human
Pardon, chief, for my thus coming on you without warning; but I have tidings of importance to communicate,
gpt
What is it, Baldo? asked Zappa.
human
Haste, I am always impatient of news.
gpt
It is this, chief. A boat arrived this morning, soon after break of day, from the island of Naeiri, and a man, who has come in her, Gerassimo Listi, one of the scouts, states that a British ship of war has been anchored some days at the farther end of it, and that he suspects--
human
Where is the man, this Gerassimo Listi? exclaimed Zappa, interrupting him suddenly.
gpt
I want not to hear his suspicions--I will examine him-- where is he, I say?
human
Under the walls of the tower, chief, waiting your return,
gpt
Send him hither instantly, said Zappa.
human
Then go in search of Vlacco, and tell him I would speak with him--I may have need of his counsel.
gpt
A ship of war, and British, he muttered.
human
There must be some cause for her coming here. She may possibly be in search of me; but yet, how can it be known where I am to be found? and that English merchant vessel, I took good care that neither she nor any on board should tell tales. Well, friend, what news do you bring me? he asked, turning to a man in the costume of a Greek fisherman, who now approached.
gpt
Haste, tell it me.
human
Why, chief, for the last six days, in a sheltered bay, to the west end of our island, a brig of war, carrying eighteen guns, has been at anchor. When she first came in, I thought she had come to remain one or two nights only, to supply herself with water, for there is a fine spring there, and perhaps with fuel; but she hoisted no flag, and seemed to have no intention of communicating with the shore; and, instead of going away, there she remained, day after day, till my suspicions of her intentions were excited. I watched her narrowly for some time, and even pulled close round her two days ago; and I am convinced, from her appearance, and the language I heard spoken, that she is British. Now, it struck me, knowing what sort of character were the people of that nation, that she had come there for the purpose of looking out after the _Sea Hawk_, or the mistico; and as soon as I arrived at this conclusion, I hurried off to bring you the information.
gpt
I believe your suspicions are turned in the right direction; and it will be necessary to be on our guard,
human
But here comes Vlacco--we will hear what is his opinion on the subject.