Thus authorized, Winchester no longer hesitated abou
granting the several permissions. An order was sent to
he sentinel, through the corporal of the guard, to allow any
-ne to enter the prisoner's room, whom the latter might wish
o receive. A ship was not like a prison on shore, escape
oeing next to impossible, more especially from a vessel at
sea. The parties accordingly received intimation that they





332


LE FEU--OLLET.


might visit the condemned man, should the latter be disposed
to receive them.
By this time, something like a general gloom had settled
on the ship. The actual state of things was known to all
on board, and few believed it possible that Clinch could reach
the Foudroyant, receive his orders, and be back in time to
prevent the execution. It wanted now but three houre of
sunset, ana the minutes appeared to fly, instead of dragging.
The human mind is so constituted, that uncertainty increases
most of its sensations;-the apprehension of death even,
very usually exciting a livelier emotion than its positive
approach. Thus it was with the officers and people of the
Proserpine: had there been no hope of escaping the execution, they would have made up their minds to submit to the
evil, as unavoidable; but the slight chance which did actually exist, created a feverish excitement that soon extended
to all hands; and this as completely as if a chase were in
sight, and each individual was bent on overtaking her. As
minute after minute flew by, the feeling increased, until it
would not much exceed the bounds of truth to say, that,
under none of the vicissitudes of war, did there ever exist so
feverish an hour, on board his Britannic Majesty's ship, the
Proserpine, as the very period of which we are now writing.
Eyes were constantly turned towards the sun, and several
of the young gentlemen collected on the forecastle, with no
other view than to be as near as possible to the head-land,
around which the boat of Clinch was expected to make her
re-appearance, as behind it she had last been seen.
The zephyr had come at the usual hour, but it was light,
and the ship was so close to the mountains, as to feel very
little of its force.  It was different with the two other
vessels. Lyon had gone about in time, to get clear of the
highest mountains, and his lofty sails took enough of the
breeze, to carry him out to sea, three or four hours before;
while the Terpsichore, under Sir Frederick Dashwood, had
never got near enough in with the land, to be becalmed at
all. Her head had been laid to the south-west, at'the first
appearance of the afternoon wind; and that frigate was now
hull-down to sea-ward-actually making a free wind of it,
as she shaped her course up between Ischia and Capri. As
for the Proserpine, when the bell struck three, in the first





JLE FEU-FOLLET.


333


dog-watch, she was just abeam of the celebiated little islets
of' the Sirens, the western breeze now beginning, to die
away, though, getting more of it, the ship was drawiny
ahead, faster than she had been since the turn of the (lay.
Three bells, in the first dog-watch, indicate the hour of
half-past five. At that season of the year, the sun sets a
few minutes past six. Of course, there remained but littlemore than half-an-hour, in which to execute the sentence of
the law. Cuffe had never quitted the deck, and he actually
started, when he heard the first sound of the clapper. Winchester turned, towards him, with an inquiring look;
for every thing had been previously arranged between
them; he received merely a significant gesture in return.
This, however, was sufficient. Certain orders were privately
issued. Then there appeared a stir among. the fore-topmen, and on the forecastle, where a rope was rove at the
fore-yard-arm, and a grating was rigged for a platform--
unerring signs of the approaching execution.
Accustomed as these hardy mariners were to brave dangers of all sorts, and to witness human suffering of nearly
every degree, a feeling of singular humanity had come over
the whole crew. Raoul. was their enemy, it is true, and he
had beep sincerely detested by all hands, eight-and-forty
hours before; but circumstances had entirely changed the
ancient animosity into a more generous and manly senti.
ment. In the first place, a successful and a triumphant
enemy was an object very different from a man in their
own power, and who lay entirely at their mercy. Then,
the personal appearance of the young privateersman was
unusually attractive, and altogether different from what it
had been previously represented, and that, too, by an active
rivalry, that was not, altogether free from bitterness. But
chiefly, was the generous sentiment awakened by the conviction that the master-passion, and none of the usual inducements of a spy, had brought their enemy into this
strait; and though clearly guilty, in a technical point of
view, that he was influenced by no pitiful wages, even alowing that he blended with the pursuit of his love, some of
he motives of his ordinary warfare. All these considera.
iions, coupled with the reluctance that seamen ever feel to
having an execution in their ship, had entirely turned the





334


LB  FiU-FOLLET.


tables; and there, where Raoul would have found so lately,
between two and three hundred active and formidable enemies, he might almost be said now to have as many sympathizing friends.
No wonder, then, that the preparations of the fre topmen were regarded with unfavourable eyes. The unseen
hand of authority, nevertheless, held all in restraint. Cuffo
himself did not dare to hesitate any longer. The necessary
orders were given, though with deep reluctance, and then
the captain went below, as if to hide himself from human
eyes.
The ten minutes that succeeded were minutes of intense
concern. All hands were called, the preparations had been
completed, and Winchester waited only for the re-appearance of Cuffe, to issue the order to have the prisoner placed
on the grating. A midshipman was sent into the cabin,
after which, the commanding officer came slowly, and with
a lingering step, upon the quarter-deck.  The crew was
assembled on the forecastle and in the waists; the marine
guard was under arms; the officers clustered around the
capstan; and a solemn, uneasy expectation, pervaded the
whole ship. The lightest foot-fall was audible. Andrea
and his friend stood apart, near the taffrail, but no one saw
Carlo Giuntotardi, or his niece.
" There is yet some five-and-twenty minutes of sun, I
should think, Mr. Winchester," observed Cuffe, feverishly
glancing his eye at.the western margin of the sea, towards
which the orb of day was slowly settling, gilding all that
side of the vault of heaven with the mellow lustre of the
hour and the latitude.
" Not more than twenty, I fear, sir," was the reluctant
anSWer.
" I should think five might suffice, at the worst; especially, if the men made a swift run."  This Nas said in a
half whisper, and thick, husky, tones, the Captain looking
anxiously at the lieutenant the while.
Winchester shrugged his shoulders, and turned away
unwilling to reply.
Cuffe now had a short consultation with the surgeon, the
object of which was to ascertain the minimum of time a man
might live suspended, by the neck at the yard-arm of a





LE FEU-FOLLET.


335


frigate. The result was not favourable; for a sign followea
to bring Ibrth the prisoner.
Raoul came on deck, in charge of the master-at-arms,
and the officer who had acted as prevost-martial. He was
clad in his clean white lazzarone garb, wearing the red
Phrygian cap already mentioned. Though his face was
pale, no man could detect any tremor in the well-turned,
muscles that his loose attire exoosed to view. He raised his
cap courteously to the groln of officers, and threw an understanding glance forward, at the fearful arrangement on
the fore-yard. That he was shocked, when the grating and
the rope met his eye, is unquestionable; but, rallying in an
instant, he smiled, bowed to Cuffe, and moved towards the
scene of his contemplated execution, firmly, but without the
smallest signs of bravado in his manner.
A death-like stillness prevailed, while the subordinates
adjusted the rope, and placed the condemned man on the
grating. Then the slack of the rope was drawn in, by
hand, and the men were ordered to lay hold of the instrument of death, and to stretch it along the deck.
" Stand by, my lads, to make a swift run, and a strong
jerk, at your first pull," said Winchester in a low voice, as
he passed down the line. "Rapidity is mercy, at such a
moment."
" Good God!" muttered Cuffe, " can the man die in this
manner, without a prayer; without even a glance towards
heaven, as if asking for mercy?"
"He is an unbeliever, I hear, sir," returned Griffin. " We
have offered him all the religious consolation we could; but
he seems to wish for none.'
"Hail the top-gallant yards once more, Mr. Winchester,"
said Cuffe, huskily.
"Fore-top-gallant yard, there!"
"Sir?"
"Any signs-of the boat-look well into the bay of Naples
-we are opening Campanella now sufficiently to give you
a good look up towards the head."
A pause of a minute succeeded. Then the look-out aloft.
shook his head in the negative, as if unwilling to speak.
Winchester glanced at Cuffe, who turned anxiously, mounted
u gun, and strained his eyes in a gaze to the northward.





336            LE FEU-FOLLET.
" All ready, sir," said the first-lieutenant, when another
iinute elapsed.
Cuffe was in the act of raising his hand, which would
have been the signal of death, when the dull, heavy report
of a distant gun, came booming down from the direction of
the town of Naples.
" Stand fast!" shouted Cuffe, fearful the men might get
the start of him. " Make your mates take their calls fiom
their mouths, sir. Two more guns, Winchester, and I am
the happiest man in Nelson's fleet!"
A second gun did come, just as these words were uttered:
then followed a breathless pause of half a minute, when a
third, smothered, but unequivocal report succeeded.
" It must be a salute, sir," Griffin uttered, inquiringly.
"The interval is too long. Listen! I hope to God, we
have had the last!"
Every ear in the ship listened intently, Cuffe holding his
watch in his hand. Two entire minutes passed, and no
fourth gun was heard. As second after second went by,
the expression of the captain's countenance changed, and
then he waved his hand in triumph.
" It's as it should be, gentlemen," he said. "Take the
prisoner below, Mr. Winchester. Unreeve the rope, and
send that d-  d grating off the gun. Mr. Strand, pipe
down the people."
Raoul was immediately led below. As he passed through,he after-hatch, all the officers on the quarter-deck bowed to
fim; and not a man was there in the ship, who did not feel
he happier for the reprieve.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


CHAPTER XXIII.
"He saw with his own eyes the moon was round,
Was also certain that the earth was square,
Because he'd journey'd fifty miles, and found
No sign that it was circular anywhere."
Don Juan.
RAOUL YVARD was indebted to a piece of forethought in
Clinch, for his life. But for the three guns, fired so qppor.
tunely from the Foudroyant, the execution could not have
been stayed; and but for a prudent care on the part of the
master's-mate, the guns would never have been fired. The
explanation is this: When Cuffe was giving his subordinate
v;tructions how to proceed, the possibility of detention struck,v, and he bethought him of some expedient by which
buurn an evil might be remedied. At his suggestion, then,
the signal of the guns was mentioned by the captain, in his
letter to the commander-in-chief, and its importance pointed
out.. When Clinch reached the fleet, Nelson was at Castel
a Mare, and it became necessary to follow him to that place
by land. Here Clinch found him in the palace of Qui-SiSane, in attendance on the court, and delivered his despatches. Nothing gave the British admiral greater pleasure, than to be able to show mercy; the instance to the
contrary already introduced, existing as an exception in his
private character and his public career; and it is possible
that an occurrence so recent, and so opposed to his habits,
may have induced him the more willingly now to submit to
his ordinary impulses, and to grant the respite asked, with
the greater promptitude.
"' Your captain tells me, here, sir," observed Nelson, after
he had read Cuffe's letter a second time, " little doubt exists
that Yvard was in the Bay on a love affair, and that his
purposes were not those of a spy, after all?"
" Such is the opinion aboard us, my lord," answered the
master's-mate. " There are an old man and a very charming young woman in his company, whom Captain Cuffe
29          22





Wdz            LE FEU-FOLLET.
says were in the cabin of this ship, on a visit to your lord.
ship, only a few days since."
Nelson started, and his face flushed. Then he seized a
pen, and, with the only hand he had, scratched a letter,
directing a reprieve until further orders. This he signed,
and handed to Clinch, saying, as he did so" Get into your boat, sir, and pull back to the frigate as
fast as possible; God forbid that any man suffer wrongfully!"
" I beg your pardon, my lord-but there is not time,
now, for me to reach the ship before the sun set. I have
a signal prepared in the boat, it is true; but the frigate may
not come round Campanella before the last moment, and
then all- these pains will be lost. Does not Captain Cuffe
speak of some guns to be fired from the flag-ship, my lord?"
" He does,, sir; and this may be the safest mode of communicating, after all. With this light westerly air, a gun
will be heard a long distance at sea. Take the ne
write as I dictate, sir."
Clinch seized the pen, which the admiral, who nflda ost
his right arm only a few years before, really felt unable to
use, and wrote as follows"Sir-Immediately on receipt of this, you will fire three
heavy guns, at intervals of half-a-minute, as a signal to the
Proserpine to suspend an execution.
" To the Commanding Officer of His Majesty's Ship
Foudroyant."
As soon as the magical words of "Nelson and Bront6"
were affixed to this order, with a date, Clinch rose to depart.
After he had made his bows, he stood with his hand on the
lock of the door, as if uncertain whether to prefer a request
or not.
" This is a matter of moment, sir, and no time is to be
lost," added Nelson. " I feel great anxiety about it, and
wish you to desire Captain Cuffe to send you back with a
report of all that has passed, as soon as convenient."
" I will report your wishes, my lord," answered Clinch,
brightening up; for he only wanted an opportunity to speak
of his own promotion, and this was now offered in per




LE FEU-FOLLET.


339


plective. " May I tell the commanding officer of the flag
ship to use the lower-deck guns, my lord?"
"i He will do that of his own accord, after reading those
orders - heavy guns, mean the heaviest. Good-afternoon,
sir; for God's sake, lose no time."
Clinch obeyed this injunction to the letter. He reached
the Foudroyant, some time before sunset, and immediately
placed the order in her captain's hands. A few words of
explanation set everything in motion, and the three guns
were fired on the side of the ship towards Capri, most
opportunely for our hero.
The half-hour that succeeded, on board the Proserpine,
was one of gaiety and merriment. Every person was glad
that the ship had escaped an execution; and then, it was
the hour for piping down the hammocks, and for shifting
the dog-watches. Cuffe recovered all his animation, and
conversed cheerfully, having Griffin for an interpreter, with
his two Italian guests. These'last had been prevented from
paying their visit to the prisoner, on account of the latter's
wish to be alone; but the intention was now renewed; and
sending below, to ascertain if it would be agreeable, they
proceeded together on their friendly mission. As the two
worthies, who had not altogether got their sea-legs, slowly
descended the ladder, and threaded their way among the
throng of a ship, the discourse did not flag between them.
" Cospetto!" exclaimed the podesta; " Signor Andrea,
we live in a world of wonders! A man can hardly say
whether he is actually alive, or not. To think how near
this false Sir Smees was to death, half an hour since; and,
now, doubtless he is as much alive, and as merry as any
of us F
" It would be more useful, friend Vito Viti," answered the
philosophical vice-governatore, "to remember how near
those who live are always to death, who has only to open
his gates, to cause the strongest and fairest to pass at once
nto the tombs."
" By San Stefano, but you have a way with you, vicegovernatore, that would become a cardinal  It's a thou
sand pities the church was robbed of such a support; though
I do think, Signor Andrea, if your mind would dwell less on
mrother state of being, it would be more cheerful; and I





340


LE FEU-FOL LET.


may ~s y more cheering to those with whom you discourse.
There are evils, enough, in this life, without thinking so
much of death."
" There are philosophers who pretend, good Vito, that
nothing that we see around us actually has an existence.
That we fancy everything: fancy that this is a sea called
the Mediterranean; fancy this is a ship - yonder is the
and; fancy that we live; and even fancy death."
" Corpo di Bacco! Signor Andrea," exclaimed the other,
stopping short at the foot of the ladder, and seizing his companion by a button, afraid he.would desert him in the midst
of a strange delusion, " you would not trifle in such a matter
with an old friend - one who has known you from childhood? Fancy that I am alive!"
" Si- I have told you only the truth. The imagination
is very strong, and may easily give the semblance of reality
to unreal things."
"And that I am not a podesta in fact, but one only in
fancy!"
" Just so, friend Vito; and that I am only a vice-governatore, too, in the imagination."
" And that Elba is not a real island, or Porto Ferrajo a
real town, and that even all our iron, of which we seem to
send so much about the world, in good,.wholesome ships, is
only a sort of ghost of solid substantial metal!"
" Si--si-that everything which appears to be material,
is, in fact, imaginary; iron, gold, or flesh."
" And then I am not Vito Viti, but an impostor? What
a rascally philosophy is this! Why, both of us are as bad
as this Sir Smees, if what you say be true, vice-governatore
-or make-believe vice-governatore."
" Not an impostor, friend Vito; for there is no real being
of thy name, if thou art not he."
' "Diavolo! A pretty theory this, which would teach the
young people of Elba that there is no actual podesta in the
island, but only a poor miserable sham one; and no Vito
Viti on earth. If they get to think this, God help the place
us to order and sobriety."
" I do not think, neighbour, that you fully understand the
matter, which may be owing to a want of clearness on my
Oart; but as we are now on our way to visit an unfortunate





LE FEU-FOLLET.


341


prisoner, we may as well postpone the discussion to another
time. There are many leisure moments on board a ship, to
the language of which one is a stranger, that might be usefully and agreeably relieved by going into the subject more
at large."
" Your pardon, Signor Andrea;-but there is no time like
the present. Then, if the theory be true, there is no prisoner at all-or, at the most, an imaginary one-and it can
do Sir Smees no harm to wait; while, on the other hand, I
shall not have a moment's peace, until I learn whether there
is such a man as Vito Viti, or not, and whether I am he."
"Brother Vito, thou art impatient; these things are not
learned in a moment; moreover, every system has a beginning and an end, like a book; and who would ever become
learned, that should attempt to read a treatise backward?"
" I know what is due to you, Signor Andrea, both on
account of your higher rank, and on account of your greater
wisdom, and will say no more at present; though to keep
from thinking on a philosophy that teaches I am not a
podesta, or you a vice-governatore, is more than flesh and
blood can bear."
Andrea Barrofaldi, glad that his companion was momentarily appeased, now proceeded towards Raoul's little prison,
and was immediately admitted by the sentry, who had his
orders to that effect. The prisoner received his guests
courteously and cheerfully; for we are far from wishing to
represent him as so heroic as not to rejoice exceedingly at
having escaped death by hanging, even though it might
prove to be a respite, rather than a pardon. At such a
moment, the young man could have excused a much more
offensive intrusion, and the sudden change in his prospects
disposed him a little to be jocular; for truth compels us to
add, that gratitude to God entered but little into his emotions. The escape from death, like his capture, and the
other incidents of his cruise, were viewed simply as the
results of the fortune of war.
Winchester had directed that Raoul's state-room should
be supplied with every little convenience that his situation
required, and, among other things, it had two common
ship's stools. One of these was given to each of the Itaians, while the prisoner took a seat on the gun-tackle of one
29 *





342           LE FE-U-FOLLET.
of the two guns that formed the sides of his apartment. It
was now night, and a mist had gathered over the arch above,
which hid the stars, and rendered it quite dark. Still,
Raoul had neither lamp, nor candles; and, though they had
hken offered him, he declined their use, as he had found
stranger eyes occasionally peeping through the openings in
the canvass, with the idle curiosity of the vulgar, to ascertain the appearance and employments of one condemned to
die. He had experienced a good deal of annoyance from
this feeling, the previous night; and the same desire existing
to see how a criminal could bear a respite, he had determined to pass his,evening in obscurity. There was a
lantern, or two, however, on the gun-deck, which threw a
dim light, even beyond the limits of the canvass bulk-heads.
As has been said already, these bulk-heads extended from
gun to gun, so as to admit light and air from 'the ports.
This brought the tackles, on one side, into the room; and
on one of these Raoul now took his seat.
Andrea Barrofaldi, from his superior condition in life, as
well as from his better education, and nicer natural tact, far
surpassed his companion in courtesy of demeanour. The
latter would have plunged in medias res at once,-but the
vice-governatore commenced a conversation on general
matters, intending to offer his congratulations for the recent
respite, when he conceived that a suitable occasion should
offer. This was an unfortunate delay in one respect; for
Vito Viti no sooner found that the main object of the visit
was to be postponed, than he turned with eagerness to the
subject in discussion, which had been interrupted in order to
enter the state-room.
"Here has the vice-governatore come forward with a
theory, Sir Smees," he commenced, the moment a pause in
the discourse left him an opening-" here has the vcegovernatore come forward with a theory, that I ins-ist the
church would call damnable, and at which humal naiture
revolts-"
" Nay, good Vito, thou dost not state the case fairly,"
interrupted Andrea, whose spirit was a little aroused at so
abrupt an assault. " The theory is not mine; it is that of
a certain English philosopher, in particular who, let it be
said, too, was a bishop."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


343


" A Lutheran!-was it not so, honourable Signor An
drea?-a bishop so called?"
"Why, to confess the truth, he was a heretic, and not
to be considered as an apostle of the true church."
"Ay -I would have sworn to that. No true son of
the church would ever broach such a doctrine.  Only
fancy, signori, the number of imaginary fires, tongues, and
other instruments of torture that would become necessary
to carry on punishment under such a system! To be consistent, even the devils ought to be imaginary."
"Comment, signori!" exclaimed Raoul, smiling, and
arousing to a sudden interest in the discourse; " did any
English bishop ever broach such a doctrine? Imaginary
devils, and imaginary places of punishment, are coming near
to our revolutionary France! After this, I hope our much
abused philosophy will meet with more respect."
"My neighbour has not understood the theory of which
he speaks," answered Andrea, too good a churchman not to
feel uneasiness at the direction things were taking; " and so,
worthy Vito Viti, I feel the necessity of explaining the whole
matter, at some length. Sir Smees," so the Italians called
Raoul, out of courtesy, still, it being awkward for them,
after all that had passed, to address him by his real name"Sir Smees will excuse us, for a few minutes; perhaps it
may serve to amuse him, to hear to what a flight the imagination of a subtle-minded man can soar."
Raoul civilly expressed the satisfaction it would give him
to listen, and stretching himself on the gun-tackle, in order
to be more at ease, he leaned back with his head fairly within
the port, while his feet were braced against the inner truck
of the gun-carriage. This threw him into a somewhat recumbent attitude, but it being understood as intended to
render what was but an inconvenient seat at the best, tolerably comfortable, no one thought it improper.
It is unnecessary for us to repeat, here, all that Andrea
Barrofaldi thought proper to say, in his own justification, and
in explanation of the celebrated theory of Bishop Berkely.
Such a task was not performed in a minute; and, in truth,
prolixity, whenever he got upon a favourite theme, was apt
to be one of the vice-governatore's weaknesses. He was far
f'om acquiescing in the doctrine, though he annoyed his old





344


LE FEU-FOLLET.


neighbour exceedingly, by presenting the subject in such a
way as to render it respectable in appearance, if not conclusive in argument. To the latter, it was peculiarly unpleasant
to imagine, even for the sake of argument, that there was no
such island as Elba, and that he was not its podesti; and
all his personal and egotistical propensities came in aid
of his official reluctance, to disgust him thoroughly with a
theory that he did not hesitate to say, " was an outrage on
every honest man's nature."
"There are fellows in the world, Signor Andrea," the
straight-forward podesta urged, in continuation of his objections, " who might be glad enough to find everything imaginary, as you say-chaps that cannot sleep of nights, for bad
consciences, and to whom it would be a great blessing if the
earth would throw them overboard, as they say in this ship,
and let them fall into the great ocean of oblivion. But they
are baroni in grain, and ought not to pass for anything
material, among honest people. I've known several of those
rogues at Livorno, and, I dare say, Napoli is not altogether
without them; but that is a very different matter from telling
a handsome and virtuous young maiden, that her beauty
and modesty are both seeming; and respectable magistrates,
that they are as great impostors as the very rogues they
send to the.prisons; or, perhaps, to the galleys."
To speeches like these, Andrea opposed his explanations
and his philosophy, until the discussion became animated,
and the dialogue loud. It is rather a peculiarity of Italy,
that one of the softest languages of Christendom is frequently
rendered harsh and unpleasant, by the mode of using it. On
this occasion, certainly, the animation of the disputants did
not mitigate the evil. Griffin happened to pass the spot, on
the outside of the canvass, just at this moment, and, catching some of the words, he stopped to listen. His smiles and
translations soon collected a group of officers, and the sentry
'espectfully dropping a little on one side, the deck around
the state-room of the prisoner became a sort of parquet to
a very amusing representation. Several of the young gen
lemen understood a little Italian, and Griffin translating
rapidly, though in an under-tone, the whole affair was deemed
to be particularly diverting.
"This is a rum way of consoling a man who is con





LE FEU-FOLLET


345


demned'to die," muttered the master; " I wonder the French
man stands all their nonsense."
"!" rejoined the marine officer, " drill will do anything.
These Revolutionists are so drilled into hypocrisy, that, 1.
dare say, thie fellow is grinning, the whole time, as if perfectly delighted."
Raoul, in fact, listened with no little, amusement. At
first, his voice was occasionally heard in the discussion,
evidently aiming at exciting the disputants; but the warmth
of the latter soon silenced him, and he was fain to do nothing
but listen. Shortly after the discussion got to be warm,
and just as Griffin was collecting his.group, the prisoner
stretched himself still fuither into the port, to enjoy the coolness of the evening breeze, when, to his surprise, a hand
was laid gently on his forehead.
" Hush!" whispered a voice close to his ear, " it is the
American-Ithuel-be cool;-now is the moment to pull
for life."
Raoul had too much self-command to betray his astonishment, but, in an instant, every faculty he possessed was on
the alert. Ithuel, he knew, was a man -for exigencies.
Experience had taught him a profound respect for his enter.
prise and daring, when it became necessary to act. Some.
thing must certainly be in the wind, worthy of his attention,
or this cautious person would not have exposed himself in a
situation which would be sure to lead to punishment, if detected. Ithuel was seated astride of one of the chains,
beneath the main-channel of the ship, a position which might
be maintained without detection, possibly, so long as it continued dark; but which, in itself, if seen, would have been
taken as.a proof of an evil intention.
"What would you have, EtooelleP' whispered Raoul,
who perceived that his companions were too much occupied
to observe his movements, or to hear his words.
"( The Eyetalian, and his niece, are about to go ashore
Everything is ready and understood. I've consaited you
might pass out of the port, in the dark, and escape in the
ooat. Keep quiet-we shall see."
Raoul understood his respite to be a thing of doubtful
ermination. Under the most favourable results, an English
orison remained in perspective, and then the other side of





346


LE FEU-FOLLET.


the picture offered the image of Ghita to his eye! He was
in a tumult of feeling, but, accustomed to self-command, still
no exclamation escaped him.
" When-cher Etooelle? when?" he asked, his whisper
being tremulous, in spite of every effort to command himself.
" Now-too-d.er-sweet-(tout-de-suite)-the boat is at the
gangway, and old Giuntotardi is in her-they are rigging a
chair for the gal.-Ay--there she swings off!-don't you
hear the call?"
Raoul did hear the whistle of the boatswain, which was
piping " lower away," at that very moment. He listened
intently, as "he lay stretched upon the gun-tackles; and then
he heard the splash in the water, as the boat was hauled
closer to, in order to be brought beneath the chair. The
rattling of oars, too, was audible, as Ghita left the seat, and
moved aft. " Round in," called out the officer of the deck;
after which Carlo Giuntotardi was left in quiet possession of
his own boat.
The moment was exceedingly critical. Some one, in all
probability, was watching the boat from the deck;. and,
though the night was dark, it required the utmost caution to
proceed with any hopes of success. At this instant, Ithuel
again whispered" The time's near. Old Carlo has his orders, and little
Ghita is alive to see them obeyed. All now depends on
silence and activity. In less than five minutes, the boat will
be under the port."
Raoul understood the plan; but, it struck him as hopeless. It seemed impossible that Ghita could be permitted to
quit the ship, without a hundred eyes watching her movements; and though it was dark, it was far from being sufficiently so, to suppose it practicable for any one to join her
and not be seen. Yet this risk must be taken, or escape
was out of the question. An order given through the
trumpet, was encouraging; it announced that the officer of
the watch was employed at some duty that must draw his
tttention another way. This was a great deal; few pre.
suming to look aside, while this functionary was invning
their attention in another direction.
Raoul's brain was in a whirl  The two Italians were at





LE FEU-FOLLET.


