Page:Madrid shaver's singular adventures, and wonderful escape from the Spanish Inquisition (3).pdf/21

21 piteous case will require further deliberation ; in the mean time, let nothing transpire on your part; and keep yourself out of his sight as carefully as you can.—This said, the captain left the cabin, and both parties repaired to their several occupations. As soon as the frigate and her prize cast anchor in the Tagus, Don Manuel de Casafonda impatiently reminded our captain of his promised parole. The painful moment was now come, when an explanation of some sort became unavoidable: the generous Englishman, with a countenance expressive of the tenderest pity, took the Spaniard’s hand in his, and seating him on a couch beside him, ordered the centinel to keep the cabin private, and delivered himself as follows:— Senior Don Manuel, I must now impart to you that you have enemies in your own country, who will arrest you on your landing; but repose such trust in my houour, and do not demand a further explanation.—Heaven and earth! cried the astonished Spaniard, who can be those enemies, and what have I done to deserve them ! So far I will open myself answered the captain, as to point out the Inquisitor-general. The best friend I have in Spain, exclaimed the Governor, my sworn protector he my enemy ! impossible. Well sir, replied the captain, I must exert my authority for your sake, to make this ship your prison, till I have waited on our minister at Lisbon, and enquire for your safety ; but suspend the harshness of this measure till I return ; and at the same time, he gave orders for the barge ; and