menced their career as household pets, and that they have, for their unfortunate and degraded condition, chiefly to thank the injudiciousness of those with whom their periods of infancy and youth were passed. which it was laid is made up, a jar of water placed in the room, and a light kept burning for nine nights; for on these nine nights the deceased returns to his room, when he would require a light to guide his footsteps, and water to quench his thirst. These superstitious practices are only surpassed in folly by the feasts which were formerly held over the graves of the dead African or other party, and the libations offered up at such graves. They prevail in nine-tenths of the old coloured and black families, although it is but justice to say that the younger and more enlightened branches regard them with contempt. Acuteness of the Negro.-The acuteness of the negro (and it may be necessary to observe that the term 'negro' is used by me simply in a distinctive sense) has become proverbial. Few, it is known, will overreach him in a bargain where ample discretion has been allowed; and his penetration of character is remarkable. In no mode, however, perhaps, is his shrewdness more apparent than in the converting of his philosophical and moral deductions (if I may be permitted so to speak) One of the superstitions of a more serious nature, yet into proverbs. There are not many occurrences of a equally ludicrous, is the belief that the devil sometimes moral or immoral tendency, and yet fewer states of comes for the soul of the departed who has spent his being from which a useful lesson may be derived, for life in this world as the wicked often do. I am not which the negro has not some appropriate adage or aware that his Satanic majesty is ever seen; but as he proverb. If a negro wish forcibly to express that comes at night, and is supposed to be black, his invisihe has been treated with ingratitude, he says, in bility may be accounted for. However, the rattling of his most quiet and resigned manner, 'Good me do, the chains which he brings for the soul of the deceased tènkee me get.' If he wish to mark the neglect with is distinctly heard, and not by one or two persons, but which the memory of the departed often meets, he by a whole neighbourhood; and the traces of his cloven exclaims, Man dead, grass grow da him door.' If feet along the sand of the street in which the deceased he wish to express the restraint under which he lies resided are next morning clearly seen. I could name in the expression of his sentiments, he will tell you, a case in which it is believed by a great many persons, No say fe want a tongue, mèk cow no talk.' When many of them leaders in churches, that all these cirhe would point out how mean and insignificant some cumstances occurred; that the rattling of the chains was men appear when overtaken by misfortune, who are heard; that just previous to the departure of life, a seemotherwise bold and obtrusive in their demeanour and ing internal struggle was observed to take place in the conversation, he will say, 'When trouble ketch man, body of the deceased; that a whole neighbourhood was buoy britches fit him;' and when he would express how disturbed by the clanking noise of the chains; and that much superior is natural ability without education to crowds of persons went early the succeeding morning education without ability, he. exclaims, 'Cunny better to view the marks of the devil's cloven feet! dan edication.' 'When trouble day da bush, no bring him in da house,' is one of the adages by which he incalcates caution; and 'Any cry will do fe berrin,' a proverb in which he very satirically expresses the insincerity which too frequently attends the tears of parties at the funeral of a deceased person. I have no doubt a volume might be filled with similar pithy sentences, all in common use among the negroes, and tending to show that this class of persons possess a great deal of acuteness, and are neither deficient in observation nor in judgment. The language in which their ideas are expressed is uncouth, nay, if you will, vulgar, but we know that the diamond is valuable even though unpolished. One of a rather curious description of supernatural appearances of which I have heard, was a peculiar kind of apparition, which nobody seems to have seen. Its proximity was denoted by the rattling of chains (a usual accompaniment on all similar occasions), which, grating horribly on the ear, struck terror into the hearts of all believers. Its name was the 'rolling calf.' Another was a sow and ten pigs. These nocturnal visitors had the credit of viciously pursuing every person they saw in the streets after a certain hour; and hence, after such hour, very few servants could be induced to go out-a good preventive to idle gossiping and gadding about, and probably originally invented as such. When an infant or young child is to be bathed, a tub of water is