347


Lhe height of their discussion; and fortunately, the clamour
they made was at the loudest. Even the suppressed laughter
of the officers on the outside of the canvass, was audible to
him; though the disputants could hear nothing but their
own voices. Every knock of the boat against the ship's
side, every sound of the oars, as Carlo's foot rattled them
about, and the wash of the water, were audible. It seemed
as if all the interests of life-the futurej the past, and the
present, together with the emotions of his whole heart, were
compressed into that single instant. Ignorant of what was
expected, he asked Ithuel, in French, the course he ought to
take.
"Amn I to fall, head-foremost, into the water? What
would you have of me?" he whispered.
" Lie quiet, till I tell you to move. I'll make the signal,
Captain Rule; let the Eyetalians blaze away."
Raoul could not see the water, as he lay with his head
fairly in the port; and he had to trust entirely to the single
sense of hearing. Knock, knock, knock; the boat dropped
slowly along the ship's side, as if preparing to shove off.
All this, Carlo Giuntotardi managed exceedingly well. When
he lay immediately beneath the main-channels, it would not
have been an easy thing to see his boat, even had there
been any one on the look-out. Here he held on; for he
was not so lost to external things, as not fully to understand
what was expected of him. Perhaps he was less attended
to, by those on deck, from the circumstance that no one
believed him capable of so much worldly care.
" Is everything safe for a movement, inboard?" whispered Ithuel.
Raoul raised his head and looked about him. That a
group was collected around the state-room, he understood
by the movements, the low conversation, and the suppressed
laughter; still, no one seemed to be paying any attention to
himself. As he had not spoken for some time, however, he
thought it might be well to let his voice be heard; and,
taking care that it should sound well within the port, he
made one of the light objections to the vice-governatore's
theory, that he had urged at the commencement of the controversy. This was little heeded, as he expected; but it.erved to make thos;e without know that he was in his prison,





348


LE FEU-FOLLET.


and might prevent an untimely discovery. Everything,.lse
seemed propitious; and laying down again, at his length,
his face came within a few inches of Ithuel's.
"All safe," he whispered, " what would you have me
do?"
" Nothing, but shove yourself ahead carefully, by means
of your feet."
This Raoul did; at first, as it might be, inch by inch,
until Ithuel put the end of a rope into his hands, telling him
it was well fast to the channel above. The rope rendered
the rest easy; the only danger now being of too much precipitation. Nothing would have been easier, than for Raoul
to drag his body out at the port, and to drop into the boat;
but, to escape, it was still necessary to avoid observation.
The ship was quite half-a-league from the point of Campanella, and directly abreast of it; and there was no security
to the fugitives unless they got some distance the start of
any pursuers. This consideration induced the utmost caution on the part of Ithuel; nor was it entirely lost on his
friend.  By this time, however, Raoul found he was so.
completely master of his movements, as to be able to swing
his legs out of the port, by a very trifling effort; then the
descent into the boat would be the easiest thing imaginable.
But a pressure from the hand of Ithuel checked him.
" Wait a little," whispered the latter, " till the Eyetalians
are at it, cat and dog fashion."
The discussion was now so loud and warm, that it was
not necessary to lose much time. Ithuel gave the signal,
and Raoul dragged his head and shoulders up by his arms,
while he placed his feet against the gun; the next moment
he was hanging perpendicularly, beneath the main-chains.
To drop lightly and noiselessly into the boat, took but a
second. When his feet touched a thwart, he found that the
American was there before him. The latter dragged him
down to his side, and the two lay concealed in the bottom
of the yawl, with a cloak of Ghita's thrown over their persons. Carlo Giuntotardi was accustomed to the manage.
ment of a craft like that in which he now found himself;
simply releasing his boat-hook from one of the chains, the
ship passed slowly ahead, leaving him, in about a minute
fairly in her wake, a hundred feet astern.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


349


So far, everything had succeeded surprisingly. The night
was. so dark, as to embolden the two fugitives now to rise,
and to take their seats on the thwarts; though all this was
done with exceeding caution, and without the least noise.
The oars were soon out, Carlo took the tiller, and a feeling
of exultation glowed at the heart of Raoul, as he bent to his
ashen implement, and felt the boat quiver with the impulse.
" Take it coolly, Captain Rule," said Ithuel, in a low
voice; "it's a long pull, and we are still within ear-shot of
the frigate. In five minutes more we shall be dropped so
far, as to be beyond sight; then we may pull directly out
to sea, if we wish."
Just then the bell of the Proserpine struck four; the signal
it was eight o'clock. Immediately after, the watch was
called, and a stir succeeded in the ship.
" They only turn the hands up," said Raoul, who perceived
that his companiofi paused, like one uneasy.
"That is an uncommon movement for shifting the watch!
What is that?"
It was clearly the overhauling of tackles; the plash of a
boat, as it struck the water, followed.
CHAPTER XXIV.
"Our dangers, and delights, are near allies
"From the same stem the rose and prickle rise."
ALLEYN.
IT has been seen that a generous sympathy had taken
place of hostile feeling, as respects Raoul, in the minds or
most on board the Proserpine. Under the influence of this
sentiment, an order had been passed through the sentries
not to molest their prisoner, by too frequent or unnecessary
an examination of the state-room. With a view to a proper
regard to both delicacy and watchfulness, however, Win.
chester had directed that the angle of the canvass nearest
the cabin-door lantern, should be opened a few inches, and
that the sentinel should look in, every half-hour; or as often
30





350


LE FEU-FOLLET.


as the ship's bell told the progress of time. The object
was simply to be certain that the prisoner was in his room,
and that he was making no attempt on his own life; a step
that had been particularly apprehended previously to the
respite. Now, the whole of the dispute between the two
Italians, and that which had passed beneath the ship's channels, did not occupy but six or seven minutes; and the
little cluster of officers was still gaining recruits, when
Raoul was fairly in the yawl of his own lugger. At this
moment the ship's bell struck the hour of half-past seven.
The marine advanced, with the respect of a subordinate,
but with the steadiness of a man on post, to examine the
state-room. Although the gentlemen believed this caution
unnecessary, the loud voices of Andrea and Vito Viti being
of themselves a sort of guarantee that the prisoner was in
his cage, they gave way to a man, fully understanding that
a sentinel was never to be resisted. The canvass was opened
a few inches, the light of the lantern at the cabin-door shot
in, and there sat the vice-governatore and the podesta, gesticulating, and staring into each other's face, still in hot
dispute;-but the place of Raoul Yvard was empty!
Yelverton happened to look into the room with the sen
tmel. He was a young man of strong powers of percep.
tion, with all the phrenological bumps that are necessary to
the character, and he saw, at a glance, that the bird had
flown. The first impression was, that the prisoner had
thrown himself into the sea, and he rushed on deck, without
speaking to those around him, made a hurried statement to
the officer of the deck, and had a quarter-boat in the water
in a surprisingly short time. His astonished companions
below, were less precipitate, though the material fact was
soon known to them. Griffin gave a hasty order, and the
canvass bulk-head came down, as it might be, at a single
jerk, leaving the two disputants in full view, utterly uncon.
scious of the escape of their late companion, sputtering and
gesticulating, furiously.
" Halloo! vice-governatore," cried Griffin, abruptly, for
he saw that the moment was not one for ceremony; "what
have you done with the Frenchman? - where is Raoul
Yvard?"
" II Signor, Sir Smees? Monsieur Yvard, if you wlill





LE FEU-FOLLET.


351


Neighbour Vito, what, indeed, has become of the man whu
so lately sat there?"
( Cospetto!-according to your doctrine, Signor Andrea,
there never was a man there at all-only the imagination of
one; it is not surprising that such a being should be missed.
But, I protest against any inferences being drawn from this
accident. All Frenchmen are flighty and easily carried
away, and now that they are no longer ballasted by reli.
gion, they are so many moral feathers.  No, no--let a
man of respectable information, of sound principles, and
a love for the saints, with a good, substantial body, like
myself, vanish only once, and then I may confess, it will tell
in favour of your- logic, vice-goveirnatore."
"An obstinate man, neighbour Vito, is a type of the imperfections that a-"
"Your pardon, Signor Barrofaldi,"-interrupted Griffin"this is not a moment for philosophical theories, but for us
seamen to do our duty. What has become of Raoul Yvard
-your Sir Smees?"
" Signor Tenente, as I hope to be saved, I have not the
smallest idea! There he was, a minute or two since,seated
by that cannon, apparently an attentive and much edified
auditor of a discussion we were holding on the celebrated
theory of a certain bishop of your own country; which
theory, rightly considered-mind I say rightly considered,
neighbour Vito; for the view you have taken of this matter
is-'
" Enough of this, for the present, Signori''-added Griffin.
'' The Frenchman was in this place when you came here?"
" He was, Signor Tenente, and seemed greatly to enjoy
the discussion in which-"
"And you have not seen him quit you-through the canvass, or the port?"
" Not I, on my honour,--I did suppose him -too much
entertained to leave us."
" Ah! Sir Smees has just vanished into the imagination,"
growled the podesta, "which is going home to the great
'ogical family of which he is an ideal member! There
being no lugger, no corsair, no sea, and no frigate, it seems
to me that we are all making a stir about nothing."
Griffin did not stop to question farther. He was quickly





352


LE FEU-FOLLET.


on deck, where he found Cuffe, who had just been brought
out of his cabin by a hurried report.
" What the d--l is the meaning of all this, gentlemen?'
demanded the latter, in that tone which a commander so
naturally assumes when things go wrong. " Whoever has
suffered the prisoner to escape may expect to hear from the
Admiral directly, on the subject."
"He is not in his state-room, sir," answered Griffin, " and
I directed the boatswain to pipe away all the boats'-crews
as I came up the ladder."
As this was said, boat after boat was falling, and, in two
or three minutes, no less than five were in the water, including that in which Yelverton was already rowing round the
ship to catch the presumed swimmer, or drowning man.
" The Frenchman is gone, sir," said Winchester, "and he
must have passed out of the port. I have sent one of the
gentlemen to examine if he is not stowed away about the
chains."
" Where is the boat of the old Italian and his niece?"
A pause succeeded this question, and light broke in upon
all at the same instant.
"That yawl was alongside," cried Griffin,-" no one
was in her, however, but Giuntotardi and the girl"
" Beg your pardon, sir," said a young fore-top-man, who
had just descended the rigging,-" I saw the boat from aloft
sir, and it hung some time, sir, under the starboard mainchains.-It is so dark I couldn't fairly make it out; but
summat seemed to be passed into it, from a port. I didn't
like the look of the thing, and so our captain just told me to
come on deck and report it, sir."
"Send Ithuel Bolt here, Mr. Winchester-bear a haud.
sir, and let us have a look at that gentleman."
It is needless to say that the call was unanswered;. and
then all on board began to understand the mode of the
escape. Officers rushed into the several boats, and no less
tman five different parties commenced the pursuit. At the
same time the ship hoisted a lantern, as a signal for the boats
to rally to.
It has been said that the Proserpine, when this incident
occurred, was off the point of the Campanella, distant about
half a marine league. The wind was light at east, or was what





LE FEU-FOLLET


353


is called the land breeze, and the vessel had about. hree
knots way on her. The head-land was nearly abeam, and
she was looking up through the pass which separates Capri
from the main, hauling round into the Bay of Naples; in.
tending to anchor in the berth she had left the previous day.
The night was too dark to permit an object small as a boat
to be seen at any distance, but the black mass of Capri was
plainly visible in its outlines, towering into the air near two
thousand feet; while the formation of the coast on the other
side, might be traced with tolerable certainty and distinctness. Such was- the state of things when the five boats
mentioned quitted the ship.
Yelverton had acted as if a man were overboard; or, he
had not waited for orders. While pulling round the ship
alone, he caught sight, though very dimly, of the yawl, as
it moved in towards the land, and without communicating
with any on board, the truth flashed on his mind also, and
he gave chase. When the other boats were ready, the two
that were on the outside of the ship pulled off to seaward a
short distance, to look about them in that direction; while
the two others, hearing the oars of the light gig, in which
Yelverton was glancing ahead, followed the sound, under
the impression that they were in pursuit of the yawl. Such
was the state of things at the commencement of an exceedingly vigorous and hot pursuit.
As Raoul and Ithuel had been at work, while time was
lost in doubt in and around the ship, they had got about
three hundred yards the start of even Yelverton. Their
boat pulled unusually well, and being intended for only two
oars, it might be deemed full manned, with two as vigorous
hands in it as those it had. Still it was not a match for the
second gig, and the four chosen men who composed its crew,
which was the boat taken by Yelverton, in the hurry of the
moment. In a pull of a mile and a half, the yawl was certain to be overtaken, and the practised ears of Raoul soon
assured him of the fact. His own oars were muffled. He
determined to profit by the circumstance, and turn aside, in
the hope that his fleet pursuers would pass him unseen. A
3heer was accordingly given to the boat, and instead of pulling directly towards the land, the fugitives inclined to the
westward; the sea appearing the most obscure in that
30 *         23





354


LE FEU-FOLLET.


direction, on account of the proximity of Capri. This arti
fice was completely successful. Yelverton was so eager in
the chase, that he kept his eyes riveted before him, fancying, from time to time, that he saw the boat ahead, and he
passed within a hundred and fifty yards of the yawl, without
in the least suspecting her vicinity. Raoul and Ithuel ceased
rowing, to permit this exchange of position, and the former
had a few sarcastic remarks on the stupidity of his enemies,
as some relief to the feelings of the moment. None of the
English had muffled oars. On the contrary, the sounds of the
regular man-of-war jerks were quite audible in every direction; but so familiar were they to the ears of the Proserpines,
that the crews of the two boats that came next after Yelverton, actually followed the sounds of his oars, under the
belief that they were in the wake of the fugitives. In this
manner, then, Raoul suffered three of the five boats to pass
ahead of him. The remaining two were so distant as not
to be heard, and when those in advance were sufficiently in
advance, he and Ithuel followed them, with a leisurely stroke,
reserving themselves for any emergency that might occur.
It was a fair race between the gig and the two cutters
that pursued her. The last had the sounds of the former's
oars in the ears of their crews to urge them to exertion; it
being supposed they came from the strokes of the pursued,
while Yelverton was burning with the desire to outstrip
those who followed, and to secure the prize for himself.
This made easy work for those in the yawl, which was soon
left more than a cable's-length astern.
"One would think, Ghita," said Raoul, laughing, though
he had the precaution to speak in an under-tone-" one
would think that your old friends, the vice-governatore and
the podesta, commanded the boats in-shore of us, were it not
known that they are this very moment quarrelling about the
fact, whether there is such a place as Elba on this great
planet of ours, or not."
" Ah I Raoul, remember the last dreadful eight-and-forty
hours! do not stop to trifle, until we are once more fairly
beyond the power of your enemies."
" Peste!-I shall be obliged to own, hereafter, that there
is some generosity in an Englishman. I cannot deny their
treatment, and yet I had rather it had been more ferocious."





LE FEU-FOLLET.                  tD
( This is an unkind feeling; you should strive to tear ii
from yc'ir heart."
" It's a great deal to allow to an Englishman, Captain
Rule, to allow him gineros'ty," interrupted Ithuel. "They're
a fierce race, and fatten on mortal misery.".' Mais, bon Etooelle, your back has escaped this time;
you ought to be thankful."
" They 're short-handed, and didn't like to cripple a top.
man," answered he of the Granite state, unwilling to con
cede anything to liberal or just sentiments. " Had the
ship's complement been full, they wouldn't have left as
much skin on my back as would cover the smallest-sized
pin-cushion. I owe-'em no thanks, therefore."
"Bien;'quant a moi, I shall speak well of the bridge
*which carries me over," said Raoul. "Monsieur Cuffe has
given me good food, good wine, good words, a good stateroom, a good bed, and a most timely reprieve."
"Is not your heart grateful to God for the last, dear
Raoul?" asked Ghita, in a voice so gentle and tender, that
the young man could have bowed down and worshipped her.
After a pause, however, he answered, as if intentionally
to avoid the question by levity.
"I forgot the philosophy, too," he said. That was no
small part of the good cheer. Ciel! it was worth some risk
to have the advantage of attending such a school. Did you
understand the matter in dispute between the two Italians,
brave Etooelle?"
" I heerd their Eye-talian jabber," answered Ithupel; "but
supposed it was all about saints' days, and eating fish. No
reasonable man makes so much noise when he is talking
sense."
" Pardie-it was philosophy! They laugh at us French
Cor living by the rules of reason, rather than those ofpreju.
dice; and then to hear what they call philosophy! You
would scareQ think it, Ghita," continued Raoul, who was
now light of heart, and full of the stene he had so recently
witnessed-" you would hardly think it, Ghita, but Signor
Andrea, sensible and learned as he is, mairtained that it
was not folly to believe in a philosophy which teaches that
nothing we see or do actually exists, but that everything
was mere seeming. In short, that we live in an imaginary





355()         eLE FEU-FOLLET.
world, with imaginary people in it; float on an imaginary
sea, and cruise in imaginary ships."
" And was all that noise about an idee, Captain Rule?"
" Si-but men will quarrel about an idea-an imaginary
thing, Etooelle, as stoutly as about substantials.  Hist!
They will chase imaginary things, too, as are the boats
ahead of us. at this moment."
" There are others following us," observed Carlo Giunto
tardi, who was more alive to surrounding objects than common; and who, from his habitual silence, often heard that
which escaped the senses of others. " I have noticed the
sound of their oars some time."
This produced a pause, and even a cessation in the rowing, in order that the two seamen might listen. Sure
enough, the sound of oars was audible outside, as well as
in-shore, leaving no doubt that some pursuers were still
behind them. This was bringing the fugitives between two
fires, as it might be; and Ithuel. proposed pulling off at right
angles to the course again, in order to get into the rear of
the whole party. But to this, Raoul objected. He thought
the boats astern were still so distant as to enable them to
reach the shore in time to escape. Once on the rocks,
there could be little danger of being overtaken in the darkness. Still, as it was a first object with Raoul to rejoin his
lugger as soon as possible, after landing Ghita, he did not
wish to place his boat in any situation of much risk. This
induced some deliberation; and it was fina'ly determined to
take a middle course, by steering into the pas-s between
Capri and Campanella, in the expectation that, when the
leading English boats reached the point of the latter, they
would abandon the pursuit as hopeless, and return to the
ship.
c" We can land you, dearest Ghita, at the Marina Grande
oi Sorrento; then your walk to St. Agata will be neither
o.ng nor painful."
"Do not mind me,'Raoul; put me on the land at the
nearest place, and go you to your vessel. God has relieved
you from this great jeopardy, and your duty is to strive to
act as it is evident he intends you to do. As for me, leagues
will be light, if I can only be satisfied that. thou art in
safety."





LE FEU-FOLLET.


35)


" Angel! -- Thou never thinkest of self! But not a foot
this side of Sorrento will I quit thee. We can pull thither
in an hour or two; then I shall feel that I have done a duty.
Once ashore, Etooelle and I can set our little sail, and will
run out to sea between the two islands. No fear but what
we can do that, with this land breeze; after which, a few
rockets burned, will tell us where to find le Feu-Follet."
Ghita again remonstrated, but in vain. Raoui persisted
and she was obliged to submit. The conversation now
ceased; the'two men plying the oars diligently, and to good
effect. Occasionally they ceased, and listened to the sounds
of the oars in the frigate's boats, all which were evidently
collecting in the vicinity of the point or cape. By this time,.
the yawl had the extremity of the land abeam, and it soon
passed so far into the Bay, as to bring most, if not all, of
the pursuers astern. In the darkness, with no other guide
than the sounds mentioned, and with so many pursuers,
there was some uncertainty, of course, as to the position of
all the boats; but there was little doubt that most of them
were now somewhere in the immediate vicinity of Campanella. As Raoul gave this point a good berth, and his own
progress was noiseless, this was bringing himself and companions, after their recent dangers, into comparative
security.
More than an hour of steady rowing followed, during
which time the yawl was making swift way towards the
Marina Grande of Sorrento. After passing Massa, Raoul
felt no further uneasiness, and he requested Carlo Giunto
tardi to sheer in towards the land, where less resistance from
the breeze was met with, and where it was also easier to
know the precise position. Apprehension of the boats now
ceased, though Ithuel fancied, from time to time, that he
heani smothered sounds, like those of oars imperfectly muffled. Raoul laughed at his conceits and apprehensions, and,
to confess the truth, he became negligent of his duty, again,
in the soothing delight of finding himself, once more, free, in
ll but heart, in the company of Ghita. In this manner
the yawl moved ahead, though with materially diminished
speed, until, by the formation of the heights, and the appear.
nrce of the lamps and candles on the piano, Ghita knev





358


LE FEU-FOLLET.


that they wvere drawing quite near to the indentation of the
coast on which is situate the town of Sorrento.
"As soon as my uncle and myself have landed at the
Marina Grande, Raoul," said Ghita, " thou and the Ameri.
can will be certain to seek thy lugger; then thou promisest
to quit the coast?"
-' Why ask promises of one that thou dost not sufficiently
respect to think he will.keep them?"
" I do not deserve this, Raoul; between thee and me, no
promise has ever been broken."
" It is not easy to break vows with one who will neither
give nor accept them. I cannot boast of keeping such idle
faith as this! Go with me before some priest,'Ghita, ask
all that man ever has or can swear to, and then thou shalt
see how a sailor can be true to his vow."
"And why before a priest? Thou know'st, Raoul, that,
m thine eyes, all the offices of the church are mummery;
that nothing is more sacred, with thee, for being sworn to at
the altar of God, and with one of his holy ministers for a
witness!"
"Every oath or promise made to thee, Ghita, is sacred,
in my eyes. It wanteth not any witness, or any consecrated
place, to make it more binding than thy truth and tenderness
can insure. Thou art my priest-my altar-my-"
"Forbear!" exclaimed Ghita, in alarm, lest he should
utter the name of that holy Being towards whom her heart
was even at that moment swelling with gratitude for his own
recent escape from death. "Thou know'st not-the meaning
of thine own words, and mightst add that which would give
me more pain than I can express."
"Boat, ahoy!" cried a deep, nautical voice, within twenty
yards of them, and in-shore; the hail coming in the sudden,
quick demand that distinguishes the call of a man-of-war'sman.
A pause of half a minute succeeded, for they in the yawl
were completely taken by surprise.
At length Ithuel, who felt the necessity of saying some.
thing, if he would not bring the stranger close alongside of
them, answered in the customary manner of the Italians.
Clinch, for it was he, scouring the shore in quest of the
lugger, on his way back to the Proserpine, gave a growl,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


