212 Travels and Adventures 



him that the pulpit was intended for the decoration 

 of the cathedral, and related the story of its construc- 

 tion and disappearance ; the captain did not seem 

 inclined to believe the story, but offered to sell the 

 marble, and would not leave it otherwise. Having 

 repaired the damage done by the storm, the captain 

 started for Europe ; but he was scarcely out of the 

 harbour when a most frightful gale struck him and 

 wrecked his vessel, which went to the bottom with 

 all on board; but the pulpit, the subject of so many 

 divine interpositions, rose from the wreck, and one 

 morning came floating into the harbour of Carthagena, 

 where it was taken in charge by the archbishop and 

 placed in the cathedral for which it was intended, 

 and where it now stands. The story may be taken 

 for what it is worth ; but one thing is undeniable — 

 the quality and variety of the marble used, and the 

 richness and beauty of the sculpture, must give it 

 a place amongst the first objects of art in the world. 



Besides the many rare and costly altar-pieces and 

 carvings to be seen here, there is one object so curious 

 as to be worthy of a special remark. This is the 

 preserved body of a saint. I do not remember whether 

 any name is affixed to the coffin ; but the story says he 

 was a great favourite with the people of Carthagena, 

 and when he died they asked as a favour that the 

 Pope would allow his body to be embalmed and sent 