frequently placed in the sun, in order that the chill might be taken off; and this is usually done about mid-day. At twelve o'clock, however, day as well as night,duppies' (a negro term for ghosts) are permitted to perambulate the earth. How, then, shall they be prevented playing about, or probably bathing in the water? The sign of the cross comes to the aid of the anxious nurse or other domestic; and straightway two sticks are placed across the tub which contains the water, to scare away the duppies. Duppies are also apt to disturb children in the night-time. A Bible placed under their pillow will prove a sufficient protection; and Maunder's Treasury, in mistake for the holy book, has not unfrequently been devoted to the accomplishment of this object. Superstitions.-Belief in ghosts is about the most common superstition that can be found in any nation; and there are few of the old unenlightened Creoles of the West Indies who do not pretend to have seen, heard, or felt innumerable ghosts. The enlightened portion of society, as in Europe, either believe or disbelieve these supernatural appearances, according as their love of the marvellous or their moral idiosyneracy directs. I have heard well-informed persons of both places contend for the existence of ghosts, and quote Scripture in support of their views. I knew a talented lady in the West Indies who laboured under the firm conviction that a deceased brother had returned to earth, and spoken to her; and that her deceased husband had entered her bedroom at night while she lay in bed, and played with her feet. Superstitions of One may smile at these idle fancies. For the sake of this nature are, to say the worst of them, idle. There human nature, however, he cannot but lament that they are others, however, which bespeak weakness of intel- do not stop here; and that in the superstitions connected lect, depravity of heart, and gross mental obscurity and with Obeahism and Myalism, there is everything to be demoralisation. Among the first may be classed cer- found that is gross, demoralising, and senseless. Obeah. tain ceremonies which even at this day accompany theism seems to be but another name for witchcraft, and event of death in the families of many old black and coloured persons, who should certainly know better. As soon as a death takes place in such families, every particle of water in the house at the time is thrown away; for death cools his dart in the water as he departs, and it would be improper, if not injurious, to drink it. All the mirrors and looking-glasses in the house are covered, or turned to the walls, lest, forsooth, the spirit of the departed should be reflected in them; while, immediately after the removal of the corpse, the bed on its practice is accompanied by many of the uncouth ceremonies which usually attended the practice of its European prototype. Like the ingredients of the witches' caldron in Macbeth, the instruments of which the Obeah man makes use for the accomplishment of his nefarious ends are a combination of many strange and ominous things. Earth gathered from a grave, human blood, a piece of wood fashioned in the shape of a coffin, the feathers of the carrion-crow, a white cock, a live serpent, a snake or alligator's tooth, and pieces of egg shell, are among the most common. Resort is had to Obeahism as a means of detecting crime, of influencing the affections or passions, of terrifying the timid, and of obtaining revenge. In the last light, it seems to be deducible into little less than an expert system of poisoning; and deaths innumerable have been attributed to the result of draughts administered under the directions of the Obeah man. Myalism, as far as I understand it, seems a system of counter-witchcraft, equally demoralising, and, I believe, equally pernicious; and it is but a short time since I read an account of a meeting of Myalists for the purpose of freeing the shadow' of one of the disciples. Laws against both Myalism and Obeahism are severe; but the enlightenment and religious instruction of the people seem alone calculated to eradicate such practices. An Obeah man sometimes makes confession on his deathbed. His confessions, it is said, often implicate parties who had previously borne respectable characters in their own sphere. THE AFRANCESADO.