"'Tis well; it will be in his power to restore to you your brother." A ring of brightening faces was around me while I uttered these cheering words; and Don Cosme, grasping me by the hand, entreated me to proceed.
"This Spanish ship," I continued, "is still allowed to keep up a communication with the town.

You should proceed aboard at once, and by the assistance of this friend you may bring away your son before the bombardment commences.

I see no difficulty; our batteries are not yet formed." "I will go this instant!" said Don Cosme, leaping to his feet, while Dona Joaquina and her daughters ran out to make preparations for his journey.
Hope--sweet hope--was again in the ascendant.
"But how, Senor ?" asked Don Cosme, as soon as they were gone; "how can I pass your lines?
Shall I be permitted to reach the ship ?" "It will be necessary for me to accompany you, Don Cosme," I replied; "and I regret exceedingly that my duty will not permit me to return with you at once." "Oh, Senor!" exclaimed the Spaniard, with a painful expression.
"My business here," continued I, "is to procure pack-mules for the American army." "Mules ?" "Yes.

We were crossing for that purpose to a plain on the other side of the woods, where we had observed some animals of that description." "'Tis true, Captain; there are a hundred or more; they are mine--take them all!" "But it is our intention to pay for them, Don Cosme.

The major here has the power to contract with you." "As you please, gentlemen; but you will then return this way, and proceed to your camp ?" "As soon as possible," I replied.