friend. A merry gaoler speaks well for the

captive."

66

I hope, Sir," returned the man, "you

have

no cause to complain of your treatment; my directions are to use all due respect, and to pro

vide in every possible way for

your

comfort."

"That you have obeyed literally, and so far all is well. I have had a journey, and I suppose I shall have a night's sojourn in this castle, for such it seems to be; but this paper speaks of my being a captive for life; now this is cer tainly beyond my wish: for a month or so it is immaterial where I spend my days, in Rome, Naples, or here; but after that time my family will be anxious, and it will not add to my comfort to know they are unhappy respecting me.

As Walter Rayland spoke, the man appeared to be debating some subject; whether the repeated denials of his captive began to have weight, or whether he might fear the consequence of committing so great a blunder, is uncertain, but when Walter again reasoned with

him, he did not laugh or seem so confident as

he hitherto had been.

"Pray," inquired Walter, after a momentary silence, "what age do you suppose me to be? When I asked the same question respecting Sir Edward, you laughed me to scorn; but let me be whom I may, I must have some outward mark by which to guess whether I have numbered twenty, thirty, or fifty years. How long

would

you judge I have lived in this very amusing world?"

for

"About one or two-and-twenty years, Sir." "You are right. Do you think it possible

any one to suppose me nearly forty?"

"No;-quite impossible."

"Then listen." Walter read several passages in the papers relative to the years that passed since the young man, Frederick, had been allowed to consider himself the heir of Sir Edward Meredeth. Walter was careful in selecting those

passages

which had reference to the time, not to

the nature of the demand.

66

Now you see by these papers, that Sir Edward Meredeth is supposed to be the father of a son, who has experienced vicissitudes, and cannot, if we understand these papers correctly, be very young, even as a boy. Does not this accord with my assertion that you are mis

taken?"

The man pondered, rubbed his forehead, and was evidently perplexed.

You'll never make a middle-aged man of me," said Walter, laughing," and I am nearly certain that the veritable Sir Edward is on the wrong side of forty; it strikes me I have seen among the records of that most respectable order of gentility, the full and particular account of the marriage of Sir Edward, only when, where, and to whom, I must plead ignorant. know," he continued still laughing, “ my evidence would not be termed very conclusive in a court of law, but it is true for all that, and when I get into an English library I will copy item, and send it to you, my friend."

66

the

I

"There

are plenty of English books, Sir, in

that compartment," said the man, pointing to

one side of the room.

the

bar

and

"This will do," exclaimed Walter, "here is

Very book. A full and correct list of all the Onets of Great Britain, Scotland, and Ireland;

here is Sir Edward Meredeth, born 18th May, 17—; at this present time he is past thirty-nine years of age; married the 4th of

August,

that tim

; I was nearly six years old at

-a son born 18-, just seven years han myself. Now, Signor Governor,

younger than myself.

what do you say to that?"

"I cannot read English, Sir; there would be small converse between us if you were not a good Italian scholar; but there is a person in the castle who understands the language well; if you will spare me the book I will make inquiry of him." As the man spoke, he took the book from Walter's hand, and left the room.

"That is civil" said Walter; "he makes no ceremony of telling me my word is not suffi

cient. Spirit of the Raylands, hear that! Oh, my proud ancestors, who stalked in armour and buckram! Is not this more than enough to raise ye from your leaden couches and stony drapery, to punish the caitiff who dares question the veracity of a Rayland? Arise and vindicate your insulted name; and in the mean while I will finish my supper;-by Jove it is not a bad

one."

The "Governor," as Walter styled him, did not return. When the refreshments were removed the chief attendant shook his head when Walter spoke, intimating that he could not understand. Our hero was conducted to a sumptuous bed, where he slept long and soundly. After his first meal the "Governor" again entered the apartment, with the Baronetage in

his hand.

Well, my friend," said Walter, "have you decided whether I look old enough to be the father of a son in his sixteenth year?"

66

Why, Sir, I begin to think there must be