359


when he found that he must speak in a foreign tongue, if he
would continue the discourse; then he mnustered all the
Italian of which he was master for the occasion. Having
cruised long on the station, this was sufficient, however, foa
his present purpose.
" Is that a boat from Massa or from Capri?" he inquired
"Neither, S'nore," answered Raoul, afraid to trust Carlo's
conscience with the management of such a dialogue. " We
come round the cape, from St. Agata, and carry figs to
Napoli."
"St. Agata! ay, that is the village on the heights; I
passed a night there, myself, in the house of one Maria
Giuntotardi-"
"Who can this be?" murmured Ghita-" my aunt knows
no forestieri!"
" An Inglese, by his thick speech and accent. I hope he
will not ask for figs for his supper!"
Clinch was thinking of other things, at that moment; and
when he continued, it was to follow the train of his own
thoughts.
" Have you seen anything of a barone-looking lugger,"
he asked, " French-rigged, and French manned, skulking
anywhere about this coast?"
" Si-she went north, into the Gulf of Gaeta, just as the
sun was setting, and is, no doubt, gone to anchor under the
cannon of her countrymen."
" If she has, she'll find herself in hot water," answered
Clinch, in English. "We've craft enough, up there, to
hoist her in and dub her down to a jolly-boat's size, in a
single watch. Did you see anything of a frigate, this evenng, near the Point of Campanella?-An Inglese, I mean; a
tight six-and-thirty, with three new topsails."
" Si-the light you see, here, just in a range with Capri,
is at her gaff; we have seen her the whole afternoon and
evening. In fact, she towed us kindly round the cape, until
we got fairly into this Bay."
"Then you are the people for me!-Was there a man
hanged on board her or not, about sunset?"
This question was put with so much interest, that Raoul
cursed his interrogator, in his heart; imagining that he was





360


LE FEU-FOLLET.


burning with the wish to learn his own execution. He was
also now aware that this was the boat which had left the
Proserpine about noon.
" I can tell you there was not, s'nore-if that will gladden
your heart. A man was all ready to be hanged, when
Capitaine Cuffe was pleased to order him taken down."
" Just as three heavy guns were fired up at town-was it
*iot so?" Clinch eagerly inquired.
"Diable! this man may have been my preserver, after
all!-You say true, s'nore; it was just as three guns were
fired up at Naples, though I did not know those guns had
anything to do with the intended execution. Can you tell
me if they had?"
" If they had!-Why I touched them off with my own
hands; they were signals made by the admiral to spare
poor Raoul Yvard, for a few days, at least. I am rejoiced
to hear that all my great efforts to reach the fleet were not
in vain. I don't like this hanging, Mr. Italian."
" S'nore, you show a kind heart, and will one day reap
the reward of such generous feelings. I wish I knew the
name of so humane a gentleman, that I might mention him
in my prayers."
" They 'll never fancy that Captain Rule said that," muttered Ithuel, grinning.
" As for my name, friend, it's no great matter. They
call me Clinch, which is a good fast word to sail under, too;
but it has no handle to it, other than of a poor devil of a
master's-mate; and that, too, aet an age when some men
carry broad-pennants."
This was said bitterly, and in English; when uttered, the
supposed Italian was wished a " buona sera," and the gig
proceeded.
" That is un brave," said Raoul, with emphasis, as they
parted. "If ever I meet with Monsieur Cleench, he will
learn that I do not forget his good wishes. Pete! if there
were a hundred such men in the British marine, Etooelle,
we might love it."
" They're fiery sarpents, Captain Rule, and not to be
trusted, any on 'em. As for fine words, I might have fann.ed myself a cousin of the king's, if I'd cnly put my name
to their shipping articles. This Mr. Clinch is well enough,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


361


in the main; being his own worst inimy, in the way of the
grog pitcher"
' Boat, ahoy!" shouted Clinch again, now about a hundred
yards distant, having passed towards the cape. Raoul and
Ithuel mechanically ceased rowing, under the impression
that the master's-mate had still something to communicate.
"Boat, ahoy!-Answer at once, or you'll hear from
me," repeated Clinch.
" Ay, ay," answered another voice, which, in fact, was
Yelverton's; " Clinch, is that you?"
" Ay, ay, sir-Mr. Yelverton, is it not?-I think [ know
the voice, sir."
"' You are quite right; but make less noise--who was
that you hailed, a minute or two since?"
Clinch began to answer; but, as the two gigs were
approaching each other all the time, they were soon so near
as to render it unnecessary to speak loud enough to be
heard at any distance. All this time, Raoul and Ithuel lay
on their oars, almost afraid to stir the water, and listening
with an attention that was nearly breathless. They were
satisfied that the oars of the English were now muffled; a
sign that they were in earnest in the pursuit, and bent on
making a thorough search. The two gigs could not be more
than a hundred yards from the yawl, and Ithuel knew that
they were the two fastest-rowing boats of the English fleetso fast, indeed, that Cuffe and his lieutenants had made
several successful matches with them, against the officers of
different vessels.
"Hist!" said Ghita, whose heart was in her mouth.
"Oh! Raoul, they come!"
Coming, indeed, were they; and that with vast velocity.
So careful, however, was the stroke, that they were within
two hundred feet of the yawl, before Raoul and his com.
panion took the alarm, and plunged their own oars again
into the water. Then, indeed, the gigs might be dimly seen;
though the shadows of the land deepened the obscurity of
night so far, as to render objects at even a less distance
quite indistinct. The suddenness and imminency of the
danger appeared to arouse all there was of life in Carlo
Giuntotardi. He steered, and steered well, being accustomed to the office, by living so long on the coast; and he
31





362


LE FEU-FOLLET.


sheered in for the rocks, with the double view of landing, il
necessary, and of getting still deeper within the shadows.
It was soon evident the English gained. Four oais
against two were fearful odds; and it was plainly apparent
the yawl must be overtaken.
" Oh! uncle, towards the arch and water-cavern of the
point," whisppred Ghita, whose hands were clasped on her
breast, as if to keep down her emotions. " That may yet
save him!"
The yawl was in the act of whirling round the rocks,
which form the deep cove, on which the Marina Grande of
Sorrento lies. Carlo caught his niece's idea, and he kept
his tiller hard a-port; telling Raoul and Ithuel, at the same
time, to take in their oars, as quick as possible. The men
obeyed, supposing it was the intention to land, and take to
the heights for shelter. But just as they supposed the boat
was about to strike against some perpendicular rocks, and
Raoul was muttering his surprise that such a spot should be
chosen to land at, it glided through a low natural arch, and
entered a little basin, as noiselessly as a bubble floating in a
current. The next minute, the two gigs came whirling
round the rocks; one following the shore, close in, to prevent
the fugitives from  landing, and the other steering more
obliquely athwart the bay. In still another minute, they
had passed a hundred yards ahead, and the sound of their
movements was lost
CHAPTER XXV.
"And chiefly thou, 0 spirit, that dost prefer,
Before all temples, the upright heart and pure,
Instruct me; fir thou know'st."
MILTON
THE spot in which Carlo Giuntotardi had taken refuge,. well known on the Sorrentine shore; as the water-cavern,
at the ruins of Queen Joan's country-house. Cavern it is





LE.EU-FOLLET.


363


not, though the entrance- is beneath a low, natural arcn;
the basin within being open to the heavens, and the place
resembling an artificial excavation, made to shelter boats in;
profiting by the natural passage to obtain an entrance. Let
the origin of this little haven be what it may, art could not
have devised a more convenient, or a more perfect refuge
than it afforded to our fugitives at a most. critical moment.
Once through the arch, the boat would have been effectually
concealed from her pursuers, under a noon-day sun; nor
would any, who were unacquainted with the peculiarities of
the entrance, dream of a boat's lying, as it might be, buried
in the rocks of the little promontory. Neither Ghita nor
her uncle any longer felt concern; but, the former announced her intention to land here, assuring Raoul that she
could easily find her way into the bridle-path which leads to
St. Agata.
The desperate character of the recent chase, aided by his
late almost miraculous escape from death, joined to the
necessity of parting from his mistress, rendered our hero
melancholy, if not moody. He could not ask Ghita to share
his dangers any longer; and yet he felt, if he permitted her
now to quit him, the separation might be for ever. Still he
made no objection; but, leaving Ithuel in charge of the boat,
he assisted Ghita up the funnel-like sides of the basin, and
prepared to accompany her on her way to the road. Carlo
preceded the pair; telling his niece that she would find him
at a cottage on the way, that was well known to both.
The obscurity was not so great as to render the walking
very difficult; and Raoul and Ghita pursued their course
slowly along the rocks, each oppressed with the same sensation of regret at parting, though influenced by nearly
opposing views for the future. The girl took the young
man's arm without hesitation; and there was a tenderness
in the tones of her voice, as well as in her general manner,
that betrayed how nearly her heart was interested in what
was passing. Still, principle was over uppermost in her
thoughts; and she determined, now, to speak plainly, and
i,o the purpose.
" Raoul," she said, after listening to some one of those fer
vent declarations of love that were peculiarly agreeable to one
cf her affectionate and sincere nature, even when she most felt





3'E         LE' FEU-FOLLET.
tihe necessity of repelling the insinuating suit; " there must
be an end of this. I can never go through, again, the scenes
1 have lately witnessed, nor allow you to run such fearful
risks. The sooner we understand each other, and I may
say, the sot ner we part, it will be the wiser, and the better
for the interests of both. I blame myself, for suffering the
intimacy to last so long, and for proceeding so far."
"And this is said by a fervent-souled Italian girl!-One
f eighteen years;-who comes of a region in which it is
the boast, that the heart is even warmer than the sun; of a
race, among whom it is hard to find one-oui, even a poor
one -who is not ready to sacrifice home, country, hopes,
fortune, nay, life itself, to give happiness to the man who
has chosen her from all the rest of her sex."
" It would seem to me easy to do all this, Raoul. Si-I
think I could sacrifice everything you have named, to make
you happy! Home I have not, unless the Prince's Towers
can thus be called; country, since the sad event of this week,
I feel as if I had altogether lost; of hopes, I have few in this
world, with which your image has not been connected; but,
those which were once so precious to me, are now, I fear,
lost; you know I have no fortune, to tempt me to stay, or
you to follow; as for my life, I fear it will soon be very
valueless-am sure it will be miserable."
" Then why not decide at once, dearest Ghita, to throw
the weight of your sorrows on the shoulders of one strong
enough to bear them? You care not for dress, or gay appearances, and can take a bridegroom even with the miserable aspect of a lazzarone, when you know the hea'rt is right.
You will not despise me because I am not decked as I might
be for the bridal. Nothing is easier than to find an altar
and a priest among these monasteries; and the hour for
saying mass is not very distant. Give me a right to claim
you, and I will appoint a place of rendezvous, bring in the
lugger to-morrow night, and carry you off in triumph to our
gay Provence; where you will find hearts gentle as your
own, to welcome you with joy, and call you sister."
Raoul was earnest in his manner, and it was not possible
to doubt his sincerity  Though an air of self-satisfaction
gleamed in his face, when he alluded to his present personal





LE FEU-FOLLET.


365


appearance, for he well knew all his advantages in that way,
in spite of the dress of a lazzarone.
"Urge me not, dear Raoul," Ghita answered, though,
unconsciously to herself, she pressed closer to his side, and
both sadness and love were in the very tones of her voice.;
"urge me not, dear Raoul; this can never be. I have
already told you the gulf that lies between us; you will not
cross it, to join me, and I cannot cross it, to join you.
Nothing but that could separate us; but that, to my eyes,
grows broader and deeper every hour."
" Ah, Ghita, thou deceivest me, and thyself. Were thy
feelings as thou fanciest, no human inducement could lead
thee to reject me."
" It is not a human inducement; Raoul; it is one above
earth, and all it holds."
" Peste!-These priests are scourges sent to torment men
in every shape! They inflict hard lessons in childhood,
teach asperity in youth, and make us superstitious and silly
in age. I do not wonder that my brave compatriots drove
them from France; they did nothing but devour like locusts,
and deface the beauties of providence."
" Raoul, thou art speaking of the ministers of God!"
Ghita observed meekly, but in sorrow.
" Pardon me, dearest Ghita; I have no patience when I
remember what a trifle, after all, threatens to tear us asunder. Thou pretendest to love me?"
" It is not pretence, Raoul, but a deep, and I fear, a painful reality."
" To think that a girl so frank, with a heart so tender,
and a soul so true, will allow any secondary thing to divide
her from the man of her choice!"
" It is not a secondary, but a primary thing, Raoul; oh I
that I could make thee think so. The question is between
thee and God-were it aught else, thou might'st indeed prevail."
" Why trouble thyself about my religion, at all? Are
there not thousands of wives who tell their beads, and repeat.heir aves, while their husbands think of anything but heaven? Thou and I can overlook this difference; others
wverlook them, and keep but one heart between them still.
[ never would molest thee, Ghita, in thy gentle worship."
31 *





366


LE FEU-FOLLET


"It is not thou that I dread, Raoul, but myself;" an.
swered the girl, with streaming eyes, though she succeeded
in suppressing the sobs that struggled for utterance. " ' A
house divided against itself cannot stand,' they say; how
could a heart that was filled with thee, find place for the
love it ought to bear the author of its being. When the
husband lives only for the world, it is hard for the wife to
think of heaven as she ought."
Raoul was deeply touched with the feeling Ghita betrayed,
while he was ready to adore her for the confiding sincerity
with which she confessed his power over her heart. His
answer was given with seductive tenderness of manner,
which proved that he was not altogether unworthy of the
strange conflict he had created in so gentle a breast.
"Thy God will never desert thee, Ghita," he said; " thou
hast nothing to fear as my wife, or that of any other man.
None but a brute could ever think of molesting thee in thy
worship, or in doing aught that thy opinions render necessary, or proper. I would tear the tongue from my mouth,
before reproach, sneer, or argumett, should be used to bring
thee pain, after I once felt that thou leanedst on me for support. All that I have said has come from the wish that
thou would'st not misunderstand me, in a matter that I
know thou think'st important."
"Ah! Raoul, little dost thou understand the hearts of
women. If thy power is so great ovei me to-day, as almost'
to incline me from the most solemn of all my duties, what
would it become when the love of a girl should turn into the
absorbing affection of a wife! I find it hard, even now, to
reconcile the love I bear to God, vwith the strong feeling thou
hast created in my heart. A year of wedded life would
endanger more than I can express to you in words."
"And, then, the fear of losing thy salvation, is stronger
than thy earthly attachments?"
" Nay, Raoul, it is not that. I am not selfish, or cowardly
as respects myself, I hope; nor do I think, at all, of any
punishment that might follow from a marriage with an unbeliever; what I most apprehend is being taught to love my
God less than I feel I now do, or than, as the creature of his
mercy, I ought."
" Thou speakest as if man could rival the r~owg whom





LE PEU-FOLLET.


367


thou worshippest. I have always understood, that the love
we bear' the Deity, and that we bear each other, are of a
very different quality. I can see no necessity for their in.
terfering with each other."
" Nothing can be less alike, Raoul; yet one may impair,
if not destroy the other. Oh! if thou would'st but believe
that thy Saviour was thy God, if thou could'st but be dead
to his love, and not active against him, I might hope for
better things; but I dare not pledge all my earthly duties
to one who is openly an enemy ot my own great Master and
Redeemer."
" I will not, cannot aeceive thee, Ghita-that I leave to
the priests. Thou know'st my opinions, and must take me
as I am, or wholly reject me. This I say, though I ifel
that disappointment, if you persist in your cruelty, will drive
me to some desperate act, by means of which I shall yet
taste of the mercies of these English."
"Say not so, Raoul; be prudent for the sake of your
country-"
"But not for thine, Ghita?"
"Yes, Raoul, and for mine also. I wish not to conceal
how much happier I shall be in hearing of your welfare and
peace of mind. I fear, though an enemy, it will ever give
me pleasure to learn that thou art victorious. But, here is
the road, yonder the cottage where my uncle waits for me,
and we must part. Heaven bless thee, Raoul; my prayers
will be full of thee. Do not-do not, risk more to see me,
but, if-"  The heart of the girl was so full, that emotion
choked her. Raoul listened intently for the next word, but
he listened in vain.
" If what, dear Ghita?  Thou wert about to utter some.
thing that I feel is encouraging."
" Oil! how I hope it may be so, my poor Raoul! I was
going to add, if God ever touches thy heart, and thou
would'st stand before his altar, a believer, with one at thy
side who is ready and anxious to devote all to thee, but her
love of the Being who created her, and her treasures of
future happiness, seek Ghita; thou wilt find her thou
would'st have."
Raoul stretched forth his arms to clasp the tender girl to
sis bosom; but, fearful of herself, she avoided him, and fled





368


LE FEU-FOLLEI.


along the path like one terrified with the apprehension of
pursuit. The young man paused a moment, half inclined
to follow; then prudence regained its influence, and he bethought him of the necessity of getting to a place of safety
while it was yet night. The future was still before him, in
nope, and that hope led him to look forward to other occasions to press his suit.
Little, however, did Raoul Yvard, much as he prized her,
know Ghita Caraccioli. Her nature was full of womanly
sensibilities, it is true, and her heart replete with tenderness
for him in particular; but the adoration she paid to God,
was of that lasting character which endures to the end. In
all she said and felt, she was truth itself; and while no
false shame interposed to cause her to conceal her attach.
ment, there was a moral armour thrown about her purposes,
that rendered them impregnable to the assaults of the world.
Our hero found Ithuel sleeping in the boat, in perfect
security. The graniteman thoroughly understood his situation, and foreseeing a long row before him, he had quietly
lain down in the stern-sheet of the yawl, and was taking his
rest, as tranquilly as he had ever done in his berth on board
le Feu-Follet. He was even aroused with difficulty, and he
resumed the oar with reluctance. Befbre descending the
funnel, Raoul had taken a survey of the water from the
rocks above. He listened intently, to catch any sounds that
might arise from the English boats. But nothing was visible
in the obscurity, while distance, or caution, prevented anything from being audible. Satisfied that all was safe outside, he determined to row out into.the Bay, and, making a
circuit to avoid his enemies, push to the westward, in the
expectation of finding his lugger in the offing. As there
was now a considerable land-breeze, and the yawl was
lightened of so much of her freight, there was little doubt
of his being able to effect his purpose, so far as getting out
of sight was concerned, at least, long ere the return of light.
"Pardie, Etooelle?" Raoul exclaimed, after he had given
the American, jog the third, " you sleep like a friar who is
paid for saying masses at midnight. Come, ami; now is
our time to move, for all is clear outside."
"Well, natur', they say is a good workman, Captain
Rule," answered Ithuel, gaplig and rubbing his eyes; "ana





LE FEU-FOLLET.


369


never did she turn off a prettier hiding-place than this. One
sleeps so quietly in it! Heigho! I suppose the ash must be
kept moving, or we may yet miss our passage back to
France. Shove her bows round, Captain Rule; here is the
hole, which is almost as hard to find, as it is to thread a
needle with a cable. A good shove, and she will shoot out
into the open water."
Raoul did as desired. Ithuel touching the tiller, the yawl
glided through the opening, and felt the long ground-swel
of the glorious Bay. The two adventurers looked about
them with some concern, as they issued from their-hiding
place, but the obscurity was too deep to bring anything in
view on the face of the waters. The flashing that occasionally illuminated the summit of Vesuvius, resembled heatlightning, and would have plainly indicated the position of
that celebrated mountain, had not its dark outlines been
visible, exposing a black mass at the head of the Bay. The
ragged mountain-tops, behind and above Castel a Mare,
were also to be traced, as was the whole range of the
nearer coast, though that opposite was only discoverable
by the faint glimmerings of a thousand lights, that were
appearing and disappearing, like stars eclipsed, on the other
side of the broad sheet of placid water. On the Bay itself
little could be discerned; under the near coast, nothing, the
shadows of the rocks obscuring its borders with a wide belt
of darkness.
After looking around them quite a minute in silence, the
men dropped their oars, and began to pull from under the
point, with the intention of making an offing before they set
their little luggs. As they came out, the heavy flap of canvass, quite near, startled their ears, and both turned instinctively to look ahead. There, indeed, was a vessel, standing
directly in, threatening even to cross their very track. She
was close on a wind, with her larboard tacks. aboard, and
bad evidently just shaken everything, in the expectation ot
luffing past the point without tacking. Could she succeed
in this, it would be in her power to stand on, until compelled to go about beneath the very cliffs of the town of
8orrento.  This was, in truth, her aim; for again she
shook all her sails.
" Peste!" muttered Raoul; "this is a bold pilot-he loves
24





370


LE FEU-FOLLET.


the rocks, as it they were his mistress! We must lie quiet,
Etooelle, and let him pass; else he may trouble us."
" 'Twill be the wisest, Captain Rule; though I do not think
him an Englishman. Hark! The ripple under his bow is
like that of a knife going through a ripe water-melon."
" Mon Feu-Follet!" exclaimed Raoul, rising and actually
extending his arms, as if to embrace the beloved craft.
"Etooelle, they seek us, for we are much behind our
time!"
The stranger drew near fast; when his outlines became
visible, there was no mistaking them. The two enormous
luggs, the little jigger, the hull, almost awash, and the whole
of the fairy form, came mistily into view, as the swift bird
assumes colour and proportion, while it advances out of the
depth of the void. The vessel was but a hundred yards
distant; in another minute, she would be past.
"Vive la Republique!" said Raoul, distinctly, though he
feared to trust his voice with a loud hail.
Again the canvass flapped, and the trampling of feet was
heard on the lugger's deck; then she came sweeping into
the wind, within fifty feet of the yawl. Raoul watched the.
movement; and by the time her way was nearly lost, he
was alongside, and had caught a rope. At the next instant,
he was on board her.
Raoul trod the deck of his lugger, again, with the pride
of a monarch, as he ascends his throne. Certain of her
sailing qualities, and confident of his own skill, this gallant
seaman was perfectly indifferent to the circumstance that he
was environed by powerful enemies. The wind and the
hour were propitious, and no sensation of alarm disturbed
the exultation of that happy moment. The explanations
that passed between him and his first-lieutenant, Pintard,
were'brief but distinct. Le Feu-Follet had kept off the land,
with her sails lowered, a trim in which a vessel of her rig
and lowness in the water would not be visible more than five
ir six miles, until sufficient time had elapsed, when she was
taken into the Gulf of Salerno, to look for signals from the
heights of St. Agata. Finding none, she went to sea again,
as has been stated, sweeping along the coast, in the hope of
falling in with intelligence. Although she could not be seen
by her enemies, she saw the three cruisers who were on the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


37)


ook-out, and great uneasiness prevailed on board, concern
ing the faes of the absentees. On the afternoon of that
day, the lugger was carried close in with the north-west side
of Ischia, which island she rounded at dusk, seemingly
intending to anchor at Baias, a harbour seldom without allied
cruisers. As the wind came off the land, however, she kept
away, and passing between Procida and Mysenum, she came
out into the Bay of Naples, about three hours before meeting
with Raoul, with the intention of examining the whole of the
opposite coast, in search of the yawl. She had seen the
light at the gaff of the Proserpine, and, at first, supposed it
might be a signal from the missing boat. With a view to
make sure of it, the lugger, had been kept away, until the
night-glasses announced a ship; when she was hauled up on
l, wind, and had made two or three successive half-boards,
to weather the point where her captain lay concealed; the
Marina Grande of Sorrento being one of the places of rendez
vous mentioned by our hero, in his last instructions.
There was a scene of lively congratulation, and of even
pleasing emotion, on the deck of the lugger, when Raoul so
unexpectedly appeared.  He had every quality to make
himself beloved by his men. Brave, adventurous, active,
generous and kind-hearted, his qualities rendered him a
favourite to a degree that was not common even among the
people of that chivalrous nation. The French mariner will
bear familiarity better than his great rival and neighbour,
the Englishman; and it was natural with our hero to be
frank and free with all; whether above him or below him in
condition. The temperaments to be brought into subjection
were rot as rude and intractable as those of the Anglo-Saxon;
and the off-hand, dashing character of Raoul was admirably
adapted to win both the admiration and the affections of his
people. They now thronged about him, without hesitation
or reserve, each man anxious to make his good wishes
known, his felicitations heard.
"I have kept you playing about the fire, camarades,"
said Raoul, affected by the proofs of attachment ne received,
'but, we will now take our revenge. There are English
boats in chase of me, at this moment, under the land; we
will try to pick up one or two of them, by way of letting
hem know there is still such a vessel as 1L Feu-Follet."





372


LE FEU-FOLLET.


