I DC- University of California Berkeley /; j I NKVKK MISS MV AlM. Page 304. ABYEHTTOES. THE OCEAN LIFE SERIES. SLAYER'S ADVENTURES Br W. H. THOMES, AUTHOR OF " THE GOLD-HUNTERS' ADVENTURES IN AUSTRALIA," " THE BUSHRANGERS," " THE GOLD-HUNTERS IN EUROPE," " A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES," " LIFE IN THE EAST INDIES," ETC., ETC. BOSTON: LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. NEW YORK: LEE, SHEPARD AND DILLINGHAM. 1872. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, BY LEE AND SHEPARD, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Stereotyped at the Boston Stereotype Foundry, No. 19 Spring Lane. BOOKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. THE GOLD-HUNTERS' ADVENTURES IN AUSTRALIA. THE BUSHRANGERS; or, LIFE IN AUSTRALIA. THE GOLD-HUNTERS IN EUROPE; or, THE DEAD ALIVE. A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES IN THE SANDWICH ISLANDS AND CALIFORNIA. A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES ON LAND AND SEA. LIFE IN THE EAST INDIES. All Handsomely Illustrated. LEE & SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS, BOSTON. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Confessions of a Slaver. An Incident on the Ice. Alice Merton and her Danger. She is saved, and is grateful 9 CHAPTER II. How I shipped in a Clipper, and was deceived. We clear for some Port, and cheat the Custom-house Officers. Captain Murphy. . 15 CHAPTER III. A Test Case. A Sheep-stealer's Death. Monkeys and their Ene- mies. A novel Battle. King George's Town. . . *- . 33 CHAPTER IV. We sail, and meet an old Acquaintance. A Stern Chase. A Yarn. A terrible Proposition. An Escape. . ... . .52 CHAPTER V. The Serpent again. An Exchange of Civilities. Havana once more. On Shore. A dangerous Flirtation, and what came of it. . . . . - : ; ; : , .. . . . . . .64 CHAPTER VI. Garroting Filibusters. Death of Lopez. Getting ready for Sail- ing. A Row, and what came of it. '. . V . > . 95 5 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. Early Morning. A Duel and its Results. A nice Distinction. Off to Sea. A little Harbor Episode. . . . . . 116 CHAPTER VIII. A beautiful Night. A Ship on Fire, and what we saved from her. A Kival to Isadora, and what she thought of it. ... 140 CHAPTER IX. A jealous sick Woman. Death of Isadora. Consolation prom- ised by Gracia. How Men forget. Murphy and his Plans. . 171 CHAPTER X. An escaped Slave and a Chase. A Freeman. A Speck of Mu- tiny. Off for Cuba, &c. . . ... . . . " . 192 CHAPTER XI. News of the Frigate. A new Cause for Alarm. Preparations for an Attack. The Mystery explained. Don Christo. . . 216 CHAPTER XII. ' A Surprise. An Attack, and what came of it.. A terrible Strug- gle. An important Capture. A Proposition, and how we re- ceived it 236 CHAPTER XIII. Cuba once more. A narrow Escape. In Port. Our Agents. Gracia's Home and her Father 251 CHAPTER XIV. Confounding Liars. Father and Daughter. A Happy Reunion. Life on a Cuban Plantation 270 CHAPTER XV. In Pursuit of a runaway Slave. What happened to us, and how we met with several Adventures on the Way. .... 295 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVI. Settling a Voyage. My Share, and Plans for the Future. A Charter. A cool Reception. A Duenna. A Nap. An Elope- ment 320 CHAPTER XVII. Up with the Anchor. More Pursuit. The Steamer. An Ex- planation, and what came of it ' 341 CHAPTER XVIII. We return to Havana. The Arrest. Comfortable Quarters. Important Questions. How it ended 361 CHAPTER XIX. The Yankee Captains, and their Interview with Concha. A Con- cession. A Postponement. A Permit to leave. On Board the Growler. Postscript 381 A SLAYER'S ADVENTURES OJST SEA. .A1STD LA.TSTID CHAPTER I. ' CONFESSIONS OF A SLAVER. AN INCIDENT ON THE ICE. ALICE MERTON AND HER DANGER. SHE IS SAVED, AND IS GRATEFUL. I DO not know what prompts me to write of my past life, unless it is the hope of deterring others from pursuing the same guilty career that I followed for ten long years ; for I would give all my gold could I but forget the terrible events connected there- with. Nor is it singular that, while I was engaged in the slave trade, I had no thought excepting the desire to accumulate gold ; that I enjoyed pleasure, could drink, eat, and make love with the most reckless of the class to which I belonged. -I am a lonely man, although still young and energetic. I dis- like company ; I hate to have men talk with me, for I suspect that they seek to worm my secrets from me. But if I refuse to listen to the troubles of men and women, it is not because I am heartless and unfeeling, for there is one whom I could hear speak forever, ,nd not tire of her society. She is a blue-eyed girl, with dark-brown hair, and as innocent of worldly feelings and preten- sion as an angel. She does not know of my love, and probably will never suspect it ; for how can I speak to her of it, and ask her to mate with me, steeped as I have been in crime? She knows not the cause of my seclusion ; if she did, she would look upon me with horror, and avoid me in future. Her father is a worldly-minded man, knows of my wealth, and per- haps thinks that his daughter would be fortunate in securing me 9 10 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. for my gold. He has paid so much attention to trade, that he has forgotten to give his child's heart the slightest attention. If he had studied it more, he would have found that not one particle of selfishness lurked there, and that when she loved, it would be for worth, and not wealth. She has a mother, a pious lady, who believes that her daughter is perfection ; and in that point we agree, but on no other ; for when she seeks to lead me to better thoughts, and to holy aspirations, I am mute until she has finished her harangue, and left me in peace. Yet I sometimes think that Mrs. Merton has a high regard for me, and would even be will- ing to trust her child's happiness through life to my care ; but I dare not ask the sacrifice ; for what would be said, if one of my old companions should make his appearance, and betray me to the world and its shame ? The family of the Mertons profess to be grateful to me for a service I once rendered them. I will relate the incident that happened by which I became acquainted with Alice, and let the reader judge whether I love her as a lover should love his mistress. I own an estate, where I reside summers and winters, that adjoins the Mertons'. It is situated near Boston, and by a lake shore, where thousands congregate, in cold weather, to enjoy the pleasant excitement of skating. It was on the ice that I first saw Alice, and a desire to see more of her induced me again to become proficient in an art that I excelled when a boy. The afternoon on which the incident I am about to relate oc- curred, was unusually warm for the season, and many living on the borders of the lake were loud in their cautions to avoid the ice, as it looked as though weak in many places. I cared noth- ing for the warning of those who pretended to know more than myself. I regarded their advice with the utmost indifference, and while I was buckling on my skates I was overjoyed to see Alice leave her residence, as though desirous of an afternoon's sport upon the frozen surface of the lake. But I felt a pang of jealousy, fierce and bitter jealousy, when I noticed that the young man in whose company I had often seen her followed her to the lake, and buckled on her skates as though proud of the privi- lege. I saw them start for the best portion of the ice, and I watched her graceful figure until it was some distance from me, and then started in pursuit. I passed them like the wind, but was immediately recalled to the spot, where I had left Alice and THROUGH THE ICE. 11 her companion, by hearing a cry of terror. I turned, and saw that the man whom I so much envied was standing motionless and alone. I comprehended all at a glance. The ice had given way, and Alice had sunk beneath the surface of the water, per- haps never to rise again. In the space of ten seconds I was close upon the spot where she had disappeared. " She has gone she will be drowned ! " yelled the young man, making the air vocal with his shouts ; but he did not offer to plunge in and rescue the lady. The cries were taken up on the shore, and I saw that the spec- tators were running in almost all directions, as though distracted at the catastrophe. I kicked off my skates, threw off my hat and coat, and with a plunge I went through the open space in search of death or a valuable life. I am a stout and bold swimmer, as all who follow the sea should be. For the first few seconds the water was so cold that it almost deprived me of motion ; but I struggled against the chill which I felt creeping over me, and dove down until I reached the bottom ; but still I did not obtain sight of Alice. I looked upward, and could see the light through the ice which had broken beneath her weight, and as there was no tide in the lake, I calculated that her form must be somewhere in my vicinity. I knew that I could remain under water but a few seconds, and feared that if I rose to the surface without the lady I was in search of, I should be unable, from exhaus- tion, to repeat my exploration. I strained my eyes as I swam, to discern her, and was just about to rise to the surface.; when my hand struck against something, and the next instant was seized as by a dea.th grip, and an attempt made to drag me towards the bottom. With a few energetic strokes of my feet and the dis- engaged hand I resisted the attempt to draw me down deeper, and succeeded in making my way towards the surface ; but the struggles of my burden were fearful, and I was compelled to hold it at arm's length for the purpose of keeping one hand free. At length I reached the broken ice, and inhaled a breath of fresh air ; and it was time that I did, for my head had begun to throb as though it would burst ; but still I recollect hearing some one shout, " Have you got her ? " I think that the question revived me, and enabled my rash spirit to assert its sway, for I knew that the words came from her 12 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. companion. I grasped the edge of the ice, but it was brittle and gave way. Still I \vas not discouraged, and again and again I essayed, until a firm hold was secured, and Alice's pale face was raised above the surface of the water, looking as though death had claimed its victim. There were then many people on the ice, for the accident had brought near us many sympathizers ; but none of them dared to approach us, or lend assistance. I knew that Alice's life depended upon her speedy rescue, but I saw but faint prospects of such a deliverance as long as the crowd remained inactive. I could not raise her from the water without help, and it was very doubtful if I could even have saved myself without aid from those who stood near. 44 Can we do anything for you? " some one shouted, who prob- ably wanted to speak for the purpose of making himself con- spicuous. " Get ropes, or boards, or even a ladder, and lay it on the ice," I replied. "And if it is a possible thing, I wish you would hurry, for the water is chilly, and I fear for the lady." 44 O, don't let her drown save her at any rate, and I'll pay you for it," cried the weak-looking young man whom I have be- fore alluded to, and whose name was George Evans. 44 I've got a ladder at home ! " one shouted. " And I've got a rope that I think would be strong enough ! " yelled a second. 44 Then away with you, and bring them ! " I cried ; and the men started, after one long look at me and my burden. I watched the men as they hurried off, but I had no hope that they would ever return in time. A moment later I heard the crowd cheer, and on looking up I saw four men advancing on the ice towards me, with a long ladder, which they had taken from an engine-house in the village, on the first alarm. The stout- hearted fellows came on at a run until they got where the ice looked treacherous, when they placed the ladder on the surface, and slid it along towards me, until one end was within my reagh. 44 Keep quiet until I come," one of the men said ; and as he spoke he started for me, crawling on his stomach, so that his weight should be distributed over the largest possible surface, for fear of another fracture. ' 4 Now, then, give me your hand, my friend," the stranger said, " and I will pull you both out in no time." ALICE SAVED. 13 " Take the lady, and I will care for myself," I replied. " Here, grasp her hands firmly, and then retreat backward as fast as possible." The stranger did as I directed. He gradually worked his way backward, and drew the inanimate body of Alice after him, until he reached a spot where the ice was strong, when he grasped her in his arms and ran towards the shore, followed by many of the spectators. I sought to raise my form from the water, but I was too cold and numb to move without assistance. I should have soon let go my hold upon the ladder, and sunk beneath the ice, had not the same man who carried Alice in his arms returned on a run, and corne to my assistance. "Why, the fools would let you freeze, and then cut you into square cakes, and sell you at a cent a pound in summer, I be- lieve," the stranger said, crawling towards me. I have a very distinct recollection of being drawn out of the water, and feeling very cold when the air touched my body ; but nothing else do I remember until I awoke and found myself ia bed, and a physician feeling my pulse. " The young lady," I asked ; " is she doing well?" " Ah, excuse me ; very unfortunately, I can't answer that ques- tion. She is attended by a practitioner of the old school. Now just open your mouth, and let me drop in a number six." " My friend," I said, arresting his hand just as he was about to drop a globule in my mouth, u I have more need of rest than medicine. All that I now desire- to learn is in relation to the safety of the lady. As soon as I hear I shall try and sleep, and that will restore nie quicker than your number six." " A mistake on your part," muttered the recommender of globules ; but he saw that it was useless to argue with me ; so a* servant was despatched to my neighbor's for the purpose of ascer- taining Alice's condition. He brought me word that Alice had retired, and was likely to recover, and that Mr. Merton would take the first opportunity to wait upon me, and thank me for the services I had rendered his child. Then my perverse nature returned, for I disliked the thought of receiving compliments for the aid I had rendered. I gave orders that no one was to see me, and fell asleep, and dreamed of that pale face which, even in the chill water, I had so much admired. My sleep was troubled, for Alice's face dis- 14 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. appeared, and in its place arose the hideous countenance of a native of Yorula, of Africa. I awoke with raging fever a sickness that kept me confined to my bed for many days ; and when I arose a note was placed in my hands. It was from Alice, who had en- tirely recovered from her accident, and wrote me that she was grateful, and should be happy to thank me in person, in company with her parents, whenever my strength would permit of the inter- view. She had sent every day of my sickness for information re- garding my state. Much as I loved her, I could not return an answer to her note. Yet I kissed the lines which her hand had traced, and put the paper where I could feast my eyes upon it every day. No, I was resolved that I would not seek her company. Her parents might thrust their friendship upon me, and then they could blame none but themselves, if it was ever discovered that I was once a dealer in human flesh, and thrived by the slave traffic. Some three weeks after I had read Alice's note, I was walking slowly through the streets of the village, having been to the post- office at the close of the day, when I accidentally met the lady in such a manner that to escape recognition was impossible. I bowed, and was about to pass on when she detained me. . " We have long sought for an opportunity to thank you for your courage in saving my life," she said, in a low tone ; " but you have repelled all attempts on my part, and that of my parents.. Will you let me express my gratitude now?" " I do not need your thanks for the service that I rendered. Many 'would have done the same had I declined." " That is somewhat doubtful," she said, with an arch smile ; " for Mr. Evans says tfrat he was so astonished, that he did not think that it was necessary he should dive in for the purpose of getting me out. Come, let us shake hands and be friends, as we are already neighbors. Are you willing, Mr. Ernest Robert?" I could only kiss the fair hand that she extended, and promise compliance. From that time until the present we have been friends. Dare I hope for more? Let me make a full confession of my past life, and see what the result will be. A HAKDSOME CLIPPER. 15 CHAPTER II. HOW I SHIPPED IN A CLIPPER AND WAS DECEIVED. WE CLEAR FOR SOME PORT AND CHEAT THE CUSTOM-HOUSE OFFICERS. CAPTAIN MURPHY. IN the year 18 I had just returned from an East India voyage as second mate of a fast-sailing clipper ship. Disliking the usual dissipation which sailors indulge in on shore, I always made it a point to seek quarters far away from seamen's haunts and board- ing-houses ; and while I was recruiting from the fatigues of a passage home, I applied most of my leisure moments to making myself familiar with all the branches of navigation, and a thor- ough education. My success was commensurate with my appli- cation, and I have never yet had occasion to regret the time which I spent in so laudable a pursuit. The Spanish and Portuguese languages I was partially famil- iar with ; but I mastered them entirely by the aid of books, and they were of invaluable service to me during my career in the African trade. One day a brother mate advised me to take a stroll to India Wharf some time, if I wished to see the most perfect specimen of a clipper topsail schooner that ever floated. His enthusiasm excited me, and the next afternoon I was rewarded by a view of the craft that had so challenged my friend's admiration. It was a vessel of about two hundred and fifty tons, with a bow like a steamboat's, it 'was so sharp, and a run that seemed as though in- capable of drawing a bucketful of dead water after it in a twenty- four hours' cruise. The bulwarks were high, and resembled those of a brig of war, rather than a peaceful trader ; while the masts were raking and of unusual length, for the purpose of giving an immense hoist to the foresail and mainsail, and, when before the wind, of spreading a huge square sail. I surveyed the masts and yards with a critical eye, and it seemed to me that the schooner must be crank ; but a second glance at the beam dis- pelled that impression, and I candidly confessed to myself that if she did not sail, it would not be because her model was not good, or canvas lacking. 16 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. Stores were being taken on board in a rapid manner, as though no time was to be lost ; and while I stood on the dock, wondering what so many water casks were intended for, I accidentally over- heard a conversation between parties whom I supposed to be owner and captain; and the sequel showed that my conjectures were right. " I tell you, Murphy, the man is not fit for the voyage. Get another mate ; and if yon can't find one that suits you here, ship one at Havana that is all right, and knows what he's about." The advice seemed to be offered by the owner of the schooner, whom I heard Captain Murphy call Mr. Bresley. " You don't know the trouble I've had in making that man ship-shape, or you'd not advise me to leave him. He knows the coast and has been in the trade, and if he would only let alone splicing the main brace, I would not ask for a better man for our business." " Well, well, I suppose that you've set your heart upon him ; but it's impossible. He's got a touch of the yellow Jack, and don't know the main-boom from the jib-boom, or a doctor from a horse-marine. He will probably kick the bucket." " When will Ruez be here? " the captain asked. u I expect him to-morrow morning, with the Portuguese papers and the money from New York," was the answer. " Then we can get away to-morrow, if I can find a mate that suits me," the captain remarked. " Hang your mate ! You seem to think that the schooner can't move without an officer," pettishly exclaimed the owner. u By the time you have made as many voyages to the coast of " At this moment Mr. Bresley noticed that I was standing very near him ; so he poked the captain in his ribs, to call his attention to the fact, and make him guard his speech. I had no suspicious then that the vessel was not intended for a fair and regular trader, but afterwards was astonished that I had not comprehended the drift, and thus refused to enter my name upon the shipping articles. " A stout, active-built fellow," I heard Mr. Bresley say in a whisper. " Looks as though he might know something a lubber from a sailor," grunted the captain. I'M TEMPTED. 17 " How do you know but he might suit you?" suggested the owner. ." Can't tell till I've taken a survey of his storage, and find out how his upper works are," Captain Murphy remarked. " Sheer alongside, then, and I'll leave you to talk the matter over. If he's right, engage him, and don't mind a dollar extra per month. I rather like his face." With this parting compliment the owner started up the wharf, and the captain lighted a fresh cigar, and drew near to the spot where I stood. " A pretty craft, hey ? " suggested the captain. " I never saw one that suited me better," I replied. "And I think that she will sail some, hey ?" remarked the captain. " Jam her on the wind, and if she don't show her stern to every thing that she meets, I shall feel that looks are deceptive," I re- plied. " Them's my sentiments. But come on board and see her on deck and below. She is like a country lass, and will bear inspec- tion." I accepted the invitation, and found that the schooner was built in the most thorough manner, and that her cabin was a marvel of bird's-eye maple, gilt, and mahogany. There were four large state-rooms, besides the mate and second mate's room, which was convenient, but not very handsome. The more I saw of the craft, the stronger I felt that I should like to swing iny hammock in her. " What a splendid vessel for an opium clipper ! " I said, at length. '* Ha ! have you been in that trade ? " the captain asked. " I was six months in one, and made more money during that time than I ever made in a two years' voyage," I replied. "You like money, then?" the captain asked, with a rapid glance of his cold gray eyes. " Yes ; not for the sake of hoarding, but for the many luxuries that it will purchase me, the position that I could gain, and the influence that I should have with it to back me." " You are right, my boy ; a man may have the larnin* of Blunt's Coast Pilot, yet, unless he has got money, he might as well be upon an island in the Pacific. A loblolly boy will pass for a navigator, if he has a cargo of gold in his pockets. Money 2 18 moves the world, and men's hearts ; and hang me if I don't wish that I had as much of it as would sink one of Uncle Sam's seven- ty-fours. I'd never show my nose on salt water again. I'm going to make some money, or I'll sink the schooner in the at- tempt." I must have looked a little surprised, for the captain added hastily, " I mean that I'm going to work in a square manner every- thing aboveboard, and no concealment. I may do a little smug- gling, but you don't care about that, I suppose." I was charmed with the captain's confidence, and had no hesi- tation in saying that I wouldn't mind doing a little at that myself, if the chance was possible. " Then ship with ine," the captain cried, bluntly. " My mate has got a touch of the yellow Jack, and won't be fit for duty for many days. I want a smart man to keep the men at work, and see that the sails are well trimmed. If you have sailed as second mate you will do for my turn ; and if you don't like, we can part company at Havana." " But where do you go from Havana? " I asked. " Well, that is uncertain at the present time. It will depend upon the state of the weather." After a brief thought I concluded to join the schooner. I had no time to spend idling. I agreed to have my traps on board before sundown, then received a month's advance wages in gold ; not that I needed the money, but because I wished to leave it on shore, and let it accumulate during my absence. I had all my traps on board of the Coquette in time, and found that the stores were stowed away, the sails were bent, the crew on board, and, to my surprise, perfectly sober ; but such a mixture of all nations I had never seen before. Italians, Portuguese, Spaniards, English, and three Americans constituted the pre- cious company I was to associate with for a few months. That night, to my surprise, Captain Murphy came on board about eleven o'clock, as I thought, about half seas over ; or, in other words, he had been paying close attention to his grog rations. He woke me up, and ordered the schooner hauled into the stream and anchored. I could not devise the meaning of such a proceeding ; but it was my place to obey, and not ask questions. The second mate, who seemed to be on good terms with the cap- IN THE STREAM. 19 tain, roused the men up ; and to my further surprise, not one of them uttered a growl, or made a remark at being disturbed. They went to work like men, and without making the least noise the schooner was kedged to the stream where we dropped anchor, set an anchor watch, and then turned in, with the exception of the captain, who walked the deck in silence, stopping every few minutes to peer through the gloom, as though anxiously expect- ing the appearance of a boat with some one in it of consequence. " Go turn in," the captain said, when he saw that I was dis- posed to remain on deck to keep him company. " Turn in. I will give you a call if you are wanted." I went to sleep, and the next morning the first vessel that I saw when I went on deck was the revenue cutter Morris, lying almost within half a cable's length of us. I had noticed her the day before, when she was anchored in a different part of the harbor, and her sudden change of moorings was remarkable. " The officers of the cutter seem pleased with our craft," I re- marked to the captain. " I see that all of them have got their glasses directed to the vessel, as though admiring her proportions." " Blast them," muttered the captain, in an undertone, " they are too lazy to do anything else but admire. I hope that they will keep their distance, and not throw obstructions in the way of our sailing." " Why should they?" I asked. " If we have a regular clear- ance from the custom-house, the cutter won't interfere." The captain made no reply, but walked to the other side of tlie deck, and gazed anxiously towards the shore, as though desirous of seeing some one whom he had long expected. Soon after breakfast I was somewhat astonished at receiving a visit from the cutter, in the shape of a boat's crew, with a lieutenant in command. " I'm sorry to trouble you," the officer said, as he reached the deck, " but we have received orders "to delay your sailing until your probable destination is more clearly defined. There is some dissatisfaction at the custom-house, which I suppose will be cleared up in a day or two." Captain Murphy came on deck while the lieutenant was speak- ing, and heard the whole of the officer's conversation. Instead of looking indignant, as I supposed he would, his rough, weather- beaten face was wreathed in smiles. And while I am speaking 20 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. of him I may as well give the reader a description of a man who landed more slaves upon the Island of Cuba than any person that was ever engaged in the trade. He was about fifty years of age, a native of England by birth, but had spent most of his life under the American flag. He was not over five feet six inches, but what he wanted in height he made up in breadth across his shoul- ders, which were perfectly prodigious, and indicated the immense strength that he really possessed. His face was inclined to red- ness, perhaps the effects of French brandy, which he had a fondness for, and it seemed to have settled in his nose in large lumps, like warts upon the human hands. His eyes were gray, and of a cold, glittering kind, not good to look upon ; and when their owner was in a passion they seemed to turn black and flash like those of a snake. His hair was cropped close to his head, with the excep- tion of two love locks, carefully combed just front of his ears, and the objects of his especial pride and tenderness. His legs were like two huge pedestals, which, through the fault of the architect, or some convulsion of nature, had assumed a convex form, and appeared as though likely to break off at any moment. His feet were as broad as they were long, and the sailors used to say that he had followed the sea so many years that he had become web- footed, like a duck ; and when he walked the schooner's deck, his gait was not unlike that clumsy fowl. His voice was gruff, ex- cepting when he desired to appear amiable, and then it was as soft as a woman's. " You've come on board to admire my schooner ? " the captain said, as though he did not divine the object of the officer's visit. " Examine her well, and then tell me if she won't make a good fruiter." " She'd make a better slaver," replied the officer, carelessly, with a quick glance at Captain Murphy's face. " Now, God forbid that craft of mine should ever be engaged in such business," was the pious exclamation of the captain. " I would sooner that she should sink in fathomless depths of the ocean than carry a negro to slavery." " I am glad to hear you speak so, for there are rumors that the schooner was built and fitted for the African trade. Last night we had orders to watch you, and not let you sail without a clearance. ' My duty is a disagreeable one, but I must perform it." " And I am the last man in the world that will blame you AN OPPORTUNE GLASS OF WINE. 21 for that," was the hearty answer of Captain Murphy. " Here we are, and here. we lie until all suspicion is removed, even if the schooner grounds upon the beef bones that we throw over the side." " Then you have no objection to my overhauling your cargo?" the officer asked, charmed with the captain's frankness. " None in the world. Set your men at work, if you please. You'll find nothing but lumber and cask shocks, which we are taking as freight to Havana. But first come into the cabin and take a glass of wine with me, and then to business." The invitation was accepted ; but when the cutter's officer next made his appearance, his face showed that the wine had mounted to his head and confused his senses. " Remember, captain," he said, as he tumbled over the side into the boat, " that you must not start until you get orders." " Of course not that is understood by us," was the re'ply ; and then, as the boat was pushed off, Captain Murphy muttered, " If the wind is fair and the night dark, you'll miss me by morn- ing." In the course of the forenoon a boat came alongside with the long-expected supercargo, Guy Ruez, a Portuguese of the most grotesque appearance. lie was thin, bilious, and looked to be at least sixty years of age ; but he was only forty. He had been engaged in the slave trade all of his lifetime, and knew every port and every trick that was played upon the coast of Africa. He was not a bold man by any means, but he was cunning, and depended upon his friend Captain Murphy to do the fighting in case his loud talk should produce a collision, as it sometimes did; for if Guy Ruez was. not courageous, he had a spiteful tongue. The supercargo brought with him three bags, which, by the weight, I knew contained gold. " You see," says Guy, opening one of the bags, and exhibiting a handful of doubloons, " if the cutter takes us in charge, her officers will make considerable prize money, perhaps. How the lazy rascals would flutter if they could only get a glimpse of these yellow boys ! But they never will. Not a dojlar of this money will they ever see, for I know how to prevent it." "May I ask how?" I said. " You are a new man in the service, and I don't know whether 22 A. SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. you are to be trusted," he replied, with a grin that showed his yellow fangs to the greatest disadvantage. " As you please," I answered, and was turning away, when he stopped me. " Here ! I know you ain't a rascal, like some of the Yankees. I will show you, because I may need your services." He hastily untied the bags, and pulled from each a fine white silk line, with a cork secured at one end, while the other was fastened to the bags. " Do you understand," he said. " I throw the bags overboard and they sink, but the corks no sink. They float, and no one take notice. No one see the lines, 'cos they same color as the water. By and by, after cutter gone, come off in boat, and get the money. Very good, hey ? " We did not receive another visit from the people of the cutter until sundown, and then it was to inform us that orders had been received from the shore not to permit our sailing during the night, as matters were not yet clear at the custom-house ; and a hint was added, that perhaps we should have to submit to an over- hauling at the dock, for the purpose of scrutinizing our cargo. But no sooner had the boat pushed off, than Captain Murphy called me to him. " We shall leave the harbor to-night at any rate. We must steal past the cutter, and be outside of Cape Cod by daylight." " With all my heart," I replied ; u but how are we to escape the eyes of the cutter people ? " " That I will show you by and by. Get everything ready for sea, and have a kedge on deck with fifty fathoms of line. When the time arrives for work, I will give* the orders." I waited patiently till about six bells, when the flood tide made, and the two vessels were separated, so that it was difficult to discern the cutter through the gloom. The wind was north'rd and west'rd, which was just the breeze to take us out of the har- bor if we could start without an alarm ; and if we once got sail on, I had no doubt that, in defiance of the cutter, we should make our escape, for the Morris was a slow tub. " Now lower a boat, and run a kedge out to the north'rd as far as the line will go," was the first order that 1 received from the captain. The boat was dropped into the water without the slightest WE SLIP PAST THE CUTTER. 