ny beautiful residences in a city of the size of
the capital. I had put on my best uniform, and prepared to make a
creditable appearance in the place. Our party were presented to all the
principal people of the city, who called to see the governor and
congratulate him on the escape of himself and his family from the
inundation, news of which had come by the steamer. I tried to keep in a
corner, and talk with Miss Margie and Miss Blanche; but I was dragged
out twenty times to be exhibited as the captain who ran his vessel
through the crevasse, and over the cane-fields of the plantations.

We had a very large party at tea, and in spite of the embarrassments of
my position, I enjoyed the occasion very much. Before we left the table
the governor received a dispatch informing him that the two fugitives
had been captured on board of the Queen of the South, and committed to
the calaboose, or lockup. Again I felt really sorry for poor Nick
Boomsby, and almost wished that he had escaped, though I could not
justify myself in permitting him to do so.

On Sunday we all went to church, leaving the Sylvania in charge of a
crew from the Islander, and the whole ship's company, including the
pilot, dined with the governor. The next morning I was astonished to
hear that Cornwood and Nick had arrived, having been brought down in
charge of an officer in the night, and were in prison. Late on Saturday
night I had sent by telegraph to Florida, a condensed account of the
arrest of the robber and his accomplice after the fact, and the
information that the money had been recovered. A reply soon came that
proper officers, with a requisition for the culprits, would be sent at
once for them.

In the mean time, the prisoners were brought before the court, and the
evidence against them was heard. Cornwood was his own counsel, as well
as Nick's. The testimony was considered strong enough to hold the
fugitives for the requisition. They were sent to the lockup again, and
our party resumed their merrymaking.

We rode all about the country; we went to dinner parties; and we
reciprocated the hospitalities extended to us by taking the governor
and his friends on several excursions in the two steamers. Mrs. Shepard
improved wonderfully as soon as she realized that the earth beneath her
was solid, and there was no danger of the unruly waters drowning her
while she slept. It was an exceedingly jolly time we had from morning
till night, and sometimes half