'Say no more at present, Herbert, I entreat you, but leave the cabin,
whilst I endeavor to restore this young creature to consciousness.'

'You asserted just now, that this girl was my only sister,' replied
Blackbeard, 'and before I depart I must have an explanation of your
words.'

'For the love of Heaven, Herbert,' said Elvira, 'leave me alone with
this maiden for the present, and to-morrow I will explain everything.'

'Upon that consideration, I will go,' avowed the pirate, 'and after
which you will carefully examine her wound, and if it is likely to prove
fatal, beware how you lose any time in making me aware of the fact.'

So saying, and without awaiting Elvira's reply, Blackbeard immediately
left the cabin.

'Lower away the boat there,' thundered forth the pirate, as he gained
the brig's quarter deck. A score or two men promptly executed this
order, the boat was soon manned; Blackbeard assumed his station in the
stern sheets, and was soon pulled along side of the Gladiator, whose
deck he quickly reached, where he earnestly inquired of the officer in
charge, for Captain Rowland.

'He went ashore, sir,' replied the man to whom he had applied, 'about
one hour ago, and left orders for you to follow him at your earliest
convenience.'

Upon hearing this, Blackbeard without stopping to reply, hastily
re-entered his boat, and ordered his coxswain to steer directly for the