Uncle Moses gave some information in regard to the wealth of the young gentleman and to his temperate habits. The judge was evidently satisfied so far as the capture and recapture of the Salihé were concerned, and then proceeded to consider the custom-house question. The officers testified in regard to the merchandise found on board of the Golondrina. No bill of lading, consular certificate, or other document was found on board or in possession of the captain. It was proved that the goods were smuggled into Spain from Gibraltar. The principals were Gray and Captain Velazquez, and they were heavily fined, and sentenced to imprisonment for one year for smuggling, and one for the assault upon the party on board the little steamer. The others received a much milder sentence. The court adjourned, and his honor hastened to pay his respects to Mrs. Belgrave, and insisted upon sending her and the other ladies to the landing in his carriage. Then he had quite a talk about the Guardian-Mother with the captain, and was invited to visit her with his family. CHAPTER XV EXPLORING THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR Captain Ringgold had been formally presented to the judge by an officer who seemed to be the chief of police, or something of that sort. "_El Juez_ Salazar" was what he called him. If any reader wishes to pronounce as he reads, he will say _el hwaith Sah-lah-thar_; and if he utters it like that, the chief of police would understand him. Judge Salazar smiled when the commander invited him and his family to visit the Guardian-Mother, declaring that he had no wife or children, being still a bachelor. "But if I had met the Señora Belgrave when I was fifty years younger, it might have been otherwise," added the judge. "That is to say, if she had not frowned upon me." "Just my case!" exclaimed the commander. "But you are still a young man, while I am seventy-five. 'It might have been,' as your poet Whittier said, in my case; and it may be, in yours," added his honor very jocosely. "I don't know," laughed the captain. "But I hope you will visit my ship, Judge Salazar. Will you not dine with us at six to-day? I will have a boat at the landing for you at five." "The temptation is very great, and I cannot decline the invitation," replied the venerable dignitary. The carriage of the judge returned, and then he insisted upon taking the commander and Louis to the shore, where they parted with him for the time. All the party were delighted with the old gentleman and his courteous Spanish manners, and Mrs. Belgrave declared that he was a "dear old man." The cutter conveyed the party to the steamer, and in about half an hour they were on board of the ship. "The judge is a bachelor, Mrs. Belgrave, and he fell in love with you." "Indeed! But he is old enough to be my grandfather!" exclaimed the lady, laughing heartily.