23 noise, and pulled in the direction indicated. As soon as this was done, we slipped the cable by which we were riding, and hauled in on the line, and in an imperceptible manner gradually in- creased our distance from the cutter. Twice we sent the boat out, and at length found ourselves close upon the East Boston side, and nearly half a mile distant from our sleepy but suspicious friend. " Up with the kedge, and cast the gaskets from the sails," cried Captain Murphy, when he saw that no notice was taken of our movements. The men sprang to obey his orders, yet without the least noise or confusion. The jib, foresail, and mainsail were set, and with a fair and stiff breeze we steered for the outer harbor. The schooner was kept well over on the East Boston side, even hug* ging the flats so closely that we could have jumped ashore with dry feet had we desired, until we were abeam of the cutter, when we could just see her, with a light set at the stern, and one at the bow. There was no movement on board, and if we could gain two more cable lengths, we should be safe from pursuit ; for I had no doubt we could sail two feet to the cutter's one. Still it was a trying moment, and not until we gradually left the cutter far astern, did we breathe as though our escape was certain. " Now, then, pile on the canvas, Mr. Robert," the captain said, as he and the Portuguese opened a bottle of wine, and drank suc- cess to the Coquette. u We have no pilot on board," I said, fearing that he would run the schooner on shore in his recklessness. " I'm the pilot, and a good one, too, as you shall confess before daylight. Steward, bring me a glass of grog and some cigars, forward, and don't let there be a sound on deck except my orders to the man at the wheel. Mr. Robert, attend to the sails, and I'll keep the Coquette in deep water. Ha! what was that?" We were just off Fort Independence when he spoke. u It's a rocket from the cutter. They have discovered our escape, and want to see in what direction we have gone," I replied. u Yes ; and there goes a blue light. Burn your fireworks if you want to. It's little use at this late hour, I can tell you." The cutter continued to throw up rockets for half an hour. By that time we were outside of Boston lower light, and dashing 24 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. through the water at the rate of ten miles per hour, with every sail set, and a stiff breeze blowing on our quarter. " Set the watches, and keep her as she goes until four o'clock," the captain said to me. " Call me at three, unless some change takes place. Keep a bright lookout, and don't carry sail too long, for the rigging is new and stretches." And with these comprehensive orders the captain edged his way into the cabin, and turned in. His shoulders were too broad for him to enter in a square manner, or else the door was too narrow. At daylight nothing was to be seen. Nothing occurred on our passage to Havana that was worthy of note. The true character of the vessel was not made known to me, although frequently the supercargo and captain spoke of the money that was to be made in the slave trade, and how much they would like to engage in it. I must confess that at length I did not feel that repugnance to the business which I had first experienced, and that I was not shocked by the yarns which the captain and supercargo spun regarding their adventures. They told of ivory tushes of the elephant and palm oil that could be bought for a song, and then incidentally alluded to the ship- ment of a few negroes for the purpose of completing a cargo, and the amount of money they would bring in Cuba. "What say you?" the captain remarked, one afternoon, the day before we entered Havana. " Shall we make a trip to Africa in case we find business dull at the island, and try our luck ? Will you join us, and share in every nigger that we land?" I shook my head, feebly I must confess, but still I refused. " As you please," the captain remarked. " We can find some one not quite so scrupulous as you. What you lose we shall gain ; that is certain. There's money to be made in the business." The next day we made the island, and passed Moro Castle without the customary challenge, which I supposed was an over- sight on the part of those at the fort ; but I was afterwards in- formed that the officers of the fort never molested a vessel that was suspected of being engaged in the slave trade, and for their consideration received a certain amount of money that was very acceptable. Three days after we anchored we were boarded by a boat from the British man-of-war Serpent, which was laying " off and on " H. B. M. SLOOP SERPENT. 25 outside. The officer pretended that a glass of .water was desired, but I saw by his keen glances his visit was not one for refresh- ment, but curiosity. He scanned the deck and masts, and hoists of the sails, with critical eyes, and for the purpose of prolonging his visit, politely asked for a second glass of water. " There is no occasion for your flooding your insides with tepid water,** I said, somewhat amused at his excuse. " The sailing qualities of the schooner are probably of more importance just now than a glass of water. If you are pleased with the looks of the Coquette, or wish to examine her at your leisure, you are welcome to do so." " I see that you have suspected the object of my visit," he an- swered, good-humoredly. " We heard of you outside, and I was sent in to see if report did not exaggerate your good looks. But for once rumor has not done you justice. This is the hand- somest specimen of marine architecture that I ever saw, and how I shall regret to see her broken up ! " u I hope that day is far distant," I replied. " I hope so ; but if she is intended for the trade, Her Britan- nic Majesty's sloop Serpent will have the honor of making a prize, for in spite of your model we can outsail you, on the wind, or off." " She is not intended for the trade," J replied, in all serious- ness ; " but if she was, the keel has not yet been laid in the Brit- ish dockyards that can sail with us in a wholesale breeze on the wind, or two points free." The Englishman laughed as though he did not believe my boast. " In the first place," he replied, " Captain Murphy never com- manded anything but slavers ; and in the second place, when he left the coast, some nine months since, ha boldly boasted in my presence that he should return with a clipper that would trouble the Serpent on every point of sailing. I know the man better than you ; for, if I am not mistaken, you have yet to make your first voyage to the coast of Africa. But we shall see which vessel sails the fastest ; for tell Murphy th'at a good lookout will be kept for him, and that he has been too lucky all his life not to meet with reverses. We shall pick him up, for our fleet is large and vigilant. But I hope our luck will bring us in contact with the schooner." 26 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. That night, when Captain Murphy and Guy Ruez came on board, I told them of the visit ; at which information both looked somewhat serious, and whispered together for some moments, and the result of the conference was a desire ,to see me in the cabin. '* Mr. Robert," the captain said, " we find that our expecta- tions of obtaining a cargo are knocked flat aback, and that we have got to fish away at something else to turn an honest penny, and make a living. We have had an offer to make a trip to Africa for ivory and niggers ; and if you want to go, jnst say the word in ship-shape fashion, and we'll count you in. Is it a bar- gain?" 44 A hundred dollars a month, and ten dollars for every slave that is landed," chimed in the Portuguese. I was on the point of refusing, but the supercargo unlocked a trunk and threw a bag of doubloons upon the table. I hesitated for a moment ; but the Portuguese, who knew what was passing in my heart as well as myself, hastened to speak. 4 * We have been so well satisfied with your conduct that we give you twelve doubloons, exclusive of your wages. You see that we pay well, for we have money in abundance.' 44 But if we are captured?" I suggested. 44 If such a thing Occurs, we can buy our freedom with gold. Agents will be near us in case anything happens ; and I need not tell you that Englishmen "love gold as well as Yankees." '* But if we should be captured by an American man-of-war ? " I suggested. The captain and Guy looked at each other and laughed. 44 Did you ever hear of such a thing, Guy?" the former de- manded. 4fc Never," answered the Portuguese, " and never expect to." 44 Will the crew consent to go? " I asked, the gold tempting me, and my abhorrence of the traffic gradually giving way. 44 They go? Call them aft, and see." I passed the word for the crew to muster aft. 44 Well, men, who's for nigger-hunting?" Captain Murphy asked. There was a unanimous shout in the affirmative. 44 Very well. Go forward, and to-morrow you shall have twenty-four hours' liberty to spend your advance wages." OLD CRINGY. 27 And the men went, looking as contented as though about to be discharged with several hundred dollars in their lockers for a general blow-out. " Now what do you say?" demanded the captain. "Shall we continue to swing our hammocks in the same craft, or shall we square yards and separate?" " I will try one voyage," I said, " and if I don't like it, we can part company, and no harm done." The next morning the Spanish flag fluttered from the schooner's mast-head. The crew were allowed to go on shore, and I took a short ramble there myself, and was introduced to many influen- tial men who were largely interested in the slave traffic. " You are going to the Gabun, I understand," one old man said to me. " If such is the case, tell old Cringy that he is a scoun- drel, and that his last cargo was the meanest that I ever re- ceived." I had no idea who Cringy was, but I promised to convey the message if it was not a dangerous one. The next day we were all on board, taking in fresh provisions, and the day after weighed anchor, and shaped our course for the River Gabun, on the west coast of Africa. We had fair winds and plenty of them, and the Coquette bounded over the waves like a race-horse over a trotting course, until we made one of the spurs of the Moon range of mountains, when we hauled our wind and steered for Gabun, at that time one of the most noted slave towns on the coast of Southern Africa. When we were five miles from the mouth of the river, we dis- covered a canoe coming towards us, paddled by half a dozen negroes, naked, with the exception of a piece of white cloth tie! around their waist. But the person who steered the canoe and was seated in the stern-sheets was dressed entirely different from his companions. He had on a cocked hat with a huge red feather, a blue cloth coat with bright brass buttons, epaulets of the largest size, and a sword by his side. " Here comes Cringy \he old humpback scoundrel has not yet gone to Davy Jones's locker," Captain Murphy said, examin- ing the canoe and contents through his glass. " He is dres&ed in his state costume, which is a sure sign that there are no cruisers about. Criogy is a weather-cock, and by his rig one can tell how the laud lays." 28 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " The canoe is close aboard of us. Shall we heave to, and let it come alongside ? " " No, indeed ; that is a piece of politeness that would make the blasted niggers have too good an opinion of themselves." The negroes were excellent boatmen, and although we were moving at the rate of six knots an hour, the canoe glided along- side without the slightest difficulty ; and in a few moments over the rail came the most singular looking specimen of humanity that I had ever seen. He was an old negro, humpbacked, thin- and all drawn out of shape, apparently ; the upper part of his body was dressed in uniform, but the lower part was entirely naked, with the exception of the usual piece of white cloth around his waist. " Well, Cringy, I am glad that you are still alive," Captain Murphy said, without manifesting the least cordiality. " Ah, cap'n, I glad to see you. You no be here 'fore for one year. I s'pose you took by dem Englishmen." " Any cruisers around, Cringy?" the captain asked. " One here yesterday de Buzzard but go 'way for Cape Lopez, and no come back for month or two." "Got any niggers to sell cheap?" " O, very few and very high. No plenty. No come in at all now." " It's no use to run into the Gabun, if that is the case," the captain said. u We can run down to Magumba, and get a cargo without trouble. Good by, Crin ry, and try and do better the next time I call. Put your wheel up," the captain shouted to the helmsman ; " ease off the main sheet ; " and round we went like a top, and stood off from the land, as though really bound for Magumba. Cringy watched the operation of wearing ship without the slightest appearance of disappointment. But when he saw that the schooner was really headed to clear Cape Negro, and that the sails were trimmed, and the ropes coiled down as though not to be disturbed for some time, his philosophy forsook him. He glanced towards the captain and Buez, but they paid not the slightest attention to him. They were drinking grog and smok- ing cigars on the weather side of the quarter-deck. Cringy looked towards the land, which was fast receding, and then at the two Who were enjoying themselves upon the other side of the deck. A BARGAIN FOR SLAVES. 29 He wavered, and at last yielded. He crossed the deck, and ad- dressed the captain, " Captain, what you go for? " '* For a cargo, Cringy, at cheap rates." " Lordy, you don't want to ruin dis nigger does you? " " No ; and we don't mean that you shall ruin us, Cringy. We can buy slaves cheaper than you sell them." " No ; I sell less than udder men. How much you gib for tree hundred fat niggers ? All well, all Pangives. Clever n<5 fight no sulk all like go on water. No die. How much you give? " " Twenty dollars apiece pay in muskets, powder, lead, cloth, and money," the supercargo answered, promptly. " O, crackee ; dat no pay me. Gib me thirty dollars, and I put 'em aboard. Dat cheap for 'em. All fat." " Twenty dollars no more," was the very cool reply. Cringy thought a moment, and glanced towards the land, which was nearly ten miles distant. " You gib me present ? " he asked. " Yes ; and one for your first wife." " Den I sell tree hundred niggers at twenty dollars apiece, and you got darned good bargain. I lose money." " Now you begin to talk. Drink a glass of grog, and swear by your fetich that you will act fair and honorable, or suffer per- secution from witchcraft, and we will visit Gabun." Cringy did not like the oath, for the natives of Africa have a great dread of witchcraft ; but he drank the liquor, and took the vow required. There was no fear of trusting him after swear- ing to the oath ; for the old fellow was much more fearful of^ devils than mortals, and not even the love of gold could have in- duced him to break his word, much as he would have desired to. He was as affable and polite as a Frenchman after a good dinner, and for his condescension got several stiff glasses of grog ; and by the time he had finished the last one, the mouth of the river was in sight, and the negro's services were required to pilot us over the bar, which is formed between the headlands, and re- quires some knowledge to cross. 4 Come, Cringy," said Murphy, removing the liquor, " you have bowsed up your jib enough for one day. Take us over the bar, and you shall have a bottle of brandy for your wives." 30 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " Rum no good for women," replied the fellow. " Make 'em quarrel and fight. Me drink all, and den no fight." " Well, pilot us over the bar, and you shall have a bottle." " No, sar ; I do no such ting widont money. My price five dollars. Dat what man-of-war men gibs me. I no work for less." As the schooner was close upon the bar, Murphy was com- pelled to yield to his demand, and that was the first attempt of Cringy to get square. The town did not present a very imposing appearance, consisting, as it did, of a few hundred huts, scattered over the plain and on the bluff; but the small number of houses was more than made amends for by the numerous inhabitants who thronged the beach and launched canoes upon the water for the purpose of board- ing us. They crowded around the vessel, and held up tempting displays of fruit for the purpose of inducing us to trade ; and I must confess that I was anxious for a little barter in that line, but Cringy interfered. " Go away, you cussed lazy niggers," the old fellow shouted, mounting the taffrail, and shaking his hat and fists at the eager natives. " Dis vessel mine I supply her wid eberyting. De captain no want what you got. All stale wegetables dat you got. De captain know you and your tricks. Go 'way and look arter your wives, for white man goin* on shore presently." Whether this threat had the effect of dispersing the canoe-men, or whether they considered it hopeless to contend with a man of Cringy's abilities, I don't know ; but the negroes, with grunts of dissatisfaction, paddled for the shore. But, if Cringy did monop- olize the trade of the schooner in regard to .'provisions and fruit, he kept us well supplied, for he sent on feoard a canoe-load of oranges and bananas and vegetables in profusion. The next day we hired twenty natives to come on board, and commenced breaking out the hold and landing cases of muskets, and kegs of powder, and lead, besides boxes of white chalk, beads, and various trinkets which would be likely to please not only the Africans on the coast, but those in the interior. The supercargo and old Cringy were the most active men to be seen during the time that the cargo was discharging. Everything was sent to the latter's warehouse, a long building that was made of palm trees, and thatched over to keep out the rain. After the cargo THE SERPENT NEAR US. 31 was discharged we commenced filling our water casks and stow- ing them, and then began to lay the slave deck, which reposed upon the casks ; yet the latter could be got at any time during the passage when water was required. While we were laying the slave deck which had been built and fitted in Boston, and then taken apart for future use a sig- nal was given from the bluff that a sail was in sight, and that the stranger was standing towards the mouth of the river. The slave deck would have condemned us without judge or jury. But Cringy and the supercargo were equal to the emergency. In less than half an hour the deck was torn up, thrown overboard, and towed on shore by the numerous canoes which Cringy had at his disposal. The instant the boards touched the beach they were taken to the woods and concealed, and there was no fear that the natives would reveal the secret, or even hint at our true charac- ter, for their prosperity in those days depended entirely upon the slave traffic. By the time the boards were stowed away Cringy jumped into his canoe, and was ready to go outside of the bar, and offer his services as a pilot. Just as he was ready to shove off we heard the report of a gun. " Ah, dat English man-of-war I know," the old fellow cried. " Now, I go off and get five dollars, and humbug John Bull, you see." And we did see the Serpent enter the harbor in half an hour's time, and drop anchor about two cable lengths from the schoon- er. No sooner were the sails furled than a boat was lowered, and a lieutenant, the same one who had visited us at Ha- vana, came on board. He was received by Guy Ruez in the most polite manner, while Captain Murphy remained in the back- ground. 4i Who is the master of this schooner?" the Englishman said, after a slight nod to me. " I have the honor," the supercargo answered. " And what is your business here ? " was the next question. 44 Trade," was the laconic answer. " In niggers? " was the abrupt question. " No, sir ; I hope that we have not yet got to that. We are in search of palm oil and ivory." 44 Will you let me look at your papers?" 32 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. I expected that the Portuguese would be staggered by this de- mand, but he was not. He led the way into the cabin, and I saw him produce bottles and a box of papers. " Your papers are right, but I should like a look at the schoon- er's hold," the lieutenant said, at length. " The hatcaes are off; examine at your leisure," was the an- swer. The officer came on deck. Then he called three of his men, and went into the hold. " What are all these casks for? " he asked, looking up to those on deck. " To hold palm oil. We can't carry it in bulk," replied Ruez. The officer colored, and continued his investigations. 44 These guns are for the same purpose, I suppose," he said, calling our attention to six nine-pounders, and a long brass thirty- two, which were stowed away near the pumps. " Ballast, sir, ballast nothing more," the supercargo an- swered, smiling sweetly. The lieutenant continued his explorations for some time, but at length, finding nothing that could be used against us, came on deck. " We shall lie here for some weeks," he said, just as he was leaving the side of the vessel ; " and be assured that we shall keep an eye on you and your doings." The boat was pushed off, and rowed back to the Serpent " Blast his impudence," muttered Murphy ; " how I should like to sink his old tub where she lies, and drown every soul on board ! They don't like to see an honest man make a decent living." But the Englishman was determined to carry out his threat, and remain at anchor for the purpose of watching our move- ments, and prevent us from shipping slaves. Day after day passed, and still the Serpent showed no signs of crawling out of the harbor ; but the supercargo and Murphy manifested no im- patience. Once in a while the Englishman would send a boat on board of us, take a general survey, and then retire, satisfied or dissatisfied, it was impossible to tell which by the men's looks. One morning, when Cringy came onboard to bring our daily supply of fruit, ho informed us that a native had been accused of stealing sheep, and that he was to be u tested " at ten o'clock in the village. A Tew questions enlightened me in regard to the A SUPERSTITIOUS TEST. 38 meaning of the word " tested" or " kalahalo" as the natives call the exhibition. The thief had denied his guilt, and demanded a trial by means of the u kalahalo," to prove his innocence. This appeal had to be allowed, as the Africans are so superstitious that they believe a person after death has the power to trouble with witchcraft all who oppose his plea for the test, and if the criminal can come forth unscathed by the ordeal, he is declared innocent, and allowed to escape without further punishment. The sheep-stealer was to be tested with boiling oil, into a cal- dron of which he was to thrust his naked arm up to the shoulder, and then slowly withdraw it. If he uttered no cries of pain he was innocent ; but if he even whimpered with agony, his death was certain and immediate at the hands of the crowd. I had no trouble in obtaining leave of absence, and even Murphy, who was tired of doing nothing but swilling at a brandy bottle, agreed to go with me. CHAPTER III. A TEST CASE. A SHEEP-STEALER's DEATH. ->- MONKEYS AND THEIR ENEMIES. A NOVEL BATTLE. KING GEORGE'S TOWN. CRINGY was an authority in the town, and although not general- ly respected for his honesty, was regarded for his wealth and importance in the commercial world. Therefore, when Cringy appeared upon the ground, the natives made way for him and his company, and allowed us to take up positions close to the spot where the test was to be applied. A large pot filled with palm oil was placed over a fire in front of the hut where the prisoner was confined, and already the liquid was bubbling and boiling as though impatient for its victim. Suddenly, a wild, discordant sound of music arose from the village musicians. Their instru- ments consisted of reeds and drums of the primitive kind, but they were beaten without regard to time or tune. Finally the mu- sicians ceased their labors, and then the crowd set up a yell that would have done honor to a tribe of Indians of the wildest de- scription. 3 34 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. *' Now dey bring de sheep-stealer out," Cringy said to me. 44 But will the man really put his arm in the oil? " I asked. " Sartin true." " But the oil will burn the flesh from the bone," I said. " Don't know," replied Cringy, with a shake of his white head. 44 S'pose his fetich say no burn, be all right." 