But we will endeavour to make you
reparation. You are this moment free: but it is late; I must find
you a lodging for the night. I know one close by which will just
suit you. Let us repair thither this moment. Stay, I think I see
a book in your hand.
Myself. - The New Testament.
Alcalde. - What book is that?
Myself. - A portion of the sacred writings, the Bible.
Alcalde. - Why do you carry such a book with you?
Myself. - One of my principal motives in visiting Finisterra was to
carry this book to that wild place.
Alcalde. - Ha, ha! how very singular. Yes, I remember. I have
heard that the English highly prize this eccentric book. How very
singular that the countrymen of the grand Baintham should set any
value upon that old monkish book.
It was now late at night, and my new friend attended me to the
lodging which he had destined for me, and which was at the house of
a respectable old female, where I found a clean and comfortable
room. On the way I slipped a gratuity into the hand of Antonio,
and on my arrival, formally, and in the presence of the alcalde,
presented him with the Testament, which I requested he would carry
back to Finisterra, and keep in remembrance of the Englishman in
whose behalf he had so effectually interposed.
Antonio. - I will do so, your worship; and when the winds blow from
the north-west, preventing our launches from putting to sea, I will
read your present.
