Page 206 (2/2)

so tricks, which, however, may be of service to your

excellency"

"Who knows?" said Orloff, laughing "Do you understand, for exaold and diaht

in the act?"

"That," said Joseph, thoughtfully, "I should hope to be able to

accomplish I have, indeed, as yet, had no experience in that line, but

in the galleys I have listened to the soundest instructions, and heard

the experiences of the greatest master of that art, with the curiosity

of an ehed "You are a sly fellow," said he, "and please ood friends! Well,

to-ht you make your first essay The business is an invasion"

"And that shall be my masterpiece!" responded Joseph Ribas

"If you succeed, I will, in the name of my illustrious empress,

immediately take you into her service, and you become an officer of the

Russian marine"

Joseph Ribas stared at him with astonishood fortune," said he, "only I should like

to know if the Russian ed to stand under fire?"