* AN EPISODE OF THE PENINSULAR WAR. THE Levante, or south-east wind, had been blowing strongly for twenty-four hours, and the inhabitants of Cadiz had, as is usual during its prevalence, kept their windows closed, in order to screen themselves from its baneful effects; the Alameda was deserted, the Plaza de San Antonio equally so; and not a single lounger was to be seen in the gay Calle Ancha, the Bond Street of Cadiz. The bay, too, was bereft of its accustomed animation. Generally, towards sunset, a little fleet of fishing-boats, with their large latteen sails, was to be seen returning to port; but the Levante had now confined them to the mole. The only object that met the eye in the offing was a large boat pulling across from the direction of Rota. As it approached, a horse was perceptible standing in the centre; a man was by his side; and there were four rowers; a fifth individual steered, and seemed at the same time to be keeping watch over some object lying in the stern-sheets. Suddenly the sail was hoisted, and the boat ran up the bay of Cadiz. On nearing the mole, she was hailed enthusiastically by the fishermen and others assembled there. The crew were habited like the generality of Spanish boatmen, in jackets and trousers of coarse brown cloth; wide red worsted sashes encircled their loins; and their heads were covered with woollen caps of the same colour. Their bark was similar to the larger class of passage-boats plying between Cadiz and the Isla de Leon. The man who seemed to be the owner of the horse was of middle height, and well made; his complexion very dark, and features regular; his eyes were jet black, and piercing, and he had an enormous pair of whiskers. Under an ample brown cloth cloak, which hung gracefully on one shoulder, could be perceived his ordinary dress, consisting of a jacket, open at the bosom, but fitting closely to his athletic arms, and having several rows of silver buttons at the sides and wrists. Underneath was a cloth vest, and strapped round his waist a canana, or flexible leathern cartridge-case. He wore velveteen breeches, of a dark colour, the outer seams being adorned with curiously-wrought silver buttons. On his legs were leathern gaiters, reaching to the knees, but open at the calf. His hat, or sombrero, was of coarse beaver, very low in the crown, and broad in the brim. A black silken net, with small tassels at the end, fell *The author of this paper accompanies it with a letter, from which the following is an extract:I was in Cadiz when the transactions described took place, and I have endeavoured to render the narrative as characteristic of the period as possible. Unfortunate Spain is now apparently on the eve of a sanguinary reaction in consequence of the proceedings of the modern Afrancesados, towards whom the same feeling of animosity on the part of the majority of the Spanish people still exists, as was displayed during the memorable Penin sular war.' from underneath this hat upon his shoulders; and he carried a long lance in his right hand. The horse was full sixteen hands high, and of the true Andalusian breed; his small ears, fiery eyes, and glowing nostrils, were sure indications of strength and courage. Leaning his elbow on the saddle, the guerrilléro-for such he was-looked anxiously towards the landingplace, and then turning to the steersman, said in an under voice, Remember your charge; be firm and collected.' At this moment the prow of the boat struck the mole; this was succeeded by a shriek, and the head of an old man emerged from the bundle at the steersman's feet. Misericordia! misericordia!' cried the wretched prisoner. The sailor laid his hand on the old man's mouth, forced him to lie down again, and covered him with a shabby blanket. The guerrillero landed with the horse's bridal over his arm. The sagacious animal watched its master; and when he said, Venga amigo, venga!' (Come friend, come!) he sprang on shore, then shook himself, neighed, and having rubbed his mouth against his master's face, erected his crest, and seemed to invite the guerrilléro to mount. By this time a knot of persons had collected at the landing-place, some of whom attempted to get into the boat, and enter into conversation with those on board; but this the guerrilléro positively forbade, making a sign at the same moment to one of the crew, who came on shore and went towards the guard-house at the Puerta del Mar, or sea-gate. 'Ho! Diego!' cried a rough-looking fellow, addressing one of the boatmen, what freight have you brought from Rota?' 'Nothing worth speaking of,' was the reply. 'But you have a little live stock, for we heard a pig squeak.' Ay, ay' roared several voices; 'a French pig!-a French pig!- -we saw its snout!' The guerrillero was, at this juncture, preparing to light his cigar; turning to the bystanders, he said quietly, 'Is there any crime in bringing over a French pig?' No crime-no crime; but we know that you did not go to Seville merely to carry off a hog.' 'Diego,' cried the man who had spoken first, is the puerco of the real French breed, or only an Afrancesado?-if the latter, here is wherewithal to cut its throat?'-and he drew forth a knife, about a foot in length, ground to a point, and sharpened at both edges. The guerrillero drew a pistol from his belt. My friends,' he said, whatever is in that boat-man or beast-is under my protection; and the first person who shall attempt to interfere is a dead man.' The tramp of soldiers' footsteps interrupted this dialogue. There were, however, but six men, commanded by a corporal. This little guard was ranged on either side of the steps; and, on a signal from the guerrilléro, two of the boat's crew lifted up the unhappy being who lay trembling at their feet, and brought him on shore. No sooner were they on the mole than a terrific howl burst from the crowd, and fifty long knives were brandished in the air. 