44 But if he does get burned, what then? " * 4 Then he be cussed rascal, and we kill him." Just at that moment the door of the hut was thrown open, and the music recommenced its most dismal lamentations. The crowd gave yell after yell as an accompaniment, and the natives swayed to and fro, all eager to catch sight of the prisoner. The poor wretch did not manifest the least sign of fear or hesitancy. He seemed to have nerved himself for the ordeal before him, and walked with a firm step towards the fire. But Cringy's eyes, more sharp than mine, detected the cause of the courage at a glance. u Ah, de blasted scoundrel ! " he muttered ; " he eat de kalo" The kalo root is capable of stupefying the senses, in the same manner that opium does. It is a powerful drug, and an over- dose is certain death. Cringy looked disappointed when he detected the man's condi- tion, for he feared that he could not revel in the thief's expressions of agony, and then see him knocked on the head. 44 Ah, de d d scoundrel he cheat us, arter all. Me own sheep ; " and the latter part of his remarks showed the secret of his antipathy. When the culprit was within a fathom of the boiling oil, a huge, stalwart fellow, whom Captain Murphy pronounced worth at least eight hundred dollars, landed in Havana, made a proclamation setting forth the prisoner's crime, and his confidence of innocence ; that to prove the latter, he had consented to submit to the test ; and that the people were to judge by his actions whether he was to be acquitted or condemned. And the people, as in all count *ies, whether inhabited by whites or blacks, were extremely pleased at the idea of acting as judge and jury. Once again the music recommenced its discordant noise, and the prisoner was pushed towards the fire. He hesitated for a moment, as he looked at the bubbling oil ; but the guard of negroes said something, and grinding his teeth together to prevent all expressions of pain, the OFF FOR AN ELEPHANT HUNT. 35 sheep-stcaler plunged his arm into the kettle ; but the agony was too great for even drugs to deaden. With a wild yell of pain the poor wretch withdrew his limb, and danced around the open space that was left him, his face expressing all the horrors that he suf- fered. "Is he guilty? ".asked the huge negro before alluded to, ap- pealing to the crowd, and speaking in his native language. " Kill him ! " was the cry ; and hardly were the words uttered, before half a dozen clubs fell upon the fellow's head with force enough to have crushed the skull of an ox. " Ah," muttered Cringy, with a sigh of relief, '* de blame rascal no teal sheeps more. Me berry glad dat he be killed. He great humbug." As the exhibition was over, we accepted Cringy's escort through the crowd, and gained the Coquette in safety. To pay our cice- rone for his trouble, we gave Cringy a bottle of rum, for which he seemed very grateful, and just before departing made a proposi- tion that I gladly accepted. " To-morrow," he said, " I go to King George's town, thirty miles up de river. Grand elephant hunt up dare day arter to- morrow. Drive 'em in pen, and den kill 'em. Lots o' fun ; s'pose you in big tree ; you no get hurt. You go? " I readily got permission to leave the vessel, and even Murphy decided that he would like the trip for the sake of passing away time. We spent the evening in cleaning our revolvers and rifles, and getting ready for an early start. Murphy had thought that it was best to go well armed, in case the people of King George's town should prove hostile, or take a fancy to any of our clothing while we were absent from Cringy's side, for it was generally understood that the king's people were not over particular in what they stole, or whom they stole from. The next day, an hour be- fore sunrise, Cringy came alongside with his bark canoe, pad- dled by four 'blacks, who were stripped to their waist like their brethren on shore. The canoe was large, and the portion we oc- cupied was completely screened from the sun by grass cloth, of native manufacture. We put on board a few bottles of rum for the king and chiefs, and a case of claret for ourselves, and added a keg of tobacco as the next most acceptable present for our darky friends, and then shoved into the stream, the negroes accompanying their rowing with a wild, monotonous song, that 36 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. sounded very well for the first quarter of the way. In half an four's time, we had left the town far astern of us, and were pull- ing through a wilderness. The river ran between high banks, a portion of the distance to the King George's village, each of which was lined with rank vegetation, and trees of the palm species, some of them of the largest size. Every few moments we would come upon a troop of monkeys, grinning and skylarking amid the trees, and chatting shrilly, as though defying us to harm them. We considered them unworthy our ammunition, and oar silence emboldened the black rascals to follow us along the river, which they could do very easily by jumping from tree to tree. We en- couraged them to continue in pursuit by insulting gestures, which the imps were not slow to return with interest ; and at length they grew so enraged that they plucked boughs from the trees and hurled them at us, and showed their long teeth with most ma- licious looks. Suddenly the troop uttered a frightful yell, but it sounded to me more like a cry of terror than of anger. I saw a stately palm sway to and fro, as though agitated by the wind, yet there was not a breath of air stirring on the river, and I was at a loss how to account for it. There was a sudden squawk, and hundreds of monkeys could be seen leaving the tree with leaps of the most astonishing description.' " Now you see fun," muttered Cringy. " Big snake in de tree. Grab monkey ar.d eat 'em. Wait a leetle bit." The natives stopped rowing, and watched the tree with keen eyes. After a few moments' silence the palm was again agitated, and through the leaves we could see the gyrations of a huge ser- pent, which had captured one of the monkeys for a breakfast, and was about to secure a good, easy position for the purpose of swal- lowing its prey at leisure. Once or twice the monster's head was thrust through an opening, and we could see that the monkey even then was struggling to escape from the fangs of the boa. " Dat good chance for a shot," Cringy suggested, motioning his dusky companions to keep the canoe opposite the tree, and not let it drift down stream with the tide. " S'pose you hit 'em, if you can. Yankee say dat dey be smart wid de rifle." " Hit thunder ! " grunted Murphy, who had been making sad havoc with the claret during the passage. " P'aps you hit 'em," Cringy said, addressing me with a grin upon his cunning face. THE SNAKE AND MONKEY. 37 " I can hit him from here, if you will keep the canoe steady," I replied, calmly. " Blast me if I won't bet on it," the captain said. " I take de bet what shall it be ? " Cringy asked. " Fifty dollars against a fifty pound tusk," Murphy replied. " I take dat bet," the negro said, quite coolly, " and I win de moneys, too." " Perhaps," Murphy cried, lighting a cigar, and motioning me to do my best. The natives, who were as anxious for the sport as myself, pad- dled the canoe as close to the tree as it was prudent to do, and then remained perfectly quiet, awaiting my shot. They did not have to wait long, for the boa, in its restlessness, was continually moving its head and a portion of its body through openings, and it was during one of these moments' that I took a careful aim and fired. The tree was shaken as though a hurricane was pass- ing through its branches, and the next instant the head of the boa, with only the tail and hind legs of the monkey, was exposed to our view, and swinging and surging towards the water, as though desirous of disengaging its prey from a distended mouth. " I've won the bet ! " shouted Murphy. " By dam, I dink you have," muttered Cringy, a shade of dis- appointment passing over his withered face. Just at that moment the boa's head reached the surface of the river, and beat the water to a foam in its agony. We watched the scene with some interest, and while we were thus occupied, Cringy touched me on my shoulder, and pointed with his lean finger up the river. " Ah, now you see fun," he said, with a grin of satisfaction. 44 What is it? "I asked. " Alligator cum down de riber to see what de noise all 'bout. Hab a grand fight, and we no care which lick." 44 Where is he?" Tasked. " Dare you no see ? " " I see nothing but an old log floating down stream," I re- plied. " Dat no log dat alligator. Eat nigger for breakfast, and want more." We were not left long in suspense, for the animal, without any perceptible movement, suddenly sank, and when it rose to the 38 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. surface it was close to the head of the snake, which still con- tinued its struggles and gyrations, greatly to the delight of the monkeys, which still kept their positions on the trees, and chatted unceasingly. 44 Now for de cussed'st fight dat you eber did see," cried Cringy ; and just as he spoke the alligator made a sudden, clumsy lurch for the snake's neck, seized it in its ponderous jaws, and seemed to make its teeth meet through and through bones, mus- cle, and flesh. The tree was shaken more fiercely than ever, but it was the movement of the boa in getting a firm position with its tail, before commencing the fight in earnest. At the first, movement the monkey was disgorged, and floated down the stream, so crushed out of shape that its own family would not have recognized it. But it was not suffered to drift far, for a dark head made its appearance, and with one loud snap huge jaws closed upon the dead body, and it was dragged to the bed of the river to be devoured at leisure. The fight be- tween the alligator and the boa now demanded our whole atten- tion, and amply repaid us for the time consumed in witnessing it. The denizen of the river, still grasping the snake's head between its ponderous jaws, attempted to sink to the bottom, and did succeed in settling down half a fathom ; but the snake, with a powerful jerk, once more gained the surface of the water, and even raised the body of the alligator a few feet clear of the river: the next instant both fell with a crash that sent the foam flying in all directions, and for a few seconds the water was so agitated that we could not distinguish the combatants. When the smoke of the battle had cleared away a little, I observed that the boa was seeking to draw its foe to the shore, where the fight would have been conducted on more equal terms ; but to this ar- rangement the alligator objected with all its power, and attempted to make short work of the business by lashing out with its power- ful tail, and each blow that was struck seemed capable of pros- trating a tree, if one had stood in its way. But, unfortunately, the alligator could not retain its hold with its teeth and use its chief weapon for attack at the same time ; so every blow fell short, and while they did not injure the snake, they served to weaken the alligator. The latter was slowly drawn towards the shore, yet there was no intention manifested to relinquish its power- ful hold, and quit the companionship of so powerful an enemy. A SNAKE AND ALLIGATOR FIGHT. 39 The snake made many attempts to use its huge jaws upon the scaly hide of its antagonist, but was not successful until the river monster touched the land, when the latter suddenly relinquished its hold for the purpose of escaping to the water ; but it was too late. The boa suddenly extended its enormous jaws, and with a motion quick as lightning seized the alligator by one of its flippers, and with one jerk threw it many feet up the bank. The alli- gator again made an attempt to reach the water, and seemed no longer desirous of continuing the fight ; but the boa was not to be shaken off in that manner. It uncoiled its powerful tail, and took three or four turns around the body of its foe, and then dragged it towards the trunk of a tree, around which coil after coil was thrown, each one gradually increasing in intensity, until we could hear the bones of the black monster crack, and could see the blood spurt from under its scales and dye the slimy body a crimson hue. " Dat cuss dead, sure," grunted Cringy, with a satisfied look. " Now s'pose you kill t'other one, 'fore he cackle too much at his luck." I had loaded my rifle during the fight, and was not adverse to once more showing my skill as a marksman. I took a good aim at the head of the boa, and fired. The eyes, which but a moment before were like living coals of fire, lost their fierceness, and the head of the boa fell until it touched the ground. .The coils around the tree and the alligator were gradually relaxed, and all move- ments ceased. The snake and its opponent were both dead. We saw many species of wild animals while going up the river, and I got two or three very fair shots at tigers ; but the distance was too great for serious effect. At eleven o'clock we came in sight of the village, which looked very pretty, nestled in between thick groves of palms and red wood. As we neared the town, I saw a dozen or twenty persons dressed in white pants and blue dungaree jackets, somewhat the worse for wear. Those thus clothed were armed with muskets, which they seemed to carry with considerable pride, and to keep at a distance from the half- naked rabble, which were squatting upon their hams and chat- ting like so many monkeys, regarding our visit and its object. "You see dose sogers in de uniform?" Cringy asked, point- ing to the landing with evident pride. 44 Yes who are they? " " Dem de king's wives. Dey fight like de deble, when 'em 40 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. mad up. Kill ebery ding dat comes afore 'em. Yon must be 'tickler when you speak to 'em, and no laugh. Dey no ding noth- ing of shooting man. King like 'em bery much." When we were eight fathoms from the landing-place, one of the female soldiers presented her musket and hailed. u Kala hilo!" she cried, which Cringy said was an order to stop where we were without delay, and our oarsmen were not slow to do so. 4< Where do you come from, and what do you wish ? " were the next questions addressed in the peculiar dialect of the village, and which Cringy interpreted for us. " We are traders," shouted Criugy, " desirous of purchasing, and to show our good will, have brought many presents for the king." "Then wait until the king's commands arrive, before yon land," replied the soldier ; and she sent off one of her companions to carry the news to his dusky majesty. In a few minutes the messengers returned with the information that we could land and visit his majesty, and bring our presents with us. A procession was formed, and we were escorted to the quarters of the king, several natives bringing up the rear with the liquor and tobacco, which I saw was eyed with wishful glances by the dusky throng ; but not one of them was bold enough to lay a hand upon that which belonged to or was intended for the king. His majesty was housed in the best building in the village. It was enclosed with mud walls, eight feet high and two feet thick, which were intended as a protection in case of an attack and in- surrection by his subjects. It would not have stood more than two discharges from cannon ; but those articles the natives never used in their warfare muskets of the poorest pattern being the extent of their resources. The king was seated on a raised plat- form, at the extreme end of his reception-room, decorated with skulls of his enemies, which his guard had killed in battle. On each side of his majesty was a line of warriors, looking as un- like women as possible. The king was dressed in the cast-off suit of some naval officer, who had, years before, made a present of it to his majesty, and received in exchange two or three hundred dollars' worth of ivory, in the shape of elephant tushes. His head was ornamented with a marine's hat, and covered with feathers of various tints, the red feathers of the flamingo predominating. AN INTERVIEW WITH A KING. 41 By his side he had a ship's cutlass, without a sheath, and the stains of rust upon the blade were significant of sudden deaths of rebellious subjects, during moments when his majesty was not in a good humor. Cringy approached the great man he was a tall, stout negro, black as coal tar with many symptoms of reverence and admiration, and with no little tribulation. " We come,, great king," he said, knocking his head upon the mud floor, in token of his own littleness in the presence of so mighty a man, " as friends, and with friendly offerings. The white men, who are engaged in the slave trade, have heard of your majesty, and desired to see you." . u You are welcome, and also your friends. But where's the rum and tobacco ? " his majesty replied and asked in the same breath, as though he considered them of much more importance than formal compliments. Cringy hastened to take them from the hands of the natives, and lay them at the foot of the throne, when his majesty forgot his dignity, and starting up from the platform, made a dive at the bottle, which was filled with Medford rum. tk Rum?" said his majesty, shaking the liquor. " Rum, your highness," replied Cringy. The black monarch raised the bottle to his lips, threw back his head, and we could hear the liquor disappearing down his throat at a rapid rate. " Ah," he sighed, as he removed the bottle from his mouth, and carefully re-corked it, " it is good rum, and I welcome my friends who brought it." The monarch then descended from his throne, put the broached bottle under his arm, and waving all ceremony, approached us in the most free and easy manner, and shook hands. " Tell the old fool," cried Murphy, " that we have visited him for the purpose of seeing an elephant hunt." Cringy interpreted the captain's words, but I strongly suspect that he left out all superfluous compliments. " To-morrow forenoon," was the king's answer, " my people will hunt the elephant, as a large herd is within a few miles of the village. You shall be welcome to see the sport, and shall be assured of my protection. I have said it," he continued, turning to his body-guard, and waving his hand with kingly dignity ; and then he took a fresh pull at the rum, and rubbed his chest with 42 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. satisfaction at the warm glow which passed over his abdomen in consequence. " The Americans are a great people," he said. " They make good rum." And as though to prove the assertion, he took another pull at the black bottle, and grunted his satisfac- tion more freely. As there was nothing further for us to stop for, I proposed to Cringy that we should leave the royal presence, and take a stroll through the village. Our wish was made known to the king, and he graciously accorded us his permission ; but'while we were re- treating from the hall of reception, his noble majesty hailed us. " You can stop at the palace while here, and I will have a sheep killed for you to feed upon," he said ; and then we bowed our acknowledgments, and were continuing on our way towards the door, when his majesty once more spoke, and we were obliged to stop and listen. " The white men like women they can each have two wives while stopping in my town." Cringy seemed to think that such a favor was worthy of an abject prostration, for it was seldom that the king opened his heart in such a striking manner. I would have declined the honor, but Criugy hurried me along, and I had no opportunity to speak. Cringy's first visit was to the slave pen, an immense enclosure, the walls of which were built of heavy timber, and fifteen feet high, so that the captives could not escape dnring the night, al- though a guard was constantly on duty at the pen, with orders to shoot down all refractory slaves, and even those who were in the least inclined to stubbornness. We were readily admitted to the enclosure, for the king's orders had preceded us ; and besides, Cringy was well known as a dealer in slaves, and one who had the first choice, if extra lots were offered. Here I saw for the first time the negroes destined to be transported to Cuba, and I must confess that I was somewhat astonished, for I expected ab- ject despair, and an utter abandonment of all hope ; but there was some cheerfulness, and in a few cases extreme indifference. The men and women were all together, and no attempt was made to separate them. Some were stretched upon their backs and basking in the hot sun, while others were sleeping under the roof which covered one quarter of the enclosure, and kept off the rains and heavy dews. Some were playing at games, and a number were seated in a circle relating stories, which were listened to with much eagerness and apparent pleasure. A SLAVE PEN. 43 Captain Murphy and myself were objects of particular curiosity on the part of the captives, for we were the first white men they had ever seen. Much did they marvel at the color of our skin, and they were constantly comparing their black arms with ours, and apparently attempting to explain the difference. Some even rubbed at our hands for the purpose of seeing if we had not stained our skins with coloring matter, and when they found that our flesh remained without change, they would utter exclamations of as- tonishment. Cringy had bought the lot a week before we arrived, and he had expressly stipulated with King George that the latter should feed them and retain possession until they were wanted at the Gabun. We left the slave pen highly satisfied with the cargo which we were to ship, and then strolled through the village, and examined everything that attracted our attention. The natives were quiet and civil, and followed us from place to place as objects of great curiosity, and we could not get rid of our admirers until one of the amazons overtook us, and informed us that dinner was ready at the palace. The instant the natives saw that we were under the charge of a body-guard, they dropped us and dodged into their huts, while we kept on our way and reached the palace, where we found the king gloriously drunk, and reckless of his dignity ; for he had stripped off his uniform, and wus rolling about the floor with nothing on but a piece of cotton, and that was rather scanty and out of proportion to his nakedness. He was in what they called a dangerous state, and was just as likely to order his best friend's head off as to take another drink of old Medford. It was ludicrous to see Cringy work to conciliate the black king, and not cross him so as to expose his precious life. The rascal knew that each was necessary for the prosperity of the other, to I did not anticipate any violence, even if old Medford was in the ascendant. While compliments were raging, a fellow whom we took to be prime minister motioned us to follow him to another room, and we left his majesty somewhat abruptly. The apartment we were ushered into contained a few rough seats, a huge pot, tended by a naked female dripping with perspiration, and half a dozen slaves whose duty it was to wait upon us and see that our wants were supplied, for it was intimated that half a sheep had been boiled for our especial gratification, and that we were expected to do justice to the meal. The remains of the 44 sheep were picked from the pot and spread upon huge leaves on the floor, and then we were encouraged to fall to and do our best. As the food did not look very appetizing, I concluded to make my dinner upon bananas, large numbers of which were piled up in one corner, and I intimated as much ; but to my surprise I was refused, with many expressions of disgust, which I was at a loss to account for, until Cringy told me that the bananas which I saw had been poisoned for the purpose of stupefying the elephants which we were to hunt the next day. As soon as the meat was cleared away, a lot of fruit, to my great joy, was brought on, and to that I did ample justice, and satisfied my appetite. Our dessert consisted of a bottle of claret, and when we had finished, it was intimated that the king's ama- zons were about to go through with their evening drill, and that we could witness it if so disposed. Lighting our cigars we visited the parade ground, enclosed by the palace walls, and saw the famous soldiers, which were such a terror to the undisciplined tribes, drawn up in line, and the king, still retaining his bottle, reviewing them. Their evolutions were not marked with great precision, but Cringy was in raptures, and boldly proclaimed, in the hearing of the king, that the world did not contain anything half so magnificent a remark "that was calculated to please his majesty, if he was sober enough to ap- preciate it, of which I had some doubt. The military spectacle did not last over half an hour, when the line was dismissed, and the king staggered back to his palace, and we spent the rest of the day until evening in wandering about the town. At sun- down, desirous of escaping the heavy dews, which are productive of fever, we returned to our quarters, and were shown separate rooms to lodge in ; and to my surprise I found that the king had kept his word in regard to the appointment of wives for the time being, for I saw that the lady whom I was favored with had taken possession, and was apparently as contented as though she had a legal right there. In fact she was spreading blankets in one corner of the room, and seemed disposed to make everything comfortable for the night. " Cringy," I said, " what shall I do?" 44 Do? " repeated the negro, in astonishment ; " why, do all the same as Captain Murphy. He no make a fuss." There was truth in that remark, for the captain had closed his AN ELEPHANT HUNT. 45 apology for a door, and not the first word of complaint was heard issuing from his den. " S'pose you no honor de king's present, king he berry mad, and dink de woman no suit you. He kill woman in de morning." To save her life, I compelled her to occupy one side of the room, while I took the other. Before daylight I was awaked by the note of preparation in the court-yard, and in a short time old Cringy made his appearance in my room. " Come," said he, " de people all get ready to hunt de ele- phant, and bress de Lord, de king is sober and good-natured as a sheep." I lost no time in getting ready ; and when Murphy and myself entered the yard daylight appeared, and revealed the strange- looking group who were to guide and protect us during the day. Not one of the black fellows had so much clothing upon his per- son as a ballet dancer, and, to add to their hideousness, their bodies were greased with palm oil from their heads to their feet. They were armed with long spears, and about a dozen of the famous body-guard carried muskets. We started after a slight repast of boiled mutton, and our course was over a tract of land that was as beautiful and rich as any that I ever saw. An hour's march brought us to the hut of the native who owned the banana patch where the elephants had committed their depre- dations. The dark-complexioned gentleman was unceremoniously compelled to leave his quarters for the king and friends, and we took possession, without reproaching our consciences for so doing. As soon as we were refreshed, runners were despatched to find the elephants, and in half an hour they returned with the informa- tion that the herd were quietly feeding half a mile from the hut, and were quite docile. This intelligence inspired ttie king to commence operations immediately, and we started without delay. I obvserved our old friend Cringy did not manifest that alac- rity in setting out that I expected, and when I reproached him with his lukewarmness, he pleaded that he was old and could not run fast ; which I thought a good excuse, and would have left him behind, but his tormentor, the king, would not listen to the proposition for a moment ; and with many rueful looks, Cringle was compelled to lead the procession. 46 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. We marched until we heard the loud " trumps " of the ele- phants, and then halted, while the natives commenced collecting boughs which resembled grape vines in their size and toughness. They were found upon a peculiar species of tree in profusion, and as fast as they were brought in, they were knotted together, and coiled in a circle like the layers of a rope upon a ship's deck. I could not understand the meaning of such preparation, and was compelled to resort to Cringy. He enlightened me. u Dem de elephants no like," he said. u Dey shun 'em, and no break through 'em if they can help it. We draw a line round de elephants, all but one place, and all shout loud. De elephants dey see de vines, and no care about touching 'em. Dey find de place where no vines, and dey go. Dat lead 'em in whar dey eat de pisened bananas, and den niggers kill 'em wid de spear." I could hardly believe that such a course was possible, but the more I watched the conduct of the natives, the more convinced did I become that such was the plan for capture. I also noticed that the trees in the vicinity of the vines were left entirely unmo- lested, whereas hundreds were broken down where the vines did not grow. I became more interested, and watched the natives closely. When a sufficient number of vines were collected to form a rope at least a mile and a half in length, one native seized an end and started towards the brutes, which were graz- ing and " trumping " in fancied security- As soon as the native who led the way had got about twenty fathoms from the main coil, another native took hold ; and so they continued to do until one half of the rope was out, when a second party commenced with the other end, and started off in a different direction. Tired of remaining inactive, Murphy desired u. get a nearer view of the elephants, and requested my company. We readily obtained permission of the king to do as we pleased ; and as each of us was armed with a rifle and revolver, I did not think there was much danger. We stole forward, guided by the loud trumps of the mighty beasts, and after five minutes' navigation through thickets and forests of trees, got sight of the animals ; and the view amply repaid us for our trouble, for we saw twenty ele- phants browsing upon the branches of trees, which they bent to the earth with their trunks, and held until the tender shoots and buds were nibbled off. They were of all sizes, from the full- grown elephant with tushes five feet long, to the yearling just cutting its teeth. AN ELEPHANT CHARGE. 