356 The Smugglers of Algesiras. [Ocr: 
as possible. Having effected this, he told her in few words what he pro- 
posed to do. He said he should remove every thing that could criminate 
her father ; he had cleared the house, and before daylight the heavy com- 
modities would be at the bottom of the ocean, and the lighter ones burnt, 
or otherwise destroyed. He had no doubt but that he might succeed in 
gaining over Hadoud, and all those who had been actors in the scenes of 
that night ; and if this desirable object could be attained, his plan was to 
disappear with them in his own vessel for some foreign port, until the 
trial of her father had come on, that by their refusal to attest his guilt, 
nothing could be substantiated against him. He should be informed of 
their proceedings, and act as they pointed out to him for the wisest. As 
for himself, he was most unhappy to have been the instrument of the old 
man’s peril; but if his wishes and efforts could now be of any avail, the 
terrible fate which hung over him should be averted. He claimed 
nothing at her hands, but the privilege of having the hope of her remem- 
brance, and perhaps gratitude, when the object for which he was now 
about to expatriate himself should have been achieved. 
They parted in the dead of night, and to this hour have not met again. 
Fernandez had influence enough with his followers, not excepting 
Hadoud, to induce them to acquiesce in his plan. The delinquent Serafin 
was conducted to Madrid, butall testimony against him had disappeared. 
A few whispers and some circuitous evidence were alone left to affix on 
“him the disgrace he so well merited. To complete the romance of this 
story, it would be well to anticipate the verdict of acquittal, which the 
court will have to pronounce on him ere long. But these events and 
characters not being built on fable, it is more exact to state that he is still 
awaiting this probable termination to his trial, and a happy return to his 
daughter. It should be added, that Fernandez and his companions at 
first crossed over to Tetuan, whence they issued at different times, and 
appeared in the streets of Gibraltar whenever and wherever this might 
be done with safety. He will probably remain there until the last 
accomplishment of his wishes, now no longer delayed by the hostility of 
Don Serafin, but by the wish of his daughter that her father may be 
present and sanction the nuptials with a paternal benediction. 
FEVAH. 
