The young hawk, accustomed only to the fostering care of its dam, must be tamed by darkness and sleeplessness, ere it is trusted on the wing for the purposes of the falconer.' I was appalled at this declaration, which seemed to threaten a long continuance, and a dangerous termination, of my captivity.

I deemed it best, however, to show some spirit, and at the same time to mingle a tone of conciliation.

'Mr.Herries,' I said '(if I call you rightly by that name), let us speak upon this matter without the tone of mystery and fear in which you seem inclined to envelop it.

I have been long, alas! deprived of the care of that affectionate mother to whom you allude--long under the charge of strangers--and compelled to form my own resolutions upon the reasoning of my own mind.

Misfortune--early deprivation--has given me the privilege of acting for myself; and constraint shall not deprive me of an Englishman's best privilege.' 'The true cant of the day,' said Herries, in a tone of scorn.