1828.] The Smugglers of Algesiras. 35 
panion’s face, asked with more than common earnestness, whether the 
other would on his oath declare that he had failed in finding out the prin- 
cipal to whom Captain Saavedra had been playing in the character of 
subordinate ? 
* As I trust in the Prophet,” he replied, “all my exertions have 
proved fruitless. I have told you what I know ; if you choose to benefit 
by it, well. You may defraud me of my compensation by rejecting 
what I counsel ; but, as sure as there is wisdom in experience, you will 
find it sufficient for our purpose.” 
« What, you feel assured, then, that we may trace the rogues from 
their landing-place to-night to the very warehouse in which their goods 
will be deposited ?” 
“ T do.” 
« And you are confident as to the hour and place ?” 
« T have it from the lips of the captain himself; he informed me of it, 
that I might be on the spot to effect any small purchase I might desire, 
not being willing to disturb his cargo till unshipped.” 
*« You do not think that confession could be extorted from him?” 
< T have tried better means than force, without effect.” 
* And you would recommend a reconnoitering party to follow the 
warehousemen or receivers to their place of concealment, and then burst 
upon them ?” 
« You have it exactly ; and my reward may depend upon the success- 
ful issue of the scheme.” 
A few words of preliminary arrangement farther were exchanged, and 
the men separated. 
The scene is now once more shifted, and will represent the same spot, 
and nearly the same actors, as were introduced in the commencement of 
our narrative. The crew of the Buena Ventura were busied under a 
midnight sky in transferring the cargo of their vessel from one to another, 
until the hold was completely cleared, and the beach lined with bales of 
various illicit wares. As before, they were received by different lands- 
men, employed by the owner to convey them in secrecy to the place of 
destination. Not a word, nor any sound, broke the silence of that 
hour beyond the rippling of the water over the sands, and the occasional 
noise made by some blunderer in his vocation, The huge masses of 
goods were gradually carried off, and the last packages were just com- 
mitted to the hands of a porter, when Captain Saavedra taking our old 
friend, Diego, aside, informed him, in a low tone, that he must confide 
to him the rule of the vessel for a few hours, as he had business on shore, 
and must for that time be absent. Honest Diego, always a pompous 
man, was too delighted with this momentary power to stay for any dis< 
cussion about its administration or limits. Wishing good morrow to his 
commander, he turned off towards the men, and collected them with a 
word of command both ludicrous and unseasonable. The crew re-em- 
barked in merry mood, under the auspices of their sot-disant Cesar ; but 
the jealous echoes of the quiet shore nearly punished him for his vain- 
; plory by an instant development of their transactions. He was soon, 
owever, beyond reach of harm; for the gib and topsails of the felueca 
were now filling with the breeze, and the Buena Ventura almost 
_ instantly was lost in the haze of night. 
Captain Saavedra followed up the rear of his servants, occasionally 
putting to them some inaudible question, or directing their line of 
M.M. New Series—Vou. VI. No. 34. 2Z 
