'It shall be there, dearest; but is it not too near the beach? will you not be afraid of the men in the boat, who might see you?'
'But we can leave the beach. It is Ricardo alone that I am in dread of, and the Donna Maria. Merciful Heaven! should my father know it all, we should be lost—be separated for ever!' and Clara laid her forehead on Edward's shoulder, as her tears fell fast.
'There is nought to fear, Clara. Hush! I heard a rustling in those orange-trees. Listen!'
'Yes! yes!' whispered Clara hastily; 'there is some one. Away! dear Edward, away!'
Clara sprang from his side, and hastened up the grove. Edward made his retreat, and, flying down the rocky and narrow path through the underwood, was soon on the beach and into his boat. The Enterprise arrived at headquarters, and Edward reported himself to the admiral.
'I have work for you, Mr. Templemore,' said the admiral; 'you must be ready to proceed on service immediately. We've found your match.'
'I hope I may find her, sir,' replied the lieutenant.
'I hope so, too; for, if you give a good account of her, it will put another swab on your shoulder. The pirate schooner, which has so long infested the Atlantic, has been seen and chased off Barbadoes by the Amelia; but it appears that there is not a vessel in the squadron which can come near her, unless it be the Enterprise. She has since captured two West Indiamen, and was seen steering with them towards the coast of Guiana. Now, I am going to give you thirty additional hands, and send you after her.'
'Thank you, sir,' replied Edward, his countenance beaming with delight.
'How soon will you be ready?' inquired the admiral.