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attempt it.— Keep close in this asylum, then, resumed the captain, and fear nothing ; had it been our fate to have been captured by the Spaniard, what would have become of thee.— In the worse of extremities, replied Nicolas, I should have applied to the Inquisitor’s vial; but I confess I had no fears of that sort; a ship so commanded and so manned, is in little danger of being carried into a Spanish port,—I hope not, said the captain, and I promise thee, thou shall take thy chance in her as long as she is afloat under my command ; and if we live to conduct her to England, thou shall have thy proper share of prize-money, which, if the galleon breaks up according to her entries, will be something towards enabling thee to shift, and if thou art as diligent in thy calling, as I am persuaded thou wilt be,—whilst I live thou shall never want a seaman’s friend.— At these cheering words, little Nieolas threw himself at the feet of his generous preserver, and with streaming eyes, poured out his thanks from a heart which was animated with joy and gratitude. The captain raised him by the hand, and forbade him, as he prized his friendship, ever to address him in that posture any more; thank me, if you will, added he, but thank me as one man should another: let no knee bend, in this ship, but in adoration to God.—But now, continued he, let us turn our thoughts to the situation of our unhappy Casafonda: we are now drawing near Lisbon, where he will look to be liberated on his parole. By no means let him venture into Spain, said Pedrosa; I am well assured there are orders to arrest him in every port, or frontier
