inspectors. I went to attend the parade, and awaited with much
indifference; but my feelings were soon changed, when in this superior
of the Jesuits I beheld the Catholic priest who had visited me in the
Tower and obtained my release. The superior bowed to the director and
to all around him, and as he then looked at us all, he recognised me
immediately.
"You here, my son?" said he.
"Yes, holy father," replied I, "and I thank Heaven that your arrival
will enable me to prove my innocence."
"Pray how is this?" said he.
In a few words I narrated my story.
"And you were thrown into prison without being permitted to defend
yourself?"
"Even so, good father, and sent to the mines to slave for life."
"Did you not make known your case to the director of the mines?"
"I did, Sir, but he stated that he pitied me, but could not help me."
"Is this the case, Mr Director?" said the Jesuit, severely.
"It is, Sir," replied the director; "I have more than once reported
cases of what appeared to me great hardship, if what those condemned
have said was true, and have been told that I was too officious, and
that there could be no reversal of sentence. I can prove to you, Sir,
by my journals and letter-books, how many cases I did formerly attempt
to bring before the government; but I at last received such replies,
which I can show you, as will prove that there has been no fault of
mine."
"Allow me to add, holy father," said I, "that the kindness and
consideration of the director have been very great to all those under
his charge, and I think it very fortunate that such a person has been
appointed to this situation, as he has done everything that has been in
his power to alleviate the miseries of bondage."
"I am glad to hear you say so, Mr Elrington. Mr Director, this
gentleman is a dear friend of mine; let him instantly be released. My
orders are not to be disputed by the viceroy himself."
The superior then embraced me cordially, and told me that I was free,
and should return with him to Rio. Imagine, my dear Madam, my joy and
gratitude. I fell on my knees before him, and kissed his hands. He
gave me his blessing, and raised me up.
"Where is your companion in misfortune?" said he.
"Alas! Sir, he is dead," replied I.
The superior shook his head and turned away, saying, "I will search into
this affair to the bottom, depend upon it, when I get back to Rio."
He then desired the director to bring out his books, and his own
secretary to follow him, leaving his servants in the court-yard with me
and the other inspectors. I received the congratulations of all parties
present, and as soon as possible I escaped from them, and returned to my
own room, where I knelt and fervently thanked God for my unexpected
deliverance; and, having paid my duty to the Most High, I sat down, and
fell into a most delightful reverie of anticipations. In the evening,
after the superior had dismissed him, the director sent for me, and
said:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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