'Down with the French hog! Death to the Afrancesado!' cried the mob. Instantly the old man was placed between the soldiers, who marched onward. The guerrillero sprang upon his horse, and brought up the rear. Frequently was he obliged to turn round, and make a sort of charge upon the crowd, who were burning with rage, and panted to take summary vengeance on the Afrancesado, for such they now knew the culprit to be. He which the guerrilléro also entered, leaving his horse in was, however, safely lodged in the guard-house, into charge of a soldier. The appearance of the prisoner was most singular He was rather under the middle size, and seemed to be about sixty years of age. He was dressed in a full suit of black, with silk stockings, and rich buckles in his shoes; but his whole costume was so covered with dust and mud, that he had somewhat the air of one of those itinerant mountebanks who are to be seen in France at country fairs. The lace frill was torn and dirty; his gray hair fell in scanty meshes about his ears; and he endeavoured to conceal his face with his right hand, on the fore-finger of which shone a valuable diamond ring. The officer on guard had been previously informed by the boatman who the prisoner was; and he now communed apart with the guerrilléro as to the most eligible mode of getting him conveyed to the jail, which is situated at a considerable distance from the sea-gate. It was by this time quite dark, and the officer expressed his apprehensions lest the populace should gain possession of the captive, and sacrifice him. 'Senor,' said the guerrilléro, 'I alone brought the old sinner all the way from Seville; and, aided by half a dozen soldiers, I will engage to lodge him securely in the prison.' 'Be it so,' replied the officer; 'sergeant, take six of your best men, and accompany this brave fellow and his prisoner: let no one approach them.' The old man now fell on his knees before the officer: "Misericordia! misericordia!' he cried; for the love of God and of the blessed Virgin, save me from the fury of the rabble!-let me remain here!' The appeal was fruitless; the officer bade him rise, but the poor creature seemed incapable of doing so. The guerrillero lifted him up, and carried him, in almost a state of insensibility, to the door of the guard-house; the escort was in readiness, and in the twinkling of an eye the bold horseman placed the little old man on the saddle-bow, and mounted himself afterwards. Encircling his prisoner with his left arm so as to be able also to hold the bridle, he seized the lance with his right hand. The sergeant and two men were placed before the horse, a soldier on either side, and two others behind. No sooner had this singular cortège appeared, than a fearful murmur issued from the market-place, close to the sea-gate, and where a considerable crowd had assembled. As the party advanced, it was so strongly pressed upon by the infuriated mob, that the soldiers had much difficulty in opening a passage. The old man's head fell upon his breast, and he trembled so violently under the muscular arm of the guerrilléro, that the latter was obliged to press him still closer to his body, in order not to lose his equilibrium. 'Maldito Afrancesado!' shrieked the crowd. 'Yes; accursed be the old monster!' bawled an athletic butcher, brandishing a hatchet with a short iron handle; 'down with him! Hark'ee, Senor Guerrilléro, deliver up your prisoner, or we'll force him from you,' 'Never!' replied the brave horseman. 'Sergeant, I rely on you and on your men to keep off the mob.' At this moment a rush was made by several men, armed with large knives. The soldiers in vain offered resistance; their muskets were wrested from their hands before they had time to make use of them. The guerrilléro now wheeled round; then making his horse plunge, and wielding his lance like a knight of the olden time, he succeeded in clearing a space before him. Galloping across the market-place, he reached the narrow street leading to the prison, which is within a stone's-throw of the barracks; but he had not advanced far before his passage was barred by another mob, whilst his former antagonists closed again on his rear. 