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48 have been examined too. Mysterious man! Presently he appears carrying the mysterious packages in his hand; and advancing courteously to the chief officer, he whispers something in his ear. The official, however, evidently mistrusts him, and disregards his representations. The Don persists in urging his request, and endeavours to soothe the suspicions of the officer by the most earnest appeals and solemn assurances. His comrades are only able to hear these words of the colloquy,—"I wish my friends to know nothing about it." Believing he had gained his point, he glides past the official and his satellites, and blandly attempts to make good his exit, packages in hand. But the officer arrests his progress with a loud "Ave Maria! Stop that man!" an attendant soldier rushes quickly after him; and by way of effectually preventing his further progress, buries the sharp end of his long lance in the middle of one of the mysterious hampers.

This is no sooner done, than the most dismal screams and cries issue from beneath the wicker-work, interspersed with groans and chuckles! The soldier, horror stricken, in vain endeavours to draw out