I don't think one of us had the slightest belief in the possibility of the thing, when you first proposed it." "I thought it was to be managed somehow," Francis said.

"It would have been a shame, indeed, if a hundred and fifty men were to be kept prisoners for a fortnight, or three weeks, by a third of their number." "Well, certainly no one would have thought of making the attempt, if you had not proposed it, Francis.

I believe, even if you were to propose our sailing north, and capturing Genoa, there is not a man on board but would follow you willingly, with the firm conviction that you would succeed." "In that case, Matteo," Francis said, laughing, "it is very lucky for you that I am not at all out of my mind.

Signal now to Parucchi to lower his boats, and come on board with our men.

We may fall in yet with another Genoese squadron, and may as well have our full complement on board, especially as Parucchi has found two hundred men already on board the vessel we captured." Parucchi and his men soon transferred themselves to the Pluto, and the four vessels hoisted their sails, and made for the south.