After a moment’s silence, he added: “You see that long-boat doubling the point; she will bring on board my galley Reine des Anbiez and the captives from La Ciotat.”
“Reine!” cried Honorât.
“There she is,” said the commander.
In fact, the long-boat of Hadji was rapidly approaching; the Chevalier de Berrol soon recognised Reine, Stephanette, and two other young girls, besides twenty inhabitants of La Ciotat, captured when the pirates made their descent upon the city.
The chevaliers were ignorant of the agreement made between the commander and the Bohemian. They could not understand why the pirates returned their prisoners in this manner.
When the long-boat was within range of the voice, the commander ordered the overseer to lift the galley’s oars and wait for this craft, which soon reached them.
Pierre des Anbiez advanced to the height of the first rower’s seat, and there received his niece, who threw herself in his arms with all the effusion oi affectionate gratitude.
“And my father?” cried the young girl.
“Your return will relieve his anxiety, my child,” replied the commander, who did not wish to inform Reine of her father’s condition.
“Honorât, is it you?” said Reine, extending her hand to the chevalier, whom she did not see at first “Alas! my friend, under what sad circumstances I see you. But who is with my father, pray? Why did you leave him alone?”