n, in the early stage of
the American war, are yet remembered by many.]

While they lay in this condition, unable either to annoy each other
more, or to get away, a large sail appeared, bearing down upon them,
which soon came up and proved to be an English frigate, and which
immediately took the American ship in tow, after removing the crew into
the hold of the frigate. The crew of the British ship were also taken on
board of the frigate, which was no sooner done than the ship went down
and was for ever buried beneath mountains of ponderous waves. The
frigate then, with the American ship in tow, made sail, and in a few
days reached England. The wounded prisoners were sent to a hospital, but
the others were confined in a strong prison within the precincts of
London.

The American prisoners were huddled into an apartment with British
convicts of various descriptions. Among these Alonzo observed one whose
demeanor arrested his attention. A deep melancholy was impressed upon
his features; his eye was wild and despairing; his figure was
interesting, tall, elegant and handsome. He appeared to be about
twenty-five years of age. He seldom conversed, but when he did, it was
readily discovered that his education had been above the common cast,
and he possessed an enlightened and discriminating mind. Alonzo
sympathetically sought his acquaintance, and discovered therein a unison
of woe.

One evening, when the prisoners were retired to rest, the stranger, upon
Alonzo's request, rehearsed the following incidents of his life.

"You express, said he, some surprise at finding a man of my appearance
in so degraded a situation; and you wish to learn the events which have
plunged me in this abject state. These, when I briefly relate, your
wonder will cease.

"My name is Henry Malcomb; my father was a clergyman in the west of
England, and descended from one of the most respectable families in
those parts. I received a classical education, and then entered the
military school, as I was designed for the army, to which my earliest
inclinations led. As soon as my education was considered complete, an
ensign's commission was procured for me in one of the regiments destined
for the West Indies. Previous to its departure for those islands,
I became acquainted with a Miss Vernon, who was a few years younger
than myself, and the daughter of a gentleman farmer, who had recently
purchased and removed to an estate in my father's parish. Ever