e upon this sacred sorrow, we made a motion to
retire.

"No, Senores," said Don Cosme, interrupting us. "Be seated; let us talk
calmly--let us know the worst."

We then proceeded to inform Don Cosme of the landing of the American
troops and the manner in which our lines were drawn around the city, and
pointed out to him the impossibility of anyone passing either in or out.

"There is still a hope, Don Cosme," said I, "and that, perhaps, rests
with yourself."

The thought had struck me that a Spaniard of Don Cosme's evident rank
and wealth might be enabled to procure access to the city by means of
his consul, and through the Spanish ship of war that I recollected was
lying off San Juan.

"Oh! name it, Captain; name it!" cried he, while at the word "hope" the
ladies had rushed forward, and stood clinging around me.

"There is a Spanish ship of war lying under the walls of Vera Cruz."

"We know it--we know it!" replied Don Cosme eagerly.

"Ah! you know it, then?"

"Oh, yes!" said Guadalupe. "Don Santiago is on board of her."

"Don Santiago?" inquired I; "who is he?"

"He is a relation of ours, Captain," said Don Cosme; "an officer in the
Spanish navy."

This information pained me, although I scarcely knew why.

"You have a friend, then, aboard the Spanish ship," said I to the elder
of the sisters. "'Tis well; it will be in his power to restore to you
your brother."

A ring of brightening faces was around me while I uttered these cheering
words; and Don Cosme, grasping me by the hand, entreated me to proceed.

"This Spanish ship," I continued, "is still allowed to keep up a
communication with the town. You should proceed aboard at once, and by
the assistance of this friend you may bring away your son before the
bombardment commences. I see no difficulty; our batteries are not yet
formed."

"I will go this instant!" said Don Cosme, leaping to his feet, while
Dona Joaquina and her daughters ran out to make preparations for his
journey.

Hope--sweet hope--was again in the ascendant.

"But how, Senor?" asked Don Cosme, as soon as they were gone; "how can I
pass your lines? Shall I be permitted to reach the ship?"

"It will be necessary for me to accompany you, Don Cosme," I replied;
"and I regret exceedingly that my duty will not permit me to return with
you at once."

"Oh, Senor!" exclaimed the Spaniard, with a painful expression.

"My business here," continued I, "is to procure pack-mules for