47 The rogues were entirely unconscious of our presence, and would have remained so had not the devil possessed the captain to try his hand at a shot. I sought to reason him out of his freak, but he would not listen to my suggestions, and swore a great oath that he would kill one at fifty yards, or he would never take a rifle in his hand again. Murphy picked out the largest and probably the ugliest brute in the herd, and after a deliberate aim, fired. The ball took effect in the side of the animal, where it had no more effect than to render the old fellow furious with pain ; and with a shrill trump he raised his trunk, snuffed the air for a moment, and then charged towards the very spot where we were secreted. I sprang to my feet, and shouted to the captain. " Run," I said, " or you will be trampled to death in an in- stant." " Run be hanged ! '" replied Murphy ; " he's going to drop dead in a minute." " He has no such intention," I answered. " Follow me, or we shall both be killed." " I tell you that he's as dead as a marine. I hit him near his flipper. See him bleed." " Yes ; and see him coming towarda us under a full press of sail," I replied, as I bounded towards the place where the natives were at work. As I ran, I looked over my shoulder and saw that Murphy was laboring along after me, like a Dutch galliot in a heavy head sea. But it was not an easy thing to make good time where the under- brush was thick and the vines strong, and before I had got ten fathoms, I heard Murphy roar out for me to heave to and wait for him. " Darn it, man," puffed the captain, making almost as mnch noise as the elephant, " can't you render a little assistance to a friend in distress?" " Run, captain ; 'tis your only chance," I replied, still making rapid tracks for the nearest clearing. " It's all very well to say run when a man don't carry a pound of flesh upon his bones ; but I can't, and blow me if I will ; that's flat. Here's for a standing fight, for I can't run any farther." I stopped for a moment, and saw, to my horror, that the captain, completely blown by the amount of sail which he had carried, was incapable of proceeding farther, and was making desperate at- tempts to climb a tree. 48 A SLAVER'S AD VENTURES. When I turned, it was with the most confident expectation that the captain would be trampled to death in a minute's time ; but the old salt had no such anticipations, for when the elephant got within boarding distance, the captain kept the tree between him- self and his enemy, and every movement was watched with keen eyes. The elephant charged around the tree, but the captain managed to keep just such a distance from him, and also avoided the heavy blows from his trunk, which struck the tree every few minutes in a manner that gave fearful indications of the brute's strength. I attempted for some time to get a sliot at the elephant, but the rogue did not raise his trunk sufficiently high, and I had been told that a ball, to have effect, must strike between the shoulders, just below the head ; and while I was seeking for a chance to fire, the captain roared out at my delay. " Hang it, Mr. Robert, are you going to let this brute eat me alive, or grind my bones to a jelly as thick as lobscouse. Fire, in the devil's name, for the fellow's trunk is flying around my head like a boatswain's cat after a liberty day on shore." Thus appealed to, I moved a few feet nearer the principal actors ; and as I did so, the elephant caught a glimpse of me, apparently for the first time. With a shrill trump of rage he charged towards me, his trunk well up as though to crush me at a blow. I calmly awaited his onset, and when he was within two fathoms, raised my rifle and fired. The next instant I had dropped my weapon and sprang behind a tree of large size, from which place I ventured to survey the field. The elephant had charged past the spot where I stood, like a whirlwind, pros- trating half a dozen young trees in his course, and levelling every bush that stood in his way. I hoped that the old rogue would keep on and leave me, but he was not disposed to do any such thing. Hfe soon found that he had missed his mark, and with another trump that was not cal- culated to allay alarm, he tacked ship and steered direct for the tree whose protection I had sought. I looked around for the captain, but he had vacated the place he occupied with so much honor to himself and confusion to the elephant, and supposed that he had made the best of his way towards the natives ; but I was disappointed, for I heard him hail, and his voice proceeded from the top of a tall tree where he had sought refuge. A BLOCKADE. 49 " Mr. Robert," he said, " why in the devil's name don't you run before the wind like me ? " " Because I'm blockaded," I answered, rather snappishly. u Run the blockade, then," he shouted ; but I did not think his advice of much account, when my enemy was capable of tak- ing two steps to my one. While I was thus having a little free conversation with my friend the captain, the elephant had stopped, confused by the sound of voices, and somewhat uncertain which way to proceed. I took good care not to expose myself to his view, for I hoped that he would rejoin the herd and leave us in peace ; but I was disap- pointed, for the old rogue snuffed the air like a war-horse, discovered my position, and on he came wi|h a succession of trumps which sounded like a six-pound gun battery. I had nothing but my revolver to depend upon, for I had thrown my rifle away in my flight. I recollect of hearing the captain shout, u Run, Mr. Robert, run ! " as the elephant came on ; but I was not in a position to take his advice. I waited until the old rogue was within a fathom of me, and then took aim and poured in two shots as quick as possible, and ran to the next tree, the captain shouting in true nautical style, u Steady as you go," when he saw me depend upon my legs for safety. o^i When I gained the tree that I started for, I turned and looked back, and was astonished to find that my enemy had got -some- what confused by the last two shots, and imagined that Murphy was the one to blame for his suffering ; and to my great joy the brute was at the foot of the tree, and looking up to the branches, as though desiring a little private conversation with the person who was roosting there. As Murphy declined to come down voluntarily, the elephant sought to shake him down, and every time the brute rubbed its side against the tree, it trembled as though laboring in a gale of wind. While this was going on, I again obtained possession of my rifle, and loaded it with a double charge of powder and three slugs. Then creeping under the shade of some bushes, I obtained a good position, and put the rifle within ten feet of the elephant's throat. The instant the rogue saw me I fired, and the lead went home ; for with a stagger and a grunt, the huge monster sank upon his knees, made an effort to rise, was unsuccessful, and then rolled over on his side and breathed his last. 50- A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. The captain soon reached terra firma, and was warm in his congratulations. While we were carefully examining the car- cass, half a dozen natives arrived to discover what we were doing, the king having heard the firing, and feeling somewhat un- easy at our absence. We could not comprehend their words, but their gestures showed the most extraordinary astonishment at the death of the elephant. They were not accustomed to kill them in a bold, fair manner ; and they would not believe but that we had poisoned them with bananas, or with some powerful drug. When they shook their heads Murphy swore that he would thrash them if they ventured to doubt again ; and it is probable that they understood the hint, for if they did venture to do such a thing they did not mauiljpst it by words or signs. The natives considered the matter of so much importance that one of them started off to find the king and bring him to the spot, and when his majesty arrived he too was astonishe/l, but it was of the selfish kind. He spoke to Criugy, and the latter interpreted as usual. " De king says dat you have done well," said Cringy, " and dat you deserve a reward for killing de elephant. He let you hab one of de tushes, and he keep tudder. Dat berry kind of him." The proposition was one that I could not reject, much as I should have cared to, for I wanted to retain the tusks as trophies. As'the king had waited some time for us, he now gave orders that the herd should be driven towards the pen, which was built just at the edge of the woods, and which had been used several times before for capturing the brutes. As soon as this order was passed, the vines which I have before alluded to were fastened to the trees, clearing the ground about four feet. Then the Africans armed themselves with conchs and noisy reeds, and commenced the most fearful din that mortal ever listened to. The effect was instantaneous. The elephants, which were scattered in various parts of the wood, set up a loud trump, and sought to es- cape from such unpleasant companions. They came tearing to- wards us at a tremendous rate ; but upon reaching the vines they halted suddenly, snuffed the offensive matter with a snort of deep disgust, and then turned tail without seeking to break through, which they could have done without the least effort on their part. " Come," cried Cringy, " we go get up tree dat overlook do pen, and see 'em go in. No use staying here." SLAUGHTER OF ELEPHANTS. 51 Leaving the black monarch to continue his directions, we ran quickly to the spot indicated, and mounted a tree that seemed to have been used frequently for the purpose of overlooking the pen. Hardly had we secured a comfortable seat, when the whole herd of elephants came tearing towards the trap, their trunks well up, and offering the prettiest shot for a marksman that I ever saw. The herd caught a glimpse of the opening, and saw that it was not guarded by the obnoxious vines. Then they charged towards the pen, and a struggle ensued as to which should first enter. A loud shout was heard in the woods, and a fresh blast of the reeds and blowing of the conchs. The elephants made a desperate struggle, and the foremost ones entered the enclosure, thus clear- ing the way for the others ; and in a few seconds the whole herd were safe within the pen, and their escape impossible. The natives then came from the woods, and piled up trees and branches in the opening, and their victory was complete. Previous to the entrance of the brutes, the natives had scattered their poisoned bananas on the enclosure, and as soon as the ani- mals found that their retreat was cut off, they commenced feeding upon them ; but half an hour elapsed before the effect of the poison was perceptible. Then they staggered and reeled like drunken men, and the massacre commenced. The Africans climbed the~trees which surrounded the pen, and showered down spear after spear, with wonderful precision, upon the defenceless brutes ; and as every spear penetrated the body of the monsters and remained sticking in the flesh, they soon resembled gigantic pin-cushions. Blood flowed in torrents ; but this only increased the ferocity of the Africans, and they shouted in triumph every time that a spear penetrated farther than usual. One by one the poor brutes sank down exhaused, and died with hardly a struggle ; but even after death the natives were not content with their work, but continued to hurl spears until they were overpowered by fatigue, and compelled to desist. Then the entrance to the pen was cleared of obstructions, and the Afri- cans rushed in to despoil the dead elephants of their tusks, for which all this slaughter had taken place. Disgusted with the African method of hunting, I left the tree, and was met by the king, who inquired how we liked the sport, but what answer Cringy returned I am unable to say. My reply was not compli- mentary, and I think that Murphy swore a little at what he called black cruelty. 52 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. CHAPTER IV. WE SAIL, AND MEET AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. A STERN CHASE. A TARN. A TERRIBLE PROPOSITION. AN ESCAPE. WHEN we reached the town the king took an affectionate leave of us, as we persisted in our determination to return to the Co- quette that night. He promised, if we would visit him again, to make an excursion and foray to some of the neighboring tribes, and show us how his Amazons could fight, during a battle, and we expressed due gratitude for the invitation, and a hope that we should live long enough to see his body-guard under fire. Our return to the Gabun was rapid, and we got sight of the Coquette before sundown. To our great surprise and joy, we saw that the Serpent had left her anchorage, and our hope was, that she had left the coast. Before we gained the side of the Coquette, we saw Ruez, and Murphy hailed him. " Where is that bloody old Englishman ? " he asked. " Gone," replied the Portuguese, waving his hat with joy. " And I hab but five dollar in pilotage fees," muttered Cringy, with rueful looks. " Cheer up, old feller," replied Murphy. " We have now a clear field, and if you put three hundred lively niggers on board of the Coquette to-morrow, five dollars shan't make you miser- able." This appeared to satisfy old Cringy, and the next instant we were alongside, and learned from Ruez that the night before, the Serpent had got underweigh unexpectedly, and stood out to sea. The supercargo had improved the opportunity, and got the guns up, and had already laid the slave deck, and we were then ready to receive our cargo as quick as it arrived. Instantly Cringy was all animation. He went on shore and despatched twenty of the largest canoes up the river for the slaves at King George's Town, and promised that they should be on board by noon the next day ; and he was up to his word, for by eleven o'clock the fleet of canoes hove in sight, with just the number we wanted for a cargo. The negroes were received SAIL, HO! 53 on the schooner's deck in gangs of ten, and then transferred to the hold, where they were placed in sitting positions, ranged in long lines, and shackled to iron rods which were firmly secured to the schooner's beams. In this manner not an inch of spare room was wasted, but the uncomfortable and confined position of the slaves can be imagined. By six o'clock all the negroes were on board ; the grated hatches, by which the slaves received light and air, were on and secured, and the Coquette was ready for sea. The business with Cringy had been settled during the afternoon, and a promise made to sup- ply us with another cargo six months hence, at the regular rates. As soon, therefore, as we had eaten supper, the order was passed to " up anchor," and with a light land breeze, we crossed the bar and shaped our course for Cuba. Wine was brought to the quarter-deck, and Murphy and Ruez drank success to the voyage. While this revelry was going on, one of the men startled us by the cry of, " Sail, ho ! " Murphy dashed the ^lass, which he was about raising to his lips > overboard, and sprang to the spot where the alarm was given. " Where away?" he asked, eagerly. . " Off our starboard quarter, sir ; just in the wake of the moon," replied the man, pointing with his fingers in the direction in- dicated. The captain levelled his spy-glass, and looked long and anxious- ly at the stranger, and without speaking a word, handed me his glass. No sooner had I glanced through it, than I recognized the low, heavy hull of the Serpent. " Well," asked the captain, as I drew a long breath, " what do you think of her?" ^ It is the Serpent," I answered, as calmly as I could. " I know it. Throw the log, and see how fast we are moving." I threw the log, and found tbat we were making nine knots, large. u We merely hold our own on this point of sailing," Murphy muttered, with another glance at the Englishman. " Were we on the wind we should leave him, I think." " The Serpent is reported to be the smartest sloop of war in the English navy," I said. 54 " I know it, and she will have to show her heels most effectual- ly to overhaul us. She is now about five miles astern, and if it was not for this cursed moon we could give her the slip without trouble. Thank fortune, he can't use his bow chasers at this distance, and if the worse comes to the worse, we can give shot for shot. I once escaped by means of a long Tom," Murphy said, after a few minutes' silence. u I was within two days' sail of the coast of Cuba, with five hundred blackbirds on board, when an inquisitive Englishman gave chase. He fired two or three shots, and I ran up Yankee colors, but it made no differ- ence. He was bound to board us, and as his ship sailed faster than my brig, there was a smart chance that he would succeed. His bow chasers were making a little extra work for the carpenter by splintering our spars, and as a last resort, I determined to return shot for shot. I got the midship gun ready, and pointed it with my own hands. The first shot carried away the English- man's fore-topmast, close by the cap. That riled him amazing- ly, and he hammered at me in double quick time, cutting holes in my sails and bringing some of them down by the run. My fourth shot took his main-topmast, and with it all the top-hamper, studding-sails, and royal, and top-gallant sails, and over the side they went, with a dozen or twenty topmen, who were wetting the sails to make them hold wind. It was a saucy trick, but it suc- ceeded." " And you escaped?" I asked. " Certainly but it cost me the brig, for the cuss repaired damages, and followed close on to my heels to the south side of Cuba ; and by the time I had landed my niggers, he was off the. port as good as new, and all was ready to send his boats in to cut me out. But I foiled him there, for I set fire to the brig and burned her to the water's edge." " The profits of that voyage, must have been small," I .re- marked. " We cleared over one hundred thousand dollars, and then had enough left to build this schooner and fit her out. But while we are talking the Serpent is gaining on us, or else I am deceived very much." The captain spoke truly. The Serpent was one complete mass of canvas, and looked, in the clear moonlight, like an iceberg drifting towards tropical climes. The schooner was carrying all A DEAD CALM. 55 the sail that she was designed to carry before the wind, but not in proportion to the ship, and we were now driven to the ex- pediency of inventing methods of urging the Coquette through the water at a faster rate. We took a flying-jib-boom, run a rope through the shive hole, and lashed it to our main boom, so as to project about twenty feet beyond the schooner's taffrail. Then we rove halyards and bent on a spare jib, and hoisted it to the gaff, trimmed aft our sheet, and had a new sail that pulled like a pony team. The Coquette felt the in- fluence, and for a short time I thought that we held our own with the ship ; but the hope was delusive, and other resorts were thought of and adopted. We rigged whips at the mast-heads, and dashed every sail with water, from the royal to the huge square-sail ; and the result justified our expectations, for the can- vas shrunk and held every breath of air that passed, and to our extreme satisfaction, we found that the Serpent no longer gained on us. Our triumph was a short one, for the wind gradually left us, and the sails flapped idly against the masts, or hung in wrinkles from the booms, while, to add to our mortifica- tion, the Serpent still continued to forge ahead, and evidently was bringing a breeze with her. 44 God has deserted us," muttered Murphy. " That is the last name that I should have -expected to hear you utter," I remarked, in astonishment. " Why ? " he replied, with some excitement ; " do you think that because I am engaged in the slave trade, I have no feeling of reverence for the Supreme Being? There are worse trades than the slave trade. But see that blasted ship how she is gaining on us ! " The captain's Christianity vanished with an oath. 41 There is not a breath of wind," muttered Murphy, u and I am fearful that we shan't have any to-night. If the sloop should take a fancy to get her boats out we might have a little brush." 44 He has got his boats out, I believe," I said, after a brief scrutiny through the glass while the captain was talking. Murphy snatched the glass from my hand, and looked long and earnestly. 44 By the piper that played before Moses, they are coming towards us, and intend to carry the Coquette by boarding. Call the hands up and load the guns, and see that Long Tom has a 56 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. double charge. But never mind ; I will load that gun myself, and try the effect of a long shot." The boats from the sloop of war, four in number, began to spread out as they advanced towards us, in the shape of a fan, for the purpose of distracting our fire, if we were disposed to resist. " Where is Ruez? " asked Murphy, after the guns were loaded. " He is still in the cabin, swigging at the wine," I replied. " He is a shrewd manager, but not fighter, as you shall see be- fore we get out of this brush." But while Murphy was talking, to my surprise, Ruez left his bottle, staggered on deck, and approaching the captain, spoke in the Portuguese language, which fortunately I understood. 44 We shall be taken," Ruez said, " and condemned, unless we do the old trick. Time enough if you say so." " There is not time enough," replied Murphy, sternly. u Even if there was, I will not sacrifice the niggers in that manner. The Portuguese staggered back to the cabin, and I saw no more of him until morning. " Do you know what he wanted me to do ? " inquired Murphy, turning to where I stood. " No." " He wanted to destroy all evidence of our being a slaver," the captain said, sinking his voice to a whisper. "For Heaven's sake, in what manner?" I asked. " There is but one way," the captain replied, pointing to the water, with a grim smile. " Drown them ! " I exclaimed, horrified at the idea. The captain nodded. " But you would not commit such a wicked and cruel act ? " I asked. " No, I will sooner run the risk of capture, and trial. I once saw it resorted to, and it was successful in saving the schooner ; but it was at the expense of three hundred niggers, every one of whom was thrown overboard with ten pound of shot at his feet. It was blowing fresh at the time, and no sooner did the wretches touch the water than they went under. The slave deck followed, and when we were overhauled and compelled to run under the guns of a sloop of war, there was nothing on board that could condemn us." A SHARP BRUSH. 57 While the captain was relating the above incident of slaver life, the boats from the ship were slowly approaching us. The crew thinking that Murphy was inclined to surrender without striking a blow, began to grumble. " The old man has lost his spunk ; he isn't the skipper that he was five years since, when I first knew him. There was a time when the boats of a bloody Englishman would not have dared to approach us like these," and other words of like effect. Murphy heard them, as it was intended that he should, and his eyes lighted up like those of a tiger, when it hears the step of a hunter. " They think that I won't fight," he said, in a whisper, " but I will soon give them a lesson. The boats are now within half a mile of us, and can be reached by our guns. I was in hopes to prevent the flow of blood, for I see a wind bank rising in the westward, and if we could get a few puffs we should soon be be- yond the reach of the boats and their crews." He turned to his men, and with a word stopped their growling. He sprang from the quarter-deck, and with a handspike pointed the long midship gun in the direction of the boat that was ap- proaching us off the starboard bow. Just at that moment the man-of-war's men cheered, and bent to their oars most lustily. Murphy squinted along the gun for the purpose of taking a good aim. " Fire ! " he cried, suddenly ; and as he spoke the schooner shook from stem to stern by the concussion. I saw the ball touch the top of a long swell, and then shatter the boat as though it had been made of paper. The cutter that was nearest to the one injured hastened to its relief, but the other two continued to come on as though determined to revenge the insult. Just at that moment a light breeze rippled over the wa- ter and filled our sails. " The schooner has steerage rig," I said. " Perhaps we can escape even now, and save human blood." " You are right," the captain replied. " Secure the gun, some of you, and the others trim the sails." The ship had not caught the catspaw that filled our sails, so we had an advantage, and were eager enough to keep it. We saw that the boats no longer gained on us, and that the Co- quette was moving through the water at the rate of about five 58 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. knots per hour, and that the wind was constantly increasing, al- though the only place that it came from was a large white cloud, which had been rolling over in the direction of the land, and which seemed to increase in volume as it approached us. " In with the square sails and all the light kites," the captain said, as soon as the guns were secured. " Work lively, men, for there is no time to lose. Clew down and clew up/' Murphy cast anxious and hurried glances to the windward, aa though speculating regarding the weather. " We shall catch it in a few minutes," he said ; " and when it does arrive it will come butt end foremost, like a nigger in a fight. See everything ready for letting go with a run, for a moment's delay may ruin us." " Are you afraid of that white cloud? " I asked. " Yes ; and let me tell you that there is more danger in those white clouds than if they were blacker than old Cringy's hide ; and if John Bull is not careful, he will give his carpenters work by morning. Ah, he has hoisted his boats up, and is after us like a laud shark trying to collect a bad debt. The fool has got every- thing spread like a first class ball-room belle." He had hardly finished speaking when we could see the squall coming, raising a line of white foam as it advanced, that glistened in the moonlight like piles of silver. " Let go everything by the run, down with the foresail and mainsail, and secure them with stops. Work lively, men, for now is our chance." The sails came fluttering to the deck, when they were secured by gaskets ; but, before the men had completed their work, the squall struck us upon our beam, and nearly buried us beneath the water and foam that flew over the deck. " Hard up ! " yelled Murphy ; and after a struggle the helm was obeyed, and the Coquette flew before the wind like -a bird on the wing. For a few minutes we could only hold on to the rigging, and save ourselves from being washed overboard by the waves, which were lifted by the gale and dashed upon the deck, frightening the negroes who were confined in the hold, and causing them to utter the most frantic yells. But as the Coquette got before the wind and minded her helm, we began to look around to see how much damage we had sustained. Luckily for us, the squall had struck A HEAVY SQUALL. 59 us under bare poles. We found that we had sustained but little damage, besides the loss of a top-gallant mast, which we could repair in an hour's time ; and after we had satisfied ourselves on that point, we turned to have a look at the Serpent, which we had last seen with all sail set close upon our heels. By our course we found that we were close on her ; but she was no longer to be feared as far as pursuit was concerned, for all three topmasts were gone close to the caps, and were in a con- fused mass alongside. We could see the officers of the ship on the quarter-deck looking at us, but even had they been so inclined, they could not have fired a shot, owing to the elevation of their Veather guns. In an hour's time the Serpent was out of sight ; and. then, as the wind moderated a little, we altered our course, and made sail for the port of our destination. We secured the guns for the night, tried the pumps, and were rejoiced to find that the schooner, in spite of the immense strain to which she had been subjected during the squall, was perfectly tight and uninjured. The next difficult thing that we had to contend with was to quiet the slaves, who still continued to utter shrill yells, as though they expected death every moment. The poor wretches were terribly sick, and it is no wonder that they were alarmed, when it is considered that sea-sickness, even with all the comforts of an attentive steward, and the resources of a cabin, is the most dis- agreeable feeling that can attack man or woman. That night I began to comprehend all the mysteries and mise- ries of the slave trade. The stench that arose -from the hatches was overpowering and sickly in the extreme, and it seemed as though I should vomit every time I inhaled it. My duty, how- ever, led me to look after the comfort of the captives as much as possible. " You will get used to this in time," the captain said, when he observed my expression of disgust. " We haven't begun to get it sweet yet. Wait till we have been in hot weather two or three weeks, and get short of water. Then they will smell loud ; and if a man-of-war is six miles to the leeward of us, the officers, if old hands to the African coast, can tell that we have slaves on board. All the perfume in the city of Cologne could not banish the smell." My mind was too much occupied with the, scenes through which 60 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. I had passed that night to admit of sleep, and I was not sorry o pace the deck, and consider whether I should continue the dangerous life I was embarked upon. I lighted a cigar, and hour after hour thought of the narrow escape which we met with, and debated whether it was worth the gold I was to receive to continue to run such risks. I arrived at the conclusion that it was not, and if landed safe at Cuba, I would leave the Coquette, and seek to gain an honest livelihood in other business. When my watch was out, I left the deck in charge of lie second mate, and tried to sleep, but continually before my eyes would rise the scenes through which I had passed, and most prom- inent of all was the sinking of the boat and the struggling crew, sent to Davy Jones's locker when they least expected death, and were least prepared for it. I was not sorry to see daylight, and when I went on deck found that Murphy and Ruez had pre- ceded me, and were sweeping the horizon with glasses to see if they could discover a sail, but nothing was in sight. The ocean was quiet, and only a light breeze rippled over the water, just suf- ficient to fill our sails, and send us along upon our course about four knots per hour. " You are up early," said Murphy, as T made my appearance. " What is the matter ? Did last night's scenes trouble your mind ? " " I have thought much of last evening's doings," I replied, " and must confess that I'm not infatuated with the life of a slaver." " Pshaw, don't mind that ; think of the money that we should have lost had the Englishman captured us, as he intended to do." Suddenly there was a terrible yell in the hold, as though every negro confined there was determined to test his lungs, and see how muclTnoise he could make. "Ah, that sounds lively," cried Murphy, rubbing his hands with a look of real pleasure. " For Heaven's sake what amusement can you find in that hor- rid discord? " I inquired. " The certainty of hunger," was the reply. " The rascals feel like eating and drinking, and as long as they continue in that state, there is no danger of their committing suicide." As such terrible cries needed some attention, I called the crew up and prepared to feed the slaves, who had eaten nothing since they came on board. % As feeding them was an important part of FEEDING THE SLAVES. 