'Amigos,' cried the guerrilléro, 'I would not willingly harm any of ye, nor do I think you would wish to injure me; however, not a hair of my prisoner's head shall be touched by you whilst I exist. I have brought this infamous culprit at the risk of my life from the very head-quarters of the enemies of our country; he will be tried by the law of the land, and assuredly will not escape the punishment due to his crimes, but he must not be assassinated.' There was a short pause after this address. During the momentary calm the horseman managed to advance a few paces, and had reached the corner of a short street leading to an open space near the jail, when a shriek of Vengeance! vengeance!' issued from the crowd, and a woman rushed forth. "'Tis the mother of Antonio,' said a ferocious-looking fellow; 'Antonio, who was sentenced to death by this infamous Afrancesado, and was executed at Seville. Blood for blood! Come, Senor Guerrilléro, give up your prisoner quietly; we are resolved to have him.' 'Misericordia! misericordia!' cried the terrified old man. 'No mercy! no quarter! we'll tear thee limb from limb!' ⚫Vengeance! vengeance! the blood of my murdered child cries for vengeance!' screamed the woman. The guerrilléro now let his lance swing loosely from the strap to which it was attached to his arm, and drew a pistol from his breast. A lamp that was burning before the image of a saint at the corner of the street shed a faint light upon his figure, and enabled the mob to see his actions. Pointing the pistol at the person nearest him, he repeated his former manœuvre, cleared the way by means of his horse, and though still closely beset by the mob, was making some progress towards a more open spot, when he was once more hemmed in. At this crisis, a lad of about twelve years old crept under the horse and cut the saddle-girths; this startled the noble animal, who bounded forwards; the movement caused the saddle to turn round, and the rider, with his trembling burden, fell to the ground. At the commencement of the turmoil, a respectable individual who happened to be on the spot ran to the barracks hard by, and described the perilous situation of the guerrillero to the officer on duty, who, at the head of a few soldiers, hastened to the point indicated by the stranger. They arrived just as the guerrilléro fell from his horse, and forcing their way through the crowd, succeeded in rescuing him and his prisoner, and escorted them to the jail, where the latter was safely lodged. Don Cayetano the son of a rich merchant of Cadiz, had been educated for the law, and rose to the dignity of a judge, which position he occupied with perfect credit to himself, when the royal family of Spain were inveigled away by the intrigues and hardihood of Napoleon, and a puppet king, in the person of the brother of the French emperor, was sent to take their place at Madrid. When that revolution was brought about, a few Spaniards, some of whom were actuated by mistaken political views, others by a regard to their own interests, professed adherence to the French interest, or became, in the language of the country, Afrancesadoes : the bulk of the nation, I need scarcely say, beheld the French and the intruso-king with deep-seated indignation, insomuch that even in Cadiz, under the protection of a British garrison, it would have been dangerous for any one to be heard speaking a French word. Among the military officers and courtiers who came with Joseph to Madrid, were two whom Don Cayetano had known many years before, when he visited Paris, and appeared at the court of Louis XVI. The old companions met, and, after the usual remarks on the changes which had taken place in their personal appearance since they had last seen each other, they naturally began to talk of politics. Don Cayetano did not hesitate to express his detestation of the unjustifiable part which Napoleon had played, and his conviction that his influence would ultimately be extinguished in Spain. The two French functionaries smiled at his 'prejudices,' and endeavoured very mildly to argue him out of them. Other meetings took place. The ex-judge--for such he had been since Joseph's arrival-kept aloof from court; but he did not deem it necessary to avoid the society of his old friends. In time, they found his weak side, a desire of reforming the laws. They also discovered that he was not without a little vanity. The man, therefore, whom wealth unlimited could not have induced to do a dishonourable action, was overcome when the prospect was held out to him of acquiring a name as the regenerator of the civil and criminal jurisprudence. He consented to accept a place on the bench under Joseph, and thus became-fatal word-an Afrancesado. he arrived on the evening of the second day. He could have reached that city in a less space of time, but he was anxious to keep his horse fresh, well knowing that he must soon tax his strength to the uttermost. Having carefully examined his pistols, he entered the city after dark, and rode up to the judge's house. It was brilliantly lighted up; for Don Cayetano gave a grand entertainment that evening to the French general-in-chief, his staff, and a numerous party of Afrancesadoes. The guerrillero held in his hand what appeared to be an official despatch, sealed up, as usual, in an envelope of large dimensions. He dismounted, and knocked loudly at the handsome gateway. A servant, in rich livery, quickly appeared, and demanded his business. 