[Illustration: _'Blood for blood I will have,' continued the mate, holding up his clenched hand, and shaking it almost in the pirate captain's face._] For three days after this scene all was quiet and orderly on board of the pirate. Cain, now that he had more fully made up his mind how to act, imparted to Francisco his plans; and his giving up to the men his share of the booty still on board was, to Francisco, an earnest of his good intentions. A cordiality, even, a kind of feeling which never existed before, was created between them; but of Francisco's mother, and the former events of his own life, the pirate never spoke. Francisco more than once put questions on the subject; the answer was, 'You shall know some of these days, Francisco, but not yet; you would hate me too much!' The _Avenger_ was now clear of the English isles, and with light winds running down the shores of Porto Rico. In the evening of the day on which they had made the land, the schooner was becalmed about three miles from the shore, and the new first mate proposed that he should land in the boat and obtain a further supply of water from a fall which they had discovered with the glasses. As this was necessary, Cain gave his consent, and the boat quitted the vessel full of breakers. Now it happened that the _Avenger_ lay becalmed abreast of the country seat of Don d'Alfarez, the governor of the island. Clara had seen the schooner; and, as usual, had thrown out the white curtain as a signal of recognition; for there was no perceptible difference, even to a sailor, at that distance, between the _Avenger_ and the _Enterprise_. She had hastened down to the beach, and hurried into the cave, awaiting the arrival of Edward Templemore. The pirate boat landed at the very spot of rendezvous, and the mate leaped out of the boat. Clara flew to receive her Edward, and was instantly seized by the mate, before she discovered her mistake. 'Holy Virgin! who and what are you?' cried she, struggling to disengage herself. 'One who is very fond of a pretty girl!' replied the pirate, still detaining her. 'Unhand me, wretch!' cried Clara. 'Are you aware whom you are addressing?' 'Not I! nor do I care,' replied the pirate. 'You will perhaps, sir, when you learn that I am the daughter of the governor!' exclaimed Clara, pushing him away. 'Yes, by heavens! you are right, pretty lady, I do care; for a governor's daughter will fetch a good ransom, at all events. So come, my lads, a little help here; for she is as strong as a young mule. Never mind the water, throw the breakers into the boat again; we have a prize worth taking!' Clara screamed; but she was gagged with a handkerchief and lifted into the boat, which immediately rowed back to the schooner.