An exclamation of pleasure followed; then an old quarter.
master, who had actually taught his commander his first
lessons in seamanship, shoved through the crowd, and put
his questions with a sort of authority.
"Mon capitaine," he said, ' have you been near these
English?"
" Ay, Benoit; somewhat nearer than I could wish. To
own the truth, the reason you have not sooner seen me, was,
that I was passing my time on board our old friend, La Proserpine. Her officers and crew would not lose my company,
when they had once begun to enjoy it."
"Peste!-mon cher capitaine-were you a prisoner?
"Something of that sort, Benoit. At least, they had me
on a grating, with a rope round the neck, and were about
to make me swing off, as a spy, when a happy gun or two,
from Nelson, up above there, at the town, ordered them to
let me go below. As I had no taste for such amusements,
and wanted to see mon cher Feu-Follet, Etooelle and I got
into the yawl, and left them; intending to return and be
hanged, when we can find nothing better to do."
This account required an explanation, which Raoul gave
in a very few words, and then the crew were directed to go
to their stations, in order that the lugger might be properly
worked. The next minute the sails were filled, on the larboard-tack, as before, and le Feu-Follet again drew ahead,
standing in for the cliffs.
" There is a light in motion, near Capri, mon capitaine,"
observed the first-lieutenant; " I suppose it to be on board
some enemy. They are plenty as gulls, about this bay."
"You are very right, Monsieur. 'Tis la Prosperine;
she shows the light for her boats.. She is too far to leeward
to meddle with us, however, and we are pretty certain
there is.nothing between 'her and the ships off the town,
that can do us any harm. Are all our lights concealed?
Lei them be well looked to, monsieur."
"All safe, mon capitaine. Le Feu-Follet never shows her
lantern, until she wishes to lead an enemy into the mire!"
"Raoul laughed, and pronounced the word 'L bon" in
Ite emphatic manner peculiar tb a Frenchman. Then, as
she lugger was drawing swiftly in towards the rocks, he





LE FEU-FOLLET


373


went on the forecastle himself, to keep a proper look-out
ahead; Ithuel, as usual, standing at his side.
The piano, or plain, of Sorrento terminates, on the side
of the bay, in perpendicular cliffs of tufa, that vary from one
to near two hundred feet in height. Those near the tbwn
are among the highest, and are lined wiih villas, convents,
and other dwellings, of which the foundations are frequently
placed upon shelves of rock, fifty feet below the adjacent
streets. Raoul had been often here, during the short reign of
the Rufo faction, and was familiar with most of the coast.
He knew that his little lugger might brush against the very
rocks, in most places, and was satisfied that if he fell in
with the Prosperine's boats at all, it must be quite near the
land. As the night wind blew directly down the bay, sighing across the campagna between Vesuvius and Castel a
Mare, it became necessary to tack off-shore, as soon as le
Feu-Follet got close to the cliffs, where the obscurity was
greatest, and her proportions and rig were not discernible
at any distance. While in the very act of going round, and
before the head-sheets were drawn, Raoul was startled by a
sudden hail.
"Felucca, ahoy!" cried one, in English, from a boat
that was close on the lugger's bow.
"Halloo!" answered Ithuel, raising an arm, for all near
him to be quiet.
" What craft's that?" resumed he in the boat.
"A felucca sent down by the admiral, to look for the
Proserpine-not finding her at Capri, we are turning up to
the anchorage of the fleet again."
"Hold on a moment, sir, if you please; I'll come on
board you. Perhaps, I can help you out of your difficulty;
for I happen to know something of that ship."
"Ay, ay- bear a hand, if you please; for we want to
make the most of this wind while it stands."
It is singular how easily we are deceived, when the mind
commences by taking a wrong direction. Such was now
he fact, with him in the boat, for he had imbibed the
notion that he could trace the outlines of a felucca, o.
which so many navigate those waters, and the idea that it was
the very lugger he had been seeking, never crossed his mind,
32





374


LE FE U-FOLLE


Acting under the delusion, he was soon alongside, and on
the deck of his enemy.
"Do you know this gentleman, Etooelle?" demanded
Raoul, who had gone to the gangway to receive his visiter."
" It is Mr. Clinch, the master's-mate of the accursed Pro
serpine; he who spoke us in the yawl, off the point yonder."
" How!" exclaimed Clinch, his alarm being sufficiently
apparent in his voice; "have I fallen into the hands of
Frenchmen?"
"You have, Monsieur," answered Raoul, courteously, "but
not into the hands of enemies. This is le Feu-Follet, and
I am Raoul Yvard."
" Then all hope for Jane is gone, for ever!-I have pass.
ed a happy day, though a busy one, for I did begin to think
there was some chance for me. A man cannot see Nelson
without pulling up, and wishing to be something like him,
but, a prison is no place for promotion."
" Let us go into my cabin, Monsieur. There we can converse more at our ease; aild we shall have a lig~h."
Clinch was ih despair; it mattered not to him, whither
he was taken. In the cabin he sat the picture of a helpless
man, and a bottle of brandy happening to stapr' n the table,
he eyed it with something like the ferocity w ith which the
hungry wolf may be supposed to gaze at the lamb ere he
leaps the fold.
" Is this the gentleman you mean, Etooelle?" demanded
Raoul, when the cabin-lamp shone on the prisoner's face;
" he who was so much rejoiced to hear that his enemy -was
not hanged?"
" 'Tis the same, Captain Rule; in the main, he is a goodnatured officer-one that does more harm to himself than
to any one else. They said, in the ship, that he went up to
Naples to ao you some good turn or other."
" Bon!-You have been long in your boat, Mr. Clinch
-we will give you a warm supper and a glass of wine--
after which, you are at liberty to seek your frigate, and to return to your own flag."
Clinch stared as if he did not, or could not, believe what
he heard-then the truth flashed on his mind, and he burst
into tears. Throughout that day his feelings had been in





LE FEU-FOLLET.


375


extremes, hope once more opening a long vista of happiness
for the future, through the renewed confidenceand adviceofhis
captain. Thus far he had done well, and" it was by striving
to do still better that he had fallen into the hands of the enemy.
For a single moment the beautiful fabric which revived hopes
had been industriously weaving throughout the day, was
torn into tatters. The kindness of Raoul's manner, however, his words, and the explanations of Ithuel, removed a
mountain from his breast, and he became quite unmanned,
There is none so debased as not to retain glimmerings of
the bright spirit that is associated with the grosser particles
of their material nature. Clinch had in him the living consciousness that he was capable of better things, and he en
dured moments of deep anguish, as the image of the patient,
self-devoting, and constant Jane rose before his mind's eye
to reproach him with his weaknesses.
It is true that she never made these reproaches in terms;
so far from that, she would not even believe the slanders of
those she mistook for his enemies; but Clinch could not
always quiet the spirit within him, and he often felt degraded as he remembered with how much more firmness Jane
supported the load of hope deferred, than he did himself.
The recent interview with Cuffe had aroused all that was
left of ambition and self-respect, and he had left the ship
that morning with a full and manly determination to reform,
and to make one continued and persevering effort to obtain
a commission, and with it Jane. Then followed capture
and the moment of deep despair. But Raoul's generosity
removed the load, and again the prospect brightened.





3760


LE FEU-FOLLET


CHAPTER XXVI.
SOh! many a dream wab in the ship
An hour before her death;
And sight of home, with sighs disturb'd
The sleeper's long-drawn breath."
WILsON.
RAOUL soon decided on his course. While he was con.
soling Clinch, orders had been sent to Pintard to look for
the other gig; but a few minutes' search, under the cliffs,
satisfied those on deck that she was not to be found; and the
fact was so reported below. Nor could all Ithuel's ingenuity
extract from the captured boat's crew, any available information on the subject. There was an esprit de corps among
the Proserpines, as between their own ship and le Feu-Follet,
which would have withstood, on an occasion like this, both
threats and bribes; and he of the Granite state was compelled
to give the matter up as hopeless; though, in so doing, he
did not fail to ascribe the refusal, to betray their shipmates,
on the part of these men, to English obstinacy, rather than
to any creditable feeling. The disposition to impute the
worst, to those he hated, however, was not peculiar to Ithuel
or his country; it being pretty certain he would have fared
no better on board the English frigate, under circumstances
at all analogous.
Satisfied, at length, that the other boat had escaped him,
and feeling the necessity of getting out of the Bay while it
was still dark, Raoul reluctantly gave the order to bear up,
and put the lugger dead before the wind, wing-and-wing.
By the time this was done, the light craft had turned so far
o windward, as to be under the noble rocks that separate the
piano of Sorrento from the shores of Vico; a bold promon
tory, that buttresses the sea, with a wall of near or quite a
thousand feet in" perpendicular height. Here she felt the
full force of the land-wind; and when her helm was put up,
and her sheets eased off, a bird turning on the wing would
not have come round more gracefully, and scarcely with





LE FEU-FOLLET.


371


greater velocity. The course now lay from point to point,
in order to avoid being becalmed within the indentations of
the coast. This carried the lugger athwart 'the cove of Sorrento, rather than into it, and, of course, left Yelverton, who
had landed at the smaller marina, quite out of the line of her
course.
So swift was the progress of the little craft, that within
fifteen minutes after bearing up, Raoul and Ithuel, who again
occupied their stations on the forecastle, saw the head-land
where they had so lately been concealed, and ordered the
helm a-port: in order to sheer out and give it a berth. Then
rock was passed after rock, cove after cove, and village after
village, until the entrance between Capri and Campanella
was again reached. In sweeping down the shore, in this
manner, the intention was to pick up any boat that might hap
pen to be in the lugger's track; for, while Raoul was disposed
to let his prisoner go, he had a strong desire to seize any other
officers of the frigate that might fall in his way. The search
was ineffectual, however; and when the lugger came out
into the open sea, all expectation of further success, of this
nature, was reluctantly abandoned.
As le Feu-Follet was now in dangerous proximity to three
cruisers of the enemy, the moment was one that called for
decision. Fortunately, the positions of the.English vessels
were known to Raoul, a circumstance that lessened the
danger, certainly; but it would not do to continue long
within a league of their anchorage, with the risk of the land
breezes failing. As yet the darkness, and the shadows of
the land, concealed the privateer, and her commander determined, if not literally to make hay while the sun shone,
at least to profit by its absence. With this view, then, he
ordered the lugger hove-to, the boat of Clinch hauled to the
lee gangway, and the prisoners to be all brought on deck;
the common men, in the waist, and the master's-mate, aft.
"( Here I must lose the pleasure of your company, Monsieur Clinch," said Raoul, with a courtesy that may almost
be termed national. " We are quite as,near votre belle
Proserpine as is safe, and I long for notre belle France.
The wind is fair to take us off the coast, and two hours will
carry us out of sight, even were it noon-day. You will have
the complaisance to make my duty to Monsieur Cuffe-oui32*





378


LE FEU-FOLLET.


pardie! and to ces braves Italiens, who are so much ze
amis of Sir Smees! Touchez-la."
Raoul.laughed, for his heart was light, and sundry droll
conceits danced through his brain. As for Clinch, the whole
was Greek to him, with the exception that he understood it
was the intention of the French to take their vessel off the
coast, a circumstance that he was not sorry to learn, though
he would have given so much, a few hours earlier, to have
known where to find her. Raoul's generosity had worked
a revolution in his feelings, however, and nothing was farther from his wishes, now, than to be employed against the
celebrated privateersman. Still, he had a duty to perform
to the service of which he was a member, another to Jane,
and a last to himself.
"Captain Yvard," said the master's-mate, taking the
other's offered hand, " I shall never forget this kindness on
your part; it comes at a most fortunate moment for me.
My happiness in this world, and perhaps in the world to
come,"-an ejaculation of" bah!" involuntarily escaped the
listener--" depended on my being at liberty. I hold it to
be fair, however, to tell you the whole truth. I must do all
I can to capture or destroy this very lugger, as well as any
other of the king's enemies, as soon as I am my own master
again."
" Bon!- I like your frankness, Monsieur Clinch, as
much as I like your humanity. I always look for a brave
enemy when un Anglais comes against me; if you are ever
in the number, I shall expect nothing worse."
"It will be my duty, Captain Yvard, to report to Captain
Cuffe, where I found the. Folly, where I left her, and where
I think she is steering! Even your armament, crew, and
all such little particulars, I shall be questioned on; I must
answer honestly."
"Mon cher, you are ' honest fellow,' as you Anglais say.
I wish it was noon-day, that you might better see our deck
----Le Feu Folletis not ugly, that she should wish to wear a
veil. Tell everything, Clinch, mon brave; if Monsieur
Cuffe wish to send another party against our lugger, come
in the first boat en personne. We shall always be happy to
see Monsieur Clinch. As for where we steer, you. see our





LE FEU-FOLLET.


379


head is toward la belle France; and there is plenty of room
for a long chase. Adieu, mon ami-au revoir."
Clinch now shook hands, heartily, with all the officers;
again expressed his sense of the liberality with which he
was treated, and this, too, with emotion;.then he followed
his people into the boat, and pulled away from the lugger's
side, holding his course toward the light which was still
burning on board the Proserpine. At the same time le Feu.
Follet filled, and soon disappeared from his eyes, in the
darkness, running off, wing-and-wing, and steering west, as
if really making the best of her way towards the Straits of
Bonifacio, on her road to France.
But, in fact, Raoul had no such intention. His cruise
was not up, and his present position, surrounded as he was
with enemies, was full of attraction to one of his temperament.
Only the day before he appeared in the disguise of a lazzarone, he had captured, manned, and sent to Marseilles a
valuable store-ship; and he knew that another was hourly
expected in the bay. This was an excuse to his people for
remaining where they were. But the excitement of constantly running the gauntlet, the pleasure of demonstrating
the superior sailing of his lugger, the opportunities for dis.
tinction, and every other professional motive, was trifling, as
compared with the tie which bound him to, the feeling that
unceasingly attracted him towards Ghita. With his love,
also, there began to. mingle a sensation approaching to
despair. While Ghita was so gentle, and even tender, with
him, he had ever found her consistent, and singularly firm
in her principles. In their recent dialogues, some that we
have forborne to relate on account of their peculiar character, Ghita had expressed her reluctance to trust her fate with
one whose God was not her God, with a distinctness and
force that left no doubt of the seriousness of her views, or
of her ability to sustain them in acts. What rendered her
resolution more impressive, was the ingenuous manner
with which she never hesitated to admit Raoul's power over
her affections, leaving no pretext for the common-place supposition that the girl was acting. The conversation of that
night, weighed heavily on the heart of the lover, and he could
not summon sufficient resolution to part - perhaps for
months--with such an apparent, breach between him and
his hopes.





380


LE  FEU-FOLLET.


As soon as it was known, therefore, that the luggte.
far enough at sea, to be out of sight from the boat of Cinch,
she came by the wind on the larboard tack, again, heading
up towards the celebrated ruins of Pestum, on the eastern
shore of the Bay of Salerno. To one accustomed to the
sea, there would not have seemed sufficient wind to urge
even that light craft along, at the rate withwhich she glided
through the water. But the land breeze was charged with
the damps of midnight; the canvass was thickened from the
same cause; and the propelling power had nearly double its
apparent force. In an hour after hauling up, le Feu-Follet
tacked, quite eight miles distant from the spot where she
altered her direction, and far enough to windward to lay her
course in, directly for the cliffs beneath the village of St.
Agata; or the present residence of Ghita. In proceeding
thus, Raoul had a double intention before him. English
ships were constantly passing between Sicily, Malta, and
Naples; and, as those bound north would naturally draw in
with the land at this point, his position might enable him to
strike a sudden blow, with the return of day, should any
suitable vessel be in the offing next morning. Then he hoped
for a signal from Ghita, at least-and such things were very
dear to his heart; or, possibly, anxiety and affection might
bring her down to the water-side, when another interview
would be possible. This was the weakness of passion; and
Raoul submitted to its power, like feebler-minded and less
resolute men; the hero becoming little better than the vulgar
herd, under its influence.
The two or three last days and nights had been hours of
extreme anxiety and care to the officers and crew of the
lugger, as well as to their commander, and all on board
began to feel the necessity of sleep. As for-Ithuel, he had
been in his hammock an hour; and Raoul now thought
seriously of following his example. Giving his instructions
to the young lieutenant who was in charge of the deck, our
hero went below, and, in a few minutes, he was also lost to
present hopes and fears.
Everything seemed propitious to the lugger, and the intentions of her commander. The wind went down, gradually,
until there was little more than air enough to keep steerageway on the vessel, while the ripple on the water disappeared,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


3881


leaving nothing behind it but the lonr,, heavy, ground-swell,
that always stirs the bosom of the ocean, like the heaving
respiration of some gigantic animal. The morning grew
darker, but the surface of the gulf was glassy and tranquil,
leaving no immediate motive for watchfulness, or care.
These are the lethargic moments of a seaman's life. Days
of toil bring nights of drowsiness; and the repose of nature
presents a constant temptation to imitate her example. The
reaction of excitement destroys the disposition to indulge in
the song, the jest, or the tale; and the mind, like the body,
is disposed to rest from its labours. Even the murmuring
wash of the water, as it rises and falls against the vessel's
sides, sounds like a lullaby, and sleep seems to be the one
great blessing of existence.  Under such circumstances,
therefore, it is not surprising that the watch on the deck of
the lugger, indulged this necessary want. It is permitted to
the common men to doze at such moments, while a few arc
on the alert; but, even duty, in the absence of necessity,
feels its task to be irksome, and difficult of performance.
Look-out after look-out lowered his head; the young man
who was seated on the arm-chest aft began to lose his consciousness of present things, in dreamy recollections of Provence, his home, and the girl of his youthful admiration.
The seaman at the helm alone kept his eyes open, and all
his faculties on the alert. This is a station in which vigilance is ever required; and it sometimes happens, in vessels
where the rigid discipline of a regular service does not exist,
that others rely so much on the circumstance, that they forget their own duties, in depending on the due discharge of
his, by the man at the wheel.
Such, to a certain degree, was now the fact on board le
Feu-Follet. One of the best seamen in the lugger was at
the helm, and each individual felt satisfied that no shift of
wind could occur, no change of sails become necessary, that
Antoine would not be there to admonish them of the circumstance. One day was so much like another, too, in that.ranquil season of the year, and in that luxurious sea, that
all on board knew the regular mutations that the hours produced. The southerly air in the morning; the zephyr in
the afternoon; and the land wind at night, were as much
matters of course, as the rising and setting of the sun. No





382


LE FEU-FOLLET.


one felt apprehension, while all submitted to the ifluence
of a want of rest, and of the drowsiness of the climate.
Not so with Antoine. His hairs were grey. Sleep was
no longer so necessary to him. He had much pride of
calling, too; was long experienced, and possessed senses
sharpened and rendered critical by practice, and many dan.
gers. Time and again, did he turn his eyes jowards Cam.
panella, to ascertain if any signs of the enemy were in sight;
the obscurity prevented anything from being visible, but the
dark outline of the high and rock-bound coast. Then he
glanced his eyes over the deck, and felt how completely
everything depended on his own vigilance and faithfulness.
The look at the sails and to windward brought no cause for
uneasiness, however, and presuming on his isolation, he
began to sing, in suppressed tones, an air of the Troubadours;
one that he had learned in childhood, in his native langue
du midi. Thus passed the minutes, until Antoine saw the
first glimmerings of morning, peeping out of the darkness,
that came above the mountain-tops, that lay in the vicinity
of Eboli. Antoine felt solitary; he was not sorry to greet
these symptoms of a return to the animation and communion
of a new day.
" Hist! mon lieutenant!" whispered the old mariner, unwilling to expose the drowsiness of his young superior to the
gaze of the common men; "mon lieutenant-'tis I, Antoine.'
" Eh!-bah!-Oh, Antoine est-ce-que toi? Bon-what
would you have, mon ami."
" I hear the surf, I think, mon lieutenant. Listen-is not
that the water striking on the rocks of the shore?"
" Jamais! You see the land is a mile from us; this coast
has no shoals. The captain told us to stand close in, before
we hove-to, or called him.  Pardie!-Antoine, how the
little witch has travelled in my watch! Here we are, within
a musket's range from the heights, yet there has been no
wind."
" Pardon, mon lieutenant-I do not like that sound of
the surf; it is too near for the shore. Will you have the
kindness to step on the forecastle and look ahead, monsieur?
he light is beginning to be of use."
The young man yawned, stretched his arms, and walked
forward; the first to indulge himself, the first, also, to relieve





LE FEU-FOLLET.


383


the uneasiness of an old shipmate, whose experience he
respected. Still his step was not as quick as common, and
it was near a minute ere he reached the bows, or before he
gained theknight-heads. But his form was no sooner visible
there, than he waved his arms fiantically, and shouted in a
voice that reached the recesses of the vessel" Hard up - hard up with the helm, Antoine - ease off
the sheets, mes enfans!"
Le Feu-Follet rose on a heavy ground-swell, at that
moment; in the next she settled down with a shock resembling that which we experience when we leap and alight
sooner than was expected; there she lay cradled in a bed of
rocks, as immoveable as one of the stones around her;stones that had mocked the billows of the Mediterranean,
within the known annals of man, more than three thousand
years. In a word, the lugger had struck on one of those
celebrated islets, under the heights of St. Agata, known as
the Islands of the Sirens, and which are believed to have
been commemorated by the oldest of all the living profane
writers, Homer himself. The blow was hardly given, before
Raoul appeared on deck. The vessel gave up all that had
life in her, and she was, at once, a scene of alarm, activity,
and exertion.
It is at such a moment as this, that the most useful qualities of a naval captain render themselves apparent. Of all
around him, Raoul was the.calmest, the most collected, and
the best qualified to issue the orders that had become necessary. He made no exclamations - uttered not a word of
reproach - cast not even a glance of disapprobation on any
near him. The mischief was done; the one thing needful
was to repair it, if possible, leaving to the future the cares
of discipline and the distribution of rewards and punishments.
" She is as fast anchored as a cathedral, mon lieutenant,"
he quietly observed to the very officer through whose remissness the accident had occurred; " I see no use in these sails.
'ake them in, at once; they may set her further on the
locks, should she happen to lift."
The young man obeyed; every nerve in his body agitated
by the sense of delinquency. Then he walked aft, cast one
'ook around him at the desperate condition of the lugger
and, with the impetuosity of character that belongs to his





384


LE FEU-FOLLET.


country, he plunged into the sea, from which his body nevej
re-appeared. The melancholy suicide was immediately reported to Raoul.
" Bon"-was the answer. "Had he done it an hour ear
lier, le Feu-Follet would not have been set up on these rocks,
like a vessel in a ship-yard-mais, mes enfans, courage!We '11 yet see if our beautiful lugger cannot be saved."
If there were stoicism and bitterness in this answer, there
was not deliberate cruelty. Raoul loved his lugger, next to
Ghita, before all things on earth, and, in his eyes, the fault
of wrecking her in a calm, was to be classed among the
unpardonable sins. Still, it was by no means a rare occurrence. Ships, like men, are often cast away by an excess
of confidence; and oui own coast, one of the safest in the
known world for the prudent mariner to approach, on account of the regularity of its soundings, has many a tale to
tell of disasters similar to this, which have occurred, simply
because no signs of danger were apparent. Our hero would
not have excused himself for such negligence, and that which
self-love will not induce us to pardon, will hardly be conceded to philanthropy.
The pumps were sounded, and it was ascertained that the
lugger had come down so easily into her bed, and lay there
with so little straining of her seams, that she continued tight
as a bottle. This left all the hope which circumstances
would allow, of still saving the vessel. Raoul neglected no
useful precaution. By this time the light was strong enough
to enable him to see a felucca coming slowly down from
Salerno, before the wind, or all that was still left of the night
air, and he despatched Ithuel with an armed boat to seize
her, and bring her alongside of the rocks. He took this
course with the double purpose of using the prize, if practicable, in getting his own vessel off, or, in the last resort,
of making his own escape, and that of his people, in her
to France: He did not condescend to explain his motives,
however; nor did any one presume to inquire into them.
Raoul was now strictly a commander, acting in a desperate
emergency. He even succeeded in suppressing the constitutional volubility of his countrymen, and in substituting for
it the deep, attentive silence of thorough discipline; one of
hie great causes of his own unusual success in maritimeat





LE FEU-FOLLET.


385


enterprises. To the want of this very silence and attention
may be ascribed so many of those naval disasters which
have undeniably befallen a people of singular enterprise and
courage. Those who wish them well, will be glad to learn
that the evil has been, in a great measure, repaired.
As soon as the boat was sent to seize the felucca, the
yawl was put into the water, and Raoul, himself, began to
sound around the lugger. The rocks of the Sirens, as the
islets are called to this day, are sufficiently elevated above
the surface of the sea to be visible at some distance; though,
lying in a line with the coast, it would not have been easy
for the look-outs of le Feu-Follet to discern them at the hour
when she struck, ever had they been on the alert. The
increasing light, however, enabled the Frerch fully to ascertain their position, and to learn the extent of the evil.
The lugger had been lifted into a crevice between two of the
rocks, by a ground-swell heavier than common; and though
there was deep water all round her, it would be impossible
to get her afloat again without lightening. So long as the
wind did not blow, and the sea did not rise, she was safe
enough; but a swell that should force the hull to rise and
fall, would inevitably cause her to bilge. These facts were
learned in five minutes after the yawl was in the water, and
much did Raoul rejoice at having so promptly sent Ithuel in
quest of the felucca. The rocks were next reconnoitred, in
order to ascertain what facilities they offered to favour the
discharging of the vessel's stores. Some of them were high
enough to protect articles from the wash of the water, but it is
at all times difficult to lie alongside of rocks that are exposed to the open sea; the heaving and setting of the element, even in calms, causing the elevation of its surface so
much to vary. On the present occasion, however, the
French found less swell than common, and that it was possible to get their stores ashore at two or three different
points.
Raoul now directed the work to commence inr earnest.
The lugger carried four boats; viz-a launch, a cutter, the
yawl, and a jolly-boat. The second had been sent after the
felucca, with a strong crew in her; but the three others
were employed in discharging stores. Raoul perceived at
once that the moment was not one for half-way measures,
33             25





"T~t           LE FEU-FOLLET.
aind that large sacrifices must be made, to save the hull of
the vessel. This, and the safety of his crew, were the two
great objects he kept before him. All his measures were
directed to that end. The water was started, in the lugger's hold, by staving the casks, and the pumps were set in
motion, as soon as possible. Provisions, of all sorts, were
cast into the sea, for le Feu-Follet had recently supplied
herself, from a prize, and was a little deeper than her best
trim allowed. In short, everything that could be spared, was
thrown overboard, barely a sufficiency of food and water
being retained, to last the people, until they could reach
Corcica; whither it was their captain's int.ntion to proceed,
the moment he got his vessel afloat.
The Mediterranean has no regular tides, though the water
rises and falls materially, at irregular intervals; either the
effect of gales, or of the influence of the adjacent seas. This
circumstance prevented the calamity of having gone ashore,
at high water, while it also prevented thb mariners from
profiting by any flood. It left them, as they had been placed
by the accident, itself, mainly dependent on their own exertions.
Under such circumstances, then, our hero set about the
discharge of his responsible duties. An hour of active toil,
well directed, and perseveringly continued, wrought a material
change. The vessel was small, while the number of hands
was relatively large. At the end of the time mentioned, the
officer charged with the duty, reported that the hull moved
under the power of the heaving sea, and that it might soon
be expected to strike, with a force to endanger its planks
and ribs. This was the sign to cease discharging, and to
complete the preparations that had been making, for heaving the lugger off; it being unsafe to delay that process,
after the weight was sufficiently lessened, to allow it. The
aunch had carried out an anchor, and was already returning towards the rocks, paying out cable, as it came in
But the depth of the water rendered this an anxious service
since there was the danger of dragging the ground-tacklt
home, as it is termed, on account of the angle at which it
lay.
At this moment, with the exception of the difficulty last
named, everything seemed propitious. The wind -had gone





LE FEf OLLET.