'I have a despatch for his excellency the judge.' 'Very well,' said the domestic; 'give it to me, and it shall be handed to him immediately.' The head-quarters of the French army of Andalusia were at this time at Seville, and a strong division under Marshal Victor was besieging Cadiz. Serious interruptions to the operations of the French were constantly occasioned by the guerrillas, whilst conspiracies of various kinds were on foot at Seville and its vicinity to free the country from the iron yoke of the invaders. The severest measures were adopted by them to counter-own act these plots; and Don Cayetano, after swearing fidelity to King Joseph, was directed to proceed to Seville in his judicial capacity. 'My orders are to deliver the packet into the judge's hands.' 'He is just now engaged with a large party, and I dare not disturb his excellency.' Then I will,' said the guerrilléro, 'for the despatch has been forwarded with the utmost speed from Madrid; and when it was handed to me by the governor of Carmona, he commanded me not to give it to any one but the judge himself.' The guerrillero then made a movement to penetrate into the courtyard; but the servant, convinced by the earnestness of his manner, and by the mention of the governor of Carmona's name, undertook to speak to his master. 'Make haste,' cried the guerrilléro, for I am tired, and so is my horse. Tell his excellency that if he will just step out, 'twill only be the affair of an instant. All I want is to accomplish my mission, and make the best of my way back.' Great confidence was inspired by his well-known energy and penetration; and, as is usual in such cases, the renegade became remarkable for his severity. Numbers of Spaniards were condemned to death by the Afrancesado judge, and his name was execrated throughout Andalusia. He became completely infatuated with the French, probably because he knew that his existence depended on their success; and it appeared as though he endeavoured to lull the pangs of remorse by plunging into the vortex of gay society. He attended all the grand parties given by the French authorities, and, in his turn, invited them to splendid entertainments. An observant eye might, however, have discovered in the countenance of the Afrancesado evident marks of deep anxiety, and the wearing effects of a smiting conscience. Whilst this scene was passing outside the mansion, A short time before the scene we attempted to de- the guests, who were assembled in its superb apartscribe at the commencement of this tale, he had con-ments, were diverting themselves in various ways. In demned to death a brother of our guerrilléro, whose only offence was, that, having quarrelled with a French subordinate civil officer, he had, in the heat of passion, cried out, Viva Fernando Septimo! muéra José!' He was thereupon seized by the police, dragged before the judge, who passed sentence of death on him, as having been guilty of treason; and the unfortunate young man was forthwith executed. one saloon dancing was kept up with spirit; the French officers displayed their accustomed elegance in the ballroom, the Spanish senoritas, graceful and enchanting as they are at all times, being peculiarly animated; and many tender conversations were held between the youthful French gallants and the lovely Andalusian damsels. In another room gambling was carried on with great avidity. Around the monte table were seated several grave-looking Spanish gentlemen and ladies beyond the meridian of life, all intent upon the game. Behind them were numbers of French officers, among whom were mingled several of the beautiful girls from the ball-room, playing in partnership with the warriors; and it was painful to observe the intensity with which those fair creatures watched the chances, gloried in their winnings, or deplored their losses. When this sad intelligence reached the brother, he vowed vengeance against the Afrancesado judge. His method of attaining his object was singular and characteristic. I will not soil my hands with the blood of the base murderer,' said he; but I will carry him off in the blaze of his infamous splendour, and take him to Cadiz, his birthplace, and the seat of the regency governing in the name of Ferdinand the Seventh. There he cannot fail of being condemned to death, after In a spacious and splendid saloon were assembled the being judged as justly as he has judged others unjustly.' French general-in-chief, and a number of his superior The guerrilléro was at this time in the mountains of staff officers, the Spanish authorities acting under the Ronda, where he did his part, in common with others, French regime, various other Spaniards, and their hospitin harassing the French. He had a thorough knowledgeable host, the Afrancesado judge. They were in full conof all the