rich but ill gotten spoils, that building which has been signified by
the name of the Pirate's Palace.'

'That must be the horrid place,' exclaimed Ellen, 'which I saw this
morning, and in which I fear Mary Hamilton is--is--'

'Now confined,' interrupted Elvira.

'Is it not worse than that,' exclaimed Ellen, eagerly, 'has she not met
with a cruel death?'

'Oh no, that is no part of the purpose of those who have detained her,'
answered Elvira.

'Do you know their true purpose, then,' asked Ellen, 'relative to her,
myself, and the rest of the prisoners?'

'With regard to Miss Hamilton,' replied Elvira, 'Rowland's purpose is to
force her into a union with his son.'

'And who may his son be?' again inquired Ellen.

'No other,' answered Elvira, impressively, 'but Herbert Rowland
otherwise called Blackbeard, the famous pirate of the Roanoke, who is
besides your only brother.'

'And Captain Rowland?'

'Is your father.'