cade or chief of these Indians with a large retinue of his own people, each one carrying something in a net swinging over his back, and all on foot except their chief, who is also an Indian; in fact all the denizens of this interesting country are true aborigines. The soldiers also marched on foot. Our number was increased to about eighty persons at San Juan. These Indians were to be a party in the ceremony of giving possession, as they were in some way interested in the land, it being a part of the district of San Juan Gechecora. The San Juan Gechecora Indians are an ignorant, inoffensive but industrious race; they cultivate large quantities of corn, rice and sugar, of which they supply Tehauntepec and other places. Their appearance is gloomy and wild, corresponding with the dreary abode which they have selected for their home, where they have lived for ages unchanged. We see none of that cheerfulness, even in their children which is so manifest in the Zapotaco or Tehuantepec Indians, who are always cheerful and happy. But this may be attributed to the gloomy forest and mountains in which they live, the deep and

dark ravines, the rushing torrents, and above all the almost constant obscurity of the sun, and the interminable rains. On we floundered, and slid through narrow defiles, down steep hills, over torrents, up to belly in mud, then sliding over smooth rocks, through places so narrow, our mules could scarcely move; along the sides of terrible precipices, that I dare not look down for fear of dizziness. Those on foot preceded us, as they could travel faster than we could on our animals. I sometimes envied them their pedestrian comforts, and were it not for the mud, I would gladly have exchanged situations, for I must confess, that at every step of the horse, I expected he would fall down some steep place.

We at length got through, and down into the plains of the Mogonia, where our trail intercepted the road which is to be the transit route. We were here joined by another party, Mr. Lefont a Frenchman, and a German, with the servants etc. We soon arrived at an open space near the Mogonia river, which was the first point where the possession was to be given. The grass was cleared away by the Indians with their machites,

sand flies, which are very numerous and annoying in this part of the Isthmus. We then proceeded to the "Boca del Monte; " the country here which is call

the Mogonia and Sarabia rivers, is a rolling prarie land, not unlike the lands of the Western States. After erecting & high cross at Boca del Monte, we broke

up camp early in the morning and proceeded four miles over a beautiful prarie country, to Sarabia river, which we crossed by swimming our horses and the aid of a canoe; here another possession was given, in the same manner as the first, but to different parties; after this we continued on, over a beautiful prairie country, and in about a mile and a-half, arrived at another Pioneer's ranch, a Mr. Sanderson, who had built himself a tolerable mud house, with thatched roof, but no doors. Taking possession of the land, we breakfasted with Mr. Sanderson, got a few bottles of very bad American whiskey, and proceeding on our journey, over the beautiful country, we reached the Rio Tortuga, upon the banks of which we encamped, in the woods, which are here very dark and impenetrable, except by the aid of a machate. For a wonder, it did not rain, and there were no mosquitoes. Mr. Lafont shot some rare and beautiful birds, among which, was the King, or Mexican Vulture, the most beautiful of its species, also, a Black Curasaw, or Craxas, called here, "Para," about the size of a Turkey. I saw numbers of rare, and pretty birds, altogether new to me; we also saw a couple of deer bounding over the prairie,

heard monkeys in the woods, and many other objects of natural history, that interested me. I caught a fine cat-fish out of the Tortuga, off of which we made a scanty meal, for be it remembered our party had not provided themselves with any provisions, many of us in conse quence went hungry. Here, another ceremony of giving possession was performed, and cutting a huge cross upon a tree to mark the spot, we took up our return march, this being the extreme north boundary of the land. We returned to San Juan Gechecora by a different route, thence to El Bario, where we rested a day, when the judge finished the formalities of giving possession, by making out and signing the deeds.

Having again recovered my health, I had a longing desire to make farther explorations of this interesting and primitive country; but the next time, my explorations will be by water, along the sea coast, north of this place, in a canoe, or bungo. And thus I take my leave, until I again have an opportunity of sending you a letter.

Come gentle wave of the Tropic sea, And breezes fair from the fragrant land, Thy murm'ings are ever sweet to me, Breaking on the distant strand. G.

kindness. She was the Admiral's only sister. Although past forty, the traces of beauty were still plainly visible. An expression of care and unhealed sorrow left its course on her benevolent brow. Her eyes filled with tears as her brother repeated to her all he knew of Ella's singular history.

"In your loneliness, dear sister, you will find in her a sympathizing friend. I hope she will compensate you for all the kindness it will be necessary to show a friendless girl."

The Admiral's brief stay at home was in consequence of being ordered to America with Packenham. Lady Dunbar saw her brother depart with feelings of deepest regret; it seemed to open afresh a wound but partially healed. Ella could not restrain her sympathy.