61 a slaver's life, I will show the reader how we proceeded. la the first place, six of the men were armed with loaded muskets and cutlasses, and stationed near the hatchway, with orders to shoot the first negro who mamifested signs of mutiny, as they sometimes did, when carried away by despair, or swayed by hunger. The hatches or gratings were removed, and twenty negroes allowed to come on deck at one time, for the purpose of inhaling fresh air, eating their supply of rice and bread, and drinking a pint of water each. The latter article appeared to be the one most prized, and it was wonderful to see how eagerly they clutched their share, and swallowed it at a draught, and looked with longing eyes for more. But water was as precious to us as gold, and only the regular allowance could be permitted. We had one captive who was a splendid-looking fellow, as straight as an arrow, and over six feet tall. He must have pos- sessed immense strength, for his chest was broad, and the muscles of his arms were prodigious. He had been a chief in his country, and those who were confined nearest to his person looked upon him with the most abject reverence ; and the chief accepted it, in spite of his fetters, as though heivas entitled to it, and born to receive homage. As a general thing it is bad policy to have a sulky and com- plaining slave on board. One negro who continues to grumble and fret will set the others at work, until they grow more miser- able at each day's confinement, and lose all flesh and all spirit by the time the vessel has reached its destination. Ruez had intimated to Murphy that the ex-chief was not a proper man to receive on board, and the captain knew as much ; but he was ambitious of taking to Cuba the best looking negro who had been landed for many months, sure that he would com- mand a large price as a field hand on a sugar plantation. When the chief's turn arrived to visit the deck, Murphy gave express orders that he should be treated with kindness, and that It was to be humored a little. The man whose duty it was to remove the shackles, had no respect for a negro, and disobeyed these commands. When the chief refused to move, or remained doggedly quiet, the sailor kicked him on his ribs, and that awakened the slumbering devil in the slave's disposition. We supplied the division to which the chief belonged with fooi and water, but all attempts to make the huge negro eat were fruitless. 62 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. I reported to the captain that the chief was obstinate, and Mur- phy went to see what effect his words would have upon his pet, as he called him. The captain, however, was no more success- ful than the rest of us. The negro was scornful, and pointed, as well as his ironed hands would permit, to the sailor who had abused him. The captain misunderstood the action, and thought that the slave refused to eat because he was manacled. He or- dered that his irons should be struck off, which was done, and the chief's countenance lighted up with an expression of ferocious joy that was not very inviting to look upon. He stretched out his arms and rubbed the numbed flesh, but still he did not mani- fest any signs of partaking of the food which was offered him. " Put the fool below again," said Murphy, pettishly. The men advanced to obey the order ; but before they could touch the negro he suddenly turned, and with a powerful blow knocked down the man who was nearest, and then with a spring gained the side of the sailor who had kicked him. " Seize him ! " roared Murphy ; but the order was too late. The men rushed towards the chief; but before they could reach him he had wound his powerful arms around the struggling sailor, lifted him as easily as though a child, gained the bulwarks of the vessel, and plunged overboard. This was the last we saw of the chief and his victim. Both sank and rose no more. " A thousand dollars gone to Davy Jones's locker," muttered Murphy, *' and all owing to a kick. Well, it was a dear one, and I shall have to make it up by taking the amount out of the dead fool's wages, as I don't think his heirs will make their ap- pearance to claim them." Aft^r that we exercised extra precautions against suicide ; for if slaves once become dissatisfied, and desire to die, they will strangle each other, or resort to any means to produce death. In this respect they equal the Chinese. Day after day passed, and at length we neared Cuba, the island of our destination. Our cargo began to show the effects of close confinement, and it was no uncommon thing to find as many as six dead slaves when we took off the hatches in the morning. The living ones lost their flesh and resembled skeletons, listless and stupid, without any appearance of hope, or desire to live. The steuch which they emitted was terrible, and every day we THE SIGNALS. 68 feared that a fever would break out and decimate the ranks of the negroes with frightful rapidity. But fortune favored us at length, and we got a slant of wind and crowded sail for the little port of Quitero, on the south side of Cuba, and near two hundred miles from Havana. As we ran in towards the small harbor, night overtook us, so it was impossible to tell whether the coast was clear of English men-of-war, or whether one was lurking in the bay. Still Mur- phy knew the port, and had no hesitation in pointing the nose of the Coquette direct for it ; but when we were within a mile of the anchorage we shortened sail and " hove to," and with our night glasses endeavored to pierce the gloom. Vie could see lights on the shore, but none on the water ; but we knew that it was a trick frequently resorted to by men-of-war to keep dark> in hope of drawing in slavers, and then * capturing them without any trouble. " We must make our usual signal," Murphy said, turning to Ruez. i4 1 don't dare run in until it is answered. If the" agent is not there, we must wait until morning, and run the risk. Get the blue lights, and have them ready." A package of blue lights was brought on deck, and a man sta- tioned at the bows, a second midship, and a third on the quarter- deck, so that a line of blue fire would extend the whole length of the schooner. The lights burned out, and the darkness was more intense than ever. We watched the shore anxiously for the purpose of seeing if our signal was answered. Minute after minute passed, and there was no response. " The agent is not there, by thunder ! " muttered the captain ; but har.dly had he uttered the words when a rocket flashed into the air. " That's one," cried Murphy, with an expression of joy. Another rocket, of pale green stars, was thrown into the- air, and then all was quiet as before. " That's two," cried Murphy. " The fellow is there, sure enough. One more, and the coast is clear." Five minutes elapsed before the third rocket was let off. It was a pale white one, with but a few stars of the same color. 41 Draw away the jib ; put your helm up. The coast is clear, and we are safe at last, thank God." When we were within half a mile of the harbor we heard the 64 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. sound of oars, and through the darkness could make out a boat approaching us. " Boat, ahoy ! " hailed Murphy, in his sternest tones. 'Amiga*,'* was the response. ' Buenos" Murphy continued. " Noches" replied the speaker in the boat. " It is our agent," the captain said ; and in the next instant the boat was alongside, and a Spaniard sprang upon deck, and greeted the captain and supercargo most heartily. "The devil but I am glad to see you," Murphy said. "I feared that the wolves were around, and that we should have trouble in landing." " And so you would yesterday, but to-day the coast is clear as a priest's conscience after a fortnight's fast. I have been here a week, and looked for you every day. You have come in time, for the price of slaves is up, and none in the market." By daylight the slaves were on shore, and on their way to the interior, and all evidence of slave traffic was also landed, and put in a place of safety. CHAPTER V. THE SERPENT AGAIN. AN EXCHANGE OP CIVILITIES. HAVANA ONCE MORE. ON SHORE. A DANGEROUS FLIRTATION, AND WHAT CAME OP IT. " WE intend to run down to Havana, and have a little fun on shore before we start for another cruise," Murphy said, one day, about a week after our cargo was landed. " I did intend to quit the business," I said, after some hesitancy. " What, quit a trade that is paying you five or six thousand dollars per year? You will do no such thing, nor think of such a thing, after a week's run on shore. You have seen only the dark side of a slaver's life. Wait until you see the bright side, before you make up your mind." And I listened to the voice of the tempter and faltered. My good resolutions were entirely forgotten, or banished from my mind, and I only longed for the time when I could find some con- AN IMPERATIVE ORDER. 65 eolation on shore, as a recompense for my dangerous and arduous duties. Before we left Quitero we altered our rig most materially. We sent down our square sails and yards, and made the Coquette a regular fore and after. Then the outside was altered the nar- row red ribbon was painted over with a streak of white, and the dark sides were rendered brighter by a coat of green, which rather spoiled the looks of the schooner, so even her best friend would not have recognized her half a mile distant. After our arrangements were completed we left Quitero, intend- ing to return to that port again as soon as we had laid in a stock of provisions, and once more take on board the spars and slave deck which we had left behind. We worked our way steadily towards Havana, and when within ten miles of Moro Castle, our old enemy, the Serpent, was seen off the port, standing off and on under easy sail, and evidently looking for us, for the instant we were discerned under the land, the man-of-war made sail, tacked ship, and stood towards us, luffing well up, so that we could not enter the harbor without passing within range of his guns. Mur- phy manifested no uneasiness, nor made the slightest attempt to escape. We were not suffered to get nearer the land without some slight notice from the Englishman, and it was manifested by his pitching an eighteen pound shot directly across our bows. " That means show your flag," muttered Murphy. " We will gratify him. Let him look upon the yellow bunting of Spain, and see if it will suit him." The flag was run up, but did not seem to satisfy the com- mander of the Serpent, for in a few minutes a second shot was fired, and it struck very near our cutwater. u Well done, John Bull. You are improving in gunnery, and if we offer ourselves as targets much longer, you will hit some- where. Haul the jib to the windward, ease off the fore and main sheets, and put the wheel down. The^re is nothing like politeness upon the ocean." The captain's orders were obeyed, and in a few seconds the Co- quette was stationary upon the water, while the Englishman, who was to the windward, edged away cautiously, as though fearful there was some trick in our compliance, and was determined not to be cheated. " See the effect of having a bad name," laughed Murphy. 5 66 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " The Englighman suspects the schooner is the same one that slipped through his fingers off the coast of Africa, and he don't like to trust us.*' The man-of-war neared us, and we could see that the captain held a glass in his hand, which was often levelled at the schooner, as though puzzled at our new paint. The Serpent still keeping the windward, ranged alongside with its battery frowning upon us. 44 Schooner, ahoy ! " the captain cried. 44 Well," was Murphy's laconic answer. 44 What schooner is that?" was demanded; and the tone was fierce, as though no trifling was to be admitted. 44 This is the schooner Coquette, Captain Ruez, bound for Havana and a market." 44 Where are you from? " " We left the river Gabun three weeks since, after lying there a month waiting for a cargo, which we did not get." " You are not sticking to the truth, sir," the English captain said, haughtily. 44 A lie well stuck to is as good as the truth," Murphy replied, with a boldness and spirit that must have astonished the English- man. 44 1 shall send a boat on board, sir ; and if you are the one who dared to fire at my boats, I shall take you as a lawful prize." 44 Do so, by all means, if you think best. We have made a poor voyage, and as peaceable traders, would like to make up for our losses." The Englishman dropped his cutter in the water with a sudden- ness that was startling. It showed that he was in earnest in what he was about to do. We received the officer who landed upon our deck, backed by a dozen jolly tars, armed with cutlasses, and a brace of pistols for each man, in the most polite manner. The officer glanced over our deck in expectations of seeing the guns, with which we were armed when we met the Serpent at sea, but which we had pru- dently landed at Quitero. Finding nothing that excited sus- picions, he turned to Murphy. 44 Where is the gun which destroyed one of our boats, and killed four of our men?" he asked, sternly. 44 1 don't understand you," the captain replied, blandly. 44 Blast your comprehension then," the Englishman answered. BANTERING- AN ENGLISH OFFICER. 67 " You know what I mean well enough. You fired at one of our boats didn't you ? " " No," answered Murphy, with the most confident assurance. The officer was staggered by the lie, and could not speak for some seconds. ** Did we not chase you off the coast of Africa? " the English- man asked, at length. " Not that I know of," was the very calm answer. " I know better, sir. You were loaded with slaves, which you have landed ; you only escaped by the aid of a sudden squall. Can you deny that?" " I can and do deny it, and I dare you to pro.ve your asser- tions." " 'Tis the same schooner," muttered the officer, confidently. " Rig and paint the same, I suppose," said Murphy, sarcastically. u O, I am up to that dodge, aud understand it. Paint costs but little, and is easily put on." " And civility also costs but little, but I seldom meet with it at sea," the captain said, insolently. The officer bit his lip, aud looked as though he would like to hang every one of us to our own spars. " The question is this," said Murphy. " Do you wish us to haul down our flag and surrender as a prize, or do you intend to let us continue our course, and make Havana? You have the power to do one or the other, aud I am waiting patiently for you to decide." The officer did not reply. He motioned to his men, and they removed the main hatches ; but nothing was to be seen but dun- nage and watercasks. The effluvia of slaves, however, was strong, and it fairly scented the atmosphere. u I smell slaves ! " the officer exclaimed, turning up his nose. " Can you see any ? " asked Murphy, with a chuckle. The officer did not reply. He sent men into the hold to search for a slave deck and for shackles, bu.t neither was to be found. Then our papers were overhauled, but they were correct, and bore the stamp of the Havana Custom House. They looked the schooner over once more, but nothing but the terrible stench which would issue from the hold, was to be found against us. They left us, and we remained quiet until the boat was hoisted up, and the officer had made his report. Then Murphy hailed, 68 , A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " Ship, ahoy ! " he cried. " Am I now at liberty to proceed on my voyage ? " For a few minutes there was no reply ; then the captain of the Serpent responded, *' You may go," he said ; " but I will catch you some day." " Thank you," answered Murphy, raising his hat ; " I hope not. The English ship is not yet built that can catch us." In an hour's time we were half a mile to the windward, and half a mile ahead. This was triumph enough for us, and muster- ing all hands on deck, we cheered most lustily. The Englishman heard us, and his disgust was complete. He put his helm hard up, rounded in his yards, and went skimming off before the wind, as though bidding us a long farewell. We beat up to the en- trance of Havana harbor, ran in under easy sail, and dropped anchor close to the mole. The second day after our arrival the crew received one hun- dred dollars each, as an advance of what they were really to have ; and with the money, permission to go on shore and enjoy them- selves for a week. To make up for their absence, we hired half a dozen shoremen to take care of the vessel, and see that she was kept in good order. At the same time I was informed that the amount of money which was really due me, was near three thousand dollars, and as an earnest that I was to receive it, I got a check on Messrs. Riego & Nearti, the great slave bankers, for the gold. Anxious to see something of Havana life, I dressed myself in my best, and left Murphy to look after the schooner, and figure up the profits of the voyage. " You had better take a small revolver with you," the captain said, when he saw that I was dressing with as much taste as possible, and had eschewed all sailor habiliments. " I think that I can read your face and thoughts, and it might be well to go prepared while on shore. The Spanish women are not always faithful, and the Spaniards are sometimes jealous. If you won't wait a day or two and have my company, you had better go armed. Take a revolver, and be carefnl how you use it. If you should get into trouble and want help, shout as loud as you can the word ''Africa] and if any of our organization is within hail- ing distance, you won't be deserted." I took the captain's advice, and put a small revolver in my pocket. As soon as I landed, I steered for the banker's and pre- A PORTRAIT. 69 sented my check, and after a brief glance at my face it was paid, without the slightest hesitancy. "Has the senor any commands for our firm? "the old man said, who paid me the money. " I see that the senor has made a successful voyage, and that the Coquette is likely to earn her owners much gold. I thank the saints that the cursed English were tricked." Here was a man whom I had never seen before, yet who knew me and the vessel to which I belonged. It was a mystery, and I asked for information. " O," he answered, with a dry smile, u we have a register con- taining the names and description of all the prominent officers engaged in the slave trade, so that in case of misfortune or cap- ture we should know whom to help with money or influence. You are engaged in a business that requires much secrecy, but as long as you are faithful and attentive to it, your name will stand well upon our books, and assistance will always be rendered you from a common fund ; but you must distinctly understand that only upon conditions of your being faithful and active in the service." I had no idea that the trade was carried on so systematically. For the purpose of testing the old gentleman's assertion, I ven- tured to ask for a description of myself; and without the slightest hesitation, he turned to a large book, and read, " 4 Ernest Robert, mate of schooner Coquette, American, twenty-two years of age, five feet ten inches high, dark hair and black eyes, white teeth, intelligent, and a good navigator, will bear promotion by and by, if faithful/ There," said the senor Biego, " is your portrait, and a very flattering one it is. You stand high upon our books, and it depends upon yourself to stand even higher. A fortune is before you, if prudent and attentive." The old senor closed his secret volume, and restored it to the huge safe from whence he took it, and by that time my funds were counted out and spread before me in gold ounces. u Is there anything that we can do for you to-day?" the senor Riego asked. " Yes," I replied, after a moment's thought. " You will please take charge of this money until I send an order for it, or come after it in person. Two or three hundred dollars will be suf- ficient for me to expend while I am on shore." 14 A wise resolution," said Mr. Riego. u I suppose that you 70 A SLAVEE'S ADVENTURES. are on shore for a frolic, and I hope that you will be discreet and drink no more than will be necessary for your health, and above all things avoid gambling." The old Spaniard smiled as though he knew that his advice was all lost ; but just as I was turning to leave his counting-room, he said, " You are a stranger here, and I fear may be swindled by knaves. I will send one of my young men with you, and he will introduce you to all places of amusement. Francisco, go with the American and look after his welfare." A youth, with large, black eyes and sallow face, slipped on his white linen coat, and then advanced and extended his hand with a conciliating smile. We shook hands like old friends, and left the banker's house together. We entered a cafe on the Plaza, called for ices and cigars, and they were brought us ; and while we were chatting on different subjects, two ladies entered and took seats very near us. One was young and very handsome, while the other I judged to be about forty. 41 She is very beautiful,'* I said, turning to Francisco, my com- panion. He laughed, and lighted a fresh paper cigar. I would give a trifle for an introduction," I continued. " I suppose she is some rich man's daughter, and is destined to marry a title as well as a fortune." Francisco continued to laugh, and would give me no explana- tion. " She is very beautiful, and very dangerous," he said at length ; and sent the ladies a bundle of paper cigars by a waiter. They acknowledged the compliment with a bow, and a slight smile. I was anxious to open a conversation with them, but Francisco refused to encourage me. He seemed adverse to such intimacy with the strangers, but for what reason I was at a loss to imagine. Suddenly the ladies threw away their cigars, paid their bill, and rose to depart. The younger one turned her flash- ing eyes upon me for one moment, and in that glance I read as plain as though she had spoken, " I dare you to follow me, sir ; " and as though to make the invitation plainer, she dropped her glove upon the floor in such a manner, that mistake was im- possible. As soon as they reached the door I seized the glove, and determined to restore it to its owner without delay. I saw FOLLOWING A LEAD. 71 the ladies enter a volante, and the younger one looked back to see if I followed. " Where are you going? " asked Francisco. u To restore a glove," I answered. In another instant I was in the street, sprang into a passing volante, and told the driver to follow the one which contained the ladies. " I will meet you here at nine this evening," shouted Fran- cisco, standing on the sidewalk laughing. We rode over the Plaza, and then dashed through a long street that led towards the country. Occasionally my dark-eyed maid looked back to see if I followed, and once she waved her ungloved hand, as though bidding me to come on. " Never fear, young lady,'* I muttered, " I will keep you with- in sight for a dog watch at least ; " and when my driver slackened his pace, I had only to promise an extra reward to make him renew it. In a few minutes we stopped in front of a house where the volante had left the ladies, and I lost no time in dismounting. I walked up a lane, bordered with orange trees in full bloom, on both sides, until I reached the house, which was a neat, unpre- tending building, two stories high, and like many of the houses in Cuba, constructed of stone and wood. The front door of the mansion was invitingly open, but, to my extreme disgust, a huge dog stood there also, and showed his teeth in a menacing manner, but otherwise manifested no signs of attack. I looked at the dog, and the dog returned the compliment with every tooth in his head. To proceed would have subjected the dog to a certain death, or my coat to a rupture, and being on a friendly visit, I did not care for either extremity. While I was thus situated, who should make her "appearance but my divinity, looking much prettier than the figure head of the Coquette. When she saw the position which the brute and myself occupied, she smiled so pleasantly that I had a great mind to fall down and worship her. She spoke to the dog, and he retired growling, as though he rather disliked her interference. "Who did the sener wish to see?" the lady asked, just as though she didn't know. " The lady who left her glove in the cafe" I replied, producing the piece of kid, which did not look large enough for an infant. 72 A SLATER'S ADVENTURES. " Ah, I am so forgetful," she cried ; " I had no idea that I left it. I thank you a thousand times ; " and she extended her hand to receive the prize. I managed to touch her hand as I handed the glove to her, and that touch was like an electric spark to my nerves. The blood bounded through my veins like the Coquette in a stiff breeze over the ocean. " As you have been to so much trouble on my account, I shall be happy to repay you in some way. Will the senor enter the house, and refresh himself with some fruit and a glass of wine?" Of course I said that I would, and she ushered me into an apartment that was furnished with scrupulous neatness and plain- ness. I took a seat, while she left the room, begging me to excuse her for a few minutes. While she was gone, I congratulated my- self on my assurance, and hoped that the adventure would end pleasantly. In a few minutes the lady returned, accompanied by a huge negro, over six feet highland stout as an ox. He bore a waiter that contained oranges, bananas, and apples. " Come, senor," she said, with a frank smile, " you must be tired. Let my hospitality be the means of restoring you." She motioned the negro to place a chair for me at a table, and took one herself. " Shall I bring the wine, senorita? " the negro inquired. " Yes, bring the wine the weak wine," she replied. " You are a stranger in Havana ? " she asked, as she cut an orange with a silver knife. " I am, lady ; but I hope I shall be well acquainted before I leave the city." " Have you many acquaintances in Havana ? " she asked, care- " Not more than two," I replied, without a moment's thought. u And those are very dear to you?" she said, with what I thought was womanly curiosity. " I have no one that is dear to me in the world," I replied. " What? " she asked, " have you never loved? " " Never until the present time." She smiled, as though she was far from being displeased at my boldness. After a moment's silence she said, ' Are you an American, senor?" she asked, with a sweet look. A LITTLE LOVE MAKING. 73 " Yes, senorita." " I have beard that Americans are very rich, and are quite free with their money." " They are liberal, but all are not rich. I wish that you would test the former. Send me to the city, and bid me bring you a present. Name what you want, and I will secure it/'. She appeared to think for a moment, as though she had a mind to try my liberality. But she thought better of it, and shook her head. " We are strangers," she said, " and it would not be proper for me to accept presents. My aunt would frown." " But we are not to remain strangers always," I said ; and I ventured to touch her fingers, as though accidentally. She did not withdraw her hand, and I grew bolder. " I don't know that I can confide in you, and yet you look honest," she said. " Trust me once, and if I deceive you, never trust me again," I replied. " But a maiden can trust but once. If she lose confidence, then all hope leaves her heart." " Then you are unmarried?" I cried. " Of course I am ; " and she laughed most merrily. " Then I have gained information that lifts a -burden from my heart. I will be bold, and hope that you will pardon me. I love you." She gave a little scream, and put her hand to my mouth. I kissed it, and retained my hold of it in spite of a faint struggle. Just at that moment a door opened, and the giant negro looked into the room. " You called me, senorita," he said. " No, Antonio, I did not call." u Does the senorita wish for anything?" " Nothing, Antonio." " Will not the senorita have a bottle of wine cool wine?" " No. You can go," she said, addressing the slave ; but he did not move, and I thought that the lady looked frightened. " You black rascal," I said, rising from my chair ; " if you don't obey the lady, I'll break your head." I saw that the girl exchanged glances with the negro, and then the latter seemed inclined to be more friendly. 74 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. u I thought that the lady called me," he said ; and bowing in a surly manner closed the door. 44 Antonio is very careful of me," she cried, with a laugh that was a little forced. " He is- rather inclined to look upon all who visit me in the light of lovers, and fears that their intentions are evil. He has been in our family many years, and is treated as a favorite. I shall have to scold him for his familiarity." I was satisfied with the explanation, and somehow, little by little, she managed to draw from me the fact that I had some three hundred dollars in gold in my pockets, and that I was not particular in what maflner I spent it. " I have heard that American gentlemen are always armed with horrid pistols or knives, as though they expected to be at- tacked every moment." I remembered the six-barrelled revolver I had in my pocket, but I felt ashamed to acknowledge I had one, and I determined to deny it. *' Americans never go armed unless they expect danger. Now why should I carry weapons, when my visit is one of love and not warfare? I should feel humiliated if I thought you sus- pected as much." " O, but I don't suspect such a thing. Besides, you look as though you would not insult a lady by entering her presence with a pistol." I bowed, and wished my revolver on board the Coquette, for I felt that it would be humiliating to be detected in a falsehood. We chatted familiarly on various topics, and at length I thought that it was time for me to return to the city. 44 You will allow me to call again, I trust," I said, and arose. 