"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.
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