"Dear Lady Dunbar, why weep thus? you will injure yourself," said Ella, exceedingly distressed at her violent grief; "has this earth nothing bright or cheerful for you?"

"Yes, my dear, God is good and would not willingly afflict, but the flesh is weak; you will excuse me, my dear, while I retire, that I may better overcome my grief. My brother wished you to be treated as his daughter, and it is time for you to dress for dinner;" and, kissing Ella, she retired.

She was long in her room, while Ella dressed and returned to the drawingroom. While waiting for Lady Dunbar, she amused herself by playing some favorite pieces on the piano; her rich, melodious voice caught the ear of Lady Dunbar ; she was perfectly charmed. Could it be Ella? She listened, still the sweet music enchained her attention.

Lady Dunbar stole in the room unobserved by Ella; tears like crystal diamonds were chasing each other down her lovely cheek. Lady Dunbar could restrain her feelings no longer; throwing her arms around Ella's neck, in the language of a fond mother she adopted her

as a daughter to her heart. After making a hasty dinner, Lady Dunbar gave Ella the following history of herself:

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'My husband has been dead for fifteen years. I had a son and a daughter. My daughter married Sir James Frank. Through his cruel treatment she found relief in an early grave. My Edward, my noble Edward! could not endure the thought of the cruelties inflicted on his only sister. With these bitter feelings rankling in his heart, he met Sir James at the House of Commons. Sir James treated him with many indignities, in presence of several gentlemen. Edward resented it with much warmth at Sir James-drew his cane and struck him over the head; in a moment of passion Edward drew his sword and pierced the side of Sir James; the wound was decided to be mortal, and my Edward had to flee from his country, and I have never heard of him since." Here Lady Dunbar could go no farther; her voice choked, her tears fell freely as her head rested on Ella's bosom.

We will now leave Ella with her adopted mother, while we take a look at Mrs. Thompson. After seeing the murderers in possession of Ella, Mrs. Thompson felt quite relieved. She heard nothing of Tom Alavon. The deed was done, and he had left the country, was her conclusion; and satisfying the children that Ella was going to remain in Italy, she made quick preparations and sailed for Spain.

On reaching Madrid, Dr. Valette was waiting for her under the assumed name of Mr. Adair. Mrs. Thompson told the children that she and this Mr. Adair were married in Italy, and had kept it a secret, in consequence of the too recent death of their father; and also requiring them to be silent and call themselves by the name of Adair. They had no trouble in proving their identity, with the will and other letters, and also the family pictures. No one even suspected their spurious claim to the estate of San Diego.

Taking possession of the former residence of Don Desmonde, and assuming the responsibilities of the liege lord, no one was there to dispute.

Don Desmonde being a man of solitary habits, his daughter was little known. This circumstance facilitated in no small degree the success of the unworthy claimants. Don Desmonde had never returned. He was still in Mexico.

Castle San Diego was one of those magnificent Spanish buildings, standing a monument of the wealth and grandeur of this ancient family. Several crowned heads had emanated from its high walls. This castle was venerated by all classes of the Spanish people as a peculiar favor from God. Many superstitious stories were told of promises made to this family. One was, that the Castle San Diego, in giving succor to the Catholic Church

The family burial-ground gave strong credence to the validity of the bishop's promise. In this elegant and sumptuous palace Mrs. Thompson, as the Countess of San Diego, received the homage of her Spanish subjects. Her son James, now the Count, was idolized as the head of this favored family, while Velette was content to be Mr. Adair. For a while she dazzled by the acquisition of opulence; but, alas! in spite of all her success, dark visions would flit before her imagination, and the innocent Ella would rise up before her. That superstitious promise troubled her. Perhaps Tom did not murder her, after all. Then she would try to banish such thoughts and endeavor to enjoy her ill-begotten wealth. Her children were the pictures of happiness.

Dr. Velette, or would-be Mr. Adair, passed his time in gambling and dissipation, to his perfect satisfaction. He soon became a great annoyance to his pretended wife. She began to fear him. She thought she could see feelings of hatred manifested to the young counts. Thoughts strange and dark crossed her mind.

"Yes, I must get rid of him. I believe I could be happy if Velette were dead."

No sooner had she come to this conclusion, than she made preparations to carry into effect her resolution. Being a great lover of wine, she always kept a supply for her own use. Procuring some poison, she filled a bottle with wine, and added the fatal mixture. Placing it in a closet by itself, she watched a favorable opportunity of giving him the dose. His habits had become so dissolute that she knew he was liable to be taken off at any time. Under these circumstances she knew that