44 But you have no intention of leaving me at this early hour ? " she asked, with a hand on my shoulder. u You are charming," I cried, and put an arm around her waist and drew her towards me. Blast that nigger ! He would persist in opening the door just at the wrong time. I had hardly encircled her waist, when I % heard the door creak, and the lady sprang from my embrace. I looked up and saw the negro regarding us. 44 You can remove the fruit," the girl said, carelessly, " and inform my aunt that the senor intends to remain all night." I almost doubted the evidence of my senses. Here was an AN INVITATION. 75 invitation that I had no thoughts of receiving, consequently I was raised to the highest pitch of happiness. Even the brawny negro seemed pleased, and smiled his satisfaction. Carried away by the warmth of my feelings, I grew more com- municative, and pleaded my love in no measured terms, and while I was dodging when the negro entered the apartment, and kissing the girl when his back was turned, think that I got along very well for a new beginner. At any rate, she manifested such partiality for me, that I had some thought of proposing mar- riage ; but I recollected Murphy's advice " to see how the land lay before splicing was broached," and accordingly so governed myself. I had no need to blame the lady's coldness or want of hospitality, and by the time we had dined, and I had been introduced to Senorita Olivado, the aunt of Isadora, I felt that I was quite at home, and took good care to make myself as agreeable as possible. The afternoon wore away most pleasantly. I hinted once or twice for a walk in the garden, but each time my wish was opposed on some trifling ground that was not satis- factory, although I did not urge matters. " By the way," Isadora asked, " did the driver of the volante tell you that he should call for you ? " "No. Why do you ask?" " Simply because I will send you to town in- my carriage, in the moruing, without trouble. You had no acquaintance with him?" she continued, after a moment's thought. " I should hardly know him again, or he me," was my answer. " That is good." She apparently spoke without thinking, for she flushed suddenly, and then kissed me, as though to banish all unpleasant thoughts. When the lamps were lighted, I saw that the number of negroes in the house had increased. That in addition to Antonio there were two others, not as large as the first named, but stout, ath- letic fellows, and rather above the condition of slaves. Their movements were independent, as though they were privileged servants, and had been pampered until spoiled. At length the hour arrived for retiring, and I gently intimated to my fair companion that I should like to seek my couch. Lighting a lamp, she bade me follow her, and we passed up a flight of stairs, through a door that was so extremely massive, that I wondered to what use it was ever put. Beaching the head of the 76 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. stairs, I found two rooms which were located in the rear part of the house, but they communicated with each other by a door that had neither lock nor bolt. " Here, seuor, is where you are to sleep," she said, entering the larger room of the two, which contained a wardrobe, a bed, two chairs, a wash-bowl, and pitcher. These things I noticed at a glance " And where do you sleep, senorita?" I asked, with a warm kiss. She pointed to the next room, and smiled. " There is no lock on the door," I said. " There is no occasion for one," was the reply. " I trust to your honor not to disturb me during the night." I think that I made no vows, unless a dozen kisses can be called such ; and then we parted, the lady leaving me the light for the purpose of undressing. I heard Isadora in the next room, as though she was preparing for rest, and I had a mind to speak with her regarding the security of the house ; but abandoned the idea, and was about to set my lamp down upon a chair, when I saw a spot upon the floor that attracted my attention. I held the light to it, and saw that it was dark, and of the color of blood. For the first time a suspicion darted through my brain that perhaps the lady, whom I had promised to love so devotedly, was not what she seemed. I tried to account for the spot in various ways ; but the more I pondered on the subject, the more perplexed did I grow. I saw that attempts had been made to erase the stain, even by scraping the wood ; but the fluid had sank deep into the cedar, and showed as clear and distinct as when it first fell. While I was thus occupied, Isadora called to me : " Has the senor retired ? " she asked. " No ; I am thinking," I replied. " And of what is the senor thinking ? " 44 How much I love you ? " I rejoined. She laughed, and I paid no more attention to the spot upon the floor. I threw off my light coat, removed my shoes, and then turned down the sheets of my bed. The linen was clean and white, and the hair mattress looked inviting. I finished un- dressing, placed my gold in a belt around my person, and got into bed. THE LIGHT IS OUT. 77 " Isadora," I said, " I am in bed." " Then why not extinguish the light?" she asked, as though she had been waiting at the door, listening to my movements. " You must come and do that," I replied. " Me? " she cried. " I am sure I shan't." "Then let it burn-all night." There was no response on her part, but I thought I heard a suppressed whispering in her room. I listened attentively, but could make nothing of the words used. I removed my revolver from under my pillow, where I had placed it, and by holding a sheet over it, was enabled to examine it carefully. The charges were all right, and I placed it in a convenient place, so that I could lay hands upon it in case of necessity ; for somehow I be- gan to feel as though I had mistaken the house, and that my adventure was not likely to terminate as pleasantly as I supposed. The whispering still continued, but I was determined to let the girl know I heard it. " Isadora," I said, " who are you talking with?" There was silence for a moment, and then she spoke. " You heathen," she cried, " I am saying my prayers, which is more than you have done, I'll warrant." She laughed, and I again felt my stock of confidence rising. I rested my head upon my pillow, and just at that moment my light was extinguished, but in what manner I could not tell. * When I looked at the lamp a moment beforfe it was burning brightly, and there was sufficient oil to last half the night. " Hullo, Isadora," I cried, " the light has extinguished itself. There is no occasion for your presence here." There was no response. " Do you hear me ? or have you fallen asleep ? " Still there was no answer. I thought she was remaining si- lent for the purpose of inducing me to seek for a response. I was easily tempted in those days, and I do not hesitate to say that I left my bed and groped my way towards the room occupied by Isadora. I reached the door and paused. I had some re- spect for her position, after all. " Isadora," I whispered, " don't be alarmed. I have visited you for the purpose of having a little private conversation. You will pardon me won't you ? " Still she remained wilfully silent. I grew bolder, and left tho 78 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. door open, advancing in the direction of the bed, or where I sup- posed it rested. " Isadora," I continued, " are. you asleep? " . There was no reply. I hit my shin against a chair, and the pain provoked an English oath of some magnitude. u She is pretending sleep," I thought, and I continued my in- vestigations as soon as the pain would permit me. I reached the bed, and felt carefully for the purpose of discovering which was the head of it ; and when I had done so, I once more whispered a caution not to be afraid, and put my hand upon that part of it where I supposed I should find the person of the lady. To my intense disgust and disappointment Isadora was not there ; and what was worse, it was evident that she had not laid down. I dressed, and then sought to open the door which led down stairs, but to my surprise it was fastened on the outside, and all quiet attempts to open it were futile. I did not get alarmed, for I thought there was no occasion for such feeling ; but I did sit down in a chair, and curse in a quiet manner, for allowing my- self to be tricked by a woman whom I thought was all innocence and simplicity. But cursing would not relieve me, so I concluded to stretch out on the floor, and rest with my eyes open until morning. I thought that perhaps if I laid upon the bed I might fall asleep, and not wake up again in good order and condition. Two or^three hours passed, and I think that at length I grew drowsy, for I was suddenly startled by a movement that proceeded from the direction of the wardrobe. I remained perfectly still, and listened. The noise ceased, but I could hear a subdued whis- per that was rather ominous. The talking died away, and all was still for a few minutes, and then came a sudden creak, as though the doors of the wardrobe were opening slowly. I strained my eyes, and tried to discover who was in the room ; but the darkness was too intense, and I could only listen and re- main silent. All was quiet for ten minutes ; but I fancied I heard deep breathing, as though some one was waiting. Then I heard a whisper, and could make out what was said. " I tell you he is asleep and on the bed." The voice was that of Isadora. The handsome little wretch I began to comprehend that she was not the amiable person I sup- posed her to be. " You are sure he is not armed ? " I heard Antonio ask. IN THE DARK. 79 " Did he not say so? Did he not look offended when I hinted such a thing ? " u True and you are sure of the money? " "He has it with him in gold. But I wish you would take it and spare his life. ' He loves me so dearly." " You are a fool," Antonio cried ; and I thought his voice, even as low as it was, partook of some feeling of jealousy. " Don't let us stand here whispering all night. Let us work." That voice belonged to one of the negroes whom I had seen at the house after dark. " If you had let me brought in the drugged wine," Antonio said, " he would have slept so soundly that there would have been no trouble." " But there will be no trouble now if you spare his life. You had better do so, for the last one created some stir." " Bah ! " cried the giant negro ; " you love the white man, and would save his life. He shall die." I heard the scoundrels move across the room, and reach the bed. I held my breath and listened. There was a moment's pause, and then a heavy blow was struck that made me shudder. It was evident that the villain, thinking I was on the bed, had struck with a knife, intending to make short work of me. " Have you finished him ? " asked Antonio's companion, speak- ing no longer in a whisper. " He is not here 1 " cried Antonio ; and I thought that he mani- fested some alarm. " Not there? Where in the devil's name has he gone? " * " He must be in the next room. He has gone in search of Isadora, and fallen asleep." . " Then let us light a lamp and find him," one of the negroes said. I sat up, revolver in hand, while the ruffians were lighting the lamp. * l He is in the next room," Antonio said, in a whisper. " Let us go and fix him while he sleeps," the other cried ; and they were moving towards the door, when I spoke. "If you are looking for me, you need not go far," I said, rising to my feet, and keeping my revolver concealed from their view. The negroes started, and turned suddenly towards me. Each 80 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. was armed with a knife, and the expression of their faces showed that they were determined to use them. They made a move- ment towards me, holding the light in such a manner that they could see if I carried anything in my hands. Isadora had disap- peared. " Don't advance another step," I said, calmly. " You are al- ready near enough." They halted and looked at me, but seeing no arms, still sup- posed that I was defenceless. "What do you wish?" I asked. "If you want my money, you can have it, but not by force." " We do want your money," Antonio said, " and we will have it." " But you will spare my life, I hope," I continued, for the purpose of seeing to what extremities they would proceed. " Yes," I con- tinued, " if you will spare my life, and let Isadora leave the house with me, you shall have all my money." The features of the giant were convulsed with rage. I had excited his worst passions, as I supposed I should. " Come, say the word, and the money shall be yours," I cried. " She will go with me, I know." u You have spoken with her on the subject," he cried, fiercely. " Of course I have, and she promised me with a kiss." " Then, curse you, you shall die at any rate ! " shouted the negro, raising his knife, and plunging towards me. He was quick, but I expected his movements, and was prepared for them. When he was within four feet of me, I raised my re. volver, and took fair aim. He saw the weapon, and would have stopped, but could not ; and just as his knife was about to descend upon my breast, I fired, and sprang one side. There was a stunning report, and then a heavy fall that shook the whole upper part of the house. The negro kicked convulsively, and then all was quiet. His companion seemed half inclined to risk his life to avenge his comrade ; but on second thoughts con- cluded that he would not, so turned and fled towards the ward- robe, the doors of which stood open. I thought that possibly he might escape, and call a gang of ruffians to his assistance, and then make short work with me. With this impression I did not think that I should be justified in letting him off free ; so, just aa he had gained the wardrobe, I raised my pistol and fired. The A CONFESSION. 81 ball struck the fellow on his hip, and he clapped one hand upon that portion of his person, gave a fearful yell, and strove to keep his feet. But the effort was too much ; he staggered, and fell heavily. Even then he sought to escape by crawling towards the wardrobe, but I frustrated it by stepping in front of him. The negro was desperate, and did not like to yield. He aimed a blow at my legs with his keen, glittering knife, and I narrowly escaped a bad wound. I jumped aside, and the blade was buried in the floor, and broke short off at the hilt. Then I had him at my mercy, and he knew it. " Spare my life, senor," he pleaded. " I did not mean to harm you." " Yes ; the broken knife is evidence that you did not," I re- plied, touching with my foot the weapon, which still remained in the floor. 44 I did not know what I was doing, senor. O, the pain in my hip is so great that I shall die. I cannot move my leg. Mercy, senor, for love of the saints ! " 44 Dog ! " I replied, " you deserve to die like your brother ruf- fian ; but if you will answer my questions truly, I will spare your life." " Speak, senor, and I will answer truly, or may the saints never pardon me." I cocked my pistol. The negro saw the movement, and fear- ing that I was about to make short work with him, howled dread- fully. " Be quiet, you brute, or I'll give you something that will make* you." He ceased instantly, but watched my every look and motion with intense eagerness. " Tell me how many are connected with your gang," I asked. 44 Three, senor ; Antonio, myself, and a negro named Pedro." "Where is Pedro?" 44 He is outside of the house, for the purpose of giving a signal if any one approaches." 44 And where is the girl, Isadora? " " She is in the room underneath, senor, waiting for us to finish our job." 44 And her aunt, where is she ? " 44 She is not her aunt, senor, although she has passed as such. 6 82 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. She has gone to Havana for the purpose of learning if there were any inquiries respecting you." " Did the girl plan my murder? " I must confess that I was rather anxious for an answer that would exculpate her from such a charge. *' Antonio would not promise her that your life should be spared, and she quarrelled with him on that account. Antonio was jealous of you, senor, because bethought that she loved you." " And do you think that she does?" I asked ; for even then I was willing to forgive the girl. Man is so anxious to overlook faults in the woman he loves before marriage. " She seemed to think more of you, senor, than any man she ever saw." I was ready to forgive the fellow after those words. I began to regret that I had injured him. " How many men have you robbed in the house? Answer me truly, for your life depends upon it." " Six, senor." " And have you murdered them after taking their money?" " We finished them first, and robbed them afterwards, senor?" " How did you induce them to visit the house ? " I asked. " In the same manner that you were invited to come here. Isadora acted as a decoy." " Was she Antonio's mistress?" I asked, after some hesitation, for I feared that his answer would be in the affirmative. " No, senor ; she refused to have anything to do with him, ex- cept in the way of bringing people here. She received one third of the money that we got. Antonio received one third, because he owned the house and furniture ; while the other third was divided between Pedro, the old woman, and myself." " You are certain that was the only connection between An- tonio and Isadora? " I asked. " Yes, senor ; for the poor fellow has begged and prayed to the girl to marry him, and she has laughed at his passion." " Was Antonio a slave ? " I asked. u No, senor ; he purchased his liberty five years since, with money he drew in a lottery." " Are you a slave? " " I am, senor, and live with my master about half a mile from here." A SEARCH FOB ISADORA. 83 " Can I find Isadora by descending the stairs, through the wardrobe ? " I asked. " Yes, senor, if she has not fled from the house." I seized the light, and determined to commence my explorations without delay, for I was anxious to see the girl, and upbraid her for her treachery, and then, perhaps, forgive her. I entered the wardrobe, and saw before me a flight of stairs, which were very steep and very narrow. I cautiously descended, and upon reaching the landing, found that I was standing in a small closet, large enough to hold three per- sons by close packing. I looked hard for a door, but none was to be found ; and while I was thus occupied, saw many stains of blood upon the floor and stairs. I did not feel in the least disturbed, as I knew that I could break through a win- dow up stairs, in case I did not find an outlet from the closet ; so, with as much composure as if I had been upon the deck of the Coquette, I continued my investigation for a secret panel, and at length my patience was rewarded. I saw a small brass knob in one corner, and on pressing upon it gently, a door sprang open. I stepped out quietly, and found that I was in the entry, or pas- sage-way of the house, on the ground floor, and that I was near this heavy door which I had noticed when I went to bed. I tried this door, and found that it was locked and bolted, and then passed on rapidly to the apartment where I had been enter- tained during the afternoon by Isadora. During all {his time I had not met with a single person. I entered the room where I expected to find Isadora, but she was not there. There was no light in the apartment, except- ing the one which I carried, and with that I examined every part of the room, and then searched other portions of the building. No one was to be found, aud I suspected that the discharge of my pistol had alarmed Isadora, and she had fled from the house. Perhaps, I thought, she has gone in search of the police, and will thus have an opportunity to tell her story first, and involve me in some trouble. The more I thought of the matter, the more I became convinced that such might be the case, so I deter- mined to leave the house without delay. I set my lamp down, and walked to one of the windows in the back part of the house. It was not secured, and as soon as I raised it I dropped to the ground, and found that I was in the 84 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. garden, concealed by orange trees, which grew in profusion near the house. I listened attentively for a moment, but only the wind, sighing through the branches was to be heard. Then I started for a hedge which bordered on the road, and with a nimble leap cleared it, and commenced my walk for Havana, nearly three miles distant, and past ten o'clock in the evening. Just as I was congratulating myself on my good fortune I saw half a dozen lights on the road ahead of me, and thought I could distinguish the clash of arms. I considered it was best to make all secure, and not trust to chance ; so I concealed ray- self by the side of the road, and thought that I would wait until the crowd passed. I had barely got under cover of some bushes, when the lights and people carrying them neared me, and to my surprise I counted no less than six soldiers, armed with muskets, and at their head marched a ferocious-looking sergeant, and by his side the slave who had been intrusted with guarding the outside of the house while his comrades performed their work within. " You heard two shots," the sergeant said, addressing the negro. " Two, senor, and then groans. I did not enter the house for fear I should share the fate of those who were within." " Bueno. You did right ; and if we take him, you shall be re- warded ; but if you have given us this long tramp for nothing, you had better have a care of your back, for the men will tickle it." " You will be convinced, senor, that I have spoken the truth, for I heard a woman scream and then saw her leave the house." I waited until the soldiers were out of hearing, and then left my place of concealment, and continued my way towards the city as fast as I could walk. I met with no interruption until I reached the guard-house, which stood just upon the outskirts of the city, where I knew I should be challenged if I attempted to pass, and possibly detained until morning. To avoid this, I struck across a field and gained a street that led me towards the Plaza, which I knew if I found, I could easily reach the cafe where my new friend Francisco was to await my arrival, although I had but faint hopes of finding him at that late hour. I soon reached the cafe where I had left Spaniard, and to my joy found him eating ices and smoking cigars, surrounded by three men about as old as himself. " Ah, Americano /" my friend exclaimed, as soon as he saw me, making room for me by his side. A RETURN TO THE HOUSE. 85 He introduced me to his friends, and my arrival was the signal for fresh bottles of wine, more cigars and ices. " Come," cried Francisco, after I had drank a glass of wine, " give us the history of your adventure, unless you are bound to keep everything secret, in which case we have no questions to- ask." " Perhaps what I have to say should be told you alone," I re- plied, " and then if you think it is proper" to speak more fully, I will do so.*' The others bowed, as though they had no objection to such a course, and taking Francisco aside,.! related the scenes through which I had passed. He listened most attentively, but did not interrupt me by a word until I had concluded, and then he com- mended me for my prudence, and congratulated me on my escape. " I laughed when you left me this forenoon," he said ; " but it was because I thought that the only danger you would encounter would be the loss of a few ounces. But this is serious, and shows the girl has commenced a new game and an evil one." "But what am I to do?" I asked. " I run great risk in re- maining on shore." " We must meet the charges which they bring against you at once," said Francisco, " and keep the police quiet. We have no time to lose if we intend to act. You must come with us." " But where?" " To the house where the shooting occurred." " But there is danger of my being arrested," I urged. " Don't fear on that account. My friend and myself have some little influence with the police." After telling my story, each man extended his hand and presse mine warmly. " Fear nothing," they said. " We are bound together by no common ties, and what Francisco advises is for the best." We started to find a volante, and did not have far to go to obtain one that suited us. While we rattled along my compan- ions were anxious to hear further particulars. I told them all, and while they listened in astonishment, all were anxious to see the revolver which had performed its work so thoroughly. I handed them the pistol, and by the time all had seen it by the aid of the lamp which the volante carried, we had reached the guard-house, and were stopped by a sharp challenge. Our driver waited pa- tiently until a sergeant, with a lantern in his hand, advanced to scrutinize us. 86 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " Hallo, Pedro ! what is the meaning of this ? " asked Francisco. " Ah, senor, a murder has been committed at the casa Tafrata^ and we are looking sharp for those who did the deed," replied the sergeant. " Bah, and did you expect to find them coming from Havana? " asked Francisco. " It is hard to tell,* senor, where to look for the one we seek." 44 Well, we shall stop dt the Tafrata and see how things look. You are satisfied that we have done no ill? " " The saints forbid, senor, that you should kill, unless in a fair duel, and then may you always triumph. Good night, and a safe return." In ten minutes time we had reached the house and .stopped. Lights were flashing from every window, and at the front door we could see a soldier armed with musket and sword to prevent ac- cess to, or egress from, the building. We alighted from the volante, and walked slowly up the avenue leading to the house ; but when within a rod of the sentinel he covered us with his musket, and challenged. "Who comes?" he asked; and his challenge brought two or three of his companions to the door. " Friends," replied Francisco. " We know no friends here," was the answer. " Stand where you are until you can give an account of yourself." The sentry spoke to one of his comrades, and the latter hurried off, and returned in a few minutes with his commanding officer. He had a pen in his mouth, as if he had been interrupted while %riting. 44 Who wishes to see me? "he asked, advancing towards us rather cautiously, as though he feared a surprise. " A few of your old friends, sergeant. Don't you recollect us ? " 44 Diablo, can I ever forget you ? Have you . not played wild pranks enough in the city to make me remember you for life ? " was the answer. 44 But we have always paid for them like cavaliers, have we not?" Francisco asked. " The saints be praised, but you have, so I have no fault to find. What do you want here at this hour of the night?" 44 We heard a rumor that blood had been shed, and we are anxious to see it. Besides, we learn that a pretty girl is some- THE HAVANA POLICE.* 87 how mixed up in the matter, and we want to see her, and do her a service." " I suppose so," muttered the sergeant. " You youngsters are always having your eyes towards the women, and we honest fel- lows of the army don't stand a chance when you and your money come in sight. But there is no show for you here, senor, I can tell you ; for the girl is a prisoner ^ and will be kept as one until wanted as a witness." u That is the very reason we desire to see her ; for how do you know but we can throw some light on the matter, and assist you in the investigation?" asked Francisco. " If you can do that, I shall think you are of some use in the. world, for all that we have to work upon now is what a slave tells us ; that the man who fired the pistol is an American, and a des- perate one at that. The girl whom I expected to get full par- ticulars from, refuses to utter one word that will give us a scent. But we shall find him before many days have passed, or set the police of Havana down as of no use." " We did that some time ago," Francisco replied, with a laugh. u But come, old friend, don't keep us waiting here all night, when we can be otherwise employed, and in doing some good. Let us go and see the parties, and you and your comrades shall not be forgotten." The sergeant appeared to take the hint, for he touched his hat and smiled. In fact such an expression stole over his face as would lead one to think that he expected a pecuniary reward for his consent. He turned and led the way towards the house, and the soldiers who were collected in the entry of the building saluted us in true military style, and with smiles of good humor. We entered the house, and followed the sergeant to the very room in which I had made such desperate love to Isadora in the after- noon. Francisco motioned me to keep in the background, and to pull my hat over my face for the purpose of concealment ; hints which I obeyed quite readily. As we entered the room I saw that Isadora was seated with her back to the door, under the charge of a soldier, while on the floor, groaning with agony, was the negro slave whom I had wounded in the hip two hours before. A short distance from him, seated in a chair, and also guarded, was the negro Pedro, who had given information to the police. 