387


down entirely, the southerly air having lasted but a short
time, and no other succeeding it. The sea was, certainly,
not more disturbed than it had been all the morning, which
was at its minimum of motion, while the day promised to
be calm and clear. Nothing was in sight but the felucca,
and she was not only in Ithuel's possession, but she had
drawn within half-a-mile of the rocks, and was sweeping
still nearer at each instant. In ten minutes.she must come
alongside.  Raoul had ascertained that there was water
enough, where le Feu-Follet lay, to permit a vessel like his
prize, to touch her; and many things lay on deck, in readiness to be transferred to this tender, previously to beginning
to heave. The rocks, too, were well garnished with casks.
cordage, shot, ballast, and such other articles as could be
come at--the armament and amunition excepted.  These
last our hero always treated with religious care, for, in all
he did, there was a latent determination resolutely to defend
himself. But, there were no signs of any such necessity's
being likely to occur, and the officers began to flatter themselves, with their ability to get their lugger afloat, and in
sailing trim, before the usual afternoon's breeze should set
in.  In waiting, therefore, for the arrival of the felucca,
and, in order that the work might meet with no interruption, when the men once began to heave, the people were
ordered to get their breakfasts.
This pause in the proceedings gave Raoul an opportunity
to look about him, and to reflect. Twenty times did he
turn his eyes, anxiously, towards the heights of St. Agata,
where there existed subjects equally of attraction and apprehension. It is scarcely necessary to say that the first was
Ghita; while the last arose from the fear that some curious
eye might recognise the lugger, and report her condition to
the enemies known to be lying at Capri; only a league or
two on the other side of the hills. But all was seemingly
tranquil there, at that early hour; and the lugger making
very little show when her canvass was not spread, there was
reason to hope that the accident was as yet unseen. The
ipprtoach of the felucca would probably betray it; though'
the precaution -had been taken to order Ithuel to show no
signs of national character.





388


LE FEU-FOLL LET.


Raoul Yvard was a very different man, at this moment
of leisure and idleness, from what he had been a few hours
earlier. Then he trod the deck of his little cruiser with some
such feelings as the man who exults in his strength, and
rejoices in his youth. Now he felt as all are apt to feel
who are rebuked by misfortunes and disease. Nevertheless,
his character had lost none of its high chivalry; and even
here, as he sat on the taffrail of the stranded Feu-Follet, he
meditated carrying some stout Englishman by surprise and
boarding, in the event of his not succeeding in getting off
the lugger. The felucca would greatly aid such an enterprise; and his crew was -strong enough, as well as sufficiently trained, to promise success.
On such an expedient, even, was he ruminating, as Ithuel,
in obedience to an order given through the trumpet, brought
his prize alongside, and secured her to the lugger. The men
who had accompanied the American were now dismissed to
their morning's meal, while Raoul invited their leader to
share his frugal repast, where he sat. As the two broke
their fasts, questions were put and answered, concerning what
had occurred, during the hour or two the parties had been
separated. Raoul's tale was soon told; but the other learned
with concern, that the crew of the felucca had taken to their
boat, and escaped to the landing of the Scaricatojo, on finding that the capture of their vessel was inevitable. This
proved that the character of the wreck was known, and left
but little hope that their situation would not be reported to
the English, in the course of the morning.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


38 9


CHAPTER XXVII.
---      " But now lead on;
In me is no delay; with thee to go,
Is to stay here;with thee here to stay,
Is to go hence unwilling; thou to me
Art all things under.heav'n, all places thou."
MILTOn.
THE intelligence communicated by Ithuel essentially
altered Raoul's views of his actual situation. An active man
might go from the Marinella, at the foot of the Scaricatojo,
or the place where the crew of the felucca had landed, to
the Marina Grande of Sorrento, in an hour. At the latter
beach, boats were always to be found, and two hours
more would carry the messenger, by water, to the ships off
Capri, even in a calm. The first of these important hours
had now elapsed some time; and he could not doubt, that
vigorous arms were already employed in pulling across the
few leagues of water that separated the island from the shores
of Sorrento. The day was calm, it is true; and it would be
impossible to move the ships; but two frigates and a heavy
sloop-of-war, might send such a force against him in boats,
as, in his present situation, would render resistance npxt to
hopeless.
Raoul ceased eating, and, standing on the taffrail, he cast
anxious looks around him. His sturdy followers, ignorant
of all the dangers by which they were environed, were consuming their morning's meal, with the characteristic indifference to danger that marks the ordinary conduct of seamen. Even Ithuel, usually so sensitive on the subject of
English power, and who had really so much to apprehend,
should he again fall into the hands of the Proserpines, was
masticating his food, with the keen relish of a man who had
been hard at work the whole morning. All appeared unconscious of their critical condition; and to Raoul it seemed as
if the entire responsibility rested on his own shoulders.
Fortunately, he was not a man to shrink from his present
luties; and he occupied the only leisure moment that would
33 *





390


LE FEIT-FOLLET.


be likely to offer that day, in deliberating on his resources,
and in maturing his plans.
The armament still remained in the lugger, but it was
doubtful if she would float without removing it; and, admitting this necessity, the question arose of, what was to be
done with it, in order to render it available, in the event of
an attack. Two, or even four of the light guns might be
worked on the decks of the felucca; and here he determined
they should be immediately placed, with a proper supply of
cartridges and shot. Twenty men thrown into that light
craft, which Ithuel reported as sailing and sweeping well,
might prove of the last importance. Then one of the islets
had a ruin on it, of what was believed to be an ancient
temple. It is true, these ruins were insignificant, and
scarcely visible at any distance; but, on a close examination, and by using some' of the displaced stones with judgment, it was possible to entrench a party behind them, and
make a stout resistance against light missiles; or such as
boats would most probably use. Raoul got into the yawl,
and sculled himself to this spot, examining the capabilities
witli care and judgment. After this, his mode of proceeding
was matured to his own satisfaction.
The usual time had been consumed, and the hands were
Sturned to;" each officer receiving the orders necessary to
the discharge of the duty confided to his particular superin.
tendence. As Ithuel had captured the felucca, Raoul felt it
right to intrust him with the command of the prize. He was
directed to take on board the armament and ammunition
necessary to a defence, to mount the guns in the best mannei
he could, and to make all the other fighting preparations;
while another gang struck into the felucca's hold, such articles from the lugger, as it was desirable to save.
Another party, under the first-lieutenant, landed the remainder of the light carronades, pieces of twelve pounds
only, with the proper stores, and commenced the arrangements tp place them in battery among the ruins. A small
supply of food and water was also transferred to this islet.
While these dispositions were in progress, Raoul himself,
assisted by his sailing-master, prepared to heave the lugger
off the rocks. To this, at present the most important duty,
our hero gave his personal inspection; for it required skill





LE FEU-FOLLET.


391


judgment, and caution. The physical fbrce of the crewv
was reserved to aid in the attempt. At length everything
was ready, and the instant had arrived when the momentous trial was to be made. The lugger had now been ashore
quite four hours, and the sun had beeh up fully three. By
this time, Raoul calculated that the English, at Capri, knew
of his misfortune, and little leisure remained in which to do
a vast deal of work. The hands were all summoned to the
bars, therefore, and the toil of heaving commenced.
As soon as the cable got the strain, Raoul felt satisfied
that the anchor would hold. Fortunately, a fluke had taken
a rock, a circumstance that could be known only by the
result; but, so long as the iron held together, there was no
danger of that material agent's failing them. The last part
of the process of lightening was now performed as rapidly
as possible, and then came the trial-heave at the bars.
Every effort was fruitless, however, inch being gained after
inch, until it seemed as if the hemp of the cable were extending its minutest fibres, without the hull's moving any
more than the rocks on which it lay. Even the boys were
called to the bars; but the united force of all hands, the
officers included, produced no change. There was an instant when Raoul fancied his best course would be to set fire
to the hulk, get on board the felucca, and sweep off to the
southward, in season to avoid the expected visit from the
English. He even called his officers together, and laid the
proposition before them. But the project was too feebly
urged, and it met with too little response in the breasts of
his auditors to be successful. The idea of abandoning that
beautiful and faultless little craft, was too painful, while
the remotest hope of preserving it remained.
Raoul had measured his hours with the accuracy of a
prudent general. It was now almost time for the English
boats to appear, and he began to hope that the Neapolitans
bad made the great mistake of sending their information to
the fleet off Naples, rather than carrying it to the ships at
Capri. Should it prove so, he had still the day before him,
and might retire under dover of the night. At all events,.he lugger could not be abandoned without an enemy in
sight, and the people were again called to the bars for a repewed effort. As water might be obtained at a hundred





392


LE FEU-FOLLET.


points on the coast, and the distance to Corsica was so small,
the last gallon had been started and pumped out, during the
recent pause.
Our hero felt that this was the final effort. The hold
of le Feu-Follet was literally empty, and all her spare spars
were floating among the rocks. If she could not be started
now, he did not possess the means to get her off. The anchor held; the cable, though stretched to the utmost, stood,
and every creature, but himself, was at the bars. The
ground-swell had been lessening all the morning, and little
aid was now to be had from the rising of the water. Still
that little must be obtained; without it, the task seemed hopeless,
4" Get ready, men," cried Raoul, as he paced the taffrail;
"and heave at the word. We will wait for a swell, then
strain every nerve till something part. Pas encore, mes
enfans-pas encore! Stand by!-Yonder comes a fellow
who will lift us-heave a strain - heave harder-heave,
body and soul!-heave, altogether!"
The men obeyed. First they hove a gentle strain; then
the effort was increased, and, obedient to the order, just as
the ground-swell rolled under the lugger's bottom, they
threw out their utmost strength, and the hull started for the
first time. This was encouraging, though the movement
did not exceed six inches. It was a decided movement, and
was made in the right direction. This success nerved the
people to an increased effort. It was probable that, at the
next strain, they would throw a tenth more impetus into
their muscles. Of all this, Raoul was aware, and he determined not to let the feeling flag.
" Encore, mes enfans!" he said. " Heave, and get ready!
Be watchful-now 's your time! Heave, and rip the planks
off the lugger's bottom - heave, men, heave!"
This time, the effort answered to the emergency; the
swell rolled in, the men threw out their strength, a surge
was felt, it was followed up by a strain, and le Feu-Follet
shot off her bed into deep water, rolling, for want of ballast,
nearly to her hammock-cloths. She soon lay directly over
her anchor.
Here was success!-Triumphant success; and that, at a
moment when the most sanguine had begun to despair





LE FEU-POLLET.


3 )3


The men embraced each other, showing a hundred manifestations of extravagant joy. The tears came to Raoul's
eyes; but he had no opportunity of concealing them, every
officer he had pressing around him to exchange felicitations.
The scene was one of happy disorder. It had lasted two
or three minutes, when Ithuel, always cold and calculating,
edged his way through the throng to his commander's side
and pointed significantly in the direction of Campanella.
There, indeed, was visible, a division of the expected boats.
It was pulling towards them, having that moment doubled
the cape!
Ithuel's gesture was too significant to escape attention,
and every eye followed its direction. The sight was of a
nature not to be mistaken. It at once changed the current
of feeling in all who beheld it. There was no longer a
doubt concerning the manner in which the news of the
accident had travelled, or of its effect on the English at Capri.
In point of fact, the padrone of the captured felucca, with a
sole eye to the recovery of his vessel, had ascended the
Scaricatojo, after landing at the Marinella, at its foot, fast
as legs could carry him; had rather run, than glided, along
the narrow lanes of the piano and the hill-side to the beach
of Sorrento; had thrown himself into a boat, manned by
four lusty Sorrentine watermen-and Europe does not contain lustier or bolder; had gone on board the Terpsichore,
and laid his case before Sir Frederick Dashwood, ignorant
of the person of the real commanding officer among the
three ships. The young baronet, though neither very wise,
nor very much experienced in his profession, was exceedingly well disposed to seek distinction. It immediately
occurred to his mind, that the present was a fitting opportunity to gain laurels. He was second in rank, present; and,
in virtue of that claim, he fancied that the first could do no
more than send him in command of the expedition, which
he righly foresaw Cuffe would order against the French.
But there arose a difficulty. As soon as Sir Frederick
reported the nature of the intelligence he had received to
-is senior captain, and his own wish to be employed on the
occasion, the rights of Winchester interposed to raise a
question. Cuffe was prompt enough in issuing an order for
each ship to man and arm two boats, making six in all and





394


LE FEIT FOLLE'


in giving i.: necessary details, but he lost some precious
time in deciding as to who was to command. This was
the cause of delay, and had given rise to certain hopes in
Raoul, that facts were subsequently to destroy. In the end,
Sir Frederick prevailed; his rank giving him a decided ad.
vantage; and the division of boats that was now approaching
was under his orders.
Raoul saw he had rather more than an hour to spare.
To fight the felucca, unsupported, against so many enemies,
and that in a calm, was quite out of the question. That
small, low craft might destroy a few of her assailants, but
she would inevitably be carried at the first onset. There
was not time to get the ballast and other equipments into
the lugger, so as to render her capable of a proper resistance; nor did even she offer the same advantages for a
defence, unless in quick motion, as the ruins. It was deter.
mined, therefore, to make the best disposition of the two
vessels that circumstances would allow, while the main
dependence should be placed on the solid defences of stone.
With this end, Ithuel was directed to haul his felucca to a
proper berth; the first-lieutenant was ordered to get as
much on board le Feu-Follet as possible, in readiness to
profit by events; while Raoul himself, selecting thirty of
his best men, commenced preparing the guns on the rocks
for active service.
A single half-hour wrought a material change in the
state of things. Ithuel had succeeded in hauling the felucca
into a berth among the islets, where she could not easily be
approached by boats, and where her carronades might be
rendered exceedingly useful. Much of the ballast was again
on board the lugger, and a few of her stores, sufficient to render her tolerably stiff, in the event of a breeze springing up;
and Raoul had directed the two inside guns of the felucca
to be sent on board her and mounted, that she might assist
in the defence with a flanking fire. The great difficulty
which exists in managing a force at anchor, is the opportunity that is given the assailant of choosing his point of
attack, and by bringing several of the vessels in a line,
cause them to intercept each other's fire. In order to prevent this, as much as in his power, Raoul placed his two
floating-batteries out of line, though it was impossible to





LE FEU-FOLLET.


395


make such a disposition of them as would not leave each
exposed, on one point of attack, in a degree greater than
any other. Nevertheless, the arrangement was so made,
that either a vessel or the ruins might aid each craft respectively against the assault on her weakest point.
When his own guns were ready, and the two vessels
moored, Raoul visited both the lugger and felucca, to
inspect their preparations, and to say a cheerful word to
their men. He found most things to his mind; where they
were not, he ordered changes to be made. With the lieutenant, his conversation was brief, for that officer was one
who possessed much experience in this very sort of warfare,
and could be relied on. With Ithuel, he was more communicative; not that he distrusted the citizen of the Granite
state, but that he knew him to be a man of unusual
resources, could the proper spirit be aroused within him.
"Bien, Etooelle," he said, when the inspection was
ended, " much will depend on the use you make of these
two guns."
"I know that, as well as you do yourself, Captain Rule,"
answered the other, biting off at least two inches from half a
yard of pig-tail; " and, what 's more, I know that I fight
with a rope round my neck. The spiteful devils will hardly
overlook all that's passed; and though it will be dead ag'in
all law, they 'll work out their eends on us both, if we don't
work out our eends on them. To my mind, the last will be
the most agreeable, as well as the most just."
"Bon!-Do not throw away your shot, Etooelle."
" I!-why, Captain Rule, I'm nat'rally economical. That
would be wasteful, and waste I set down for a sin. The
only place I calculate on throwing the shot, is into the face
and eyes of the English. For my part, I wish Nelson, himself, was in one of them boats-I wish the man no harm
but I do wish he was in one of them very boats."
" And, Etooelle, I do not. It is bad enough as it is, ent?
nous; and Nelson is very welcome to stay on board his
Foudroyant; voildI!-The enemy is in council; we shall
soon hear from them. Adieu, mon ami; remember our two
Republiques /"
Raoul squeezed Ithuel's hand, and entered his boat. The.,istance to the ruin was trifling, but it v as necessary to





396


LE FEU-FOLLET.


make a small circuit in order to reach it. While doing this
the young mariner discovered a boat pulling from the direction of the marinella, at the foot of the Scaricatojo, which
had got so near, unseen, as, at first, to startle him by its
proximity. A second look, however, satisfied him that no
cause of apprehension existed, in that quarter. His eye
could not be deceived. The boat contained Ghita and her
uncle; the latter rowing, and the former seated in the stern,
with her head bowed to her knees, apparently in tears
Raoul was alone, sculling the light yawl with a single hand,
and he exerted himself to meet these unexpected, and, in the
circumstances, unwelcome visiters, as far as possible from
the rocks. Presently the two boats lay side by side.
"What means this, Ghita!" the young man exclaimed;
"do you not see the English, yonder; at this moment
making their preparations to attack us. In a few minutes
we shall be in the midst of a battle, and thou here!"
" I see it all, now, Raoul," was the answer, " though we
did not on quitting the shore; but we would not turn back,
having once come upon the Bay. I was the first in St. Agata
to discover the evil that had befallen thee; from that moment
I have never ceased to entreat my uncle, until he has consented to come hither."
" With what motive, Ghita?" asked Raoul, with sparkling
eyes--" at length thou relentest-wilt become my wife! In
my adversity, thou rememberest thou art a woman!"
" Not exactly that, dear Raoul; but I cannot desert thee,
altogether, in this strait. The same objection exists now, I
fear, that has ever existed to our union; but that is no reason
[ should not aid thee. We have many friends along the
heights, here, who will consent to conceal thee; and I have
come to carry thee and the American to the shore, until an
opportunity offer to get thee to thine own France."
" What! desert ces braves, Ghita, at a moment like this!
-Not to possess thy hand, dearest girl, could I be guilty of
an act so base."
" Thy situation is not theirs. The condemnation to death
bangs over thee, Raoul; shouldst thou again fall into English
hands, there will be no mercy for thee."
" Assez-this is no moment for argument. The English
are in motion, axid there is barely time for thee to get to a





L E P     E U - F O L L E


397


safe distance, ere they begin to fire. Heaven bless thee,
Ghita! This care of thine draws my heart to thee closer
than ever; but we must now separate. Signor Giuntotardi,
pull more towards Amalfi. I see that the English mean to
attack us from the side of the land-pull more towards
Amalfi."
" Thou tellest us this in vain, Raoul," Ghita quietly, but
firmly answered. " We have not come here on an unmeaning errand-if thou refusest to go with us, we will
remain with thee.  These prayers, that thou so despisest,
may not prove useless."
" Ghita!-this can never be. We are without coveralmost without defences-our vessel is unfit to receive thee,
and this affair will be very different from that off Elba.
Thou would'st not willingly distract my mind with care for
thee, at such a moment!"
"We will remain, Raoul. There may come a moment,
Avhen thou wilt be glad to have the prayers of believers.
God leadeth us hither, either to take thee away, or to
remain, and look to thy eternal welfare, amid the din of war."
Raoul gazed at the beautiful enthusiast, with an intensity
of love and admiration, that even her truthful simplicity had
never before excited. Her mild eyes were kindling with
holy ardour, her cheeks were flushed, and something like the
radiance of heaven seemed to beam upon her countenance,
The young man felt that time pressed; he saw no hope of
overcoming her resolution, in season to escape the approaching boats; and it might be, that the two would be
safer in some nook of the ruins, than in attempting to return
to the shore. Then, that never-dying, but latent, wish to
have Ghita with him, aided his hasty reasoning and he decided to permit the girl, and her uncle, to come upon the
islet, that he was to defend in-person.
Some signs of impatience had begun to manifest themrelves among his people, ere Raoul made up his mind to
the course he would follow. But, when he landed, supporting Ghita, that chivalry of character, and homage to the
sex, which distinguishes the southern Frenchman, changed
the current of feeling, and their two acquaintances were
received with acclamation. The acts of self-devotion seemed
heroic, and that is always enough to draw applause among
34





1398           LE FEU-FOLLET.
a people so keenly alive to glory. Still, the time to make
the necessary dispositions was short.  Fortunately, the
surgeon had taken his post on this islet, as the probable scene
of the warmest conflict, and he had contrived to make his
preparations to receive the huL-t, in a cavity of the rock,
behind a portion of the ruin, where the person would be
reasonably safe. Raoul saw the advantages of this position, and he led Ghita and her uncle to it, without pausing
to deliberate. Here he tenderly embraced the girl, a liberty
Ghita could not repel at such a moment; then he tore himself away, to attend to duties which had now become
urgently pressing.
In point of fact, Sir Frederick Dashwood had made his
dispositions, and was advancing to the assault, being already
within the range of grape. For the obvious reason of preventing the French from attempting to escape to the shore,
he chose to approach from that side himself, an arrangement that best suited Raoul; who, foreseeing the probability
of the course, had made his own preparations with an eye
to such an event.
Of boats, there were eight in sight, though only seven
were drawing near, and were in line.  Six had strong
crews, were armed, and were evidently fitted for action.
Of these, three had light boat-guns in their bows, while the
other three carried small-arms-men, only.  The seventh
boat was the Terpsichore's gig, with its usual crew, armed;
though it was used by the commanding officer himself, as a
sort of cheval de bataille, in the stricter mieaning of the term.
In other words, Sir Frederick Dashwood pulled through the
line in it, to give his orders, and encourage his people.
The eighth boat, which kept aloof, quite out of the range of
grape, was a shore-craft, belonging to Capri, in which
Andrea Barrofaldi, and Vito Viti had come, expressly, to
witness the capture, or destruction, of their old enemy.
When Raoul was taken in the Bay of Naples, these two
worthies fancied that their mission was ended-that they
might return, with credit, to Porto Ferrajo, and again hold
up their heads, with dignity and self-complacency, among
the functionaries of the island. But, the recent escape, and
the manner in which they had been connected with it,
entirely altered the state of things. A new load of re





LE FEU-FOLLET.


399


sponsibility rested on their shoulders; fresh opprobrium
was to be met, and put down; and the last acquisition of
ridicule, promised to throw the first proofs of their simplicity and dullness entirely into the shade. Had not Griffin
and his associates been implicated in the affair, it is probable the vice-governatore and the podesta would have been
still more obnoxious to censure; but, as things were, the
sly looks, open jests, and oblique innuendoes of all they met
in the ship, had determined the honest magistrates, to retire
to their proper pursuits, on terra-firma, at the* earliest
occasion. In the mean time, to escape persecution, and
to obtain a modicum of the glory that was now to be earned,
they had hired a boat, and accompanied the expedition, in
the character of amateurs. It formed no part of their plan,
however, to share in the combat; a view of its incidents
being quite as much, as Vito Viti strongly maintained, when
his friend made a suggestion to the contrary, as was neces
o;ary to vindicate their conduct and courage, in the judgment
of every Elban.
" Cospetto!" he exclaimed, in the warmth of opposition"Signor Andrea, your propositions are more in the spirit of
an unreflecting boy, than in that of a discreet vice-governatore. If we take swords and muskets in the boat, as you
appear to wish, the devil may tempt us to use them; and
what does either of us know of such things? The pen is a
more befitting weapon for a magistrate, than a keen-edged
sword, or a foul-smelling piece of fire-arms. I- am amazed
that your native sensibilities do not teach you this. There
is an indecency in men's mistaking their duties, and, of all
things on earth, heaven protect me from falling into such an
error! A false position is despicable."
" Thou art warm, friend Vito, and that without occasion.
For my part, I think men should be prepared for any emergency that mnay happen. History is full of examples in
which civilians and scholars, ay, even churchmen, have
distinguished themselves by feats of arms, on proper occasions; and I confess to a philosophical curiosity to ascertain
'he sensations with which men seek and expose life."
1' That's your besetting weakness, Signor Andrea, and.he emergency drives me so far to lose sight of the respect
that a podesta owes to a vice-governatore, as to feel corn





40) )


LE FEU-FOLLET.


strained to tell you as much. Philosophy plays the very
devil with your judgment. With about half of what you
possess, the Grand Duke couldn't boast of a more sensible
subject. As for history, I don't believe anything that's in
it; more especially since the nations of the north have be.
gun to write it. Italy once had histories; but where are
they now? For my part, I never heard of a man's fighting
who was not regularly bred to arms; unless it might be
some fellow who had reason to wish he had never beer,
born."
" I can name you several men of letters, in particular,
whose fame as soldiers is only eclipsed by that earned by
their more peaceful labours, honest Vito-Michael Angel,
Buonaretti, for instance, to say nothing of various warlike
popes, cardinals, and bishops.  But we can discuss this
matter after the battle is over. Thou seest the English are
already quitting their ships, and we shall be in the rear of
the combatants."
" So much the better, Corpo di Bacco!-who ever heard
of an army that carries its brains in its head, like a human
being? No-no--Signor Andrea; I have provided myself
with a string of beads, which I intend to count over, with
aves and paters, while the firing lasts, like a good Catholic;
if you are so hot, and bent on making one in this battle, you
may proclaim in a loud voice one of the speeches of the
ancient consuls and generals, such as you will find them, in
any of the old books."
Vito Vifi prevailed. The vice-governatore was obliged
to leave the arms behind him, and this, too, without making
any great difference in the result of the day's fighting, inasmuch as the boatmen employed, in addition to asking a tripleprice for their time and labour, obstinately refused to go
nearer to the French than half a league. Distant as this
was, however, Raoul, while reconnoitring the enemy with a
glass, detected the presence of the two Elbans. He laughed
outright at the discovery, notwithstanding the many serious
reflections that naturally pressed upon his mind at such a
moment.
But this was not the time to indulge in merriment, and
the countenance of our hero almost immediately resumed
its look of care. Now, that he felt certain of the manner in





LE FEU-FOLLET.


