ile you and I will enter this room," pointing to a door on the
right. "This," said he, "is my retreat, and where I take my nap after
dinner." I remarked it contained no bed, but a Spanish silk-grass hammock
hung low from the ceiling, over which was a mosquito net and a light
punkah within it. "Here," said he, "I lose sight of the world and all its
absurdities for at least two hours every day by going quietly to rest, and
as it is the custom of the country, there is little fear of my being
disturbed." The head groom came to announce that the mules were in the
yard. "Come," said he, "let us go and look at them; they are considered
fine animals." We were soon in their company, and I beheld eight beautiful
cream-coloured mules of considerable height. "These are my state mules,
and are seldom used. I have eight others for common work. Horses,"
continued he, "are seldom in request, but I have three, which you shall
see in the stable." They were large-boned, with ugly heads and short
necks. "You do not admire them," said he; "they are not very handsome.
They came from the Island of Curacoa, and perhaps are rather of Dutch
build. I use them for the family carriage." After expressing my
gratification which the sight of the beautiful mules had excited, and
thanking him for his condescension, I took my leave. A week after this
visit I was again sent for. "I have now good news for you," said the
kind-hearted Governor. "Your ship is close in to the Moro, and has sent in
a flag of truce to request me to release you, and you are free from this
moment, and," added he, "I will send every English prisoner with you, if
you will say that an equal number of Spaniards shall be returned on your
arrival at Jamaica." This I did not hesitate to promise, as I was certain
the commander-in-chief would do it on a proper representation. I took
leave of this excellent man and the Consul with the warmest feelings of
respect and gratitude.

CHAPTER XII.

FIGHTING EPISODES.

Returns to his ship--Capture of a French schooner--An episode with
two American sloops of war--Return to Port Royal--Attacked a second
time by yellow fever--Seize and burn a Spanish gunboat--Return to
Port Royal--Wetting a midshipman's commission--Ordered home with a
convoy--Pathetic farewells with mulatto washerwomen.

On going on board a boat provided for the purpose, I found wi