88 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " Now, then," said the sergeant, " we will recommence our in- terrogations in relation to this affair ; and mind, young woman, that you speak the truth, and freely, or the worse will it be for you. I wish one of you gentlemen would write down the answers which we receive ; for, to tell the truth, my hands are stiff, and my penmanship none of the best. I have commenced the work, but have made little progress." Francisco volunteered to write down what was desired, and the sergeant, full of the importance of his commission, began to ques- tion the girl. " Tell me what kind of looking man was the one who com- mitted the deed ? " the soldier asked. " I don't know," was the response, " Was he tall or short? " " I have forgotten." " Was he dark or fair?" " I did not notice." " What countryman was he? " " He spoke Spanish like a Spaniard." " Was he a Spaniard? " " I don't know." " In what direction did he fly?" " I did not notice. I was too terrified." " How came the murderer here?" " He stopped at the house for a glass of water, and then asked the privilege of remaining all night, complaining that he felt sick." " Did he carry off valuables when he fled from the house ? " u I think not." The sergeant, despairing of receiving any information of value from the girl, turned to the wounded negro for the purpose of questioning him. It was necessary to move the slave a trifle, so that a view could be obtained of his face ; and when this was done, and the crowd had fallen back, the wounded man looked anxiously around the room, until his eyes fell upon me. In spite of his wound, and the pain under which he labored, he struggled to sit erect, and pointed with his hand at me, shouting, " There is the murderer ! " Isadora started to her feet, and uttered a faint scream ; and the soldiers, to prevent my escape, if I had been so disposed, closed the door and stood before it. I was not taken by surprise, for I had AN AWKWARD POSITION, 89 expected such a denouement, and was nerved to meet it. The ser- geant looked astonished and confounded. He hardly knew what to do or say under the circumstances, and turned to Francisco for advice. " Is the senor a friend of yours?" he asked. " He is a friend of mine and the gentlemen present" " What reply can he make to the charge thus brought against him?" the officer asked. " Let us first find out what charge is brought against him. A slave has accused him of murder. Let the slave produce his proof." " That is right. Let the slave tell what he knows regarding the senor," the sergeant said, turning to the wounded man. "He came to the house to-day in search of the young lady, and was invited to stop all night," the fellow replied, still keeping his eyes fixed upon me, as though fearful I should vanish from his sight. " He wanted the lady as a companion, but when she refused, and called upon Antonio and myself for assistance, he drew his pistol, and killed Antonio and wounded me. Then he fled." ".Are you sure that you speak the truth? " asked the sergeant. "May the saints never pardon me, senor, if 1 speak not the truth. Ask the lady if he is not the one." " Well thought of," cried the officer, with a nod of approbation. " Woman, look upon the man, and tell me if you ever saw him before?" "Does the American senor desire me to tell all?" she asked, raising her voice, and looking me full in the face with her great, black eyes. " I desire you to speak the truth," I said, answering for the first time. " Well, I will do so ; not for the purpose of saving my life, but yours. You followed me home, and I encouraged you to re- main ; the negro who was shot, the one who lies there wounded, and the one who sought safety by giving information that mur- der had been committed, were all leagued together for the pur- pose of robbery." " Diablo, but this grows interesting,"*interrupted the sergeant. " Have you written all down ? " addressing Francisco, who was writing. 90 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " All. Let her continue," was the answer. " Go on, then." " We had done such things before, and when resistance was made, Antonio and his companions have not hesitated to commit murder." 44 It is a lie ! " groaned the wounded man. " She is trying to shield her lover." " Silence ! " roared the sergeant. " Your time will come by and by." 44 Antonio thought I had a fancy for the American gentle- man, and he determined not only to rob him, but to take his life. I pleaded, in hopes that he would avoid shedding blood, and the negro half promised that my wish should be gratified. It was I who wished to fly with the senor, and leave the company in which he found me." " Traitress ! " groaned the wounded slave. '* I wish that we had strangled you before we went up stairs." 44 The American was not asleep, as they expected, and was armed, which was more than I anticipated. He saw two men enter his room, and used his pistol. I fled from the house for fear that he would kill me during his rage, and now I ask for no mercy for what I have done. Others may beg as they please ; but as for myself, I can die, if necessary." 44 By the saints, but this is a marvellous story ! " exclaimed the sergeant. 44 And you believe it do you not?" asked Francisco. The officer scratched his head, and then lighted a fresh cigar, two things which he was proficient in. 44 Did I not tell you that we could throw some light upon the matter?" Francisco asked. 44 My friend told me the whole cir- cumstance, and I informed him that he must return and give an account of the matter, or the Cuban police would find him, let him hide where he would. Was I not right? " 44 Now, by the saints, but that is the first sensible word I have heard you utter to-night," cried the sergeant, swelling with pride. 44 He could only have escaped us by leaving the island, but it would never have answered for him to return. We are keen on a scent as a bloodhound." Francisco laughed in a quiet manner, and his friends followed his example. THINGS ARE ARRANGED. 91 " Well, what do you propose to do ? " asked Francisco, after a moment's pause, addressing the sergeant. u To take all the parties to Havana and lock them up," an- swered the sergeant, promptly. " With two exceptions." " Name them," cried the 'officer. " My friend, the American, and the girl, both must go free." " But don't you understand that they are implicated that they must be tried?" remonstrated, the sergeant. " No, I don't understand any such thing, and you won't after heariog me a few moments. What crime has the woman com- mitted? She entertained my friend, and no more. Did she raise her hand against him in any manner? Did she rob him? He has his money on his person, and makes no complaint. What has she done? Why, she is guilty of having too much beauty; but that is not a crime in a Spanish country. She is therefore evidently entitled to her discharge. This you cannot deny." The sergeant resorted to his old dodge when he was puzzled. He scratched his head, and lighted a fresh cigar. " In regard to my young friend here," Francisco continued, " he defended his life when attacked ; and where is the Spaniard who would not do the same ? If there is one in this room, let him speak?" The soldiers murmured their applause,, and the sergeant began to relax his rigid features. He looked at Francisco, and the lat- ter looked steadily at the warrior. " No, no, it won't do," murmured the soldier, in reply to some secret sign on the part of my friend. " I am willing to help you whenever I can, but in this instance the risk is too great." " Bah ! you are growing timid in your old age, I should judge, or else you don't know your own interests, nor care for those of the soldiers under your charge." There was a movement on the part of the men that looked as though they were inclined to think the same way. The sergeant hesitated, but it was a feeble sort of hesitation that EJrancisco was determined to take advantage of. " Come, let us have a quiet talk together in another room," my friend said, rising and taking the sergeant 'by the arm, and nodding to me to follow. The soldier made no resistance, but he left orders that no one 92 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. was to leave the house, or be admitted during his absence. As soon as we reached a room where we could be alone, Francisco opened the conversation. " My friend," he said, " I am going to give you six ounces of gold for assisting us." " I am sure I am glad to think that such is to be the case. One ounce I shall give to the saints, and the rest to the poor." " Bah ! you will give none to the saints, and all to the wine- shops ; but that is no concern of ours. My friend here must go clear, and no suspicions created that he was ever concerned in this affair. You understand ? " The sergeant nodded and smiled. "He even held out his hand for the money. u Another condition is that the girl goes with us,'* added Fran, cisco. " Diablo ! that is asking too much," muttered the soldier. " Stupid ! don't I leave the negroes, and all that you can find in the house. Are not two enough to satisfy justice? I have only to speak to your superiors, and what I ask would be done. You know it." '* By the saints, but what you say is true. Give me the money and go. Say nothing to the men. I will divide with them." He turned to leave the room, but I detained him. *' If the girl refuses to go with me, I shall not ask for her re- lease. Let that be understood between us." " Of course. Make what bargain you please with her." " Isadora," I said,;" seating myself close beside her, so that no one could hear my remarks, " if I should pardon the wrong that you have done me, and should get your discharge, would you go with me ? " " I will," she replied, without the least hesitation. " And will you be true to me? " " May the saints curse me, if I am not," was her answer. " You are the only man I ever loved. I have sinned, but let my devo- tion to you atone for it. I will go with you." " Well, what does the woman say ? " interrupted the sergeant. " If she speaks at all, it must be quick. Time is precious." " She will go with ine," I answered. I led Isadora to a carriage, the sergeant accompanying us with a lantern. BACK TO HAVANA. 93 " You need fear no more trouble in this case," the soldier said. "If our men should meet you on the street, they will not recog- nize you, but you must not feel offended on that score." I promised that I would not, and with Isadora and Francisco in the volante, it started towards Havana. There was no conver- sation until the volante stopped at the head of the mole, where I got out and assisted Isadora to alight. Half a dozen boats were lying at the end of the mole, waiting for passengers, and I intended to take one and pull on board of the Coquette without delay, but a few words from Francisco altered my resolution. " I don't want to persuade you to act against your will," he said, " but if you will follow my advice, it is to remain on shore, and see Murphy in the morning. He will not feel right to-night, and may say words that you will resent. I will take you to a quiet cafe, where you can feel at home, and act as you please." I thought of the matter fora moment, and concluded that Fran- cisco was right. We again entered the volante, and drove to a street that led to the Plaza. It was a narrow and unpretending looking thoroughfare, and the house before which we stopped had a cigar store on the ground floor, but the only customer was the proprietor, and he was puffing away most vigorously. *' Hallo, Don Sebastian," called Francisco, from the volante, ".can you give a gentleman and lady quarters for a few days?" Don Sebastian emitted one or two whiffs before he gained his feet and came towards us. " Have you rooms unoccupied, Don Sebastian ? " asked Fran- cisco. ... The cigar vender, instead of replying, looked hard at Isad9ra, and then at me, with his head on one side, and his cigar in full blast, ; ; " Is he shipped ? " asked the tobacconist, pointing with his cigar at me. ."Yes," " Married? " he continued, nodding his head. . . * 4 How should I know ? " Francisco replied. " Hum yes, I have rooms, as good as can be found in Ha- vana. They can have them, cigars included, for thirty dollars a week. How is that ? Is it not cheap ? " " I take them," I cried, getting out of the vehicle, and assisting Isadora. . > 94 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " Coffee or chocolate at seven, breakfast at ten, dinner at four, tea and coffee at nine," repeated the cigar man, with his head still on one side, and not the least excited at the acceptance of his terms, " All right ; lead the way to the room," I said. He made no reply, but went off sideways in a thoughtful man- ner towards the rooms which we were to occupy. Just at that moment a fierce cry was heard in the street, and we listened attentively. " Death to the filibusters ! " was the yell ; and it was taken up and shouted iii the streets and from the windows, and from every wine and cigar shop that was open at that late hour. We rushed to the windows, and even Isadora placed herself by my side, as though anxious to hear what was going on in the city. " Death to los Americanos ! Death to the filibusters ! " were the cries, howled out by poor wretches, who seemed to have started into life from the gutters, so ragged and fierce did they seem. " Can you give me an explanation," I asked of Francisco. u I suppose that a party of your countrymen has paid us a visit for the purpose of revolutionizing the island. Ah, there goes an acquaintance of mine. I will ask for the news." He shouted to his friend, and the latter halted for a moment to answer. " Five hundred filibusters captured, and two hundred killed." And off the fellow went to report in some other quarter. " My countrymen are unfortunate," I said. " I must act as an American, and see what I can do for them. Will you go with me ? " I asked of Francisco. " No," he replied, very quietly, " for we could do no good, and you might injure yourself much. It is no time for Americans to be seen on the streets. Do you hear that cry ? " " Death to the Americans ! Death to the fillibusters ! " was shouted in the street. I could not help confessing that what my friend had said was true, and I relinquished my plan of seeking the fillibusters. We left the window to drink coffee, which my landlord had placed on the table, but still in the streets we could hear that terrible cry, " Death to the Americans ! Death to the fillibusters ! " THE FILIBUSTERS. 95 " I will call during the forenoon," Francisco said, after taking a cup of coffee, " and in the mean time I wish you much happi- ness. Good night." He was gone, and Isadora and myself were left alone, for the landlord had retired to his shop, and was carrying on a brisk trade. CHAPTER VI. p GARROTING FILIBUSTERS. DEATH OF LOPEZ. GETTING READY FOR SAILING. A ROW, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. IT was about six o'clock the next morning when the tobacconist knocked at my door, and informed me that coffee was on the table, and awaited my pleasure. I took no notice, so at nine o'clock there was a pounding upon the door that did not resemble the gentle knocks of my landlord. It was Murphy ; but how had he discovered my retreat at so early an hour ? " What brings you on shore? " I asked. u Why, to tell you the news. A party of filibusters has been taken, down on the east coast, and half a dozen of them are to be garroted on the Plaza this forenoon. Do you want to see the execution, or had you rather stay away?" " At what time does it take place ? " I asked. " At eleven, and it is half past nine now. Soldiers are already marching to the Plaza, and taking up positions." " I will go with you, but first sit down and take a cup of coffee with me. By that time I shall be ready," I replied. 44 But where is the female? Where is the craft that hoisted false colors, and led you into the enemy's harbor? Let me have a fair look at her figure-head and build." Just that moment Isadora, looking as beautiful as Venus, en- tered the room. The captain started to his feet, and bowed in silent admiration. He supposed that she was some lady con- nected with the house. " Say, Robert," the captain exclaimed, in a whisper ; " what a figure-head and hull ! Blast me if she ain't a full rigged clipper, and no mistake. What a run, and what counters ! " 96 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " How would you like to sail with such a craft ? " I asked. " O Lord ! " he groaned, " the thought of it takes my breath away. If she would say splice, I would give a year's pay, and think myself a happy man." " And you would leave the sea? " I asked. " No, I don't say that I would do that ; but I would take her with me, and never lose sight of her." " Captain," I said, taking Isadora by the hand, and speaking in Spanish, " let me introduce to you my affinity." " Your what?" roared Murphy. " My affinity," I repeated. " Your affinity? And what in the devil's name is that?" " Why, the girl for whom I have a warm attachment, and who has the same for me." " Humph that's affinity, is it? Well, I've heard it called by many names, but if affinity only brings you together, I s'pose that it's as good a name as any." The captain, while drinking his coffee, could not remove his eyes from Isadora's face. " Well," he said, at length, " you have taken a prize, and I should value her more than a hundred niggers, in prime order. But now that you have got her, what are you going to do with her?" This was the topic which I had desired to broach. . " I will tell you what I propose to do," I said at length, speak- ing slow and distinct. " I intend to resign my berth on board the Coquette, and enjoy myself on shore." " The devil you do ! " cried the captain, turning very red in the face. " Wouldn't you do the same thing?" I asked. " No, by thunder ! I would not ruin myself for any woman liv- ing. Are you crazy ? Ain't you making money ten times as fast as you can make it in the merchant service ? " The captain grew warm, and walked the room as though upon the quarter-deck of the Coquette. Isadora did not understand the English language, but she knew that we were talking about her, and she came and placed herself by my side, and leaned upon my shoulder. " Hullo ! Darn me, if she is not beating up to windward," Murphy said, looking at the very pleasing picture which we formed. A BARGAIN. 97 " That is the way we shall always sail together," I replied ; " for a good consort to fall back upon, is like a port in a storm/* The captain took a seat at the table, and called for a third cup of coffee. "Are you really in earnest in this matter ?" he asked ; "or what do you want? More pay? If so, say the word, and you shall have it. But don't leave me in this way, 'cos I like you ; and recollect how you stuck to me when that old elephant was close upon my heels. Say what you want." " Well, in the first place, I won't part with Isadora at any rate." " Go on," growled the captain, grinding his teeth, and sup- pressing an oath. " In the next place, if I go in the Coquette, Isadora will go with me." " The devil she will ! " thundered Murphy, with a start of as- tonishment. " On no other grounds will I leave Havana." The captatn sprung to his feet, and walked the room, without speaking a word. " Well, your answer ? " I said, quite calmly. " But think of the danger that she will be exposed to. Fever and bloodshed are not pleasing companions for a woman," Mur- phy replied. " She is willing to endure all for my sake," I answered. " Then for Heaven's sake, let her go with us ; but she must pass as your sister or wife, to prevent the crew from being uncivil." I told Isadora the result of the interview, and then took my hat. She hung upon my arm, and around my neck, as though she feared to trust my person from her presence, even for a mo*- ment. " Do you forgive me for my conduct yesterday ? " she asked. " Of course I do," I replied, pressing her to my heart, and kissing her red lips. " And you will ever love me ? " she whispered. " Always," I said, most fervently ; and I thought so at the time, and was sincere in what I then said. I took Murphy's arm, and we reached the street. " Tell me, in the name of all that is good and holy, how you have managed to make that girl love you so? " I laughed, and made no reply. 7 98 " I envy you," Murphy continued. " I have no doubt of it." " Francisco told me this morning something of your pranks last night. Now give me the whole account." As we walked along through the streets, which were crowded with people, all hurrying towards the Plaza, I gave Murphy a detailed statement of the matter. We drifted along with the cur- rent, sometimes meeting with scowling faces, and being sharply scrutinized by wretches who would have shed our blood as freely as water if they had known we were Americans. But it was for our interest to pass as Englishmen ; and whenever a Cuban, more inquisitive than his fellows, questioned us, we would give them a specimen of British impudence, and it was satisfactory. We could hear cries of "Death to the fillibusters death!" even from the Plaza, and we could see the crowd surging to and fro, while long lines of bayonets glittered in the sun, and the strains of a military band could be heard, when not drowned by the fierce shouts of the crowd, who were thirsting for blood, and would liked to have seen it run in torrents through the streets. We made our way slowly through the crowd, taking good care to offend no one if possible ; but just as we reached the building which fronted the Plaza, where Murphy had secured seats at a window, a dark, long-haired wretch, with torn shirt and blood- shot eyes, rushed towards us. " You are Americans ! " he shouted, stepping in front of us, and flourishing a long knife. The cry attracted attention, and in a second we were in the centre of a confused group, every man of them carrying a knife that looked as though sharpened expressly for murderous work. " We are Englishmen," I replied, as calmly as possible. " Death to the Americans ! Death to the fillibusters ! " cried the man who had first obstructed our path. The crowd re-echoed the cries, and pressed towards us, flourish- ing their knives. " Death to the Americans ! " shouted the leader of the gang ; and aimed a blow at Murphy's breast, which would have taken effect had I not struck up his arm, while the knife passed over the captain's shoulder. In an instant Murphy grasped the fellow around his waist, raised him from the ground as easily as though he was a child, IN PERIL. 99 and dashed him upon his advancing comrades, who suddenly re- coiled under the shock, and thus gave us a few minutes* time to prepare ourselves for the attack which we anticipated. " Death to the Americans death ! " was the cry, as the fel- low picked himself from the gutter, and sought for his knife which, fortunately, had fallen from his hand. " Death to the Americans ! " the crowd responded ; and bright blades glittered in the sun, and were waved menacingly towards us. We had our revolvers in our pockets, but we knew what the penalty would be if we used them. Once I thought that I would test the efficiency of gunpowder and ball, and fire upon the ad- vancing ruffians ; but Murphy stopped me. '* It ain't time for the barkers," he said. *' If we must sell our lives, we can do so by and by. Let me see if I can't manage them first." "We edged away so that we got our backs to the wall, and thus prevented an attack in the rear ; and when we saw that the crowd was encircling us, and gradually drawing nearer and nearer, the most cowardly among them, gathering courage from our quiescent state, Murphy thought that the time had arrived for him to speak. u Cubans," he shouted, " we are Englishmen, and belong to the man-of-war now in port. Beware how you -lay a finger upon the queen's subjects. Our deaths will be fearfully avenged." The ruffians stopped in their advanced course, and looked at each other for counsel. " Cry death to the fillibusters, and we shall believe you," the ruffian, whom Murphy had overthrown, said. " Is that all you want?" the captain bellowed. " Don't you see that we are of your mind, by being here to witness the death of the rascals. What more would you have?" " Nothing more. We are friends with the English." The ruffians left us to pursue our course, but we could hear them shout at various times as they sought for victims. We passed up a flight of steps, and knocked at a door, which was opened by a Cuban, who was old, gray, and wrinkled. " You are late, senors," he said, as we entered. *' Yes ; a few of your countrymen took it into their heads that our hides wanted ventilating," Murphy replied. " The boys are lively this morning," the Cuban said, with a grim smile ; and offered us cigars and a glass of wine. 100 There was a sudden shout, like the howl of wild beasts, from the crowd, and we looked from a window and saw what occa- sioned it In the centre of the Plaza a large platform had been erected during the night, and on it were four upright posts, or what re- sembled the same from the position we occupied. Around this platform was a regiment of soldiers. They were drawn up in the form of a square ; and what was singular, instead of facing the platform, the troops fronted the crowd, and held their muskets ready loaded and bayonets in place. The noise which attracted our attention was the entrance upon the Plaza of a second regiment of foot, escorting four prisoners, who were pinioned and guarded by double lines of soldiers on each side. Near each of the unfortunate filibusters walked bare- headed priests, who were endeavoring to administer the last rites of their religious creed. But there was one prisoner, a tall, dark man, with erect form and undaunted bearing, who seemed to pay but slight attention to his ghostly confessor. " Death to the filibusters death ! " roared the mighty crowd ; and it swayed to and fro, all anxious to get a glimpse of Gen- eral Lopez, whose name had caused such terror throughout the island but a few days before, when he had landed with but a handful of men, and with scant material, for the purpose of giving freedom of speech and liberty to the Cubans ; while the return that was made him was desertion and execrations of con- tempt. As those sounds, issuing from ten thousand throats, struck the ear of the leader, his step grew more confident, his bearing more bold. He cast looks of the deepest contempt upon the rabble, and even smiled when one ruffian shouted the information that his death was to be speedy and terrible. His three companions also showed their fearlessness by walking without faltering, but they seemed more intent upon the words of the priest than earthly affairs. " Do you see him?" whispered the old Cuban, whose room we occupied, speaking to Murphy. " Of course I do," was the answer. " Does he quail does he falter ? God help him, and strengthen him. I cannot see him, for my eyes are dim, and have lost the power of their youth. Tell me how he looks." DEATH OF LOPEZ. 101 The old man's eyes were indeed dim, but not with age. Tears flowed from them, and obscured his sight. " He looks like a man who is not afraid to die," was Mur- phy's reply. " Does he look at the crowd as though he sought the face of a friend?" the old Cuban asked. " He often squints this way, as though expecting a squall. But he makes no sign that he ever knew a face before." " He is looking for me," cried the old man, starting up and walking the room impatiently. " I told him that I would receive him on the Plaza with ten thousand men. Alas ! the men are there, but not the kind I expected. We have been deceived, and money and blood have been wasted without any good result. Woe is me ! I should have known better. Deceived deceived." " Death to the filibusters death ! " was the roar that ascended to our window. " And these men want liberty," muttered the old man, with a shudder. " Thank the saints, all are not like them. If they were I should despair. No, some on the island must be sincere." Murphy looked at the old man with an expression of pity, but made no remark. Again the drums resounded and the Cuban showed his anxiety to know the meaning of the noise. " The chief is attempting to speak, but the drums drown his voice, and the crowd hears not a word," I said. " The cowards ! they fear that his words will burn like fire, and change the hearts of his enemies." The drums suddenly ceased, and the old man raised his head quickly, with an inquiring look. " Has he ceased to speak? " he asked. " He has, and all the prisoners have taken their seats," replied Murphy. " Go on," gasped the Cuban. " They adjust iron bands around their necks, and execu- tioners are waiting for the signal. The crowd is now silent as death, anxious to feast their eyes upon the dying struggles of the prisoners. A mother holds her child aloft, so that its young eyes may witness the spectacle, as though it was one of pleasure. There is the signal. The executioners turn their levers. The chief and his comrades are dead," Murphy said, turning from the window with a sigh. 102 The Cuban made no reply. He was upon his knees, praying and weeping as though his heart would break. " Courage, man," the captain said, laying a hand lightly upon his shoulder, " With the death of Lopez, all hope of freedom for Cuba is not lost. His blood is but seed. It will spring up, and yet flourish." The old man rocked his body to and fro, and groaned. " But I was true," he said, at length, looking up ; "I did not desert him in his hour of extremity. You know that I offered last night ten thousand dollars if his guards would permit his escape. But they refused me. You know that. Say that you know that I have done my duty, and that no stain rests upon my name." " You have done more than your duty," Murphy said, sooth- ingly. " If all were like you, I should have no fear. But, un- fortunately, they are not. Now keep quiet, and save your strength and money until a fitting moment arrives ; and when it does, I hope I shall be found on your side." " Your advice is good, and I will think much of it," the Cuban replied, after a short silence. u The saints have you in their keeping, senors." He bowed us out of the room as though he longed to be alone. " Who is the old gentleman ? " I asked of Murphy, when we had gained the street, and were walking in the direction of my lodging. " That is Don Alberto," my companion replied, sinking his voice to a whisper, so that the crowd could not overhear the re- ply. " He has spent thousands of dollars for the cause, and would spend thousands more if a definite result were promised, or even hinted at. He is worth, or was, three millions of dollars ; but he is reckless of his property while pursuing the phantom which he is in search of." " He has lost a son in the cause," I said. *' Not in the cause ; but that loss was one thing which urged him to seek independence for Cuba. His son was executed for too freely, using his tongue against the present government. He was a gallant young fellow, and died like a hero." " You have served the old man some time or other," I said. " Well, yes ; I did do a few things which helped him, and I got my pay for all that I did." A WELCOME RETURN. 