"Doubtless you have," answered Sir Walter. "It can scarce be possible that you have met before. But see-the boat is putting off with him.”

Sure enough the priest was seen standing up with his hands clasped, as the boat left the land, with his face towards the Spaniards, who were now kneeling in a confused crowd on the shore, as if sharing in his parting benediction, and supplicating of Heaven for his prosperous voyage. In the space of a few minutes the Padre Bartolomé came on board the Lion's Whelp, bringing with him a dark complexioned man, in the dress of a fisherman.

"With God's good help I am here to fulfil my promise," said the padre, as he approached Sir Walter; " and here have I brought with me honest Tobias, who of all men hereabouts knoweth best the navigation of this island."

"I am infinitely beholden to you, reverend Sir,” replied Raleigh; then turning to the other, enquired, "You are well acquainted with the coast, friend?"

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Ay, señor," answered the man, with a sulky look, yet taking off a rusty old hat, and making an obeisance nearly to the ground.

"And can undertake to conduct a ship safely to your new city Santo Josef de Oruño?"

"Ay, señor," replied the Spaniard, repeating the genuflexion.

"Take the helm, then; and if your perform

ance be as good as your promise, doubt not of receiving a handsome recompense."

"Ay, señor," repeated the pilot, making a more profound bow than either of the preceding; and straightway went to fulfil his mission, as orders were given to weigh anchor. All the vessels being now in full sail, Sir Waer was walking the deck in company with the Jesuit.

"I have heard that Don Antonio de Berrio is governor of the right famous province of Guiana,” observed Raleigh.

“Unquestionably is he, my son,” replied the priest. "He hath ever been a dutiful child of the true church, and the virgin hath favoured him as he deserveth. He married a kinswoman of the illustrious Quesada, the conqueror of the Neuvo Reyno de Grenada, and by the will of that hero, confirmed by a royal grant, hath become governor of Guiana, inclusive of the island of Trinidad and the mouths of the Oronoco."

"'Tis a most notable fine government," exclaimed Sir Walter, "and one that could not be placed in fitter hands than in those of so noble a gentleman. Methinks a space so great must require a vast force of soldiery for its proper security."

"Doubtless it doth, my son," answered the padre; "but I see but little occasion for soldiery, the governor being so much beloved of the natives."

"It delighteth me to hear that said of him,” remarked his companion. "I suppose he hath a. garrison at this new city of his, and if he feareth not an attack it need not be of any great strength."

"In truth no, my son, for he might do without, and no harm come of it," said the priest.

During this questioning and replying, the two kept ever and anon eyeing of each other's countenances as intently as they might, without exciting of any particular observation.

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Surely your pilot is bringing the ship too close to the rocks," suddenly exclaimed Sir Walter, as he noticed the gradual approximation of his vessel to a very dangerous shore.

"He is reckoned marvellous skilful in the conveying of ships about the island,” replied the padre. "If I had not been well assured of his fitness, I would on no account have recommended him unto thee."

At this time Raleigh having cast his eyes around about the deck, met several anxious faces turned towards him, many of whom were his most experienced mariners, and it did appear, by their uneasy and gloomy looks, that they suspected some treachery. He gazed steadily on the padre; but the same calm and holy countenance beamed upon him as had so impressed him in the first instance. It was scarce possible for any one to distrust so saintlike a face but Sir Walter did distrust him. Never

theless he saw he had a difficult game to play, and in his own noble features exhibited no alarm.

"Methinks this Tobias cannot be so well skilled, padre, as hath been represented to you,” observed he. "Doubtless your good nature hath been imposed on."

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"Nay, 'tis impossible any should have dared deceive me, my son," answered the priest; "I am convinced of his trust-worthiness, and that, with the blessing of God, we shall in good time be safe at our destination."

"Will it please you to walk with me into my cabin?" enquired Raleigh, very courteously.

"I thank thee, my son; I am well enough where I am," replied the Padre Bartolomé, as if inclined to stay where he was.

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Nay, padre, I can hear of no denial," added the other, laying hold of him by the arm. "It is necessary you should have some refreshment."

"'Tis a strict fast with me, my son," answered the ecclesiastic, holding back, as it were.

But I have matter of moment for your private ear, Padre Bartolomé," said his companion, more earnestly, as he still, in a very friendly manner, forced him along. The priest perceiving that he could scarce help himself, did as he was desired, and they left the deck together, as unconcernedly as if thinking of nothing in the world.

"I pray you be seated," exclaimed Sir Walter

to the Jesuit, as they entered the cabin, and then suddenly added, as if in a wonderful surprise, “O' my life I have forgotten. Excuse me, padre, a brief space-I will return anon." He then left the cabin, locking the door after him, and hastily returned to the deck. Padre Bartolomé looked as though somewhat disturbed, and his large dark eyes flashed glances of a different sort to those that lately had given to his countenance so religious an aspect. He gazed out of the window, and noticed how closely the ship was approaching the rocky coast. At this he smiled; but the smile had a very devilish malice in it.

During the latter part of the time taken up with what hath just been described, Harry Daring was seen as if stealthily approaching the man at the helm.

"I say, old fellow, can you fight?" exclaimed he to the pilot. The Spaniard turned round to see who it was who addressed him; and observing that it was no other than a boy, merely scowled at him and said nothing.

"Come give us none of your black looks, Master Dingey," cried the other, "I heed not any such, I promise you. You be the first villainous Spaniard I have had speech with, and if you are in the humour, I would fain meet you whenever there shall be a fitting occasion; and I care not how soon, with sword and pistol, or any other honourable