10
compared to a mule? If your Excellency had seen the lovely creature that was screaming in agony till I came to her relief, and how fine a boy I ushered into the world, which would have been lost but for my assistance, I am sure I should not be condemned for a few hasty words spoken in passion.
Sirrah! cried one of the puisne judges respect the decency of the court. Produce the contents of the fellow’s pockets before the court, said the president; lay them on the table.
Monster! resumed the aforeside puisne judge, taking up the forceps, what is the use of this diabolical machine? Please your reverence, replied Pedrosa, aplum est ad extrahendos fœttus'—Unnatural wretch, again exclaimed the judge, you have murdered the mothər.
The mother of God forbid! exclaimed Pedrosa. I believe I have a proof in my pocket that will acquit me of that charge, and so saying, he tendered the letter we have before made mention of. The secretary took it, and by command of the court read as follows :— “ Senior Don Manuel de Herrerra,
“ When this letter, which I send by Nicolas Pedrosa, shall reach your hands, you will know that I am safely delivered of a lovely boy, after a dangerous labour, in consideration of which I pray you to pay to the said Nicolas Pedrosa the sum of twenty gold pistoles, which sum his Excellency—”
Hold, cried the Inquisitor-general, starting hastily from his seat, and snatching away the letter, there is more in this than meets the eye:
