Democratic banner., 1851-05-07

smoothly, Cordova congratulating himself
on having found so pleasing companion in
his prisoner.
The Spaniard, still in the prime of life,
was not married, but had young pupil who
resided with him-s lovely Andalusian-
whom he had serious intentions of making
ibis wife. The possession of such jewel
rendered him suspicious and Jealous. ltsO
happened that the officers heart felt smit-
ten with the maiden, who, on her part, re-
ceived most graciously his warm addresses.
Their mutual fondness might have msteri-
ally deranged Cordnva's views, had not his
jealous feeling taken umbrsge at his rivsl.
Therefore, in his truly Spanish heart. he
resolved revenge on one who so badly re-
quilted him for bis many marks of kind
ness. n E q. .r
However, it 10 but fair to state, in justice
to the young Engiishman, that he wss to-
tally unscqusinted with Cordova's intention
respecting his ward. Fitzgerald was at
once put into damp cell, given bread as
his only food, water his sole drink, and
changed according to the then regime a.
dopted for csptives. His cell was situated
under the platform 10 the prison. The
ceiling and the walls were built with stones,
Of thickness, the sight of shich made him
sigh. "Probably," thought he, 'the tower
overlooks precrpice, therefore, not the
slightest hope of escape can be entertain
ed
When poor Fitzgerald became conscious
of the utter impossibility of escaping, his
mind fell into those reveries which belong
to the heart of the prisoner, both despair
aud consolation. He busted himself about
trifes, which became in him important affair;
counted the hours, the days, aud in fact
served his apprenticeship as captive. he
now retired within himself, and knew the
blessing Of the air and the sun; and sfter a
fol ltnight had elapsed he experienced that
dreadful malady-the freedom fever-
which impels prisoners to those sublime en-
terprises, the wondrous accomplishment of
which, to well comprehend, We must ascribe
to that suptrhumsn, aud cOnc- ntration Of a
mighty will, whose nature escapes physi-
illogical analysis, and the depth Of whose
mysteries philosophers are afraid to "a
thcm.
Meanwhile, Charles heart and mind ex-
perienced unspeekable tortures, far he felt
that death alone could free him. Even the
possibility ofbsing delivered by his country
meu was so distant that all would be over
with him long before this chance of re escue.
One morning, the turnkey, who brought
his daily food, instead Of witIdrswing, as
he was wont to DO, after having left him his
meager allowence, stood with his arms
folded, looking at him in strange manner.
Their conversation was generally more than
lsconic, and never was the gosler the first
TO speak. The prisoner was not little
surprised when the man said to lin:
"Sir, you may have good reasons for pass
ing yourself as Mr.. McGregor-ths,'s no
business Of mine. I have not to identify
you. Whether your nam. be John, or
James, DON'T care straw; but ] know"
said he, with knowing wink, "that you,
are really Mr.. Charles Fitzgerald, an off
Ger in the English army, and related to Sir
George Rookie. Well, sir, what do you say
to this?" he continued, after pause, aud
gazing at tile young man triumphanty.
Suffering as he did from his severe con-
fnement, Charles did not think he could
endanger his position by conle ssing his real
name. He answered uuhesitatiDgy:
"What, if after all, were really the per
son you allude to-what good would it do
you?"
"Oh, immense good, sir!" returned the
turnkey, in a MYSTERIOUS voice. "Whisperi
Il have received 8 sum of money 10 facil-
tate your escape; but, do you see, as might
be shot if at all suspected, agreed 10 be
an sccomplice in this affair, merely as lit
tie as could, to get the reward. Here,
sir, is key" said he, taking from his pock-
ct small file; s'with this you can file one
Of the bars. Faith, it's no easy job"
And he pointed to the narrow aperture
which the light penetrated. It was sort
Of bow window, built between the Gordon
which outwardly capped the dungeon, and
the rough stone ledges forming the batlle-
ment pillars.
"Me,hinks, sir, you'll be obliged to file
two bars, else you'll never get thro."
"Oh, never fear, I'll manage it."
Sand then you must do it so as to be a.
bic TO tie your rope"
"Where is the rope?"
@Hers il is," said the eoaler, handing TO !