As the Greek spoke, the youth’s eyes flashed angrily; but as if with an effort, he controlled himself, and his countenance directly assumed its usual dejected look.
The speronara, as has been described, kept first to the northward; and after standing in that direction for six or seven miles, she eased off her sheets, and ran off to the eastward. After three hours a large polacca brig was seen from her deck a couple of points on her larboard bow. On this a small flag was run up to the end of her main-yard, which was immediately answered by the brig. The speronara then hauled her wind on the starboard tack which brought her head looking almost into Valetta harbour, while the brig hove to on the same tack.
The Greek had for some time been looking through a spy-glass towards Malta, which lay like a line of blue hillocks rising from the sea.
“Here Paolo,” he said, at length. “Do you take the glass, and tell me, what vessels you see, which appear to have come out of the port we left this morning.”
For some time Paolo made no answer. He was examining the intervening space between them and the shore.
The Greek, meantime, reclined on a seat to rest, for he was weary with his exertions.
Paolo at last addressed him.
“I make out a square-rigged vessel of some sort, steering this way. She looms large.”
The Greek sprang to his feet, and took the glass.
“She is the one we are in search of,” he exclaimed. “Up with the helm and let draw the head sheets.”