f gunshot," continued Isabella, without
noticing what she thought his artificial gaiety, "there was some
apprehension that Captain Williams intended to make some desperate
attempt to release you; but he has been on shore since, and had an
interview with my uncle, and the alarm has subsided."

"Well done! that is the best thing I have heard this long time--a whole
garrisoned Spanish town thrown into consternation by a single Yankee
merchantman! upon my word, I shall entertain a more exalted opinion than
ever of Spanish courage."

Isabella permitted him to indulge his national vanity, when she again
urged that his situation was but little short of desperate, unless he
was speedily relieved from it.

"I know, I know that my head is in the lion's mouth, and how it is to be
got out I know not. If I could see Captain Williams--perhaps a good
round fine paid to his high mightiness might open these doors."

"I will write to Captain Williams myself," said the young lady, "perhaps
something of that kind might be done. In the mean time, whenever you
have any wine or other provisions, of which I will see that there shall
be no lack, make a point of sharing it with the guard; and, by all
means," she added, in a lower tone, "see that the sentry is never
forgotten."

"Ha! oho! I see the whole affair--there are never but five men on duty
here at night." "Rash, hot-headed creature! there will be no occasion
for such madness. Even if you should escape from prison, and reach your
ship in safety, which would be next to impossible----"

"Well, what?" said Morton, observing that she was silent. She raised her
eyes, swimming in tears.

"I understand you--dear, dear Isabella, do you think I would leave this
country without you? No, never."

"Then remain perfectly quiet, attempt nothing, do nothing of yourself.
In the mean time," continued she, rising, "do not abandon yourself
either to hope or despair."

With these words she left the prison.

CHAPTER XVI.

As cannons shoot the higher pitches
The lower we let down their breeches,
I'll make this low, dejected fate
Advance me to a greater height.

HUDIBRAS.

Captain Williams, immediately upon his landing on the morning after the
events related in the last chapter had taken place, was met at the Port
by a woman of rather ordinary appearance, who put a letter into his
hands, and retired without speaking. The letter wa