"It is impossible to say," answered the merchant in a kind tone. "I feel more than usually anxious, on account of her passengers, I own. Sailors are accustomed to hardships; they expect to meet them in their career; and they are aware, when they go afloat, that they must be prepared to lose their lives in the gale or the battle." Mr Vernon shuddered. He began to realise the possibility of the loss-- the dreadful death of her he loved. Still he was a right-minded, brave man, and what is more, a sincere Christian; and he resolved not to give way to despair. Mr Dunnage perceived, at length, the effect his information had produced, and he now did his best to mitigate the anxiety of my lieutenant, entering warmly into all his plans for gaining information as to the fate of the brig. It was agreed that he should write round to all the ports on the shores of the Mediterranean, near which it was possible the _Ariadne_ could have been driven; and that his correspondents there should send boats along the coast from port to port, so that no part should remain unexplored. "I should advise you also to see the Admiral; he will, I am sure, take a warm interest in the matter." No sooner said than done. When sensible men are in earnest about an affair, they do not lose time by talking, the plan of action being at once decided on. Mr Dunnage having penned the draft of a circular letter to be sent to the ports, left it to be copied by his clerks, while we set forth to see the Admiral, who was, fortunately, at Malta. The worthy old man at once entered into all the proposed plans for searching for the brig, and suggested others. "We'll send the _Harold_ to sea at once; and I'll despatch all the small craft I can spare on the search. Stay,--you shall take an order to Captain Poynder to sail forthwith. I suppose he's ready to go?" said he to Mr Vernon. "We are well supplied with provisions, and can soon fill up with water; we can be off this evening, I know," replied Mr Vernon. "Away with you! and may your search be prosperous," said the Admiral, with much feeling. The order to go to sea again was at first received with no little surprise on board; but the fact that the _Ariadne_ was missing being generally known on shore, and the blue-peter being hoisted, the officers who had gone on leave came hurrying back. That night, with a fine breeze we had run Malta out of sight. CHAPTER FIFTEEN. SAIL IN SEARCH OF THE ARIADNE--FALL IN WITH A BOAT AND CREW--THE MASTER OF THE HELEN--HIS NARRATIVE--ATTACK OF PIRATES--CAPTAIN DELANO--CAN HE HAVE SEIZED THE ARIADNE? "Something black and low over the starboard bow," sung out the man stationed on the main-topgallant-masthead. "How far off is it?" hailed the first-lieutenant. "Two miles or thereabout, sir," was the reply. "What does it look like?" was again asked. "A boat, I think, sir, as much as anything," answered the look-out.