Even our
present sufferings occupied us. Our clothes were wet through, and the
night had become piercingly cold. Our bed was a bench of stone; and
upon this we lay as our chains would allow us, sleeping close together
to generate warmth. It was to us a miserable night; but morning came at
last, and at an early hour we were examined by the officer of the guard.

Our court-martial was fixed for the afternoon, and before this tribunal
we were carried, amidst the jeers of the populace. We told our story,
giving the name of the boy Narcisso, and the house where he was lodged.
This was verified by the court, but declared to be a _ruse_ invented by
my comrade--whose knowledge of the place and other circumstances
rendered the thing probable enough. Raoul, moreover, was identified by
many of the citizens, who proved his disappearance coincident with the
landing of the American expedition. Besides, my ring and purse were
sufficient of themselves to condemn us--and condemned we were. We were
to be _garrotted_ on the following morning!

Raoul was offered life if he would turn traitor and give information of
the enemy. The brave soldier indignantly spurned the offer. It was
extended to me, with a similar result.

All at once I observed a strange commotion among the people. Citizens
and soldiers rushed from the hall, and the court, hastily pronouncing
our sentence, ordered us to be carried away. We were seized by the
guard, pulled into the street, and dragged back towards our late prison.
Our conductors were evidently in a great hurry. As we passed along we
were met by citizens running to and fro, apparently in great terror--
women and children uttering shrieks and suddenly disappearing behind
walls and battlements. Some fell upon their knees, beating their
breasts and praying loudly. Others, clasping their infants, stood
shivering and speechless.

"It is just like the way they go in an earthquake," remarked Raoul, "but
there is none. What can it be, Captain?"

Before I could reply, the answer came from another quarter.

Far above, an object was hissing and hurtling through the air.

"A shell from ours! Hurrah!" cried Raoul.

I could scarcely refrain from cheering, though we ourselves might be the
victims of the missile.

The soldiers who were guarding us had flung themselves down behind walls
and pillars, leaving us alone in the open street!

The bomb fell beyond us, and, striking the pavement, burst. The