“Your people seem to have a strange manner of exhibiting their hospitality,” said the Captain, in reply.

“That is true; but it will not do to appeal to the officials.”  Thus saying, the consul prepared the certificate, and putting on his hat, repaired to the jail.  Here he questioned Manuel upon the circumstances of his arrest, his birthplace, and several other things.  “I am not sure that I can get you out, Manuel, but I will do my best; the circumstances of your being driven in here in distress will warrant some consideration in your case; yet the feeling is not favorable, and we cannot expect much.”

From thence he proceeded to the office of Mr. Grimshaw, where he met that functionary, seated in all the dignity of his office.

“Good morning, Mr. Consul.  Another of your darkies in my place, this morning,” said Mr. Grimshaw.

“Yes; it is upon that business I have called to see you.  I think you could not have considered the condition of this man, nor his rights, or you would not have imprisoned him.  Is there no way by which I can relieve him?” inquired the consul, expecting little at his hands, but venturing the effort.

“Sir!  I never do any thing inconsistent with my office.  The law gives me power in these cases, and I exercise it according to my judgment.  It makes no exceptions for shipwrecks, and I feel that you have no right to question me in the premises.  It’s contrary to law to bring niggers here; and if you can show that he is a white man, there’s the law; but you must await its process.”

“But do you not make exceptions?” inquired the consul.  “I do not wish to seek his relief by process of law; that would increase expense and delay.  I have made the request as a favor; if you cannot consider it in that light, I can only say my expectations are disappointed.  But how is it that the man was abused by your officers before he was committed?”

“Those are things I’ve nothing to do with; they are between the officers and your niggers.  If they are stubborn, the officers must use force, and we have a right to iron the whole of them.  Your niggers give more trouble than our own, and are a set of unruly fellows.  We give ’em advantages which they don’t deserve, in allowing them the yard at certain hours of the day.  You Englishmen are never satisfied with any thing we do,” returned Mr. Grimshaw, with indifference, appearing to satisfy himself that the law gave him the right to do what he pleased in the premises.  There seemed but one idea in his head, so far as niggers were concerned, nor could any mode of reasoning arouse him:  to a consideration of any extenuating circumstances.  A nigger was a nigger with him, whether white or black-a creature for hog, homony, and servitude.

“I expected little and got nothing.  I might have anticipated it, knowing the fees you make by imprisonment.  I shall seek relief for the man through a higher tribunal, and I shall seek redress for the repeated abuses inflicted upon these men by your officers,” said the consul, turning to the door.