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I were worse than a madman, replied Nicolas, should I attempt it.———Keep close in this asylum: had it been our fate to have been captured by the Spaniard, what would have become of thee. Nicolas replied I should have applied to the Inquisitor’s vial; but a ship so commanded and so manned is in little danger of being carried into a Spanish port.———I hope not, said the captain, and I promise thee, thou shalt take thy chance in her as long as she is under my command; and if we conduct her to England, thou shalt have thy proper share of prize-money, which, if the galleon breaks up according to her entries, will be something towards enabling thee to shift, and if thou art as diligent in thy calling, as I am persuaded thou wilt be, whilst I live thou shalt never want a seaman’s friend.———At these cheering words, little Nicolas threw himself at the feet of his generous preserver, and with streaming eyes, poured out his thanks from a heart animated with joy and gratitude.———The captain raising him by the hand, forbade him as he prized his friendship, ever to address him in that posture any more; thank me, if you will, added he, but thank me as one man should another: let no knee bend in this ship but in adoration of God.———But now, continued he, let us turn our thoughts to the situation of our unhappy Casafonda: we are now drawing near Lisbon, where he will look to be liberated on his parole. By no means let him venture into Spain, said Pedrosa; I am well assured there are orders to arrest him in every port, or frontier town where he may present himself. I can well believe it, replied the captain; his