401


which the English intended to assail him, he had new orders
to give to all his subordinates.  As has been said, the
principal point was to make the different guns support each
other; in order to do this effectually, it became necessary to
spring the lugger's broadside round more obliquely towards
the felucca; which accomplished, Raoul deemed his arrangements complete.
Then followed the pause which ordinarily prevails between
preparation and the battle. This, in a vessel, is always a
period of profound and solemn stillness. So important to
concert, order, and intelligent obedience, in the narrow
compass, and amid the active evolutions of a ship, does
silence become at such moments, that one of the first duties
of discipline is to inculcate its absolute necessity; and a
thousand men shall be seen standing in their batteries, ready
to serve the fierce engines of war, without a sound arising
among them all, of sufficient force to still the washing of the
gentlest waves. It is true, the French were not now strictly
arrayed for a naval action; but they carried into the present
conflict, the habits and discipline of the peculiar branch of
service to which they belonged.
CHAPTER      XXVIII.
"His back against a rock he bore,
And firmly placed his foot before:SCome one, come all! this rock shall fly
From its firm base as soon as I!' "
Lady of the Lake.
OUR battle will be told with greater cleariness, if the read
er is furnished with an outlirie of its order. As has been
more than once intimated already, Sir Frederick Dashwood
had made all his preparations to commence the assault from
the side of the land, the object being to prevent a retreat to
'he shore. Raoul had foreseen the probability of this, and,
with a special view to prevent the two ressels from being
34 *          26





402


LE FEU-FOLLET.


easily boarded, he had caused both to be placed in such po.
sitions as left low barriers of rocks between them and that
quarter of the bay. These rocks were portions that were
not visible at any distance, being just awash, as it is termed,
or on a level with the surface of the water; offering the
same sort of protection against an attack in boats, that ditches
afford in cases of assaults on terra-firmi. This was a material advantage to the expected defence, and our hero showed
his discrimination in adopting it. On board the felucca,
which was named The Holy Michael, was Ithuel with fifteen
men, and two twelve-pound carronades, with a proper supply
of small-arms and ammunition. The Granite-man was the
only officer, though he had with him three or four of the
lugger's best men.
Le Feu-Follet was confided to the care of Jules Pintard,
her first-lieutenant, who had under -his immediate orders
some five-and-twenty of the crew, to work four more of the
carronades. The lugger had a part only of her ballast in,
and something like a third of her stores. The remainder
of both still lay on the adjacent rocks, in waiting for the
result of the day. She was thought, however, to be sufficiently steady for any service that might be expected of her
while moored, and might even have carried whole sail, in
light winds, with perfect safety. All four of her guns were
brought over on one side, in readiness to use in battery in
the same direction. By this arrangement the French essentially increased their means of defence, bringing all their
artillery into use at the same time; an expedient that could
not have been adopted had they been fought in broadside.
Raoul had planted among the ruins the remaining four
guns. With the aid of a few planks, the breechings, tackles,
and other appliances of a vessel, this had been easily effect.
ed; and, on reviewing his work, he had great confidence in
the permanency of his pieces. The ruins themselves were
no great matter; at a little distance they were scarcely perceptible; though, aided by the formation of the natural rock,
and by removing some of the stones to more favourable positions, they answered the purpose of the seamen sufficiently
well. The carronades were placed en-barbette; but a fall.
ing of the surface of the rock enabled the men to cover





LE FEU-FOLLET.


40k30


wven their heads, by stepping back a few feet. The dangel
would be much the greatest to those whose duty it would be
to reload.
The surgeon, Carlo Giuntotardi, and Ghita, were established in a cavity of the rocks, perfectly protected against
missiles, so long as the enemy continued on the side next
the land, and yet within fifty feet of the battery. Here the
former miade the usual bloody-looking if not bloody-minded
preparations for applying tourniquets and for amputating, al
unheeded, however, by his two companions, both of whom
were lost to the scene around them, in devout prayer.
Just as these several dispositions were completed, Ithuel,
who ever kept an eye to windward, called out to Raoul, and
inquired if it might not be well to run the yards up to the
mast-heads, as they would be more out of the way in their
place aloft than littering the decks. There was no possible
objection to the measure, it being a dead calm, and both the
lugger and the felucca swayed their yards into their places,
the sails being bent, and hanging in the brails. This is the
ordinary state of, craft of the latter rig, though not always
that of luggers; and the Granite-man, mindful that his own
gear was down, in consequence of having been lowered by
her former owners previously to the capture, bethought him
of the expediency of getting everything ready for a run.
He wished the lugger to be in an equal state of preparation,
it being plain enough that two to be pursued, would embarrass the English, in a chase, twice as much as one. This
was the reason of his suggestion; and he felt happier for seeing it attended to.
On the other side, all preliminary difficulties had been
disposed of. Captain Sir Frederick Dashwood was in cornmand, and lieutenants Winchester and Griffin, after a few
open protestations, certain grimaces, and divers secret curses,
were fain to submit. The discussion, however, had produced
one result, not altogether unfavourable to the Proserpines.
Cuffe sent four of her boats against the enemy, while he
restricted the Terpsichore to two, including her gig, and the
Ringdove to two. Each ship sent her launch, as a matter
Df course, with a twelve-pound boat-gun on its grating.
Griffin was in that of the Proserpine; Mr. Stothard, the
scond of the other frigate, was in the Terpsichore's; and





404


LE FEU-FOLLET.


McBean, as of right, commanded the Ringdove's. Griffir
was in the first cutter of his own ship, and Clinch had
charge of the second. The third was headed by Strand,
whose call was to have precedence on the occasion. The
other boats had subordinates, from their respective ships.
All were in good heart; and, while all expected a severe
struggle for her, knowing the desperate character of their
enemy, every man in the boats felt confident that the lugger
was finally to fall into British hands. Still, a grave consideration of the possible consequences to the actors, mingled
with the exultation of the more reflecting men among the
assailants.
Sir Frederick Dashwood, who ought to have felt the moral
responsibility of his command, of all the higher officers present, was the most indifferent to consequences. Constitutionally brave, personal considerations had little influence on
him; habitually confident of English prowess, he expected
victory and credit as a matter of course; and, favoured by
birth, fortune and parliamentary interest, he gave himself
no trouble as to the possibility of a failure, certain (though
not avowing that certainty even to himself,) that any little
mishap would be covered by the broad mantle of the accident,
that had so early raised him to the rank he held.
In making his dispositions for the fight, however, Sir Frederick had not disdained the counsels of men older and more
experienced than himself. Cuffe had given him much good
advice, before they parted, and Winchester and Strand had
been particularly recommended to him as seamen whose
suggestions might turn out to be useful.
"I send a master's-mate named Clinch, in charge of one
of our boats, too, Dashwood," added the senior captain, as
he concluded his remarks; " who is one of the most experienced seamen in the Proserpine. He has seer much boatservice, and has always behaved himself well. A vile practice of drinking has kept the poor fellow under; but he is
now determined to make an effort, and I beg you will put
him forward to-day, that he may have a chance. Jack
Clinch has the right sort of stuff in him, if opportunities offer
to bring it out."
"I flatter myself, Cuffe, that all hands will meet with
opportunity enough," answered Sir Frederick, in his drawl.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


405


ing way; " for, I intend to put 'em all in together, like a
thorough pack coming in at the death. I've seen Lord
Echo's harriers so close, at the end of a long chase, that you
might have covered the whole with this ship's main-course;
and I intend it shall be so with our boats, to-day. By the
way, Cuffe, that would be a pretty figure for a despatch, and
would make Bront6 smile-ha!-wouldn't it?"
" D-   n the figure, the harriers, and the despatch, too,
Dashwood; first win the day, before you begin to write
poetry about it. Bronte, as you call Nelson, has lightning
in him, as well as thunder, and there isn't an admiral in the
service, who cares less for blood and private rank than himself. The way to make him smile, is to do a thing neatly
and well. For God's sake, now, be careful of the men;we are short-handed, as it is, and c-n't afford such another
scrape, as that off Porto Ferrajo."
"Never fear for us, Cuffe; you'll never miss the men I
shall expend."
Every captain had a word to say to his officers; but none
other worth recording, with the exception of what passed
between Lyon and his first-lieutenant.
" Ye '11 remember, Airchy, that a ship can have a reputation for economy, as well as a man. There's several of
our own countrymen about the Admiralty just now; and
next to courage and enterprise, they view the expenditures
with the keenest eyes. I've known an admiral reach a red
ribbon just on that one quality; his accounts showing
cheaper ships and cheaper squadrons than any in the sairvice. Ye'll all do your duties, for the honour o' Scotland;
but there's six or seven Leith and Glasgow lads in the boats,
that it may be as well not to let murder themselves, out of
a' need. I've put the whole of the last draft from the river
guard-ship, into the boats, and with them there's no great
occasion to be tender. They're the sweepings of the
Thames and Wapping; and quite half of them would have
been at Botany Bay before this, had they not been sent
ere."
" Does the law about being in sight, apply to the boats,
or to the ships, the day, Captain Lyon?"
"To the boats, man; or who the de'il do you think would
Irirve in them! It's a pitiful affair, altogether, as it has





40 1i


LE FEU-FOLLET.


turned out; the honour being little more than the profit, I
opine; and yet 'twill never do to let old Scotia lag astairn,
in a hand-to-hand battle. Ye '11 remember, we have a name
ibr coming to the claymore; and so do yer best, every
mither's son o' ye."
McBean grunted an assent, and went about his work as
methodically as if it were a sum in algebra. The secondlieutenant of the Terpsichore was a young Irishman, with a
sweet, musical voice; and, as the boats left t-he ships, he was
with-difficulty kept in the line, straining to move ahead, with
his face on a grin, and his cheers stimulating the men to
undue, or unreasonable efforts. Such is an outline of the
English materials on this occasion; both parties being now
ready for the struggle. If we add that it was already past
two, and that all hands began to feel some anxiety on the
score of the wind, which might soon be expected, the preliminary picture is sufficiently sketched.
Sir Frederick Dashwood had formed his line about a mile
within the rocks, with one launch in the centre, and one on
each extremity.  That in the centre was commanded by
O'Leary, his own second-lieutenant; that on the left of his
force by McBean, and the one on its right by Winchester.
O'Leary was flanked by Griffin and Clinch, in the Proserpine's cutters, while the intervals were filled by the remaining
boats. The captain kept moving about in his own gig, giving
his directions, somewhat confusedly, beyond a question; yet
with a cheerfulness and indifference of air that aided in keeping alive the general gaitM de caur. When all was ready,
he gave the signal to advance, pulling, for the first half mile,
chivalrously in advance of the line, with his own gig.
Raoul had noted the smallest movement of the enemy
with a glass, and with grave attention. Nothing escaped
his jealous watchfulness; and he saw that Sir Frederick had
made a capital error in the outset. Had he strengthened
his centre, by putting all his carronades in the same battery,
as it might be, the chances for success would have been
doubled; but, by dividing them, he so far weakened their
effect, as to render it certain no one of the three French batteries could be wholly crippled by their fire. This, of
course, left the difficult task to the English of pushing up to





LE FEU-FOLLET.


407


their hand-to-hand work, under the embarrassment of receiving constant discharges of grape and canister.
The few minutes that intervened between the order to
advance, and the moment when the boats got within a quar.
ter of a mile of the rock, were passed in a profound quiet,
neither side making any noise, though Raoul had no small
difficulty in restraining the constitutional impatience of his
own men to begin. A boat presents so small an object,
however, to artillerists as little skilled as seamen generally
are, who depend more on general calculations than on the
direct or scientific aim, the latter being usually defeated
by the motion of their vessels, that he was unwilling to throw
away even his canister. A Frenchman himself, however, he
could refrain no longer, and he pointed a carronade, firing it
with his own hand. This was the commencement of the
strife. All the other guns in the ruin followed, and the
lugger kept time, as it might be by note. The English rose,
gave three cheers, and each launch discharged her gun. At
the same instant, the two men who held the matches in the
felucca, applied them briskly to the vents of their respective
pieces. To their surprise, neither exploded, and, on examination, it was discovered that the priming had vanished. To,own the truth, he of the Granite state had slily brushed his
hand over the guns, and robbed them of this great essential
of their force. He held the priming-horns in his own hands,
and resolutely refused to allow them to pass into those of
any other person.
It was fortunate Ithuel was known to be such a determined hater of the English, else might his life have been the
forfeit of this seeming act of treachery. But he meditated
no such dereliction of duty. Perfectly aware of the impossibility of preventing his men from firing, did they possess
the means, this deliberate and calculating personage had
resorted to this expedient to reserve his own effort, until, in
his judgment, it might prove the most available. His men
murmured, but, too much excited to deliberate, they poured
in a discharge of musketry, as the only means of annoying
the enemy then left them. Even Raoul glanced aside, a
little wondering at not hearing the felucca's carronades, but
nerceiving her people busy with their fire-arms, he believed
all right.





408


LE FEU-FOLLET.


The first discharge, in such an affair, is usually the most
destructive. On the present occasion, the firing was not
without serious effects. The English, much the most exposed, suffered in proportion. Four men were hurt in Winchester's boat; two in Griffin's.; six or eight men in the
other launches and cutters, and one of Sir Frederick's gig.
men was shot through the heart; a circumstance which
induced that officer to drop alongside of a cutter, and exchange the dead body for a living man.
On the rocks, but one man was injured. A round-shot
had hit a stone, shivered it in fragments, and struck down a
valuable seaman, just as he was advancing, with a gallant
mien, to spunge one of the guns.
"' Poor Josef!" said Raoul, as he witnessed the man's
fall; " carry him to the surgeon, mes braves."
" Mon Capitaine-Josef is dead."
This decided the matter, and the body was laid aside,
while another stepped forward and spunged the gun. At
that moment Raoul found leisure to walk a yard or two
towards the rear, in order to ascertain if the cover of Ghita
were sufficient. The girl was on her knees, lost to all
around her, though, could he have read her heart, he would
have found it divided between entreaties to the Deity and.
love for himself.
The lugger sustained no harm. O'Leary had overshot
her, in his desire to make his missiles reach. Not even a
canister had lodged in her spars, or torn her sails. The
usual luck appeared to attend her, and the people on board
fought with renewed confidence and zeal. Not so with the
felucca, however. Here the fire of the English had been
the most destructive. The wary and calculating McBean
had given his attention to this. portion of the French defences,
and the consequences partook of the sagacity and discretion
of the man. A charge of canister had swept across the
felucca's decks, more than decimating Ithuel's small force;
for it actually killed one, and wounded three of his party.
But, the din once commenced, there was no leisure to
pause. The fire was kept up with animation, on both sides,
and men fell rapidly. The boats cheered and pressed ahead,
the water becoming covered with a wide sheet of smoke.
In moments like this, the safest course for the assailants





LE FEU-FOLLET.


409


is to push on. This the English did, firing and cheering at
every fathom they advanced, but suffering also. The constant discharge of the carronades, and the total absence of
wind, soon caused a body of smoke to collect in front of the
rock, while the English brought on with them another, trailing along the water, the effect of their own fire. The two
shrouds soon united, and then there was a minute when the
boats could only be seen with indistinctness. This was
Ithuel's moment. Perceiving that the ten or twelve men
who remained to him were engrossed with their muskets, he
pointed the two carronades himself, and primed them from
the horns which he had never quitted. For the felucca he
felt no present concern. Winchester, and all the boats in
the centre of the English line, were most in advance, the fire
of the ruins urging them to the greatest exertion. Then
McBean, beside being more distant, could not cross the rock
in front of the felucca, without making a circuit, and he must,
as yet, be ignorant of the existence of the impediment.
Ithuel was cool and calculating by nature, as well as by
habit; but this immunity from present risk, prpbably increased the immediate possession of qualities so important in
battle. His carronades were loaded to their muzzles, with
bags of bullets, and he beckoned to the best seaman of his
party to take one of the matches, while he used the other
himself, each holding a monkey's-tail in one hand, in readiness to train the light gun, as circumstances required. The
pieces had been depressed by Ithuel himself, in the midst of
the fray, and nothing remained but to wait the moment for
using them.
This moment was now near. The object of the English
was to land on the principal islet, and to carry the ruin by
storm. In order to do this, all the boats of their centre
converged in their courses to the same point, and the smoke
being driven off, by each concussion of the guns, a dark
cluster of the enemy diverged from the ragged outline of the
vapour, within fifty yards of the intended point of landing.
Ithuel and his companion were ready. Together they
sighted, and together they fired. This unexpected dischaige
from a quarter that had been so comparatively silent, sur.
prised both friends and foes, and it drove a fresh mantle of
35





410


LE FEU-FOLLET.


smoke momentarily athwart the rock and the open space in
its front.
A cry arose from the dense shroud of battle, that differed
from the shouts of success and courage. Physical agony
had extorted shrieks from the stoutest hearts, and even the
French in the ruins paused to look for the next act of the
desperate drama. Raoul seized the opportunity to prepare
for the expected hand-to-hand struggle; but it was unnecessary. The cessation in the firing was common in both
parties, and it gave the vapour a minute in which to lift
the curtain from the water.
When the late obstacle was raised high enough to admit
of a view, the result became evident. All the English boats
but one had scattered, and were pulling swiftly, in different
directions, from the scene of slaughter. By taking this
course they diverted and divided the fire of their enemies;
an expedient of which it would have been happier had they
bethought them earlier. The remaining boat was a cutter
of the Terpsichore. It had received the weight of canister
from Ithuel's own gun, and of sixteen men it had contained
when it left the frigate's side, but two escaped. These fellows had thrown themselves into the sea, and were picked
up by passing boats. The cutter itself came drifting slowly
in towards the rock, announcing the nature of its fearful
cargo, by the groans and cries that arose from out its bosom.
Raoul stopped the fire, equally from humanity and policy,
after a few discharges at the retreating boats; and the first
act of the battle closed.
The breathing time gave both parties a desirable oppoilunity for ascertaining in what positions they were left. In
the whole, the French had lost the services of eleven men;
all, with the exception of Ithuel's four, in the ruin. The
loss of the English amounted to thirty-three, including seve.
ral officers. The master's-mate, who had commanded the
crippled cutter, lay over its ste-n, flat on his back, with no
less than five musket-balls through his chest. His passage
into another state of existence had been sudden as the flight
of the electric spark. Of his late companions several were
dead also, though most were still enduring the pain of frac.
tured bones and bruised nerves. The boat itself slowly
touched the rocks, raising fresh cries among the wounded,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


411


by the agony they endured from the shocks of rising anid
falling under the ground-swell.
Raoul was too deliberate, and too much collected, not to
feel his advantage. Anxious to keep his means of further
defence in the best condition, he directed all the guns to
cease, and the damages to be repaired. Then he went with
a p rty towards the boat that had fallen into his hands.
To encumber himself with prisoners of any sort, in his
actual situation, would have been a capital mistake; but to
do this with wounded men, would have been an act of folly.
The boat had tourniquets and other similar appliances in it,
and he directed some of the French to use them on those
that wanted them most. He also supplied the parched lips
of the sufferers with water, when, conceiving that his duty
was perfobrmed, he gave an order to haul the boat on one
side, and to shove it forcibly out of the line of any coming
conflict.
"Halloo, Captain Rule!" called out Ithuel, "you are
wrong there. Let the boat lie where it is, and it will answer a better turn than another breastwork. The English
will scarcely fire through their own wounded."
The look that Raoul cast towards his auxiliary was fierce
even indignant; but, disregarding the advice, he motioned
fbr his own men to obey the order he had already given
them. Then, as if mindful of Ithuel's importance, his late
timely succour, and the necessity of not offending him. he
walked to the side of the -islet nearest to the felucca, and
spoke courteously and cheerfully to him whose advice he
had just treated with indifference, if not with disdain. This
was not hypocrisy, but a prudent adaptation of his means to
his circumstances.
" on --brave Etooelle," he said, " your bags of bullets
were welcome friends, and they arrived at the rigb4
moment."
1 "Why, Captain Rule, in the Granite country we are
never wasteful of our means. You can always wait for the
white of Englishmen's eyes, in these affairs. They're
spiteful d--Is, on the whull, and seem to be near-sighted,o a man. They came so clus' at Bunker Hill, our folks-"
" Bon-" repeated Raoul, feeling no wish to hear a thricetold tale gone through again, Bunker Hill invariably placing





412


L Et FEU-FOLLET.


Ithuel on a great horse in the way of bragging; for he no6
only imagined that great victory a New-England triumph,
as in fact it was, but he was much disposed to encourage
the opinion that it was in a great measure " granite."
"Bon," interrupted Raoul-" Bunkair was good;-mais,
les Rochess aux Sirens is bettair. If you have more de
ces balles, load encore."
"What think you of this, Captain Rule?" asked the
ther, pointing up at a little vane that began to flutter at the
head of one of his masts. "Here is the west wind, and an
opportunity offers to be off. Let us take wit, and rua!"
Raoul started, and gazed at the heavens, the vane, and
the surface of the sea; the latter beginning to show a
slightly ruffled surface. Then his eye wandered towards
Ghita. The girl had risen from her knees, and her eyes
followed his every movement. When they met his, with a
sweet, imploring smile, she pointed upward, as if beseeching him to pay the debt of gratitude he owed to that dread
Being who had, as yet, borne him unharmed through the
fray. He understood her meaning, kissed his hand in
affectionate gallantry, and turned towards Ithuel, to pursue
the discourse.
" It is too soon," he said. "-We are impregnable here,
and the wind is still too light. An hour hence, and we will
all go together."
Ithuel grumbled; but his commander heeded it not. The
-judgment of the latter had decided right. The boats were
rallying within musket-shot, indifferent to the danger, and
it was evident the attack was to be ren'ewed. To have
attempted to escape at such an instant, would have been
throwing away the great advantage of the ruins, and might
have endangered all, without benefiting any one.
In point of fact, Sir Frederick Dashwood had become
keenly alive to a sense of the disgrace he was likely to
incur, in the event of the ship's getting round, and robbing
him of the credit of capturing the lugger. The usually
apathetic nature of this young man was thoroughly aroused,
and, like all who are difficult to excite, he became respectable
when his energies were awakened. The boats were already
collected; all the disabled were put into one of them, and
ordered off to the ships; and with those that remained





LE FEU-FOLLET.


