THE PIRATES OF SEGXA. 331 



" She cannot be amongst them," said Hassan ; " and 

 thence conies it that the pirates have this year com- 

 mitted greater cruelties than ever, and done deeds 

 that cry out to Allah for vengeance." 



" Instead of her silver tones," continued Ibrahim, 

 " I hear the shrieks of the tortured ; instead of 

 her words of peace and blessing, the curses of the 

 murderer." 



' But -what did the maiden tell you ? " inquired 

 Hassan, who was getting impatient at the transports 

 of the enamoured youth. 



" Her words flowed like a clear stream out of the 

 well of truth. It is not the Uzcoques alone," said 

 she, " who are to blame for the horrors that " 



" Hark ! " interrupted the old Turk. 



A clamour of voices and splashing of oars became 

 audible, a keel grated on the beach, and then hurried 

 footsteps were heard in the ravine. 



" It is another vessel with Uzcoques ! " exclaimed 

 Ibrahim ; " but these are not laden with plunder, 

 their movements are too rapid." 



As he spoke the tumult and murmur of voices and 

 trampling of feet increased, and above all a noise like 

 distant musketry was heard. 



" Holy Virgin ! " suddenly exclaimed a clear and 

 feminine voice, apparently close to the mouth of the 

 cavern. " They are already at the castle the gates 

 no doubt are shut, the drawbridge raised. Before 

 they could come down it would be too late." 



