of the ship, soon made my head giddy and my feet unsteady. He persuaded me to lie down, but where was the bed? Could it be possible that any human body could lie in the narrow den which he pointed out to me in the wall? Yet, ashamed that such trifles should incommode me, I laid my baby down, and crept in after. Here I was confined by sickness for three days, by which means I escaped the sight of the brutal men who composed the crew. I understood that the weather had been calm and sullen, consequently the ship made little way. The desire I had for fresh air induced me, on the third evening, to go on deck; but the bold and libertine gaze of the men soon made me repent my so doing. I could not but remark the air of freedom and tone of equality that reigned among them; and that although Velasquez stood by my side, it hindered not licentious comment upon my person and situation. One among them, who seemed of superior rank, advanced to us, and begged to be introduced to the fair Sultana, as he styled me; hoping, that although Velasquez was a favoured lover, he would not think of confining me intirely from company, as we were likely to have a pretty long trip; then rudely snatching up my little one, tossed him high in the air, and holding him at arms length, swore he would make a brave little Pirate. I looked at Velasquez for an explanation of this familiar conversation-he bit his lip with vexation, but drawing himself up haughtily, answered the other, that although the lady was a Pirate's wife, yet her

husband was a Spaniard, and consequently kept her secluded and watched. The other laughed contemptuously, and swore this was new language from a comrade. When we were alone, I begged to know if we were on our way to Spain, or if what he had said to that bold man was true, that he had become a robber on the high sea. His brow lowered fearfully, and he advised me to be more circumspect in my expressions, lest, should any others of the crew hear me, they might be offended, and he not able to protect me from their resentment. 6 For my own part,' continued he, 'I am indifferent about names; my friends at home were lukewarm and faithless; courage and my good sword have supplied their place, and yielded me many a rich prize; and is it not better to lead a gay freebooter's life at sea, than in the crowded atmosphere of a court pine in envy and disappointment on some rich fool's promise? My comrades, although free of speech and manner, are honest fellows, and by degrees you will be less shocked at their appearance; do not, therefore, give way to apprehension, Zulema: at present, Sebastian (the young man who offended you) is my equal in command, but soon (and his eyes flashed fire) shall Velasquez have no rival, either in love or power.' He pressed my hand tenderly, and would have withdrawn, but I besought him to give up the hazardous life he had chosen, and retire to any country he should choose. He was angry with my importunity, and called it weak, womanly. Alas! I soon perceived that am

bition was his ruling passion, and that but a few slender remains of love and gratitude attached him to me: nay, when I recollected the eager manner with which he had taken possession of my jewels, the dreadful thought came over me, that their acquisition was the object of his returning to seek me. My heart sickened, when, alone, I revolved the perils of my situation; but still I dreamt not of the horrors that awaited me. Next morning I was awakened at break of day by an unusual bustle among the crew, and was informed we were giving chace to a Spanish gallion, which would doubtless prove a rich prize, it being probably laden with gold and silver from Peru. Their brutal exultation, mingled with oaths and cruel laughter, reached me as I lay, and made me shudder for their helpless victims; but just as they were secure of victory (for she offered no resistance) a large armed vessel appeared in sight, making to rescue, and we were forced to abandon the easy prey, and croud all sail to get off. This was a cruel disappointment; and in addition, towards night a heavy storm arose, which drove our ship in terrible distress a long way out of her course. For two days did it continue almost without intermission. The men, weary and mutinous, began to murmur; and though reckless of moral rectitude, superstitiously imagined that they were unfortunate in their voyage because they had on board two unbaptized heretics. Sebastian, jealous of Velasquez, and resentful of his haughty carriage, encouraged these murmurs, and even reproached him

with his care and attention towards me (although I had scarcely seen him during the storm) as diverting his thoughts from the welfare of the company. High words ensued, which would probably have been decided by the sword, had not the crew interfered, and, as a means of propitiating the saints and their commanders, proposed that myself and child should be left on the first desart shore they came to. Velasquez endeavoured to laugh them out of their superstitious fears, and asked if they thought the jewels I had brought were less precious, because they belong to a heretic. She has paid nobly for her passage by the rich booty she has brought with her, and whoever does her or her child an injury, declares himself my foe.' So saying, he fixed his eyes sternly on Sebastian-who answered, that since love seemed with him the predominant feeling, he was no longer fit for the command of men who had proved themselves superior to all the soft weaknesses of that boy's passion, who had determined to lead a life of bold and manly deeds; that he might henceforth be contented to be considered as a passenger himself, and had better be landed with the fair one, at the first convenient place, where she, with her child, might receive baptism; that for his part, although he thought it no sin to rob the rich rogues of this world, he was too good a Catholic to keep faith with heretics, and above all, with a Moor, a nation that had always been held in just abhorrence by Holy Church. Velasquez frowned angrily; his ambitious thoughts were all

aroused at this insinuation; but turning proudly from his rival, he said, My brave comrades need no testimonials of my valour or attachment; mine are not purchased dignities; and although my heart is capable of gratitude and compassion towards a woman who has befriended us all, yet if occasion needed, I could as well sacrifice my private feelings as another.'

"The crew, who for the most part had been engaged with Velasquez previous to his shipwreck, who knew his bravery and esteemed his qualities as superior to those of Sebastian (who after the loss of their own ship, had procured them the present one, on condition of sharing the command-whose person, though pleasing, had none of the striking and commanding features of their old leader) seemed touched with this appeal, and consented to wait until the morrow before they decided on my destiny. All the time of this altercation I was on deck in the boat, covered with an awning, the heavy sea during the storm having dashed in the cabin windows and rendered the room uninhabitable; yet amidst all these inconveniences, had I never uttered a complaint, well knowing the distress was general, and that each one ought to bear his part with fortitude. A sort of hopelessness took possession of my bosom, whilst I listened to their projected cruelty towards me--I neither raved nor shrieked, much less attempted any expostulation. Night had set in calm and starry, and as I looked upon those brilliant orbs, thoughts came thronging thick upon me of former times. My young dreams of love and