pursuit of them. The prisoners rejoiced in silence and felt buoyed by
the hope of an early rescue. The pirates lashed the prisoners to greater
activity, and made them help with the oars. Under cover of the night,
the pirates made their escape.

As the morning sun broke over the sea, Antonio gazed upon the waters,
and saw nothing of the warship. His heart sank, and he could scarcely
repress his tears. But suddenly he raised his voice, and said to his
fellow-prisoners, "Though our trusting prayers have not been answered,
they will not pass unheeded, and our deliverance will surely come."

In less than an hour they saw in the distance the city of Algiers,
glistening in the sunlight. Little by little they were able to
distinguish the houses, and the Temple of the Turks, with the sign of
the Crescent upon it.

The ship anchored, the prisoners were landed, and after a short rest
were led through the narrow, dirty streets to the market place. Here
they were exhibited for sale like cattle. The purchasers passed among
the prisoners, and examined them as they would horses. In order to
display their strength, the prisoners were obliged to lift heavy stones,
placed there for that purpose. Many sales were made. The lawyer, the
sailor and several others went for a good price. As Antonio could not
lift the heavier stones, the buyers considered him too weak for a slave
and scornfully passed him by.

A little removed from the crowd, there stood a merchant with a very
wrinkled face, who seemed to be taking but little interest in the sale.
After all the captives had been sold, except Antonio, the merchant
stepped nearer, put on his spectacles, and surveyed Antonio from head to