rights, and the faith of his Government,--willing to take
an active part in obtaining justice, and, a deadly opponent to wrong,
regardless of the active hostility that surrounded him. After relating
the incidents of his voyage, and the circumstances connected with
Manuel's being dragged to prison,--"Can it be possible that the law is
to be carried to such an extreme?" said he, giving vent to his feelings.

"Your people seem to have a strange manner of exhibiting their
hospitality," said the Captain, in reply.

"That is true; but it will not do to appeal to the officials." Thus
saying, the consul prepared the certificate, and putting on his hat,
repaired to the jail. Here he questioned Manuel upon the circumstances
of his arrest, his birthplace, and several other things. "I am not sure
that I can get you out, Manuel, but I will do my best; the circumstances
of your being driven in here in distress will warrant some consideration
in your case; yet the feeling is not favorable, and we cannot expect
much."

From thence he proceeded to the office of Mr. Grimshaw, where he met
that functionary, seated in all the dignity of his office.

"Good morning, Mr. Consul. Another of your darkies in my place, this
morning," said Mr. Grimshaw.

"Yes; it is upon that business I have called to see you. I think you
could not have considered the condition of this man, nor his rights,
or you would not have imprisoned him. Is there no way by which I can
relieve him?" inquired the consul, expecting little at his hands, but
venturing the effort.

"Sir! I never do any thing inconsistent with my office. The law gives
me power in these cases, and I exercise it according to my judgment. It
makes no exceptions for shipwrecks, and I feel that you have no right to
question me in the premises. It's contrary to law to bring niggers here;
and if you can show that he is a white man, there's the law; but you
must await its process."

"But do you not make exceptions?" inquired the consul. "I do not wish
to seek his relief by process of law; that would increase expense and
delay. I have made the request as a favor; if you cannot consider it in
that light, I can only say my expectations are disappointed. But how is
it that the man was abused by your officers before he was committed?"

"Those are things I've nothing to do with; they are between the officers
and your niggers. If they are stubborn, the officers must use force,
and we have a right to iron