r and I assisted. We
exported numerous articles, and among other produce we shipped a
considerable quantity of timber; for magnificent trees, fit for
shipbuilding and other purposes, grew in the island--the red cedar and
several species of palms being especially magnificent. Altogether, our
house was looked upon as the most flourishing in the island, and, as
might have been expected, we somewhat excited the jealousy of several of
the native merchants. Our father, however, cared nothing for this, and
dared the Spaniards to do their worst.

Necessity made Uncle Paul, Arthur, and me live, during the weekdays, in
the town, but we returned home every Saturday, where we received an
affectionate welcome from my mother and Marian. It was, consequently,
not remarked in the town that we did not attend mass; and as our house
was at some distance from any church, we had a sufficient excuse for not
going to one on the Sunday. We were aware, however, that the
Inquisition existed in the island, though we could not ascertain who
were the persons immediately connected with it. There were, we
observed, in proportion to the population, a very large number of
priests and friars, some of whom were constantly visiting the houses in
the town and neighbourhood; but as we left our lodging at an early hour
every day for the counting-house, and seldom returned till late in the
evening, we had not hitherto been interfered with.

One Saturday evening we were returning homeward, when we overtook a
friar ambling along on his mule. We saluted him in the customary
fashion, and were passing on, when he stopped Uncle Paul by asking a
question which took some time to answer. The friar then, urging on his
beast, kept pace with us. Arthur and I had dropped a little behind, so
that we could only partly hear what was said, but enough of the
conversation reached us to let us know that the friar was talking about
religious matters, and was apparently endeavouring to draw out our
uncle's opinions. He was always frank and truthful, so we knew that he
would find it a difficult task to parry the friar's questions.

"I feel almost certain that the friar knew we should pass this way, and
came on purpose to fall in with us," observed Arthur. "I wish that
Uncle Paul had galloped on without answering him. I don't like the tone
of his voice, though he smiles, and speaks so softly."

"Nor do I," I replied. "I only hope that he won't come and talk with
us.