The clank of irons and the descent of a heavy body, might well pass for the last plunge of the living Sebastian: with a conviction of his self-murder, the sanguine Hyppolito believed that even Philip himself would rest satisfied. Should success crown their project, Don Christopher was to proceed into France with his prize; and as in that case, Aziek would remain behind, and Blanche be denied the joy of embracing her father, Hyppolito projected a scheme to attract his mother into meeting these two friends at a lonely fishing lodge which he possessed on the coast, only a few leagues off. It would be easy to land the King there, allow him a few hours conference with his child, and afterwards depart with him and Aziek for France. This arrangement was no sooner settled, and Haro put into possession of half the sum he was to receive in recompense for so important a service, than he permitted an interview between his captive and the two young noblemen, who conversing with him apart from the other slaves, (a circumstance now so frequent that it was not regarded) opened before him a prospect of freedom and of peace. Like light suddenly restored to the blind, was this amazing hope to the soul of Sebastian: touched by the chivalric ardour of two youths to whom his qualities were so little known, and recalled to the fond wishes of a father and a husband, he prest his hand on his heart unable to express in any other way, what was swelling there. After some moments silence, he uttered a few animated words of gratitude and gratification, coupled with apprehension for their safety, should he accept their services, and accident hereafter discover them to the King of Spain. Don Christopher declared he risked nothing, since he was already exiled from his country, and dependant on the favour of the French monarch, to whom he should return: and Hyppolito laughing at the chimera of a discovery, braved it as a phantom, protesting his belief that accident could not develope their share in a transaction to which no other person than Haro, would be privy. His tongue, eloquently, though hastily, represented the joy which her father’s release would bestow on Blanche and on Kara Aziek, whom he reluctantly confessed to be now in a state, which rendered a peaceful mind absolutely necessary if they would preserve her life. At this argument Sebastian lost sight of all other objects, and eagerly yielded assent. To regain, to preserve her, was it not to regain more than liberty? and where was the obscure spot in creation, to which he would not fly for that blessed purpose?