As a last resource, I had letters from Don Cassiodoro to Murillo himself, which I was to deliver in person--bearding the lion in his den--with my tutor to act as interpreter. It was considered that there would be no danger in this--that the doing so would rather tend to confirm him in the idea that I was a young English nobleman; and I should, on leaving the city, be able to proceed in any direction I might think fit. My only fear was lest Mr Laffan and I might encounter some person who had known us at Popayan, in which case we should be placed in a very dangerous position. Next morning the sound of muffled drums was heard, and on going to the window with our host I saw a body of troops marching from the direction of the prison. In their midst walked several persons, each between two priests. I was struck by the appearance of one of the unhappy persons-- who were evidently prisoners--a young lady of graceful figure and features, who appeared to me singularly beautiful. "Who are they, and where are they going?" I asked of Don Jose in French, for he spoke that language as well as his wife. "That lady is Dona Paula Salabariata; and she is going to her death." "To her death!" I exclaimed. "Yes; in a few minutes she and those with her are to be shot. She is a determined Revolutionist, and has long been engaged in inciting the people to rebellion. Her correspondence with the Republicans has at length been discovered; and at her trial, which took place yesterday, she acknowledged her principles, and confessed that she had written the letters." "So young, and so beautiful!" I exclaimed. "Yes, my friend; and she is gentle, and possesses a woman's heart, though with the spirit of a man. She was engaged to marry a young Republican officer; but neither her youth nor her beauty will avail her with our stern viceroy." "The cruel tyrant!" I exclaimed. Not noticing what I said, he continued: "Do you think that anything will induce him to spare the learned doctor?"--and here he fixed his eyes on me--"or any young man who falls into his power?" I could make no reply; indeed, our attention was absorbed by the mournful procession passing through the square. My eyes were fixed on Dona Paula. "My heart will burst, if I do not go out and fight for her!" exclaimed my tutor, who was standing close behind me; and he clapped his hand to his sword. "My friend," said Don Jose, "be calm. Although I do not hold her principles, I would join you if it would avail, but any attempt of the sort would only result in our certain death." My heart was swelling with indignation, and I felt as did my worthy tutor, but I saw the folly of acting as our feelings prompted.