ge. They were all
muffled in the long cloaks of Spain, but I instantly knew by their
demeanour that they were _caballeros_, or gentlemen. They placed
themselves in a rank before the table where I was sitting; suddenly and
simultaneously they all flung back their cloaks, and I perceived that
every one bore a book in his hand, a book which I knew full well. After
a pause, which I was unable to break, for I sat lost in astonishment and
almost conceived myself to be visited by apparitions, the hunch-back
advancing somewhat before the rest said in soft silvery tones: '_Senor_
Cavalier, was it you who brought this book to the Asturias?' I now
supposed that they were the civil authorities of the place come to take
me into custody, and rising from my seat I exclaimed, 'It certainly was
I, and it is my glory to have done so. The book is the New Testament of
God; I wish it was in my power to bring a million.' 'I heartily wish so
too,' said the little personage with a sigh. 'Be under no apprehension,
Sir Cavalier; these gentlemen are my friends. We have just purchased
these books in the shop where you have placed them for sale, and have
taken the liberty of calling upon you in order to return you our thanks
for the treasure you have brought us. I hope you can furnish us with the
Old Testament also.' I replied that I was sorry to inform him that at
present it was entirely out of my power to comply with his wish, as I had
no Old Testaments in my possession, but did not despair of procuring some
speedily, from England. He then asked me a great many questions
concerning my Biblical travels in Spain, and my success, and the views
entertained by the Society in respect to Spain, adding that he hoped I
should pay particular attention to the Asturias, which he assured me was
the best ground in the Peninsula for our labour. After about
half-an-hour's conversation, he suddenly said in the English language,
'Good night, sir,' wrapped his cloak around him, and walked out as he had
come. His companions, who had hitherto not uttered a word, all repeated,
'Good night, sir,' and adjusting their cloaks followed him.

In order to explain this strange scene I must inform you that this
morning I visited the petty bookseller of the place, Longoria, and having
arranged preliminaries with him I sent him in the evening a package of
forty Testaments, all I possess, with some advertisements. At the time
he assured me that, though he was willing