The bully instantly obeyed.
"Come, Nelly! dear Nelly!" called Sybil, sinking to a sitting posture on the side of her bed.
The obedient little terrier immediately let go her hold, and leaped down into her mistress' lap, and with barks of delight began to lick her hands and face.
Sybil, utterly overcome by the rapid events and conflicting emotions of the last few minutes, burst into a passion of tears, as she clasped the little creature to her bosom.
"Madam," said the robber captain—suddenly changing his whole manner as he turned towards the lady, took off his hat, and subdued his voice to its softest and smoothest tones—"Madam, I will relieve you of the presence of this ruffian; and to-morrow I will make such amends to you, for this insult, as may lie in my power."
Sybil did not and could not answer him. She only clasped her little dog closer to her heart and wept.
"And now, sir," said the captain, sternly, wheeling around upon his huge lieutenant, and pointing to the outlet of the grotto, "go before me out of this! This crime must be accounted for at another time and place."
The crestfallen monster slouched out of the cavern, followed by his captain, who turned once more, at leaving, to say:
"Rest in peace now, lady. You shall no more be disturbed. And I will send Gentiliska to stay with you."
"Oh thanks! thanks! do so! pray do so!" said Sybil, eagerly.