become parted in a smile!

Is he about to echo the mad laugh of Lantanas?

No! In that look there is no sign of unseated reason.

On the contrary, he gazes with intelligent earnestness, as at something
outside demanding investigation.

Soon his lips part farther, not now to smile, but speak words that
involuntarily issue from them. Only two little words, but of large
import and greatest cheer:

"A sail!"

For such he has espied; a white speck away off on the line that
separates the two blues, but distinguishable from waif of floating foam
or wing of gull. Beyond doubt, a sail--a ship!

Once more, hope is in his heart, which bounding up, beats audibly within
his breast.

Higher and louder, as the white speck shows larger, and assumes shape.
For the tall narrow disc, rising tower-like against the sky, can only be
the spread canvas of a ship.

And gradually growing taller, he at length sees she is standing towards
the barque!

Intently he continues to watch the distant sail! Silently, without
saying aught of it to his companion, or in any way communicating with
him. It would be of no use; the mind of the Chilian is closed against
outward impressions, and now is not the time to attempt opening it.

Hopefully, Don Gregorio continues gazing, but not without anxiety. Once
before he has had disappointment from a similar sight. It may be so
again.

But, no; that ship was standing across the _Condor's_ track, while this
is sailing in the same course--sailing after, apparently, with the
intention to come up; and though slowly, surely drawing nearer; as he
can tell by her canvas increasing in the bulk, growing broader and
rising higher upon the horizon.

A long time elapses--nearly half-a-day--during which he has many hopes
and fears, alternating as the hours pass.

But the hopes are at length in the ascendant, and all anxiety passes as
the pursuing ship shows her dark hull above the water-line, and he can
distinguish her separate sails. They are all set. What joy in his
heart as his eyes rest on them! They seem the wings of merciful angels,
coming to relieve him from his misery!

And the flag floating above--the flag of England! Were it the banner of
his own Spain, he could not regard it with greater gladness, or
gratitude. For surely he will be saved now?

Alas! while thus congratulating himself, he sees what causes his heart
again to go down within him, bringing back keenest apprehensions. The