She was coming very fast. She was entering the cove! They could see her colors well with the naked eye. When she had got a little into the cove, where the water was smooth, she dropped anchor and let down a boat, which was soon manned by an officer in the naval uniform of the United States. A flagstaff, bearing the Stars and Stripes, was planted in the stern. And the oarsmen pulled stoutly for the beach. As the boats neared them, Justin raised his hat to salute the colors. Britomarte waved her handkerchief; Judith followed suit, and all three simultaneously cried out: “Hail! hail! hail! to the flag!” Their salutation was answered from the boat. The men rested on their oars a moment, while they raised their hats and shouted: “Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!” three times three. And then they pulled faster than ever for the shore. The excitement of our party verged upon the madness of joy. Britomarte’s rapture burst forth in song—the glorious “Star-Spangled Banner!” and when she came to the chorus her companions by her side joined her in singing: “’Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!” And the men in the coming boat responded: “’Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long _shall_ it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!” And the next instant the boat touched the strand, the officer sprang on shore, and the men waved their hats with another prolonged: “Hurrah!” CHAPTER XXXI. THE GUESTS. “Welcome.” This was the first word that sprang alive from the heart to the lips of Justin Rosenthal, as he held out both his hands and cordially grasped those of the young officer who stepped on shore. He was a very handsome fellow, this young sailor, of slight but elegant figure, of dark olive complexion, dark brown hair and mustache, and dark, hazel eyes. His expression of countenance was gracious, his movements graceful and his manners courteous. In a word, he had the air of a true gentleman. “Thanks,” he answered, lifting his cap and announcing himself as: “Lieutenant Ethel, of the United States sloop of war _Xyphias_.” “I am rejoiced to see you, lieutenant—truly rejoiced,” said Justin, with smiling emphasis, as he heartily shook the hands of the newcomer. “I am Mr. Rosenthal, late of Washington city,” he added. “I am very glad to know you, Mr. Rosenthal.” “And this young lady,” said Justin, turning the lieutenant toward Britomarte, “is Miss Conyers, also late of Washington.” Again the young sailor lifted his hat and bowed profoundly. “And this other young person,” said Justin, smiling, “is Judith Riordan, Miss Conyer’s attendant, and our companion in exile, and as such as dear to us as a sister.” “I am glad to make her acquaintance,” said Lieutenant Ethel. “And now,” said Justin, eagerly, “will you walk up to our house, while we become better acquainted?”