The throb of the great sea monster as she cleared her way through the
water, was the only sound heard in the stillness; for although few had
"gone below," the groups seated about the deck either smoked in silence,
or talked in low, indistinct tones.

I lay gazing at the heavens, and wondering within myself which of those
glittering orbs above me was gracious enough to preside over the life
and adventures of Con Cregan. "Some dim, indistinct little spangle it
must be," thought I,--"some forgotten planet of small reputation, I 've
no doubt it is. I should n't wonder if it were that little sly-looking
fellow that winks at me from the edge of yonder cloud, and seems to
say, 'Lie still, Con,--keep close, my lad; there's danger near.'" As I
half-muttered this to myself, a dark object intervened between me and
the sky, a large black disk, shutting out completely the brilliant
fretwork on which I had been gazing. As I looked again, I saw it was
the huge broad-brimmed hat of a Padre,--one of those felted coalscuttles
which make the most venerable faces grotesque and ridiculous.

Lying down in the bottom of the boat, I was able to take a deliberate
survey of the priest's features, while he could barely detect the dark
outline of _my_ figure. He was thick and swarthy, with jet-black eyes
and a long-pointed chin. There was something Spanish in the face, and
yet more of the Indian; at least, the projecting cheek-bones and the
gaunt, hollow cheeks favored that suspicion.

From the length of time he stood peering at me, I could perceive that it
was not a passing impulse, but that his curiosity was considerable. This
impression was scarcely conceived ere proved, as, taking a small lantern
from the binnacle, he approached the boat, and held it over me.

Affecting a heavy slumber, I snored loudly, and lay perfectly still,
while he examined my face, bending over me as I lay, and marking each
detail of my dress and appearance.

As if turning in my sleep, I contrived to alter my position in such a
manner that, covering my face with my arm, I could watch the Padre.

"Came on board alone, said you?" asked he of a little dirty urchin of a
cabin-boy, at his side.

"Yes, Father; about two hours before we left the harbor."

"No luggage of any kind?"

"A bundle, Father; that under his head, and nothing more."

"Did he speak to you, or ask any questions?"

"Only at what time we should reach Houston, and if the 'White Hart' was
near t