knew where to begin.

All was chaos and confusion. I could remember many bad actions, but few
good ones. I felt that I was like a vessel without a rudder, and
without a pilot; and after hours and hours of deep thought I would give
up the task of examination in stern despair, saying to myself, "Well, if
it must be so, it must." I felt an inclination to defy that Heaven
which I felt would never be opened to me. This was the case for more
than a week after I heard of my condemnation, until I began to reflect
upon the nature of our creed, and the terms of salvation which were
offered; and as I thought over them I felt a dawn of hope, and I
requested the gaoler to furnish me with a Bible. I read it day and
night, for I expected every morning to be summoned to execution. I felt
almost agony at times lest such should be the case; but time passed on,
and another fortnight elapsed, during which I had profited by my
reading, and felt some contrition for my many offences and my life of
guilt, and I also felt that I could be saved through the merits of Him
who died for the whole world. Day after day my faith became more
lively, and my mind more at ease. One morning the gaoler came to me,
and said that there was a priest who wished to see me. As I understood
he was a Roman, I was about to refuse; but on consideration I thought
otherwise, and he was admitted. He was a tall, spare man, with a dark
Spanish countenance.

"You are, I believe," said he, "Captain Elrington, who effected the
escape of some of our poor friends, and who are now condemned for your
kind act?"

"I am, Sir," replied I.

"I am aware," said he, "that your profession of faith is not mine, and
do not, therefore, come to talk with you on serious points, without you
should wish it yourself; my object is, being indebted as we are to you
for saving our friends, to offer to be of any use that I can to you, in
executing any wishes, or delivering any messages, which you may wish to
give, should you suffer for your generous conduct, and you may trust
anything to me with safety, that I swear to you;" and he took a crucifix
from the folds of his garment, and kissed it, as he said so.

"I thank you for your kind offer, Sir," replied I, "but I have nothing
to trouble you with. I have long quitted my family, who know not
whether I am alive or dead, for reasons that I need not explain. I am
under an assumed name, and it is my intention to suffer under that name,