The Little Prisoner; Or, a Visit to the Island of Malta (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1825. Excerpt: ... THE LITTLE PRISONER, Sfc. CHAPTER I. "I Am glad you have finished writing, mamma," said little Caroline Melville to her mother, as she sat at work; "for I have something very particular to say: " "And what have you to tell me? some wonderful history?" "It is something very shocking, mamma, that I heard to-day. Salvo was telling Rosa, that as he passed frt St. Elmo, where the French prisoners are confined, he looked through the iron bars of the window; and only think, mamma, he saw a little girl among them, about my size, shut up as a prisoner. Salvo says the B poor little creature looked quite miserable; her clothes were dirty, and her poor toes came through her shoes. He asked the man who held her in his arms, if he was her father; but he answered no, he had found her in the woods, after the battle. I forget the name; but it was at the time so many French were taken prisoners." "The battle of Maida, I suppose you mean, my dear," replied Mrs. Melville; "but surely there must be some mistake in this account of Salvo's: a little child, such as you have described, would scarcely be shut up as a prisoner. We will make further enquiry. I must first, however, seal and direct my letters: the packet will sail for England to-morrow." Before we proceed in the history of the little prisoner of fort St. Elmo, it is necessary that our readers should be informed, that Mrs. Melville was at this time residing at Malta, where the regiment of her husband, Colonel Melville, had been stationed, after the English had gained possession of the island, in the year. 1800. They had two children: Caroline, the eldest, was eight years old, and her brother Frederic a year younger. The heat of the climate, and the situation of Malta, so near the scene of war, were both causes of appreh...