s especially vowed to put to death every lawyer who
falls into his hands."

As a last resource, I had letters from Don Cassiodoro to Murillo
himself, which I was to deliver in person--bearding the lion in his
den--with my tutor to act as interpreter. It was considered that there
would be no danger in this--that the doing so would rather tend to
confirm him in the idea that I was a young English nobleman; and I
should, on leaving the city, be able to proceed in any direction I might
think fit. My only fear was lest Mr Laffan and I might encounter some
person who had known us at Popayan, in which case we should be placed in
a very dangerous position.

Next morning the sound of muffled drums was heard, and on going to the
window with our host I saw a body of troops marching from the direction
of the prison. In their midst walked several persons, each between two
priests. I was struck by the appearance of one of the unhappy persons--
who were evidently prisoners--a young lady of graceful figure and
features, who appeared to me singularly beautiful.

"Who are they, and where are they going?" I asked of Don Jose in
French, for he spoke that language as well as his wife.

"That lady is Dona Paula Salabariata; and she is going to her death."

"To her death!" I exclaimed.

"Yes; in a few minutes she and those with her are to be shot. She is a
determined Revolutionist, and has long been engaged in inciting the
people to rebellion. Her correspondence with the Republicans has at
length been discovered; and at her trial, which took place yesterday,
she acknowledged her principles, and confessed that she had written the
letters."

"So young, and so beautiful!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, my friend; and she is gentle, and possesses a woman's heart,
though with the spirit of a man. She was engaged to marry a young
Republican officer; but neither her youth nor her beauty will avail her
with our stern viceroy."

"The cruel tyrant!" I exclaimed.

Not noticing what I said, he continued: "Do you think that anything will
induce him to spare the learned doctor?"--and here he fixed his eyes on
me--"or any young man who falls into his power?"

I could make no reply; indeed, our attention was absorbed by the
mournful procession passing through the square. My eyes were fixed on
Dona Paula.

"My heart will burst, if I do not go out and fight for her!" exclaimed
my tutor, who was standing close behind me; and he clapped his hand