val
will enable me to prove my innocence."

"Pray how is this?" said he.

In a few words I narrated my story.

"And you were thrown into prison without being permitted to defend
yourself?"

"Even so, good father, and sent to the mines to slave for life."

"Did you not make known your case to the director of the mines?"

"I did, Sir, but he stated that he pitied me, but could not help me."

"Is this the case, Mr. Director?" said the Jesuit, severely.

"It is, Sir," replied the director; "I have more than once reported
cases of what appeared to me great hardship, if what those condemned
have said was true, and have been told that I was too officious, and
that there could be no reversal of sentence. I can prove to you, Sir,
by my journals and letter-books how many cases I did formerly attempt
to bring before the government; but I at last received such replies,
which I can show you, as will prove that there has been no fault of
mine."

"Allow me to add, holy father," said I, "that the kindness and
consideration of the director have been very great to all those under
his charge, and I think it very fortunate that such a person has been
appointed to this situation, as he has done every thing that has been
in his power to alleviate the miseries of bondage."

"I am glad to hear you say so, Mr. Elrington; Mr. Director, this
gentleman is a dear friend of mine, let him instantly be released. My
orders are not to be disputed by the viceroy himself."

The superior then embraced me cordially, and told me that I was free,
and should return with him to Rio. Imagine, my dear Madam, my joy and
gratitude. I fell on my knees before him, and kissed his hands. He
gave me his blessing, and raised me up.

"Where is your companion in misfortune?" said he.

"Alas! Sir, he is dead," replied I.

The superior shook his head and turned away, saying, "I will search
into this affair to the bottom, depend upon it, when I get back to
Rio."

He then desired the director to bring out his books, and his own
secretary to follow him, leaving his servants in the court-yard with
me and the other inspectors. I received the congratulations of all
parties present, and as soon as possible I escaped from them, and
returned to my own room, where I knelt and fervently thanked God for
my unexpected deliverance; and having paid my duty to the Most High, I
sat down, and fell into a most delightful reverie of anticipations.
In the evening, after the s