d
have done so, either by the door or windows."

"How we escaped I'll tell you by-and-by, but pray excuse me for the
present, as your papa and the consul are ready to start," answered
Gerald.

This conversation took place while the vice-consul was putting on his
uniform coat, and, with the aid of his wife, buckling his sword-belt
round the wide circuit of his waist.

Murray and the two officials then set forth, Desmond carrying the flag
of truce, and Needham the British ensign, that flag which every nation
of the earth has learnt to respect, though some may regard it with no
very friendly feelings. After a walk of about twenty minutes they
reached General Carmona's residence. In front of the building was drawn
up a guard of soldiers, who cast scowling glances at the party as they
advanced. In a short time an officer appeared, who promised to announce
their arrival to the general. They were then conducted into a
courtyard, and told to wait. The officer soon returned and led the way
to a large hall, with a long table in the centre, at the end of which
sat a personage in military uniform, with several officers collected
round him, some seated, and others standing about talking eagerly
together.

"To what cause am I indebted for the honour of this visit?" asked the
general, who rose with his officers as Murray and the consuls entered.

"This officer, the commander of the British man-of-war, now in the
harbour, comes to demand the liberation of certain subjects of the Queen
of England, detained by your government as prisoners," answered the
consul, introducing Lieutenant Murray.

The general, a tall, cadaverous personage, with long moustaches sticking
out on either side of his face, tried to look very fierce and important,
but ill succeeded in concealing his trepidation and annoyance.

"I might rather ask why the English brig-of-war has sunk one of my
vessels, and captured the remainder of my fleet; though it seems a
miracle to me how it should have happened."

"Tell him," said Murray, as this answer was interpreted, "that as his
corvette fired into the Queen of England's brig, it was my duty to
punish her for her audacity, and that if my demands are not complied
with, I intend to blow up the remainder of his squadron, and then to
bombard the town."

As the consul interpreted this speech, the general and his officers
exhibited the most unfeigned astonishment at the bold threat which the
commander of the thre