"
The inquisitors were for a moment staggered, but their surprise gave
place to their cruelty, when they considered how long they had tortured
thousands for doubting points to which they themselves had never for a
moment given credence. I was remanded to my dungeon; and the gaoler, who
had never before witnessed such boldness in the hall of justice, and was
impressed with the conviction that I was supported as I had affirmed,
treated me with kindness, affording me comforts, which, had it been
known, would have cost him his situation.
In the meantime the cargo of the vessel was landed at the Custom House,
and she was hauled on shore to have her bottom caulked and pitched,
when, to the astonishment of the captain and crew, the hole which had
occasioned the leak was discovered with the head of the figure of the
saint, which I had thrown overboard, so firmly wedged in, that it
required some force to pull it out. "A miracle! a miracle!" was cried
from the quays, and proclaimed through every part of the town. It was
evident that the Virgin had instigated me to throw over the image, as
the only means of stopping the leak. The friars of the nearest convent
claimed the image from their propinquity, and came down to the ship in
grand procession to carry it to their church. The grand inquisitor,
hearing the circumstance, acknowledged to the bishop and heads of the
clergy my intrepid behaviour in the hall of judgment; and not three
hours after the ship had been hauled on shore, I was visited in my
dungeon by the grand inquisitor, the bishop, and a long procession, my
pardon requested, and the kiss of peace demanded and given.
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