"Si, Señor, whenever you please."
After partaking of some very fine fruit and wine, we took our leave with many thanks.
"Well, Frank, how you startled me," said Mr. Stowe, as we drove off. "You told the truth, I suppose; but the truth is not to be told at all times."
"Oh!" said I, "I only told half the truth—"
"Is it possible that Sister Agatha consents to escape?"
"She has promised to do so," I replied.
Mr. Stowe expressed so much surprise that I found that he had had no faith in my success—but the good gentleman was now overjoyed. "Capital, Frank!" said he, "you would make a splendid diplomatist. Now what do you say to going directly aboard ship and telling your tidings to the officers and Pedro? We will take a boat at the mole and get aboard in time for dinner."
"Agreed; how happy we shall make Mr. Stewart and Don Pedro."
Mr. Stowe prophesied correctly. The officers of the Gentile were at dinner in the cabin when we suddenly burst upon them. I need not say that all hands were no less surprised than delighted at the intelligence we had to communicate. I thought my hands would be wrung off, so severely were they shaken.
After dinner Mr. Stowe and myself returned on shore, and in a family conclave there also stated the result of our visit to the convent.