“The Independent Greek Government’s brig, Ypsilante,” was at length the answer. “What is your object in visiting us?”
“I am in search of a pirate who has attacked an English ship,” replied Captain Fleetwood; “I wish to gain some information about her.”
“I shall be glad to see you on board, then,” said the same person.
And he was heard to issue several orders in his own language.
“Keep under her stern in case of treachery,” said the captain to Linton and Tompion. “I will go on board—I still have my doubts about her character.”
In another minute the gallant Fleetwood was ascending the side of the Greek brig, alone. Side ropes were handed to him, and the side was manned in man-of-war fashion, and he found a group of officers assembled at the gangway to receive him. The captain, a fine-looking man, was distinguishable by the richness of his dress and his dignified bearing. He received his visitor very courteously.
“I have led you a long chase, I am afraid,” he observed, speaking English, “but the reason I did so you will allow was a good one, for I was myself chasing another vessel all the time, and of course could not heave to, that I might inform you, nor had I the means of signalising you to that effect.”
“What do you believe to be the vessel you were chasing?” inquired Fleetwood, anxiously.
“A Greek, I am sorry to say, and a sister vessel of this brig. She has lately plundered a vessel laden with arms, and as they are much required by the patriots, I was dispatched to try and fall in with her.”
“What is her name, or rather who commands her?” asked Fleetwood.