appear as a gentleman--contrary to all my
expectations--and I then went and joined the suite of the superior,
who, when they perceived the difference which dress made in my
appearance, congratulated me, and warmly welcomed me to join the meal
which had just been prepared for them. On the following day, the
superior sent for me, and ordering me to sit down, requested that I
would enter into full detail of what had happened to me since we last
parted. I did so, and my narrative occupied the whole afternoon.

"Your life has been full of vicissitude," replied he; "I trust,
however, that your adventures are now over, and that you will be
restored to your friends: the service you performed for our cause will
never be forgotten."

I ventured to ask him how it was that he was now in the employ of the
King of Portugal? He replied,

"I am an Irishman by birth, and educated at St. Omers. I was first
sent to Spain by the order when I was young, and have since been
employed all over the world in the advancement of our holy church.
Country with our order is of no consequence. We all serve the holy
church, and go wherever our services are required. I would you were a
Catholic, I could advance you beyond all your hopes; but you are
engaged to be married, and that puts an end to the question."

As I thought the holy father must be tired with our long conference, I
rose and took my leave.

Three days afterwards I was informed by him that he intended to set
off on his return to Rio, and now I thought of the diamond, which I
resolved to carry with me. I had no fear of being searched while under
this excellent superior's protection, and therefore I went to my
lodging, dug up the diamond, and having washed it, for the first time
gave it the examination which it deserved. It certainly was a stone of
great value, but of what value I could not exactly say. From what I
had learnt from the director, who usually put his idea of the value
upon any diamond of size which was brought to him, I considered that
20,000_l._ was the least which could be put upon the stone. I took the
precaution not to carry it loose in my pocket, but to sew it within
the lining of my clothes. Glad I was, indeed, when the orders to start
the next morning were given out. I found that a horse was appointed
for me, and having made up my valise, not forgetting my tattered
Bible, I went to my bed, thanking God that this was to be the last
night that I was to pass in the ac