566 



THE RED TARTANE. 



" By our Lady ! she floats like a buoy ; but still I fear some dia- 

 bolical stratagem/' exclaimed Massareo then glancing at the helms- 

 man, he shouted, " Helm there ! bring her to the wind luff, man, 

 luff, or we shall have to put about." 



The levant had now sensibly diminished ; and from the clouds that 

 rapidly advanced from the horizon, and the shifting of the breeze, it 

 was evidently drawing to the southward, while the night, which had 

 been hitherto clear and fine, became almost suddenly thick and hazy. 

 The form of the Tartane was somewhat obscured by the mist ; but a 

 light, placed apparently in the cabin, sufficiently denoted her posi- 

 tion, while it threw the other parts of the vessel into greater gloom. 

 Not the slighest noise could be detected on board, nor was a living 

 creature to be distinguished upon her deck. 



Captain Massareo, being now well to windward, bore down upon 

 the Tartane, until within pistol shot : he then called for his lieutenant, 

 but the latter believing the attack was about to comence, disappeared 

 with the rapidity of lightning. 

 ff Jago," demanded the Captain. 



" Senor captain," said a seaman, " the lieutenant is in the hold, to 

 see to the distribution of the powder, by your orders." 



" The fool ! let him be brought on deck, dead or alive," exclaimed 

 the angry captain. " Alvarez, pass me the speaking trumpet." 



Turning the enormous mouth of the instrument towards the dis- 

 abled Tartane, he hailed her with " Tartane, Tartane, ahoy !" then 

 placing his hand to his ear, he listened several minutes attentively, 

 but without catching the slightest sound. 



"Well, quarter-master, what heard you ?" asked Massareo of Al- 

 varez, somewhat surprised. 



"Nothing, Senor Captain. Hail him no more ; but let us try him 

 with a few round shot that is an universal language he will be sure 

 to understand." 



"Peace! something appears to me to be moving in the bows ;" 

 and again, placing his speaking trumpet to his mouth, he shouted : 

 " Tartane, ahoy ! send your boat a-board, or I sink you." 

 "Like cursed dogs, as you are !" muttered Alvarez. 

 " Silence, Alvarez ! your tongue makes as much noise as a rusty 

 pump-bolt ; they may answer." 



For the third time, Massareo hailed her " Tartane, a h o y ! 

 answer, or I fire." 



This time, a prolonged sort of groan, unlike anything human, was 

 heard, causing, while it lasted, a thrill of horror through the veins of 

 the listeners. The blanched countenance of Alvarez was turned ea- 

 gerly to his commander, as he exclaimed : 



" Captain, be advised ; give him a broadside, and put about. By 

 the fire of Saint Elmo, now dancing behind us, it will not be well for 

 us to stay !" 



" It is too much!" cried Massareo. " San Paolo, pray for us ! 

 Men, to your stations port the helm in the name of heaven, 

 FIRE !" 



The volley was discharged, and the flashes lighting for an instant 

 the Tartane, threw upon the waters a bright reflection of light ; and 



