's limbs were left unfettered; but, at the same time,
they thought it prudent to place a man well-armed with pistols and a
dagger at the door, and carefully to bar the window on the outside, so
that the captive, even in possession of his full strength, would have
been unable to make his escape.
My father, with Norah, always accompanied by another person, visited him
several times during the evening. Notwithstanding all the care bestowed
on him, he appeared to be suffering much, though, Indianlike, he
endeavoured not to exhibit his feelings; but his eye brightened whenever
it fell on Norah, and he seemed to look upon her as his good genius.
Each time he showed his gratitude by a few words, or by the expression
of his countenance when unable to speak from pain.
We had a very happy evening. My parents were glad to have me back safe,
and, as may be supposed, we had a great deal to talk about.
My young brother, Gerald, was fully as fine a little fellow as Tim had
described him. He constantly came up to my side, and brought various
articles to show me--stuffed birds, and the skins of animals he had
shot--and as soon as he could he dragged me away to exhibit his gun, and
his canoe, and several animals he had tamed. Kathleen, my second
sister, was like Norah, but on a smaller scale; and Mary, the third, was
a jolly little girl, fat and chubby as a rosy apple, in spite of the
climate in which she was born; while the baby, Denis, was a merry chap,
who took to me at once, though he might not exactly have comprehended
our relationship.
Our uncle remained with us during the night, that he might attend to our
wounded prisoner, though anxious to proceed to his brother's house. He
was also unwilling to let Candela go back alone, lest the Indians who
attacked us might be still prowling about, and should murder him.
"I have no fear on that score, senor," he answered; "I know the country
better than they do, and can easily make my way without being
discovered. They would not, either, willingly attack the senor padre's
servant; and so by daybreak to-morrow I will depart, as my master will
be anxious to hear of your arrival."
We sent many messages to the kind padre; and my father especially
invited him to come to our house, should he at any time find himself
threatened by the Spaniards on account of his Liberal principles. His
cloth certainly would not save him, as they had already shot several
padres who had sided with t
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