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25 violent contention arose amongst them for the possession of her. Amid their struggling she swooned away—I caught the infant from her arms, to preserve it for her; and gave it into the hands of a young girl who assisted us in our business, while I gave its unfortunate mother all the aid in my power. But as soon as she had somewhat recovered, one of the most furious amongst them, catching her in his arms, rushed out with her, and placing her on his horse, sprung up behind her, and rode swiftly away, while with her utmost strength she called eagerly for her child—and the rest, mounting their horses, as speedily followed him. The child had a crucifix set with diamonds round his neck. We trained him up as our son, and named him Henriquez; but at the age of eighteen we lost him. We suspect he joined the army, and have long feared that he must have lost his life in some of the engagements with the Infidels, having never since heard any thing of him. A few hours after his departure, looking for the crucifix, I found it gone; but recollecting that I had told him all the particulars respecting himself, and had shown it to him, I suspect he took it away with him when he left us."

The Spaniard appeared deeply agitated during the whole of her narrative; and when she had finished, clasping his hands upon his bosom, he gave a deep groan, and remained for a long time in profound musing.

Alvar in the meantime had arrived at the foot of the garrison, where he beheld none but the centinels, who were pacing silently before it. After calling to them, he informed them that he wished to take shelter within. He was conducted immediately to the officer on guard; to whom, on being questioned, he related a story which he