has done everything that has been in
his power to alleviate the miseries of bondage."

"I am glad to hear you say so, Mr Elrington. Mr Director, this
gentleman is a dear friend of mine; let him instantly be released. My
orders are not to be disputed by the viceroy himself."

The superior then embraced me cordially, and told me that I was free,
and should return with him to Rio. Imagine, my dear Madam, my joy and
gratitude. I fell on my knees before him, and kissed his hands. He
gave me his blessing, and raised me up.

"Where is your companion in misfortune?" said he.

"Alas! Sir, he is dead," replied I.

The superior shook his head and turned away, saying, "I will search into
this affair to the bottom, depend upon it, when I get back to Rio."

He then desired the director to bring out his books, and his own
secretary to follow him, leaving his servants in the court-yard with me
and the other inspectors. I received the congratulations of all parties
present, and as soon as possible I escaped from them, and returned to my
own room, where I knelt and fervently thanked God for my unexpected
deliverance; and, having paid my duty to the Most High, I sat down, and
fell into a most delightful reverie of anticipations. In the evening,
after the superior had dismissed him, the director sent for me, and
said:

"Allow me to return you many thanks for your kindness in speaking so
favourably of me as you have done. You have, indeed, been of service to
me, and I am most grateful."

"I only did you justice, director," replied I.

"Yes, but how few have justice done them in this world!" replied he.
"The superior desired me to tell you, that you are to live with the
gentlemen of his suite. Of course, you know, it is not etiquette for
him to admit anybody to his table. At all events you must allow me one
pleasure, which is to supply you with clothes proper to your appearance,
which I can easily do without inconvenience to myself."

The director then led me into his room, and opened a wardrobe full of
rich suits, selected two of the handsomest, with linen and every other
article requisite, a handsome sword and hat, all of which he begged me
to accept. Calling one of his servants, he ordered him to put them into
a valise, and take them to my apartment.

"Is there anything else that I can do?--speak freely."

"No, director," replied I, "I will accept these things from you, as I
cannot procure them here, but when at