e to say so, yet I
can't help assuring you that if the Almighty is pleased to give me any
power in this city, I won't forget you."

This speech was received with a kindly nod by some, and a laugh of scorn
by others.

Probably the latter had heard similar sentiments before from somewhat
kindred and hearty spirits, and had learned from sad experience that
nothing ever came of their good-will.

Following the old man, the father and son were soon in the presence of
Lucien, who received them, as may well be believed, with a full heart.

"God bless you, my son," said Francisco, "for well assured am I that it
is through your influence that we are here."

"It is through the influence of the British consul," replied Lucien.

"Well, I pray for a blessing on you both, for it is useless to tell me
that _you_ have had no hand in it."

"I do not say that I had no hand in it. On the contrary, I wrote out
the order for your acquittal; and," added Lucien, with a peculiar smile,
"I also had previously written out your and Mariano's death-warrant!"

"You are jesting, lad," said Francisco.

"Indeed, I am not," returned Lucien, relating the circumstances of the
whole matter to his astonished and somewhat horrified auditors.

"And now," he continued, "I must let you know your destination. Don't
be disappointed. You must remember that we are slaves, and have just
been delivered from the Bagnio. The Dey seems to have taken a fancy for
me--"

"I don't wonder," interrupted Mariano enthusiastically, seizing and
squeezing his brother's hand.

"And," continued Lucien, "he has permitted me to select situations for
you. I have arranged that you, father, shall be my assistant in the
secretary's office, and that you, Mariano, shall be shopman to Bacri the
Jew."

Lucien looked awkwardly at his father and brother as he spoke, feeling
uncertain, no doubt, as to the manner in which they would receive this
information. He was therefore rather relieved than otherwise by a smile
on the face of Mariano.

"Why, Lucien," he said, "I always thought you a great original, and this
last display of your powers confirms me in my opinion. Not that I deem
it strange your having appointed father your clerk--for, in the
circumstances, it would have been charity to have appointed him even to
the office of shoe-black--anything being better than the Bagnio,--but
what wild fancy induced you to make _me_ shop-boy to a Jew?"

"That," replied Lucien, "y