Francisco gave the key to the man, who opened the locks of the hatches, and returned it.
“There she is!” cried the man; the head-sails making their appearance as the vessel opened to their view from the projecting point distant about four miles. Francisco directed his eye towards her, and, without further remark, hastened to the house.
“Well, Francisco,” said Don Cumanos, who was stirring a small cup of chocolate, “what’s the news this morning?”
“The Nostra Señora del Carmen and the Aguilla have arrived, and I have just unlocked the hatches. There is a vessel off the point which requires examination, and I have come for the telescope.”
“Requires examination! Why, Francisco?”
“Because Giacomo and Pedro, who went fishing last night, have not returned, and there are no tidings of them.”
“That is strange! But how is this connected with the vessel?”
“That I will explain as soon as I have had an examination of her,” replied Francisco, who had taken up the telescope, and was drawing out the tube. Francisco fixed the glass against the sill of the window, and examined the vessel some time in silence.
“Yes! by the living God, it is the Avenger, and no other,” exclaimed he, as he removed the telescope from his eye.
“Eh?” cried Don Cumanos.