413.,:utgements were made to renew the attempt. It was fortuaate that Cuffe had sent an expedition so strong-handed;
for, notwithstanding the loss, the three launches and the
cutters could still muster double the number of the French.
This time, Sir Frederick was willing to listen to counsel.
Winchester, McBean, Griffin, and Strand, united in advising
that the boats should separate, and make their assaults from
different points. This would prevent the possibility of a
recurrence of so concentrated a disaster as that which had
already befallen them. To the Scotchman, was assigned
the felucca; the Terpsichore's launch was to assail the
lugger; while the two cutters, and the heavier boat of the
Proserpine, were to dash in at the ruins. Sir Frederick still
remained in his own gig, to push for the point that might
seem to require his presence.
McBean was the first to fire on this occasion. He threw
a round-shot from his carronade into the felucca, aimed by
himself, and directed with care. It fell upon one of Ithuel's
carronades, broke into a dozen pieces, knocked down no less
than three men, besides injuring others less severely, and
actually drove the gun it struck off its slide into the felucca's hold. This was a rough commencement, and the result being seen by all hands, it greatly encouraged the assailants. Three hearty English cheers followed, and Ithuel
was so far disconcerted as to fire the remaining gun, loaded
as before, with bullets, at least two minutes too soon. The
sea was thrown into a foam, but not a man in the boats was
hurt. Then the fire became general; gun after gun exploding; the rattling of small-arms filling up the pauses. The
boats came on with steady, strong pulls of the oar, and this
too with an impunity that often happens, though difficult
to be explained. Several shot fell among the. ruins, knocking the stones about, and for a minute or two all the injury
was on -ne side. But Pintard and Ithuel felt the security
conferred by. the rocks in their front, and each endeavoured
to give one effective discharge. Ithuel succeeded the best.
He repaid McBean in his own coin, sending a grist of bullets,nto the bows of his launch, which admonished that prudent
officer of the necessity of sheering towards the islet of the
ruins. Pintard's assailant was brought up by the barrier in
%ont, and turned aside also. Then, in thf m'ncst of a cloud
35





414


LE FEU-FOLLET.


of' smoke, shouts, curses, cries, shrieks, orders, and the roa.
of guns, all the English precipitated themselves in a body
on the principal post, and became the masters of the battery
in the twinkling of an eye.
CHAPTER XXIX.
SThus doth the ever-changing course of things,
Run a perpetual circle, ever turning;
And that same day, that highest glory brings,
Brings us to the point of back-returning."
DANIEL.
IN scenes like that just related, it is not easy to collect
details. All that was ever known beyond the impetuous
manner of the assault, in which the ruins were carried, was
in the dire result. Half the French on the islet were weltering in their blood, and the surface of the rocks was welt
sprinkled with enemies who had not been more fortunate.
It had been a desperate onset, in which mortification increased natural intrepidity, which had been nobly resisted,
but in which numbers had necessarily prevailed. Among
the English slain was Sir Frederick Dashwood himself; he
lay about a yard from his own gig, with a bali directly
through his head. Griffin was seriously hurt, but Clinch
was untouched, on the low rampart, Waving an English Jack
-after having hauled down a similar emblem of the French.
His boat had.first touched the rock, her crew had first reach.
ed the ruin, and of all in her, he, himself, had taken the
lead. Desperately had he contended for Jane and a commission, and, this time, Providence appeared to smile on his
efforts. As for Raoul, he lay in front of his own rampart,
having rushed forward to meet the party of Clinch, and had
actually crossed swords with his late prisoner, when a musket-ball, fired by the hands of McBean, traversed his body.
" Courage, mes braves! en avant " he was heard to
shout, as he leaped the low wall, to repel the invaders--and





LE FEU-FOLLET.


415


when he lay on the hard rock, his voice was still strong
enough to make itself heard, crying-" Lieutenant-nom de
Dieu-sauve mon Feu-Follet!"
It is probable that Pintard would not have stirred, even at
this order, had not the English ships been seen, at that instant, coifing round Campanella, with a leading westerly
wind. The flap of canvass was audible near by, too, and
turning, hi saw the Michael falling off, under her foresail,
and already gathering steerage-way. Not a soul was visi
ble on her decks, Ithuel, who steered, lying so- close, as to
be hid by her waist-cloths. The hawsers of the lugger were
cut, and le Feu-Follet started back like an affrighted steed.
It was only to let go the brails and her foresail fell. Light,
and feeling the breeze, which now came in strong puffs, she
shot out of the little bay and wore short round on her keel.
Two or three of the English boats attempted to follow, but
it was idle. Winchester, who now commanded, recalled
them, saying, that it remained for the ships to perform their
task; The day had been too bloody, indeed, to think of
more than securing the present success, and of attending to
the hurt.
Leaving the party on the islets for a moment, we will follow the two vessels in their attempt to escape. Pintard and
his companions abandoned Raoul with heavy hearts, but
they plainly saw him prostrated on the rocks, and by the
hand placed on his side, understood the desperate nature of
his wound. Like him, they felt some such interest as one
entertains for a beloved mistress in the fate of the lugger,
and the words--" sauve mon Feu-Follet i" were ringing in
their ears.
As soon as the lugger got round, she set her after-sail, and
then she began to glide through the water, with the usual
knife-like parting of the element under her bows. The
course she steered led her directly out of the bay, seeming
to lead across the fore-foots of the English ships. Ithuel
did not imitate this manoeuvre. He kept more away in the
line for Ptestum, rightly enough believing that in the greedy
desire to overtake the lugger, his own movement would pass
unheeded. The owner of this craft was still on board the
Terpsichore; but every remonstrance, and all the requests
(ie made, that his own vessel might be followed and cap.





416


LE FEU-FO LLET.


tured, were utterly unheeded by the lieutenant now in command. To him, as to all others in authority, there seemed
to be but one thing desirable, and that was to secure the lugger. Of course none yet knew of the fatal character of the
struggle on the rocks, or of the death of the English leader,
though the nature of the result was sufficiently understood
by seeing the English Jack flying among the ruins, and the
two vessels under way, endeavouring to escape.
The season was now so far advanced as to render the old
stability of the breezes a little uncertain. The zephyr had
come early, and it had come fresh; but there were syrmptoms of a sirocco, about the barometer, and in the atmosphere. This rendered all in the ships eager to secure their
prize before a shift of wind should come. Now that there
were three fast vessels in chase, none doubted of the final
result; and Cuffe paced the quarter-deck of the Proserpine,
rubbing his hands with delight, as he regarded all the propitious signs of the times.
The Ringdove was ordered, by signal, to haul up southsouth-west, or close on a wind, with a view to make such an
offing as would prevent the possibility of the lugger's getting
outside of the ships, and gaining the wind of them; an
achievement' Cuffe thought she might very well be enabled
to accomplish, could she once fairly come by the wind under
circumstances that would prevent any of his vessels from
bringing her under their guns. The Terpsichore was directed
to run well into the bay, to see that a similar artifice was
not practised in that direction; while the Proserpine shaped
her own course at the angle that would intercept the chase,
should the latter continue to stand on.
It was an easy thing for the French to set all their canvass,
the hamper of a lugger being so simple. This was soon
done; and Piqtard watched the result, with intense interest,
well knowing that everything now depended on heels, and
ignorant what might be the effect of her present trim on the
sailing of his beautiful craft. Luckily, some attention had
been paid to her lines, in striking in the ballast again; and
it was soon found that the vessel was likely to behave well.
Pintard thought her so light as to be tender; but, not daring
to haul up high enough to prove her, in that way, it remained
w matter of opinion only. It was enough for him thai she





LE FEU-FOLLET.


417


lay so far to the west of south as to promise to clear the
point of Piane, and that she skimmed along the water at a
rate that bade fair to distance all three of her pursuers.
Anxious to get an offing, however, which would allow him
to alter his course at night in more directions than one, he
kept luffing, as the wind favoured, so as sensibly to edge off
the land.
As the two chashs commenced their flight quite a mile to
the southward of the ships, having that much the start ot
them on account of the position of the rocks, it rendered them
both tolerably free from all danger of shot, at the beginning
of the race. The course steered by Ithuel, soon placed him
beyond their reach, altogether; and Cuffe knew that little
would be gained, while much might be lost, in making any
attempt of this sort on the lugger. Consequently, not a gun
was fired; but the result was thrown fairly on the canvass,
and on the sailing of the respective vessels.
Such was the state of things at the beginning of this chase.
The wind freshened fast, and soon blew a strong breeze;
one that drove the ships ahead, under clouds of studding.
sails and stay-sails, the latter being much used at that period,
at the rate of quite ten knots the hour. But neither gained
on le Feu-Follet. The course was by no means favourable
to her, the wind being well on her quarter; still, she rather
gained, than was gained on. All four vessels went off
rapidly to the southward, as a matter of course; nor was it
long before they were to leeward of the felucca, which had
both shortened sail, and hauled up to the eastward, as soon
as Ithuel felt satisfied he was not to be followed. After a
sufficient time had elapsed, the Holy Michael tacked, and
came out of the bay, crossing the wake of the Terpsichore,
just beyond gun-shot. Of course, this manoeuvre was seen
from the frigate; and the padrone of the felucca tore his
hair, threw himself on the quarter-deck, and played many
other desperate antics, in the indulgence of his despair, or to
excite sympathy: but all in vain; the lieutenant was obstinate; refusing to alter tack or sheet to chase a miserable
felucca, with so glorious an object in full view before him, as.he celebrated lugger of Raoul Yvard. As a matter of course,
Ithuel passed out to sea unmolested; and, it may as well be
said here, that, in due time, he reached Marseilles in safety
27





t1s


LE FEU-FOLLET.


wvhere the felucca was sold, and the Granite-seaman disappeared for a season. There will be occasion to speak ot
him only once again, in this legend.
The trial of speed must soon have satisfied Pintard that
he had little to apprehend from his pursuers, even with the
breeze there was. But circumstances favoured the lugger.
The wind hauled materially to the northward, and before
the sun set, it enabled the French to run off wing-and-wing,
still edging from the land. It now began to blow so heavily
as to compel the ships to reduce their light canvass. Some
time before the night set in, both frigates and the sloop were
under main-top-gallant-sails only, with top-mast and lower
studding-sails on each side. Le Feu-Follet made no change.
Her jigger had been taken in, as soon as she kept dead
away, and then she dashed ahead, under her two enormous
luggs, confident in their powers of endurance. The night
was not very dark; but it promised to carry her beyond the
vision of her pursuers, even before eight bells, did the present
difference in sailing continue.'
A stern chase is proverbially a long chase., For one fast
vessel to outsail another a single mile in an hour, is a great
superiority; and even in such circumstances, many hours
must elapse ere one loses sight of the other, by day. The
three English ships held way together surprisingly, the Pro.
serpine leading a little; while le Feu-Follet might possibly
have found herself, at the end of a six hours' chase, some
four miles in advance of her, three of which she had gained
since keeping off, wing-and-wing. The lightness of the little
craft essentially aided her. The canvass had less weight to
drag after it; and Pintard observed that the hull seemed to
skim the waves, as soon as the sharp stem had divided them,
and the water took the bearings of the vessel. Hour after
hour did he sit on the bowsprit, watching her progress; a
crest of foam scarce appearing ahead, before it was glittering
under the lugger's bottom. Occasionally, a pursuing sea
cast the stern upward, as if about to throw it in advance of
the bows; but le Feu-Follet was too much accustomed to
ihis treatment to be disturbed, and.she ever rose on the billow, like a bubble, and then the glancing arrow scarce surpassed the speed with which she hastened forward, as if to
recover lost time.





LE FEL-FOLLET


419


Cuffe did not quit the deck until the bell struck two, in
the middle watch. This made it one o'clock. Yelverton
and the master kept the watches between them, but the captain was always near with his advice and orders.
" That craft seems faster when she gets her sails wing~
and-wing than she is even close-hauled, it seems to me,
Yelverton," observed Cuffe, after taking a long ook at the
chase with a night-glass; "I begin to be afraid we shall
lose her. Neither of the other ships does anything to help
us. Here we are all three, dead in her wake, following
each other like so many old maids going to church of a
Sunday morning."
" It would have been better, Captain Cuffe, had the Ring
dove kept more to the westward, and the frigate further east.
Fast as the lugger is with her wings spread, she's faster wxth
them jammed up on a wind. I expect every moment to tind
her sheering off to the westward, and gradually getting us in
her wake on a wind. I fear we should find that worse work
than even this, sir.'
" I would not lose her now, for a thousand pounds! 1 do
not see what the d-1 Dashwood was about, that he did not
secure her, when he got possession of the rocks. I shall
rattle him down a little, as soon as we meet."
Cuffe would have been shocked had he known that the
body of Sir Frederick Dashwood was, just at that moment,
going through the melancholy process of being carried on
board a two-decker, up at Naples, the captain of which was
his kinsman. But he did not know it, nor did he learn his
death, for more than a week; or after the body had been
interred.
" Take the glass, Yelverton, and look at her. To me she
grows very dim - she must be leaving us, fast. Be careful to note if there are any signs of an intention to sheer to
the westward."
"' That can hardly be done without jibing her forward lugg
--hang me, Captain Cuffe, if I can see her at all. Ah!
here she is, dead ahead as before, but as dim as a ghost. 1
can barely make out her canvass-she is still wing-andwing, d-n her, looking more like the spectre of a craft, than
a real thing. I lost her in that yaw, sir-I wish you would
try, Captain Cuffe-do my best, I cannot find her again."





420


LE FEU-FOLLE T.


Cuffe did try, but without success. Once, indeed, he fhni
cied he saw her but further examination satisfied him it was
a mistake. So long had he been gazing at the same object,
that it was easy for the illusion to pass before his mind's
eye,-of imagining a dim outline of the little lugger flying
away, like the scud of the heavens, wing-and-wing, ever
seeming to elude his observation. That night he dreamed
of her, and there were haply five minutes, during which his.wandering thoughts actually pourtrayed the process of tak
ing possession, and of manning the prize.
Previously to this, however, signals were made to the
other ships, ordering them to alter their courses, with a view
to meet anticipated changes in that of le Feu-Follet. Lyon
was sent to the westward, the Terpsichore a little easterly,
while the Proserpine herself ventured so far as to steer southwest, after two o'clock. Bu, a sudden and violent shift of
wind came an hour before day. It was the expected-nay,
the announced sirocco, and it brought the lugger to windward
beyond all dispute. The south breeze came strong from
the first puff; and, while it did not amount to a gale until the
afternoon of the next day, it blow heavily, in squalls, after
the first hour.
When the day dawned, the three ships were out of sight
of each other. The Proserpine, which we shall accompany,
as our old acquaintance, and an actor in what is to succeed,
was under double-reefed topsails, with her head up as high as
west-south-west, labouring along through the troughs of the
seas left by the late Tramontana. The weather was thick,
rain and drizzle coming in the squalls, and there were
moments when the water could not be seen a cable's-length
from the ship; at no time was the usual horizon fairly visible. In this manner the frigate struggled ahead, Cuffe
unwilling to abandon all hopes of success, and yet seeing
little prospect of its accomplishment. The look-outs were
aloft, as usual, but it was as much for form as for any great
use they were likely to be, since it was seldom a man
could see further from the cross-trees than he could from
the deck.
The officers, as well as the men, had breakfasted. A
species of sullen discontent pervaded the ship, and the recent
kind feelings towards Raoul Yvard had nearly vanished in





LE FEU-FOLLET.


421


disappointment. Some began to grumble about the chances
of the other ships falling in with the lugger, while others
swore " that it mattered not who saw her; catch her none
could, who had not an illicit understanding with the Father
of Lies. She was well named the Jack-o'-Lantern; for
Jack-o'-Lantern she was, and Jack-o'-Lantern would she
ever prove to be. As well might a false fire be followed in
a meadow, as such a craft at sea. They might think them
selves fortunate, if the officers and people sent against her
in the boats ever got back to their own wholesome ship
again."
In the midst of such prognostics and complaints, the captain of the fore-top shouted the words ' sail ho!' The usual
inquiry and answer followed, and the officers got a glimpse
of the object. The stranger was distant half a league, and
he was seen very indistinctly on account of the haze; but
seen he was.
"'Tis a xebec," growled the master, who was one of the
grumblers of the day-" a fellow with his hold crammed
with a wine that would cover the handsomest woman's face
in Lunnun with wrinkles." *
" By Jupiter Ammon!" Cuffe exclaimed, "'tis the le FeuFolly, or I do not know an old acquaintance. Quartermaster hand me the glass-not that, the shorter glass is the
best."
"Long or short, you'll never make that out," muttered
the master. " The Folly has more folly about her than 1
give her credit for, if we get another look at her this summer."
" What do you make of him, Captain Cuffe?" Yelverton
eagerly demanded.
" Just what I told you, sir-'tis the lugger-and-I cannot be mistaken.-Ay, by Jove, she is coming down before
it, wing-and-wing, again! That's her play, just now, it would
seem, and she does not appear to have got enough of it yet."
An attentive look satisfied Yelverton that his commander
was right. Even the master had to confess his error, though
he did it ungraciously and with reluctance. It was the lugger, of a certainty, though so dimly seen as to render it
difficult, at moments, to trace her outlines at all. She was
running in a line that would carry her astern of the frigate
36





422


LE FEU-FOLLET


about a mile, and she was rather more than thrice that distance to windward.
" She cannot see us," said Cuffe, thoughtfully. " Beyond
a doubt she thinks us to windward, and is endeavouring to
get out of our neighbourhood. We must get round, gentlemen, and now is a favourable moment. Tack ship, at once,
Mr. Yelverton-I think she '11 do it."
The experiment was made, and it succeeded. The Proserpine worked beautifully, and Yelverton knew how to
humour her to a nicety. In five minutes the ship was round,
with everything trimmed on the other tack;-close-reefed
mizen, and double-reefed fore and main-top-sails-a reefed
main-sail, with other sails to suit. As she was kept a rap
full, or a little off, indeed, to prevent the lugger from slipping past, she might have gone from five to six knots.
The next five minutes were intensely interesting to the
people of the Proserpine. The weather became thicker, and
all traces of le Feu-Follet were lost.  Still, when last
seen, she was wing-and-wing, flying rather than sailing,
down towards their own track. By Cuffe's calculation, the
two vessels would nearly meet in less than a quarter of an
hour, should neither alter her course. Several guns were
got ready, in preparation for such a rencontre.
" Let the weather hold thick a few minutes longer, and
we have her!" cried Cuffe. " Mr. Yelverton, you must go
down and see to those guns yourself. Plump it right into
her, if you're ordered to fire. The fellow has no hamper,
and stripping him must be a matter of pure accident. Make
it too hot for him on deck, and he'll have to give up, Raoul
Yvard, or the d-l!"
" There she is, sir!" shouted a midshipman from a cathead-for everybody who dared had crowded forward to get
an early look at the chase.
There she was, sure enough, wing-and-wing, as before.
The dullness of the lugger's look-outs have never been exolained, as a matter of course; but it was supposed, when
all the circumstances came to be known, that most of her
people were asleep, to recover from the recent extraordinary
fatigue, and a night in which all hands had been kept on
deck, in readiness to make sail; the vessel having but some
thirty souls in her. At length the frigate was seen, the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


423


weather lighting, and it was not an instant too soon. The
two vessels, at that critical instant, were about half a mile
apart, le Feu-Follet bearing directly off the Proserpine's
weather-bow. In the twinkling of an eye, the former jibed;
then she was seen coming to the wind, losing sufficient
ground in doing so, to bring her just in a range with the
two weather chase-guns. Cuffe instantly gave the order to
open a fire.
" What the d-1 has got into her?" exclaimed the
captain,-" she topples like a mock mandarin,-she used to
be as stiff as a church! What can it mean, sir?"
The master did not know, but we may say that the lugger
was too light for so much canvass in such heavy weather,
and there was not time to shorten sail. She lurched heavily
under the sea that was now getting up, and, a squall striking
her, her lee guns were completely buried. Just at this
moment the Proserpine belched forth her flame and smoke.
The shot could not be followed, and no one knew where
they struck. Four had been fired, when a squall succeeded
that shut in the chase, and, of course, the firing was suspended. So severe was this momentary effort of the African
gales, hot, drowsy, and deadening as they are, that the Proserpine started her mizzen-top-sail sheets, and clewed up her
main-course, to save the spar. But, the tack was instantly
boarded again, and the top-sail set. A gleam of sunshine
succeeded, but the lugger had disappeared!
The sun did not remain visible, and that faintly, but a
minute; still, the eye could range several miles, for thrice
that period. After this the horizon became more limited,
but no squall occurred for a quarter of an hour. When the
lugger was missed, the Proserpine was heading up within
half a point of the spot at which she was supposed to be. In
a short time she drove past this point, perhaps a hundred
fathdms t6 leeward of it. Here she tacked, and stretching
off a sufficient distance to the southward and westward, came
round again,, and heading up east-south-east, was thought to
sweep along over the empty track. Not a sign of the miss
ing vessel was discovered. The sea had swallowed all,
lugger, people, and hamper. It was supposed that, owing
to the fact that so many light articles had been left on
the rocks, nothing remained to float. All had accompanied





424


LE FEU-FOLLET.


le Feu-Follet to the bottom. Of boats there were none,
these being at the islet of the ruins, and, if any seaman
swam off in the desperate attempt to save his life in the
midst of the cauldron of waters, he did not succeed, or was
overlooked by the English in their search. The latter, indeed, may have miscalculated their distances, and not have
passed within a cable's-length of the place where the victims, if any such there were, still struggled for existence.
Cuffe, and all around him, were forcibly struck with so
unlooked-for and so dire a calamity. The loss of a vessel,
under such circumstances, produces an effect like a sudden death among companions. It is a fate all may meet
with, and it induces reflection and sadness. Still, the English did not give up the hope of rescuing some unfortunate
iretch, clinging to a spar, or supporting himself by supernatural efforts, for several hours. At noon, however, the
ship squared away, and ran for Naples, before the wind,
being drawn aside from her course by another chase, in
which she succeeded better, capturing a sloop-of-war, which
she carried in, several days later.
The first act of Cuffe, on anchoring in the fleet, was to go
on board the Foudroyant, and report himself and his proceedings to the rear-admiral. Nelson had heard nothing
of the result, beyond what had occurred at the islets, and
the separation of the ships.
" Well, Cuffe," he said, reaching out his remaining hand,
kindly, to his old Agammenon, as the other entered the
cabin-" the fellow has got off, after all! It has been a
bad business, altogether, but we must make the best of it.
Where do you fancy the lugger to be?"
Cuffe explained what had happened, and put into the
admiral's hand an official letter, exi;ining his recent success. With the last, Nelson was pleased-at the first, sur.
prised. After a long, thoughtful pause, he went into the
after-cabin, and returned, throwing a small, jack-like, flag
on the floor.
" As Lyon was cruising about," he said, " and his sloop
was pitching her cat-heads under, this thing was washed
upon a spare anchor, where it stuck.  It's aqueer flag.
Can it have had any connection with the lugger?"
Cuffe looked, and he immediately recognized the little





LE FEU-FOLLE'r.


425


ala c ala jack, that the Italians had described to him, im
their many conversations. It was the only vestige that was
ever founl of the Wing-and-Wing.
CHAPTER XXX.
"How beautiful is sorrow, when 'tis drest
By virgin innocence! It makes
Felicity in others, seem deformed."
DAVENANT.
WE must return to the rocks, and the melancholy
scene they offered. Our purposes will be answered, however,
by advancing the time into the evening, omitting many
things that the reader can imagine, without our relating
them.
It is scarcely necessary to say, that Andrea Barrofaldi,
and Vito Viti, took no part in the bloody transactions we
have related. When all was over, however, they drew near
to the rocks, and, sitting in their boat, contemplating the
sad spectacle presented within the narrow compass of the
islet of the ruins, the following short dialogue occurred
between them:"Vice-governatore," demanded the podesta, pointing to
the place where Sir Frederick lay, a motionless corpse,
Raoul bleeding, and others were writhing under their
wounds-" do you call this reality, or is it a part of that
damnable doctrine, which is enough to set the whole earth
by the ears, and to turn men into tigers and hawks?"
" I fear, neighbour Vito, this will only prove too true. I
see the bodies of Sir Dashwood and Sir Smees; and God
knows how many more have this day departed for the world
of spirits."
" Leaving behind them only a world of shadows," muttered Vito Viti, even that melancholy spectacle failing to
draw his thoughts altogether from a discussion that had now
'asted near four-and-twenty hours. But the moment was
36 *





426


L]E FEU-FOLLET


not propitious to argument, and the two Italians landed
This was within half-an-hour after the struggle had ceased;
and our intentions are to advance the time to the moment
mentioned in the opening of this Chapter.
We must give here, however, a rapid sketch of the proceedings that narrowed down the view to that we intend
shortly to lay before the reader. As soon as there was
leisure, Winchester made a survey-of the field of battle. He
found many of his own men slain, and more wounded. Ot
the French on the islet, quite half were hurt; but the mortal
wound received by their leader, was the blow that all
lamented. The surgeon soon pronounced Raoul's case to
be hopeless; and this declaration was heard with regret even
by generous enemies. The defence had been desperate;
it would have succeeded, had it been within the scope
of possibility for so few courageous men to repel double
their numbers of those who were equally brave. Both sides
had fought for honour; and, when this is the case, victory
generally awaits the strongest.
As soon as it was perceived that all the ships were likely
to be led far-to leeward, in chase, the English officers felt,he necessity of acting for themselves. The medical men
had been busy from the first, and in the course of a couple
of hours, all had been done for the wounded that present
circumstances would allow. The amputations were few,
and each vessel having sent a surgeon, these were all made,
while the other appliances had been successfully used in such
cases as would be benefited by them. The day was drawing near a close, and the distance from the fleet was so great
as to call for exertion.
As soon, therefore, as the uninjured men were refreshed,
and the wounded cared for, the latter were put into the
launches, in the best manner they might be, and the cutters
took them in tow. One had no sooner received its melancholy freight, than it left theislets, on its way to the hospitalship of the fleet. The others succeeded, in turn; the unhurt
French willingly offering to assist in the performance of this
pious duty. At length, but three boats remained. One was
Sir Frederick's gig, which Winchester had kept for his own
particular use; another was the yawl of Andrea Barrof;ldi;
and the third, the little craft in which Carlo Giuntotardi nad





LE FEU-FOLLET.


