ce I was compelled to slay the alguizal. I
knew that the vengeance of the Inquisitors would follow me, and I
escaped on board a ship-of-war which I had been appointed to command. I
at length left her, and so managed that my officers believed me to be
dead, and on their return home reported accordingly that such was the
case. I wandered about in many parts of the world till the French
Republic was established, and then I entered the naval service of
France, and for convenience' sake changed my name. For long I continued
in it and served France faithfully, but an event occurred which
compelled me for a time to quit it. I went to India, and for several
years I remained in the eastern seas in command of a privateer, and
having made some money in her, I returned to Europe, when I received the
command of this frigate. Such has been my career. There is no great
mystery in it, but it was necessary that I should give an account of it,
lest any present should consider me a monster in human shape, and guilty
of all the crimes of which the father accuses me."

The marquis, who had been anxiously watching the captain's countenance,
breathed more freely when he ceased speaking. "Certainly, my friend, I
think that you have every excuse for your conduct," he exclaimed,
offering his hand to the captain, who did not seem very anxious to
accept it. "I for one shall be happy to welcome you back to Spain when
peace is restored, and as the Inquisition has been abolished you need
have no fear on that account. My friend, Father Mendez, will, I am
sure, also retract his disparaging expressions he has applied to you.
He must acknowledge that they are unjust--not such as you deserve.
Come, father, say that you regret having spoken so harshly of the worthy
officer."

But the father shook his head without speaking.

"It matters little," said the captain. "He laughs who wins. Perhaps
when all the details are filled up, some of my very worthy friends may
not be so well pleased."

He looked significantly at the marquis. At that moment Alfonse Gerardin
crossed the quarter-deck. The marquis looked at him and started.

"Who is that young man?" he asked, in an agitated tone.

"One of the officers of my ship, as you see by his uniform," answered
the captain, carelessly.

"A sail on the larboard beam!" sung out a man from the mast-head. Soon
afterwards the cry was heard that there were three, four, five sail--a
whole fleet of ships in