hat
the escape of the mules was a favorable circumstance, as they had
carried off whatever might have otherwise appeared as evidence against
them, whether merchandise or men; which last, with the treachery
peculiar to Spaniards, and more universally inherent in the mixed breed
of the colonies, would compound for their own safety by implicating
their employers; that the governor was a gentleman, and a man of kindly
feelings, and that he would undoubtedly pass over what had occurred that
night without the exercise of any greater severity than perhaps the
imposition of a moderate fine; with sundry other and similar topics of
consolation, suggested by kindness and sympathy. But Morton's mind was
too confused and agitated by the events of the evening, to allow him to
make much reply or to pay much attention to the consolations of the
officer; he longed to reach the guard-house, where, in the solitude and
silence of the prison, he might have time and opportunity to arrange his
ideas, and reflect upon his melancholy and apparently hopeless
situation, and correspond, if permitted, with his commander, and with
one other.

"But no," he thought, after the lovely image of Isabella had presented
itself to his mind, "no, she will not dare to visit me, or exert herself
in my behalf--and why should she? it would but expose her to suspicion,
and me and these poor fellows to greater rigor."

He knew but little of the strength of woman's love--her devotedness, her
acuteness, and energy and activity, in contriving and executing plans
for the relief or comfort of her loved one in affliction. His four
companions in misfortune, with all that philosophical indifference to
calamity and danger that characterizes seamen, after expending an
incredible number of strange curses and sea jokes upon their captors,
stretched themselves upon the stone floor of the "caliboza," or prison,
and were soon sound asleep; and Morton himself, fatigued in body and
harrassed and bewildered in mind, soon lost all consciousness of his
unhappy situation in deep and prolonged slumber.

Having lodged his prisoners in the guard-house and given orders that
they should be treated with all kindness, the officer waited upon the
governor, and reported the proceedings of the night. His excellency
looked rather blank at learning that none of the goods had been secured;
but having complimented the officer upon his vigilance and zeal, he
retired to rest, feeling all the pride