e cell and not separated
as heretofore. This consideration on the part of our jailers was
exceedingly pleasant to us, because it afforded us the opportunity of
conversing one with the other. Therefore, in spite of our bruises and
strains, caused by the rack and not yet forgotten, and of the sad sights
which we had that day seen, we made an effort to pluck up our spirits,
and to be cheerful and even hopeful.

We were further assisted in this laudable desire by a visit from the old
gentleman whom we had rescued from highwaymen on the road to Oaxaca.
About seven o'clock that evening he was admitted to our cell, and left
alone with us. This latter fact at once assured us that our friend was a
man of rank and position, otherwise he would not have been permitted to
see and speak with us, save in the presence of witnesses.

"I trust all is well with you, friends," said he, as he entered our
presence, and set down a basket which the jailer had carried to the
door. "I come to see you at a sad time, doubtless, but 'tis indeed with
feelings of friendship."

"We have so few friends in this country, Senor," answered Pharaoh, "that
we are glad to see any of them. Nay, indeed, so far as we know, your
honor is the only friend we have. Therefore, Senor, you are something
more than welcome."

Now the jailer being gone, the old gentleman took our hands in his own,
and was like to weep over us, at which we marveled, for we did not know
that his gratitude was so hearty, seeing that we had done such a small
thing for him.

"Alas, friends," said he. "I grieve for you more than I can say, for I
hate and abominate these murderous Inquisitors, whose hearts are filled
with naught but torment and murder. Nevertheless I have saved you
somewhat, for it was through my efforts and bribes that you came off
with such light sentences."

"I thought we had your honor to thank for that," said Pharaoh. "Aye,
'tis well to have a friend at court when need arises."

"I labored hard," said the old gentleman, "to secure your freedom, but
these bloody-minded Inquisitors are without bowels of mercy, and ye are
fortunate to have escaped death or torture. But now I have brought you a
little matter of wine and fruit, so fall-to and refresh yourselves, and
after that we will talk of what is to come."

So he unpacked his basket and set food and wine and delightful fruit
before us, and we ate and drank and were vastly comforted thereby, for
our commons during t