by-paths in Andalusia, and had frequently versation when the servant entered, and in an under tone gone over to Cadiz with despatches to the Spanish informed his master that a horseman was at the gate regency from the guerrilla chiefs. He was acquainted bearing a despatch from the governor of Carmona, which with some fishermen who lived near a little creek in the he was ordered to deliver into the judge's own hands. vicinity of Rota, and who had more than once taken The old man at first desired that the messenger might him over, keeping his horse for him until his return. be sent up stairs; but the servant having told him that He now made the best of his way to their humble he did not seem to like to leave his horse, the judge dwelling, and obtained a passage to Cadiz, where quitted the saloon, descended the grand staircase, crossed he had some relatives, who were market boatmen, the courtyard, and advanced to the gate. There stood and upon whose hearty co-operation in avenging his the guerrillero with the packet in his hand as the old brother's death he well knew he could reckon. man held out his to receive it, the guerrilléro grasped his arm, dragged him over the threshold, lifted him in a second on to the pommel of his saddle, then vaulting into it himself, galloped off at full speed, covering the judge's mouth with one hand to prevent him from crying out, and was clear of the city before the alarm could be given; for the servant who had accompanied his master to the gate was so astounded by what he had The plan was soon agreed upon. His three kinsmen and two others were to go in their large market boat, on the following night, to the little creek near Rota, and there await the arrival of the guerrilléro; who, immediately after this arrangement was made, returned with the fishermen to the other side of the bay. Mounting his gallant steed, he took the road to Seville, where witnessed, that he did not recover his faculties till several minutes afterwards. As soon as the French general was informed of what had taken place, parties of cavalry were despatched in pursuit of the guerrilióro, but without effect; he had leaped his noble horse over a broken wall, distant from the sentinels, and had struck at once into paths unknown to the French cavalry, and where they would hardly have ventured to follow him, had he been seen to enter them. Rapidly, and without obstacle, did the guerrillero return to the little creek near the Guadalquiver; he found his faithful companions on the alert, embarked in the long market boat, having first deposited his trembling charge in the stern, and placed his horse amid-ships. His arrival at Cadiz has been already described. The proofs of Don Cayetano's guilt were too numerous and too notorious to require any lengthened process-he was condemned to be strangled. At that period the monks and friars still possessed great influence in Spain; and the relatives of Don Cayetano, who were in Cadiz, used every exertion to obtain a prolongation of the customary time between the sentence and its execution, in the hope of effecting his escape by means of great pecuniary sacrifices, and through the instrumentality of the priesthood. The superior of one of the convents was accordingly applied to, on the plea, in the first instance, of obtaining the spiritual services of one or more of his community for the condemned judge. By degrees, and with caution, it was afterwards intimated to the superior that a very large sum would be at the disposal of whomsoever might insure his escape. The hint was at first but slightly attended to: shortly afterwards, however, the friends of Don Cayetano were informed that, for the moment, all that could be done was to retard the execution of the sentence, on the ground that the guilty man's mind required a lengthened pious preparation and repentance, before that absolution could be granted to him which was necessary for the future welfare of his immortal soul. To obtain this respite a large sum was required-it was instantly paid. Nearly two months passed away in anxiety on the part of the captive and his friends, and in promises and demands for more money on that of the superior of the convent, who declared that he was paving the way for the judge's escape. How he managed to induce the authorities to sanction the delay is beyond our knowledge. Certain it is, that at length every pecuniary resource within the reach of Don Cayetano's connexions became exhausted; and the monks at the very same time evinced a mysterious doubtfulness as to the issue of their negotiations. In their visits to the prisoner, they dwelt solely on religious matters, admonishing him, above all things, to prepare for the worst, and returning vague replies to his anxious questions relative to his escape or pardon; the same manner and language were observed towards his now empty-handed friends during their interviews with the holy fathers. Murmurings