The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1848-02-10

isted between j, and the sea, which had
mover indeed been explored, but the exis-
tencc Of which was evident from the fact,
that the water in the Fishpond rose and
fell with the tide. TO distance Of scvc-
raj fathoms below the surface Of the earth.
tho sides Of the pit were straight nnd
smooth as wall; but il had bcen ascertain
cd that, nj a considerable depth, a project.
ing ledge Of rock, a couple Of feet in breadth,
ran round its entire circumference, which
at law water was left completely bare, and
on which, at such times, one might sit or
stand in safety for some hours-it being
again submerged by the rising Of the wa
ter 10 the depth of three or four fnthons,
according to the state Of tho tide, whether
spring or ncap. When crossing the river
from tho Carlist side, the young man had
observed that tho tide was rapidly falling /;
md knowing from tho interval that had
elapsed, that il must bc now about low wn-
ter, he prepared at once for tho descent.
This was an achievement which, however
lrightful to look upon, was ia reality not
attended with my excessive danger to one
Of steady nerves, when properly assisted
from above; his ultimate sufe.y, Of course,
depending on his being withdrawn before
the rising Of tho tide. Ia fact, young Silva
hid more than once performed tho feat in
his boyish days, aud now left no hesitation
in rcsor,ing to il again rs the only means
Of escape from rcmorscless and unspnring
enemy. In a much shorter time, there
fore, from tho first alarm, than we have tn
ken to describe tho spot, he stood with his
agitnted father nj the mouth Of the black
aud gaping chasm, from which distinctly
assembled tho hoarsc believing Of tho rapid
torrent far below, ms il rushed through tho
concealed outlet to the sou. a stout rope
secured round his middle, the young man
let himself cautiously over tho edge; tho
remainder Of tho cord being wound round
the trunk Off fruit tree, whilst Don Ricsr-
do firmly grasped the extremity, paying il
cut by degrees. After tho lapse Of few
anxious minutes, the Don felt the strain re-
lax, n proof that the young man had reach
ed his resting place; then the vibration OF
the cord announced that no Ind cast il Oh;
aud then shout from below conveyed tho
signal TO withdraw il. The only approach
for horsemen through the grounds being
very circutous, Don Ricardo was enabled
to reach tho house aud take his scat in the
drawing-room before the Dragons pulled
up at the door.
A dozen of their number insta ntly dis.
mounted, and surrounded the house, whilst
their officers knocked loudly for ndmittac-c.
The door having been opened by Don Ri
carlo in rerson-thc lo;ncs.ics having long
hefare retired to rest, us il wns M. deemed
prudent 10 inform them Of the presence Of
tho Young man-thc Christine leader re-
cognizcd him ut once as evidently the pro.
pricior Of the mansion.
You keep late hours, Don Ricardo Sill
VA he commenced. MAY take the ibcr-
" of inqnrny Whether you have had an,
visitors this evening!
NV family ia n small Que, Captnin,' re-
piled Don Ricardo, endeavoring 10 disguise
his anxiety under faint smile; sand in the
prescn, disturbed state Of affairs, VIC never
have any visitors beyond our own circle
1T mistake noi.' said the other, you
have son among tho rebels in the pay Of
Don Carlos. May | ask, without giving
offence, when you heard from him las,i
The last letter I received from him. re.
Piled the father, sis dated several months
back
Strange observed The Christine, 'thnt |
should happen to be 80 much better inform
cd about him than yourself! Now, were
to venture guess as ~ his whereabouts,
should shy he was at this moment benca th
this very roof
Don Ricardo vehemcnsly, and indeed
truly, denied the fact of his presence be-
meath the roof; but, as may DO supposed,
his protesta,ions met with little credit. A
guard wns placed over him and HE lady Ia
the apartment in which they Ind been sit
ting; tho domestics were summoned, and
pu, under similar restraint in another; and
the remainder u the Dungeons were order
cd to dismount aud search the house.
An hour subsequently,, when every nook
and Granny VI the building, with tho out
Offices and garden, had been ransncked-l
Of course iruitlcssly--lhc commander Of
the Christine party again entered the apart
mcn, in which the Don and bis lady were
and informed them, that rs il was
evident the young man had made his cs-
cape before the Queens troops had reached
The house, il became his duty to convey
them both to Bilboa. 10 render nn account
Tor having harborcd and connived ut the
escape Of rebel. This was blow which
they had mover anticipated, and Cur which
they were wholly unprcpared. Mono but
being privy 10 the fact IL the
yonng mans concealmcnt in tho Fiend's
Eshpond, to convey them to Bilboa, aud
leave him to await tho rising Of the tide,
would doom him to certain death. Even
us il was, tho latest period nt which he