"The voice of the Almighty," at length he said, speaking in short sentences with great difficulty, and in a low, sigh-like voice,--"yea, the sound of my condemnation. Heaven will not hear my prayers, but with its thunders drowns the voice of my supplication--rejecting my polluted sacrifice, like that of Cain. I am ruined and condemned here and hereafter--palpably condemned by the Eternal, even while yet on earth, body and soul--body and soul--condem"---- He ceased--a strong shiver passed over his face--his jaw fell; and Lennox, stepping up to him, closed his eyes--stooped his cheek towards his mouth to perceive if he still breathed--then holding up his hand, solemnly said, "_He hath departed!_" CHAPTER III. SCENES IN HAVANNA. "Had you ever the luck to see Donnybrook Fair? An Irishman all in his glory is there. With his sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green." "Now, do make less noise there, my dear Listado--you will waken the whole house with your uproarious singing." "Waken the whole house!--that's a mighty good one, friend Benjamin--why, the whole house _is_ awake--broad awake as a cat to steal cream, or the devil in a gale of wind--Awake! men, women, and children, black, brown, and white, dogs, cats, pigs, and kittens, turkeys, peafowls, and the clucking hen, have been up and astir three hours ago. Dicky Phantom is now crying for his dinner--so, blood and oons, man, gather your small legs and arms about ye, and get up and open the door--it is past twelve, man, and Mother Gerard thinks you have gone for a six months' snooze, like a bat in winter; if you don't let me in, I shall swear you are hanging from the roof by the claws." "I can't help it, man--I am unable to get up and dress without assistance; so, like a dear boy, call up old Nariz de Niéve,[1] the black valet, and ask the favour of his stepping in to help me." [1] Literally, _Nose of Snow_. "Stepping in!--why, Benjie Brail, your seven senses are gone a-wool-gathering, like Father Rogerson's magpie--how the blazes can Nariz de Niéve, or any one else, get to you, through a two-inch door, locked on the inside?--you must get up and undo it, or you will die of starvation, for no blacksmith in Havanna could force such a complication of hardwood planks and brass knobs."