427


come from the shore. Of the French, no one remaired but
the surgeon of the lugger, Raoul's steward and pt:jonal
attendant, and Raoul himself. If to these be added the two
Italians, and their oarsmen, Carlo and his niece, with Winchester and his boat's crew, we enumerate all who now
remained at the rocks.
By this time the sun had sunk below the adjacent hills,
and it was necessary to decide on some course. Winchester
consulted the surgeon as to the expediency of removing his
patient. Could it be done, it had better be done soon.
" Mons. lieutenant," answered this personage a little drily,
" mon brave capitaine has but a short time to live. He has
entreated to be left here, on the scene of his glory, and in
the company of that female whom he so well loved-maisyou are the victors"- shrugging his shoulders-" and you
will do your own pleasure."
Winchester coloured and bit his lips. The idea of torturing Raoul, either in body or mind, was the last intention
of one so humane, but he felt indignant at the implied suspicion. Commanding himself, notwithstanding, he bowed
courteously, and intimated that he would remain himself,
with his prisoner, until all were over. The Frenchman was
surprised, and when he read the sympathy of the other in
the expression of his countenance, he felt regret for his own
distrust, and still more at having expressed it.
"Mais, Monsieur," he answered, " night will soon come
-you may have to pass it on the rocks."
" And if we do, doctor, it is no more than we seamen are
used to. Boat-service is common duty with us. I have
only to wrap mysEAf in my cloak, to enjoy a seaman's comfort."
This settled the matter, and no more was said. The sur.
geoh, a man accustomed to the exercise of such resources,
soon managed to make his dispositions for the final scene.
n clearing the lugger, a hundred light articles had been
thrown on the islet on which she had touched, and among
others were several rude mattresses of the seamen. Two
or three of these were procured, placed on the smoothest
surface of the rock, and a bed formed for Raoul. The medi.
cal man, and the seamen, would have erected a tent with a
sa;l, but this the wounded man forbade.





42S


LE -FE.U-FOLLET.


" Let me breathe the free air," he said-" I shall use but
little of it;-let that little be free."
It was useless to oppose such a wish, nor was there any
motive for it. The air was pure, and little need be apprehended froml the night, in behalf of Ghita, surrounded as
they were by the pure waters of the ocean. Even when the
Tramnontana came, although it was cool, its coolness was
not unpleasant, the adjacent hill sheltering the islets from
its immediate influence.
The English seamen collected some fuel from the spare
spars of the lugger, and lighted a fire on the rock where
they had been found. Food of all sorts was abundant, and
several casks of water had been struck out whole, as provision
against a siege. Here they made coffee, and cooked enough
food for the wants of all the party. The distance prevented
their disturbing those who remained near Raoul, while the
light of the fire, which was lept in a cheerful blaze, cast a
picturesque glow upon the group around the dying man, as
soon as the night had fairly set in. It superseded, too, the
necessity of any lamps or torches.
We pass over all the first outpourings of Ghita's anguish,
when she learned the wound of Raoul, her many and fervent prayers, and the scenes that took place during the time
that the islet was still crowded with the combatants. More
quiet hours succeeded when these last were gone; and as
the night advanced, something like the fixed tranquillity of
settled despair followed the first emotions. When ten o'clock
arrived, we reach the moment at which we wish to raise the
curtain once more, in order to. present the principal actors
in the scene.
Raoul lay on the summit of the islet, where his eye could
range over the mild waters that washed the rock, and his
ear listen to the murmuring of his own element. The Traniontana, as usual, had driven all perceptible vapour from the
atmosphere, and the vault of heaven, in its cerulean blue,
and spangled with thousands of stars, stretched itself above
him, a gloiious harbinger for the future, to one who died in
hope. The care of Ghita and the attendants had collected
around the spot, so many little comforts as to give it the air
of a room suddenly divested of sides and ceiling, but habitable and useful. Winchester, fatigued with his day's work,





LE FEU-FOLLET.


429


and mindful of the wish that Raoul might so naturally feel
to be alone with Ghita, had lain down on a mattress, leaving orders to be called should anything occur; while the
surgeon, conscious that he could do no more, had imitated
his example, making a similar request. As for Carlo Giuntotardi, he seldom slept; he was at his prayers in the ruins.
kndrea and the podesta paced the rock to keep themselves
warm, slightly regretting the sudden burst of humanity
which had induced them to remain.
Raoul and Ghita were alone. The former lay on his
back, his head bolstered, and his face upturned towards the
vault of heaven. The pain was over, and life was ebbing
Fast. Still, the mind was unshackled, and thought busy as
ever. His heart was still full of Ghita; though his extraordinary situation, and more especially, the glorious view
before his eyes, blended certain pictures of the future, with
his feelings, that were as novel as he found them powerful.
With the girl it was different. As a woman, she had felt
the force of this sudden blow in a manner that she found
difficult to bear. Still, she blessed God, that what had
occurred, happened in her presence, as it might be; leaving
her the means of acting, and the efficacy of prayer. To say
that she did not yet feel the liveliest love for Raoul, all that
tenderness which constitutes so large a portion of woman's
nature, would be untrue; but, her mind was now made up
to the worst, and her thoughts were of another state of
being.
A long pause had occurred, in which Raoul remained
steadfastly gazing at the starry canopy above.
" It is remarkable, Ghita," he said, at length, "that IRaoul Yvard-the corsair-the man of wars and tempestsfierce combats and hair-breadth escapes-should be dying
here, on this rock, with all those stars looking down upon
me, as it might be, from your heaven, seeming to smile upon
me!"
" Why not your heaven, as well as mine, Raoul?" Ghita
answered, tremulously. " It is as vast as He who dwells in
it-whose throne it is-and can contain all who love him,
and seek his mercy."
" Dost thou think one like me would be received into his
oresence, Ghita?"





,430


LE FEU-FOLLET.


"Do not doubt it- free from all error and weakness
Himself, his Holy Spirit delights in the penitent and the sorrcwfiul. Oh! dearest, dearest Raoul, if thou would'st but
pray!"
A gleam, like that of triumph, glowed on the face of the
wounded man; and Ghita, in the intensity of her expectation, rose, and stood over him, her own features filled with a
momentary hope.
" Mon Feu-Follet!" exclaimed Raoul, letting the tongue
reveal the transient thought which brought the gleam of
triumph to his countenance. " Thou, at least, hast escaped I
These English will not count thee among their victims, and
glut their eyes on thy charming proportions!"
Ghita felt a chill at her heart. She fell back on her seat,
and continued watching her lover's countenance, with a
feeling of despair, though inextinguishable tenderness was
still crowding around her soul. Raoul heard the movement; and turning his head, he gazed at the girl, for quite
a minute, with a portion of that intense admiration that used
to gleam from his eyes in happier moments.
" It is better as it is, Ghita," he said, " than that I should
live without thee. Fate has been kind, in thus ending my
misery."
"Oh! Raoul! there is no fate, but the holy will of God.
Deceive not thyself, at this awful moment; but bow down
thy proud spirit, in humility, and turn to Him for succour!"
"Poor Ghita!-Well, thine is not the only innocent mind
by millions, that hath been trammelled by priests; and, 1
suppose, what hath commenced with the beginning, will last
till the end."
" The beginning and the end, are both God, Raoul. Since
the commencement of time, hath he established laws which
have brought about the trials of thy life-the sadness of
this very hour."
" And dost thou think he will pardon all thy care of one
so unworthy?"
Ghita bowed her head to the mattress over which she
leaned, and buried her face in her hands. When the minute
of prayer, that succeeded, was over, and her face was again
raised with the flush of feeling tempered by innocence on it,
Raoul was lying on his back, his eyes riveted, again, on the





LE FEU-FOLLET.


431


vault of heaven. His professional pursuits had led him
farther into the study of astronomy than comported with his
general education; and, addicted to speculation, its facts
had often seized upon his fancy, though they had failed to
touch his heart. Hitherto, indeed, he had fallen into the
common error of limited research, and found a confirmation
of his suspicions, in the assumed grasp of his own reason.
The dread moment that was so near, could not fail of its
influence, however; and that unknown future ovei which ho
hung, as it might be, suspended by a hair, inevitably led
his mind into an inquiry after the unknown God.
" Dost thou know, Ghita," he asked, " that the learned
of France tell us that all yonder bright stars are worlds,
-peopled most probably like this of our own, and to which
rthe earth appears but as a star itself, and that, too, of no
great magnitude?"
" And what is this, Raoul, to the power and majesty of
Him who created the universe? Ah! think not of the things
of his hand, but of Him who made them!"
" Hast thou ever heard, my poor Ghita, that the mind of
man hath been able to invent instruments to trace the movements of all these worlds, and hath power, even, to calculate
their wanderings with accuracy, for ages to come?"
" And dost thou know, my poor Raoul, what this mind
of man is?"
"A part of his nature-the highest quality; that which
maketh him the lord of earth."
" His highest quality-and that which maketh him lord
of earth, in one sense, truly; but, after all, a mere fragment
-a spot on the width of the heavens-of the spirit of God
himself. It is, in this sense, that he hath been made in the
mage of his creator."
"Thou think'st then, Ghita, that man is God, after all."
"Raoul!-Raoul! if thou would'st not see me die with
thee, interpret not my words in this manner!"
" Would it, then, be so hard to quit life in my company,
Ghita?" To me it would seem supreme felicity were out
Dlaces to be changed."
"To go whither? Hast thou bethought thee of thrs, my
beloved?"
Raoul answered not for some time. His eyes were fast.





132


LE FEU-FOLLET.


ened on a bright star, and a tumult of thought began to
crowd upon his brain. There are moments in the life of
every man, when the mental vision obtains clearer views cf
remote conclusions, equally in connection with the past and
the future, as there are days, when an atmosphere purer
than common, more readily gives up its objects to the physi;
cal organs, - leaving the mind momentarily the master,
almost without control. One of these gleams of truth passed
over the faculties of the dying man, and it could not be alto.
gether without its fruits. Raoul's soul was agitated by novel
sensations.
"Do thy priests fancy that they who have known and
loved each other in this life," he asked, " will know and
love each other, in that which they fancy is to come?"
" The life that is to come, Raoul, is one all love, or one
all hatred. That we may know each other, I try to hope;
nor, do I see any reason for disbelieving it. My uncle is
of opinion it must be so."
"Thy uncle, Ghita? What, Carlo Giuntotardi-he who
seemeth never to think of things around him - doth a mind
like his dwell on thoughts as remote and sublime as this?"
"Little dost thou know, or understand him, Raoul. His
mind seldom ceases to dwell on thoughts like these; this is
the reason why earth, and all it contains, seem so indifferent."
Raoul made no answer, but appearing to suffer under the
pain of his wound, the feelings of woman so far prevailed
over Ghita's tender nature, that she had not the heart to
press even his salvation on him, at such a moment. She
offered him soothing drinks, and nursed him with unabated
care; and when there seemed to be a cessation to his sufferings, she again passed minutes on her knees, her whole soul
absorbed in his future welfare. An hour passed in this
manner, all on, or near the rock sleeping, overcome by
fatigue, but Ghita and the dying man.
" That star haunts me, Ghita!" Raoul at length muttered.
SIf it be really a world, some all-powerful hand must have
created it. Chance never made a world, more than chance
made a ship.  Thought - mind - intelligence must have
governed at the formation of one, as well as of the other."
For months Ghita had not known an instant as happy as





LE PEU-FOLLET.                   438
that. It appeared as if the mind of Raoul were about to
extricate itself from the shallow philosophy so much in
fashion, and which had hitherto deadened a nature so kind,
an intellect ordinarily so clear. Could his thoughts but once
take the right direction, she had strong confidence in the
distinctness of their views, but most of all in the goodness
of the Deity.
" Raoul," she whispered, " God is there, as he is with us,
on this rock. His spirit is everywhere. Bless him!-bless
him in thy soul, my beloved, and be for ever happy!"
Raoul answered not. His face was upturned, and his eye
still remained riveted on that particular star. Ghita would
not disturb him, but taking his hand in hers, she once more
knelt, and resumed her prayers. Minute passed after minute, and neither seemed disposed to speak. At length Ghita
became woman again, and bethought her of her patient's
bodily wants. It was time to administer the liquids of the
surgeon, and she advanced to hold them to his lips. The
eye was still fastened on the star, but the lips did not meet
her with the customary smile of love. They were compressed,
as when the body was about to mingle in the strife of a battle, a sort of stern resolution being settled on them. Raoul
Yvard was dead.
The discovery of the truth was a fearful moment to Ghita.
Not a living being near her had the consciousness of her
situation; all being bound in the sleep of the weary. The
first feeling was that which belonged to her sex. She threw
herself on the body, and embraced it wildly, giving way to
those pent-up emotions, of which her lover, in his moody
humours, was wont to accuse her of not possessing. She
kissed the forehead, the cheeks, the pallid, stern lips of the
dead; and, for a time, there was the danger that her own
spirit might pass away in the paroxysm of her grief. But,
ft was morally impossible for Ghita to remain long under
cAe influence of despair. Her gentle spirit had communed
too long and too closely with her Heavenly Father, not to
resort to his support in all the critical moments of life. She
prayed, for the tenth time, that night, and arose from her
knees calm, if not absolutely resigned.
The situation of Ghita was now as wildly picturesque as
it was moving to her inmost spirit. All around her still slept.
1 7            28





434


LE FEU-FOLLET


and that, to the eye, as profoundly as he who was only to
rise again, when the sea and the land gave up their dead.
The excitement and exertions of the past day produced
their reaction, and seldcm did sleep exercise a more pro.
found influence. The fire was still burning bright, on the
islet of the gig-men, casting its rays fairly atwhart the
ruins, the different sleepers in them, and the immoveable
body of the dead. At moments, gusts of the Tramontana,
which was now blowing fresh, descended so Low as to fan the
flames, when the glare that succeeded seemed to give a startling reality to all that surrounded the place.
Still, the girl was too highly sustained, to be moved with
anything but her loss, and her restless inquietude for the
departed spirit. She saw that even her uncle slept, leaving
her truly alone with Raoul. Once a feeling of desertion
came over her, and she was inclined to arouse some of the
sleepers.  She did approach the spot where the surgeon
lay, and her hand was raised to stir him, when a flash of
light shot atwhart the pallid countenance of Raoul, and she
perceived that his eyes were still open. Drawing near, she
bent over the body, gazing long and wistfully into those
windows of the soul, that had so often beamed on her in
manly tenderness, and she felt, like a miser with Ivs hoarded
gold, unwilling to share it with any other.
Throughout the livelong night did Ghita watch by the
body of her well-beloved, now hanging over it with a ten
dernesP no change could extinguish, now besieging hea
ven with her prayers.  Not one awoke, to interfere with
the strange happiness she felt in those pious offices, or to
wound her sensibilities, by the surprise or the sneers of the
vulgar. Ere the day came, she closed the eyes of Raoul
with her own hands, covered his body with a French
ensign, that lay upon the rock, and sat, patient and resigned,
awaiting the moment when some of the others might be
ready to aid her in performing the last pious offices in behalf of the dead. As a Romanist, she found a holy consolation in that beautiful portion of her church's creed, that
admits of unceasing petition for the souls of the departed,
even to the latest hour of earthly things.
Winchester was the first to stir.  Starting up, he
appeared to be astonished at the situation in which he found





LE FEU-FOLLET.


435


himself; but a glance around told the whole truth  Ad
vancing towards Ghita, he was about to inquire atler the
welfare of Raoul, when, struck by the expression of her
seraphic countenance, he turned to the body, and read the
truth in the appropriate pall. - It was no time for self
upbraidings, or for reproaches to others; but arousing the
sleepers, in a subdued and respectful manner, he gave to the
place the quiet and seeming sanctity of a chapel.
Carlo Giuntotardi, soon after, begged the dead body from
the conquerors.  There was no motive for denying the
request, and it was placed in a boat, and towed to the shore,
accompanied by all who had remained. The heavy sirocco
that soon succeeded, drove the waves atwhart the islet of the
ruins, effectually erasing its stains of blood, and sweeping
every trace of le Feu-Follet, and of the recent events, into
the sea.
At the foot of Ahe Scaricatojo, the seamen constructed a
rude bier, and thus they bore the dead up that wild, and yet
lovely precipice, persevering in their good work until they"
leached the cottage of Carlo Giuntotardi's sister.  A little
procession accompanied the body from the first; and, Ghita
being universally known and respected among the simple
inhabitants of those heights, when it entered the street of
St. Agata, it had grown into a line that included a hundred
believers.
The convent, the empty buildings of which still crown
the summit of one of the adjacent hills, was then in existence as a religious community; and the influence of Carlo
Giuntotardi was sufficient to procure its offices in behalf
of the dead. For three days and nights did the body of
Raoul Yvard, the unbeliever, lie.in the chapel of that holy
fraternity, his soul receiving Lhe benefit of masses; and then
it was committed to holy ground, to await the summons of
the last trump.
There is a strange disposition in the human breast to
withhold praise from a man when living, thai is freely
accorded to him when d6ad. Although we believe that
envy, and its attendant evil, detraction, are peculiarly demoeratic vices, meaning thereby that democracy is the most
'ertile field in which these human failings luxuriate, yet is
here much reason to think that our parent nation is pre.





436


LE FEU-FOLLET.


eminent in the exhibition of the peculiarity first mentioned.
That which subsequently awaited Napoleon, after his irn
prisonment and death, was now exhibited in the case of
Raoui Yvard, on a scale suited to his condition and renown.
From being detested in the English fleet, he got to be
honoured and extolled. Now that he was dead and harm
less, his seamanship could be praised, his chivalry emulated,
his courage glorified. Winchester, McBean, O'Leary, an
Clinch, attended his funeral, quite as a matter of course
They had proved themselves worthy to be there; but many
others insisted on being of the party. Some came to get a
last look of so celebrated an adventurer, even in his coffin;
others to say they had been present; and not a few to catch
a glimpse of the girl whose romantic, but innocent passion,
had got to be the subject of much discourse in the ships.
The result was such a procession, and such funeral honours,
as threw the quiet little hamlet of St. Agata into commotion. All noted the particulars, and all were pleased but
Ghita. On her, these tardy compliments failed of their
effect, her soul being engrossed with the great care of
petitioning heaven in behalf of the deceased.
Andrea Barrofaldi and Vito Viti, too, figured on this
occasion; the latter taking care to let all who would listen,
understand how closely he had been connected with " Si
Smees;" no longer viewed as an impostor, but honoured as
a hero. He even created a little difficulty in claiming a
precedency for the toga over arms on the occasion; well
knowing that if the vice-governatore got a conspicuous
place in the ceremony, that the podesta could not fail to be
near at hand. The matter was settled entirely to Andrea's
satisfaction, ii' not to that.of his friend.
T'o confess the truth, Nelson was not sorry for what had
occurred. W hen he learned the desperate nature of Raoul's
defence, and heard some traits of his liberal conduct on
various occasions, he felt a generous regret at his death,
but he thought even this preferable to escape. When Cuffe
got in, and brought the report of the lugger's fate, though he
would have preferred her capture, the common sentiment
settled down into a feeling that both lugger and commander
had fared as well as a privateer and her people usually
merited.





LE FEU-FOLLET.


43'7


As a matter of course, those concerned in the capture,
and who survived the affair, reaped some advantages from
their success. England seldom fails in the duty of conmer
ring rewards, more especially in her marine. When Cook
returned from his renowned voyages, it was not to meet
with persecution and neglect, but credit and justice. Nelson
knew how to appreciate that spirit and enterprise, which
were so often exercised by himself. As for Sir Frederick
Dashwood, little could be done besides giving his name an
honourable place on the list of those who had fallen in battle.
His heir wore mourning, seemed filled with sorrow, and
inwardly rejoiced at being a baronet with some thousands a
year. Lyon got his ship, and, from that moment, he ceased
to consider the chase and all connected with le Feu-Follet
an unprofitable thing. Airchy followed him to the Terpsichore, with visions of prize-money before his eyes, which
were tolerably realized in the course of the succeeding five
years.
Winchester was promoted into the Ringdove, and Griffin
became first of the Proserpine. This, of course, made Yelverton second, and left one vacancy. Thus far the orders
had been made out, when Cuffe dined with the Admiral, by
invitation, tete-a-tete.
" One of my objects in having you here to-day, Cuffe,'
observed Nelson, as they sat together over their wine, the
cabin cleared, 1" was to say'something about the vacant berth
in your gun-room, and the other was to beg a master'smate of you, in behalf of Berry. You remember that some
of your people were received on board here, before you got
in, the other day?"
"I do, my lord; and I meant to make my acknowledgments for the favour. The poor fellows had a warm time
of it at the rocks, and deserved comfortable berths after it
was over."
"I believe we gave them as much-at least, I know few
suffer in this ship. Well, there was a mate among them,
who is a little advanced, and who is likely to stick where he
is, by what I learn. We want just such a man for the hold,
and I have promised my Captain to speak to you about him.
Don't let him go if there's any reason for wishing to retain
37 *





438


LE FEU-FOLLET


him; but we have three seamen ready to exchange against
him; good fellows too, they tell me."
Cuffe picked some nuts, and appeared a little at a loss for
a reply. Nelson saw this, and he fancied the other reluctant to give up his mate.
" Well, I see how it is," he said, smiling. " We must do
without him, and you will keep your Mr. Clinch. A thorough
officer in a ship's hold is an advantage not to be thrown
away; and I suppose, if Fotham had asked such a thing of
old Agamemnon, he might have whistled for the favour.
The deuce is in it, if we do not get as good a mate some.
where!"
" It's not that, my lord-you 're welcome to the man,
though a better, in his station, cannot be had. But, I was
in hopes his recent good conduct, and his long services, might
give him a lift into the vacant gun-room berth."
The Admiral appeared surprised, while he did not seem
to be exactly pleased.
"It has a hard look, I grant you, Cuffe, to keep a poor
devil ten or fifteen years in the same station, and this, too,
after he has served long enough for a commission. I was
a captain ten years younger than this Mr. Clinch must be
to-day, and it does seem hard; and yet I doubt not it is just.
I have rarely known a midshipman or a mate passed over, in
this way, that there was not some great fault at the bottom
We must think of the service, as well as of generosity."
" I confess all this, my lord-and yet I did hope poor
Clinch's delinquencies would at length be forgotten."
" If there are any particular reasons for it, I should like
to hear them."
Cuflfe now related all that had passed between himself and
the master's-mate; taking care to give Jane a due place in
his history. Nelson began to twitch the stump of his arm,
and by the time the story was told, Clinch's promotion was
settled. An order was sent forthwith, to the secretary, to
make out the orders, and-Cuffe carried them back with him
to the Proserpine that night, when he returned to his own
ship.
All Nelson's promotions were confirmed by the Admiralty,
pretty much as a matter of course. Among others was that
of Clinch, who now became the junior lieutenant of the Pro.





L-E FEU-FOLLET.


439


serpine. This elevation awakened new feelings within him.
He dressed better; refrained from the bottle; paid more
attention to his mind; improved in manners, by keeping
better company; and, in the course of the next twelvemonth,
had made rapid advances towards respectability. At the
end of that time, the ship was sent home; and Jane, in hei
imagination at least, received the reward of all her virtuous
constancy, by becoming his wife. Nor did Cuffe^cease his
friendly offices, here. He succeeded in getting Clinch put
in command of a cutter; in which he captured a privateer,
after a warm action, within a month. This success pro.
cured him a gun-brig, and with her he was still more for.
tunate; actually cutting out, with her boats, a French sloopof-war, that was not half manned, it is true, but which was
still considered a handsome prize. For this affair he got
the sloop; thus demonstrating the caprice' of fortune, by
whose means he found himself a commander in less than
three years after he had been a mate. Here he stuck, however, for a long time, until he got another sloop in fair fight,
when he was posted. From that moment we have lost sight
of him.
Cuffe being sent into the Gulf of Genoa, shortly after,
seized the opportunity to restore the vice-governatore and
hisfriend to their native island. The fame of their deeds
had preceded them, exaggerated, as a matter of course, by
the tongue of rumour. It was understood that the two Elbans
were actually in the fight, in which Rao.al Yvard fell; and,
there being no one to deny it, many even believed that Vito
Viti, in particular, had killed the corsair with his own
hand. A discreet forbearance on the part of the podesta
always kept the matter so completely involved in mystery
that we question if any traveller who should visit the island,
even at this day, would be able to learn more than we now
tell the reader. In a word, the podesta, for ever after, passed
for a hero; through one of those mysterious processes by
which men sometimes reach fame; quite as much, perhaps,
to their own astonishment, as to the surprise of everybody
else.
As for Ithuel, he did not appear in. America for many
years. When he did return, he came back with several
thousand dollars; hcw obtained no one knew, nor did he





440            LE FEU-FOLLET.
choose to enter into particulars. He now married a widow,
and settled in life. In due time he " experienced religion,"
and, at this moment, is an active abolitionist, a patron of the
temperance cause, tee-totally, and a general terror to evildoers, under the appellation of Deacon Bolt.
It was very different with the meek, pious and singleminded Ghita; though one was e'en a Roman Catholic,
and the -other a Protestant, and that, too, of the Puritan
school. Our heroine had little of this world left to live for.
She continued, however, to reside with her uncle, until his
days were numbered; and then she retired to a convent,
not so much to comply with any religious superstitions, as
to be able to pass her time, uninterrupted, in repeating
prayers for the soul of Raoul. To her latest hour, and she
lived until quite recently, did this pure-minded creature
devote herself to what she believed to be the eternal welfare
of the man who had so interwoven himself with her virgin
affections, as to threaten, at one time, to disturb the just
scendency of the dread Being who had created her.