“Caliphronas!” cried Maurice and Crispin in one breath. It was indeed Caliphronas who came slowly down the steps and paused in alarm just where the light began to mingle with the darkness;—a new and brilliant Caliphronas, arrayed in all the bravery of the Greek national garb, with gold-broidered leggings, snowy fustanella, gaudy jacket, and red skull-cap. In this picturesque dress he looked handsomer than ever, and had quite recovered his bombastic air, which terror had deprived him of during the storm. “Creespeen! Mr. Maurice!” he cried in a startled voice, placing his hand on one of the pistols stuck in his belt, for he was quite aware that his treachery deserved a warm reception from those whom he had doomed to death. “You needn’t do that,” said Crispin, curling his lip as he observed the action; “we are not going to punish you.” “Punish me!” jeered the Greek, recovering his insolent manner. “Oh, never fear, I can defend myself. Punish me! and for why? Because I chose to save my own life!” “Yes, and nearly caused us to lose ours!” said Maurice grimly. “You know my philosophy, Mr. Maurice; so why expect me to be false to it?” “You are an infernal scoundrel, Caliphronas!” The Greek smilingly showed his white teeth, as if a compliment had been paid to him. “We are all scoundrels more or less, only some are cleverer at concealing it than other people,” he said carelessly. “So you are all safe? I made sure you were drowned.” “And wished too, I dare say,” replied Crispin dryly. “Well, you see we have survived your amiable intention of leaving us to die. What about the boat?” “The boat! oh, that was swamped,” said Caliphronas in a satisfied tone. “Two of your infernal sailors threw me overboard.” “I seed ’em a-chuckin’ of yer,” remarked Gurt in a pleasant tone. “Did you, indeed? Well, they were very soon chucked themselves, and of the whole twenty in the boat, only half a dozen are alive now.” “Where are they?” “With Justinian. He sent me to look for your corpses, but I suppose he will be rather astonished when he finds you can still use your own legs.” “How did you escape?” “I was tossed into the sea near the shore, and, buoyed up by my life-belt, I managed to keep myself afloat till the waves landed me on the beach.” “Naught was never in danger,” quoth Crispin coolly. “I suppose all your repentance of yesterday has passed.” “Gone to the winds, my friend,” replied Caliphronas airily. “Poof! what would you? There is a time for all things. Yesterday I was nearly dead, and talked nonsense; to-day I am dry and well, so it is evident I am not born to be drowned.” “Born to be hanged, more like,” said Maurice viciously, hardly able to conceal his dislike of this heartless, cowardly, beautiful animal before him. “Well, it is cold here, and we are hungry, so I think you had better conduct us to Justinian.” “Come, then,” answered Caliphronas, leading the way. “But tell me, how did you escape?”