faintly arose about this time among the lower classes, like the distant moanings of the ocean preparatory to a violent storm. Gloomy and uncouth men, and fearful-looking women, hovered about the fishermen after they had moored their boats in the evenings; and the name of Cayetano, the French hog, as they termed him, was pronounced with vengeful tone and gesture. Night after night these symptoms of popular fury were exhibited, augmenting hourly in intensity. By what means the irritation of the lower classes, as described at the commencement of our narrative, had been so long repressed, was a matter of surprise to all who reflected on the circumstance; the mother and brother of the deceased Antonio were still in Cadiz, and it could not be doubted that they continued to be animated by the most ardent desire for vengeance on the judge. The fact, however, was, that the monks had, up to this time, exercised their powerful influence over the minds of the people, who, at their bidding, had remained tranquil; but the object having now been obtained-the possession of the property of the aged culprit, and of all the available resources of his friendsthey had no further inducement to inculcate forbearance; at least this was strongly suspected to be the case. The pent-up passions of the mob were therefore allowed to burst forth with redoubled force, and carried all before them. In front of the jail, before the houses of the magistrates, at the military barracks, crowds assembled continually, preceded by Antonio's mother and brother, demanding the execution of the sentence passed upon the hated Cayetano. The Spanish soldiers also sympathised in this fiery wrath against an Afrancesado: his execution, therefore, became inevitable. The civil authorities now applied to the superior of the convent to report upon the spiritual condition of the prisoner. He no longer hesitated, but declared that he was in a penitent and edifying frame of mind, fit for absolution, and that this was a favourable moment for the condemned judge to pay the penalty of his worldly offences. The warrant for carrying the sentence into execution in thirty-six hours was accordingly signed. * * The wretched Cayetano, seated in a corner of his cell, was pondering over his awful situation, and overwhelmed with dire presentiments occasioned by the altered manner of his reverend attendants, when the massive bolts were slowly withdrawn, and the usher of the criminal tribunal entered. He was rather a portly personage, dressed in a full suit of black. In his left hand he held a scroll of parchment; and advancing with noiseless step towards the prisoner, who regarded him with piercing eyes, bowed ceremoniously, and said, 'God guard you, senor!'- and slowly unrolling the parchment, thus addressed the careworn culprit:- In pursuance of the decree of the competent authorities, I am about to perform the painful duty of reading to you the warrant for the fulfilment of the sentence of death pronounced against you. The prisoner neither spoke nor moved. In a The usher having read the warrant, retired. few minutes the jailer entered, followed by two assistants, and conducted the captive to the place where he was to pass the few remaining hours of his existence. During the period that a condemned criminal is in capilla, as it is termed, he is not only attended by a priest, or priests, for the purpose of affording him spiritual consolation, but every bodily comfort is placed at his disposal. Of neither of these advantages, however, could the old judge be persuaded to avail himself. He remained seated on the little bed, his head drooping on his chest, and totally regardless of the orisons and exhortations of the two monks by whom he was constantly attended. In this state he remained until the hour appointed for his execution. * It was a fine spring morning; the vivifying rays of the sun enlivened and beautified the face of nature; but this very brilliancy produced a melancholy feeling, for it was also a morning on which a human being was to perish on the scaffold. At dawn, a small table, covered with black cloth, was to be seen at the gate of every church in Cadiz. On this table were placed a crucifix, and a wooden box with a chink in the lid. At each end of the table stood a member of one of the Hermandades, or religious societies, covered with a silken cloak, the colour whereof designated the Hermandad, or brotherhood, to which he belonged, soliciting alms from the passers-by. This appeal was complied with even by the very humblest, the product being destined to pay for masses for the repose of the malefactor's soul. The hour fixed for the execution was noon-1 -the spot a rising ground on the campo, not far from the jail. A platform about six feet from the ground had been erected; it was reached by a few steps formed of rough planks. From the centre of the platform rose a post, jutting out from which was a narrow fixed seat; a |