Secret Machinations. CHAP. I. CASSANDRA'S STORY. "As soon as my little Imma was pronounced out of danger, I left her to the faithful care of Father Alberti and Metella, and sailed from Amalfi, with a fine wind. The vessel made great way, and I was in high spirits, from the idea that my voyage was likely to be shorter than usual. When we reached the Straits of Messina, I then saw we were making land, and heard them cast anchor. I sent one of my women to inquire the cause of VOL. III. Our me. our delay. She returned, saying, she could get no answer. I then desired the captain of the vessel to come to He did; and I interrogated him as to why we stopped; that it was my wish to proceed as fast as possible. He said, he had orders to call for Signore Lozano. I desired he would send a servant to my brother, and request he would lose no time. Several hours we waited, and I repeatedly ordered the captain to weigh anchor, but was not obeyed. Twice I went on deck, and was surprized to see no men but my own two servants and a little boy. I inquired the reason. My men looked alarmed, and said, 'Signora, we fear all is not well.' What are your fears? (asked I.) 'I know not,' returned Lorenzo;‘but they are such, that, had Jerome and I strength, we would weigh anchor, and trust to winds and waves, rather than wait the captain's return." "My "My women cried, and my men groaned, but neither knew for what. I appeared the only one of the five who had any courage. Night came, and I went to the cabin. All was still. nothing heard but the gentle, undulating waves; when, soon after, I heard the melancholy dashing of the oars, and a murmuring sound of voices, and I judged it to be my brother and the vessel's company. My brother it was ; but no sailors. As soon as they got on board, Lozano entered my cabin. I rose to receive him: he congratulated me on my recovery, and the pleasing marks of health he saw in my face. He tenderly inquired for his niece; and he both looked and expressed great disappointment at her not being on board. He then pressed me to take one night's rest on shore; but I urged the necessity of going with all possible haste to Tarento, as our father's illness was pronounced dangerous. And (continued I), shall we, for the selfish motive of enjoying one good night's rest at Messina, risque the chance of seeing our dear parent alive? I know it is in consideration of my health that: you press it; but my anxious desire to: see my dear Orsato, and his revered father, would forbid sleep, if those hours devoted to rest delayed our voyage here we can sleep and pursue our journey; therefore, pray give orders to the captain to weigh anchor. "Lozano left the cabin, to give orders, as I thought, agreeable to my request. I then heard some little bustle on deck, and a noise, which I concluded was occasioned by the preparation for sailing. All was quiet again; and in a few minutes Lozano re-entered the cabin, and four black-looking fellows followed their appearance frightened me. "Madam,' |