103 By this time we were near my lodging, and my heart beat quickly at the thought of again meeting Isadora, although I had been parted from her but three hours. " You young dog," the captain said, " you are trembling like a topsail half sheeted home. You have taken the bait, hook and sinker ; but hang me if she is not worthy of your love as far as good looks are concerned, for a prettier figure-head I never saw." We met the tobacconist at the door, still smoking a cigar, and carrying his head on one side, as usual. " Ah, senors," he said, " glad to see you. Breakfast is all ready, and has been for an hour. Saw the execution, I suppose. Did they die easy? Sad fate, but a just one. No filibusters can live on the soil of Cuba. We are happy as we are. Plenty of cigars, dulces, fruit, and wine. What more can we ask for?" " Too much," muttered Murphy. " You lead such lazy lives that no chance for noble thoughts can find entrance to your bosoms. A few more storms would put energy in your blood." At the head of the stairs was Isadora. She had heard my voice, and came to greet me. She caught sight of my face, smiled, and opened her arms. I bounded up the stairs, clasped her to my bosom, and covered her face with kisses. The captain was easily persuaded to remain and take break- fast ; and the landlord had not spoken unadvisedly, when he said that he would please our palates with something to eat of an agreeable description. Murphy, whose appetite was sharpened by a long fast, did justice to the fare that was spread before him, and made himself as agreeable as possible. " I have one piece of pleasing information," Murphy said, as we lighted our cigars. " I have managed to get rid of Ruez, and when we sail he will be left behind! This will give us more room in the cabin, and I'm certain will be agreeable to yourself and sister." This was the first time that the captain had called Isadora my sister, and I must confess that I blushed lightly when the word was pronounced ; for much as I loved my mistress, still, for a family relation, I considered that another sort of person would be preferable. The captain, having some important duty to attend to, left us, and his place was supplied by Francisco, who called to congratu- late us, and inquire after our healths. 104 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. As we were expecting to sail the next day, I considered that it was incumbent upon me to make a few arrangements for the comfort of Isadora. There were many things to be purchased, and many little luxuries to be obtained, which I knew would prove acceptable at sea ; as I consulted her happiness as much as my own, I ordered a volantc, and we drove to several shops where female apparel was to be obtained ready made. From the milliner's we visited the dulce vendor, and here Isadora was in her element. Like all women, she preferred something sweet to the substantial fare of life, and ordered sweetmeats enough to have a daily supply during the voyage ; then we con- cluded to take a short ride over the city, and see as much of it as possible during my short stay on shore. 44 Isadora," I said, as we drove along through the streets on Our way to the country, -*' you have not told me your history, or whether you have friends residing in Havana. Now is a good opportunity to confide in me. Tell me all. Faults and misfor- tunes will be excused by one who loves you as I do." " I have neither parents nor friends," she said. "I was left alone in the world at the age of five, and from that time until the present I have been restless and dissatisfied with myself. I was received in the house of a lady of this city after the death of my parents ; and my work consisted in taking care of children, and making my- self their slave. For six years I resided with her family, but was compelled to leave her house, because her husband, a man old enough to be my grandfather, one day insulted me with improp- er liberties, so his conduct was- reported to his wife. Me she blamed, and not the person who should have protected me. I was summoned to her presence, and loaded with reproaches for my ingratitude, and was even threatened with chastisement for listening to words which I had no power to prevent being uttered. " I brooded over my wrongs, young as I was, and studied for revenge upon my haughty mistress ; and at length I had it. Be- fore many days after the scene which I have described, my mas- ter, Don Bazan, again pestered me with his attentions ; but this time he was more circumspect and cautious in his advances. He chose opportunities when no one was present to watch his pro- ceedings, and report them to his wife. Will you believe me, I dissembled, and so took my first lessons in deception. I pretended to encourage Don Bazan, and even listened to his ISADORA'S HISTORY. 105 proposals, but never promised him, or gave him an opportunity to surprise me, and take by force that which he could not obtain by persuasion. I will not tell you how many times I escaped by my watchfulness, how many times a cup of drugged wine was offered me and thrown away, how even fruit was tampered with, and placed in my way in hopes that I should be overcome, and there- by fall an easy prey to an old man's passion and depravity. Even in the latter attempt the blow recoiled upon the head of the framer of the project ; for one of his children ate heartily of the doctored fruit, was seized with convulsions, and died a miserable death. There was no investigation, but I could see by the Don's face he was fearful of an inquiry, and therefore hurried the interment ceremonies as fast as possible. But an old man's passion is stronger than a young man's love, and even after the death of his child I did not escape his attentions. I encouraged him and co- quetted with him until he grew desperate, and was ready to sac- rifice home and wife for me. For this I had waited, and when all was ready for the denouement, I informed his wife, led her dis- guised in my clothes to a rendezvous to wait for her husband, and then, with the money and jewels which the Don had given me, fled from his house, and commenced my career as a child of fortune." The volante passed the barriers of the city, and was on the road leading to the house where I had introduced myself to Isa- dora. I would have avoided the scene of the tragedy, but it was too late. I had been so engaged with the lady's history that I had not noticed the road which the driver took, and it was not until we were directly opposite the house that Isadora caught a glimpse of it. " O, my friend ! " she cried, " why did you bring me here ? Do I not already suffer for my past deeds ? " She grew calm at length, and then told me how she happened to become an inmate of the house. " After I fled from the residence of Don Bazan, I engaged my- self as waiter in a confectionery establishment ; but before I had remained there two weeks, from some unknown source whispers regarding my reputation were circulated, and I was compelled to leave. I tried my fortune in other places, but still I was driven from them by the same whispers which I could not trace to any source. I grew mad with the world, and desperate ; and while I 106 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. was in that state of mind a rich Spaniard saw me, loved me, and made proposals. I accepted, and was no longer able to pray to the saints to have me in their keeping. For three years I re- mained with my friend, and then death left me once more free, but still not so destitute as when I had met my protector. He left me a small sum of money and a few jewels ; and while I was deliberating what I should do, Antonio, whose freedom had been granted at the death of my friend and his master, made proposals which I first rejected, but at length accepted. Of the dark deeds committed by them I have some knowledge. I interceded for you, because I took a fancy to you, but with little thought that our acquaintance was to be continued. I have now told you all my faults and my sins, and I hope that by so doing I have lost none of your respect, or what is of more importance, your love." Of course I protested that she had not. Upon reaching our lodgings, the tobacconist handed me a letter from Murphy, stating that the schooner would sail the next day, and hinting that if I was disposed to invest a few hundred dollars in articles for traffic, I could do so with his full consent. I thought of the matter, and concluded that my money would be safer on land than sea ; and as I had but little time for action, I visited my banker, and made arrangements that all the funds which he held for me should be sent to the United States, and consigned to the hands of a friend whom I could trust, and who would do as well by me as he would for himself. That part of my duties over, I returned to my rooms, and dined in company with Isadora and my friend Francisco. Francisco did not wish to remain long, probably from motives of delicacy. I pressed him strongly to stop through the evening, and at length he consented, provided we would visit the Tacon Theatre, and witness the opera which was being performed at that establishment, and attracting the most fashionable society. I should have declined, had I not observed, by the expression of Isadora's eyes, that she was delighted at the idea, and on question- ing her, I found her eyes were but the mirrors of her heart. We found our seats were in a very commanding position of the house, and took possession of them in a quiet manner, and adjusted ourselves for an evening's entertainment. Unfortunate- ly, however, for that plan, four English naval officers entered the AT THE OPERA. 107 box next to us, and took seats. I saw at a glance that the men had been dining late, and drinking freely ; and knowing the char- acter of the English in foreign countries, I gave up all hope of comfort or amusement for that evening, and I was not disap- pointed ; for hardly had the Britons taken their seats, and stared around the house, than their glances fell upon Isadora. " Blast me, Fred, but that is a pretty face here in the box next to us. Look at her." ^ The speaker spoke in English to his companions, so that Fran- cisco and Isadora did not understand him ; but I did, and listened, without seeming to. " Curse me, if you ain't right. She is some on upper works, and no mistake. Who is she?" " Don't know would like to." For a while the officers confined themselves to their own affairs, and talked about the superior qualities of their vessel her rapid sailing, and how easy it would be to whip one or two Yankee ships on the station ; but as time passed it produced no effect in diminishing their intoxication. " Come," said Francisco, " let us leave the theatre. We can no longer enjoy the opera with those unmanly dogs chatting in our ears. " We will not be driven from the theatre by their noise," I said. " Isadora is too interested in the opera for us to leave at the present time. If we could find another box I would change quarters, but I won't be driven from the theatre by three or four Englishmen." " It is not the Englishmen whom I fear," replied Francisco, " but the disturbance that will occur." We spoke in whispers, so that Isadora should not hear and be- come alarmed, but we miscalculated, for she caught the last part of our conversation, and with woman's curiosity begged to know what the officers had said. " They merely said that you were pretty," I replied. " And you are not offended with them for that? " she asked. " No more than yourself," I said, secretly amused at the man- ner in which she had found consolation in being called hand- some. I looked upon the blooming face of Isadora, and wished that the tenor's lungs would fail, or the prima donna have a fit 108 of sulks so that we could return home. But the very method I adopted to pass away time, and avoid a quarrel with the Englishmen, was the means of provoking one ; for one of the officers, seeing that I was so entirely occupied with the lady, called the attention of his comrades to the fact. " Look at the fellow," said one, whom they called Fred ; " he is struck with a Spanish mildew, and can't sheer from one side to the other." " He is fearful that some one will board his prize, and carry her off before his eyes," said another. " What countryman is he ? " asked Fred. " A Frenchman, I will bet," one replied. " No, he is a Spaniard ; with an Englishman for a father. Recol- lect our ships have been on this station for many years, and who can resist an Englishman in full uniform?" The scamps laughed at this rally, as though it was witty. I manifested no sign that I heard anything, but I began to feel a little warm in the region of my heart. u You do not listen to the opera," said Isadora. " No, I am still thinking of you," was my reply. She pouted a little and laughed, and that was observed by our friends on the left. *' She has a smile that would thaw a man, even if he had stood double watch while going upon the coast of England in the winter," said one. " But the fact is, I don't like such a smile," Fred said, in a languid manner. " Why not?" asked his brother officer, in some surprise. " Because it is too inviting,'* was the reply. " How so? explain yourself," was the universal cry. " Why, don't you see that she has caught a glimpse of my face, and she is dying to become acquainted with me ? " was the puppy's affected remark. There was such a laugh at this vanity, that the audience in the theatre cried out with vexation, and a number hissed. "Do you hear that, Fred?" one of them said. " The people are hissing you." " Which proves that they are geese, and understand nothing but garlic and onions. Let them hiss and be hanged. I can stand it as long as they can." A PREMEDITATED INSULT. 103 The audience, intent upon the music, soon forgot the English- men in the strains of a powerful tenor. Then the officers once more found their tongues. ".I tell you, sirs, the lady admires me," Fred continued. 4 < Half a dozen times she has flashed her eyes upon, me like diamonds. I am never mistaken." " Nonsense, man ! " a brother officer said, who seemed older and more grave than the others. "You must be mistaken." " I tell you what I will do," Fred said. " I can convince you that I speak understandingly. I will take a flower from the lass's head, and she will not chide me for the loss." " But her lover will," cried the lieutenant. " He looks as though capable of doing work if roused. You had better do noth- ing of the kind." "O, let Russell alone can't you?" the other officer cried. " He is only talking, and would not take such liberties when there is a fair prospect of getting his ears boxed. The lady has not looked at him, and don't know that there is such a person in the world." Russell's brother officers seemed desirous of urging the fellow on for the purpose of seeing the fun ; for such they seemed to con- sider it ; with the exception of one called Horton, who appeared to be more sober, and have more sense than the others. " Blast me if I stand such chaffing as this ! " Fred cried. " Just keep your eyes on me and see if I don't do the trick, and no words about the matter either." The fellow moved nearer the box in which Isadora and myself were seated, as though about to carry his threat into execution. Without pretending to notice his movements, I edged towards him in such a manner that I was brought directly behind the lady, and between Francisco and the Englishmen. I kept one eye upon the movements of Russell, and saw that he was de- liberating which rose from the lady's head he should pluck, and while he was thus undecided Horton once more spoke to him. " Fred," he said, " let me persuade you to desist from your foolish scheme. Trouble will arise, I am sure, for I see some- thing in that fellow's eyes that tells me he is a Tartar." " He is a snob," cried Fred, " and I'll soon show you that such is the case. Watch my motions." He reached over as he spoke, and was about to pluck the rose 110 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. from Isadora's hair ; but I had watched him most narrowly, and as soon as his hand was within a few inches of Isadora's head, so that I could be certain of his intentions, I suddenly started into life. Grasping his wrist as firmly as though it was in a vice, I gave it a sudden wrench and threw his arm out of joint. Then before he could recover from his astonishment I pulled him towards me, and struck him three heavy blows upon his face. Every blow brought blood, and raised large ridges of discolored flesh. The eyes of every one in the house were directed towards us, and many people rose to their feet for the purpose of seeing what the trouble was about ; but before they could bring their opera glasses to bear upon us the difficulty, as far as I was con- cerned, was over. Isadora had started to her feet in alarm when the first blow was struck, but at a word from me she resumed her seat, and al- though trembling somewhat, she manifested no further emotion, and appeared to direct her whole attention to the stage. So sud- den was the attack that Francisco could only look on and wonder. The English officers rose hastily, and moved towards the door of their box without saying a word, and in a few minutes the audience had forgotten that a disturbance had occurred, so en- grossed were they with the opera. " Bravo ! " cried Francisco, as the Englishmen showed their backs. " You have driven the ruffians from the house, and with but little trouble. Now we can enjoy the balance of the opera in peace." I had my doubts on the subject, but did not think it worth while to communicate them to my friend just at that moment. At length the curtain fell, and the vast audience rose to depart. I gave my arm to Isadora, and we left the box. As I expected, I saw one of the English officers standing near the door, and a quick glance showed me that it was Mr. Horton, who had en- deavored to persuade Russell not to act the silly part which he had carried out a few minutes before. I pretended not to notice him, and passed slowly along, but before I reached the stairs I was gently touched on the shoulder. I looked round, and saw Mr. Horton. " Excuse me, sir," he said, with a bow and a smile, " but may I request your card ? " A CARD DEMANDED. Ill u Pardon me," I said, " but I am quite out of cards." " Your name and residence will do as well/' was the answer. I gave him my name and residence, and he bowed and left me. Just before we reached the volante I whispered to Francisco, and requested him to go in search of Murphy, and bring him to my lodgings without delay. " My friend," Isadora said, as soon as we entered the volante, and were driving towards our lodgings, u there is some secret which you have not confided to me. Tell me all." *' It is nothing," I replied, " excepting that the man who was so fierce as to insult you and me, and was punished for it, is de- sirous of challenging me." " And you will meet him?" she asked. " Certainly, if the officer feels aggrieved at the blows which he has received, I am bound to satisfy him." She sighed, but remained silent. " Do you not approve of my resolution ? " I asked. " No ; but nothing that I could say would prevent you from doing as you pleased." Our landlord received us with a cloud of smoke, and his head more on one side than ever. " Coffee on the table," he said, " and a piece of cold chicken." He escorted us to our rooms, and I had hardly exchanged my black coat for a light one, when Murphy and Francisco entered. u I caught the captain just as he was taking a boat to go on board, and have brought him with me," the Cuban said ; " and although he grumbled somewhat at being compelled to sleep on shore, he won't lose his sea legs." " What in the devil's name does all this mean ?" Murphy asked. " Francisco, has told me that you was insulted by a party of Eng- lishmen, and that you knocked one of 'em down. So far so good. That made you even. What more can happen ? " " Nothing, unless the fellow chooses to request a meeting, in which case I couldn't very well refuse him, could I?" I asked. '* Do you think that he means fight?" Murphy asked. " I am certain of it," I replied. " Then, by the piper that played before Moses, you must give him one ! " exclaimed the captain, heartily. " But we were to sail to-morrow," I suggested. u I will postpone it until this affair is settled. I can make a 112 dozen excuses that will serve the agents. You must fight if they want you to, and what is more, you must, for the honor of the Coquette, come out of the matter with flying colors. I'll be your second, and show you how things are managed." u The supper is cooling, senors," said the tobacconist, who had been dancing around the room for a few minutes, nervous with the idea that we should forget his cheer. " We can eat and talk at the same time," I said, drawing near the table, and inviting my guests to join me. " Well, I don't mind having a little snack of somethin' at this late hour," the captain said ; and after complimenting Isadora, he fell to, like a lion. " You are sure they can find the house?" the captain asked. " O, yes ; I think there is no chance for a mistake," I replied. " If there was, I would start out and find the party," the cap- tain said, in a musing tone. I thanked him for his kindness, but can't say that I fully ap- preciated it. Before there was a chance to discuss the point, I heard the landlord coming up stairs, escorting some one who spoke in English. " Here comes our man," said Murphy ; and he was right, for the officer who had asked for my address, Mr. Horton, made his appearance. I shook hands with him, and invited him to take a seat, which he did. " I presume that you expected me," he said. " I certainly did," I replied. " These things should be settled in as quiet and quick a man- ner as possible," Mr. Horton continued, in an indifferent sort of manner, as though duels were of common occurrence with him. I bowed, and remained silent. " My friend, Mr. Russell, was quite anxious that a meeting should take place to-night, so eager is he to revenge the injuries he has received, but we managed to pacify him. We did this, thinking that you might have a little writing and a few arrange- ments to make before an exchange of shots." " It was certainly very kind on your part," I replied, with the utmost sangfroid; " but I am really sorry that you did not yield your wishes to those of Mr. Russell. These trifling things should be settled on the spot, or if that is impossible, within half an hour PRELIMINARIES OF A DUEL. 113 after the blows have passed. I think that it is not too late, even now, for the meeting to take place." I heard a suppressed chuckle from Murphy, which sounded as though he had swallowed a cup of coffee the wrong way, and was strangling in consequence. The Englishman looked at me in astonishment, and evidently thought that ,he had made a slight mistake. I remained quite cool, and determined to brag about promptness as hard as he did. " I fear that it is too late," Mr. Horton said, looking at his watch. " It is now twelve o'clock, and dark. The early morn- ing will have to answer." "As you please. One time is as good as another for me. Only let the hour be as soon as possible." The Englishman took a good long stare at me in astonishment. 44 May I ask," he said, "what countryman you are? I sup- pose a Frenchman." I shook my head. " Certainly not a German." No." " You speak the English language so plain you might pasa for one of our queen's subjects," Mr. Horton continued. " I thank fortune that I am not an Englishman," I replied , and then assuming my most dignified look, I answered, " I have the honor of being an American." The officer looked surprised, and somewhat perplexed. " If I had known that you were an American, sir, I could have prevented this trouble," Mr. Horton cried, at length. " I have requested the services of a friend," I sa"id, " and he will arrange all preliminaries with you as soon as he has finished a cup of coffee. Or, perhaps you will take a seat at the table and talk with him, and sip a cup of coffee yourself. You will find the beverage to your taste." The Englishman hesitated ; but just at that moment Isadora retired to her room, and Murphy came towards us. I introduced the gentlemen. They shook hands like old friends, and Murphy renewed my invitation, which Horton no longer refused to accept. They went to a table, and Francisco was presented in due form, but, owing to his limited amount of English, was not requested to retire. I left the parties engaged in an animated discussion, and sought 8 114 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. Isadora. A few minutes later some one knocked at the door of our room, and upon opening it, I found Murphy. 44 1 have arranged matters to my satisfaction," he said. u You are to meet to-morrow morning, just outside of the city. A sweet spot, where no interruption can take place." *' And the weapons?" I asked. 44 We were the challenged party, and had the right to choose them. I named rifles, for I saw you shoot on the Gabun." 44 Good ! It is a weapon that I am familiar with. What is the distance?" " Forty yards." ** That is a fair distance. How do we fire? " 41 At the words one, two, three fire." 44 And the Englishman is satisfied?" 44 Far from it.^ He said that his principal was not much ac- quainted with rifles, and would prefer pistols or swords. But I insisted upon rifles, and he was compelled to come to it, or go without fighting. I don't think that they are eager for a meeting, for somehow Horton thinks that you are right and Russell is wrong." This was good news, and I said as much to Murphy. 44 You must bring the rifles from the schooner, for I doubt if they have any on board of the Scorpion," I said. 44 Don't bother your head on that score. Francisco and my- self will see that everything is ship-shape and Bristol fashion. The captain closed the door, and I was not sorry that he was gone, for I needed a few hours' time to collect my thoughts, and arrange them for the meeting which was to come off. I sat down and wrote a few letters to friends in the United States, and then wrote a statement of my effects, and bequeathed everything, ex- cepting a few presents, to Isadora. I left directions for Murphy to see that my wishes were carried out, and by the time I had finished, it was near two o'clock in the morning. I hoped to get a few hours' rest, so threw myself upon my bed, and think I slept, for I was aroused by a gentle knock at my door, and upon opening it saw Murphy and Francisco. 44 It is time that you are stirring," said the former, 44 although I hate to rouse out a man at such an hour." 44 1 will be with you in a moment," I replied, softly, for Isa- dora had not awakerled, and I did not wish to disturb her. PREPARING FOR A DUEL. 115 " We've got a kettle of hot coffee ready," Murphy said, " and a cup of it will do you good. It will clear the cobwebs from your eyes, and make your head feel as lively as a schooner in ballast in a stiff gale off Cape Hatteras." I commenced dressing with exceeding care, and, according to Murphy's directions, all in black, not even allowing so much as the bosom of my shirt to be seen, so that my opponent could find nothing to take aim at. While I was thus engaged, Isadora awoke, but did not speak, although I knew that she was noting all my preparations with anxious eyes. Just as I was about to leave the room, with a trembling voice she begged that I would remain at home, or at least allow her to accompany me to the field. I could do neither ; but I kissed her most affectionately, and then gently released her arms which were entwined around my neck as though they bad been riveted together, with a final blessing, left her, crying as though her heart would break. u How do you feel this morning?" the captain asked, as I made my appearance at the table. " Composed and anxious to finish the business which is before me," I replied. u Do your nerves tremble?" he asked. " See for yourself," I answered, filling a cup of coffee so full that another drop would have overrun it. I held the cup up for inspection, and yet not a drop went over the rim. " That will do," said Murphy, with a nod of approval. The coffee was soon disposed of, and cigars were lighted by all excepting myself. To me Murphy did not pass them. " Why this neglect?" I asked. " Your nerves," he answered. " I'll risk the nerves ; give me the cigars." He would have remonstrated ; but just at that moment the vo- lante drove up to the door, and the captain was too busy attend- ing to the departure to speak. 116 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. CHAPTER VII. EARLY MORNING. A DUEL AND ITS RESULTS. A NICE DIS- TINCTION. OFF TO SEA. A LITTLE HARBOR EPISODE. WE passed the outskirts of the city, and soon left the houses behind, with the exception of a few villas, which were scattered along the road, and surrounded by orange groves, and elegant gardens of flowers and pines. Once in a while we could see a pair of black eyes gazing at us from the windows of a villa, and it was noticed that a handsome face, in which the eyes were set, received the utmost attention from our party. In fact, Mur- phy went so far as to kiss his hand to several ladies, who had the curiosity to peer at us from balconies ; an attention that caused Francisco to roar with laughter, and the lady who was the re- cipient of the favor to smile and blush, as though not knowing whether to be offended or pleased. " What in the devil's name are you laughing at?" roared Mur- phy, just after he had saluted, turning to Francisco. " At the manner in which you make love. You seem to have but little regard for age or sex, for I just saw you kiss your hand to a boy with a white shirt, intead of a lady with a night dress," Francisco said. " Did I? " roared the captain. " Then tell the driver to tack ship, and stand back, and say that it was a mistake." But the captain's request was not complied with, for we feared to spend the time necessary to perform the business ; and as we were within half a mile of the place of meeting, the captain's thoughts were changed from females to the work before him. " We have reached the ground before the Englishmen, that is certain," Murphy said, as he ordered the volante driver to " heave to," while he inspected the premises. The spot selected for the meeting was known as the " Cava- lier's Crossing," from the fact that two Spaniards had fought a duel on the ground with small swords, more than fifty years be- fore. Ever since that period it had been used for hostile meet- ings, and many a bloody duel had taken place there. A SWEET SPOT. 117 " Ah, what a sweet spot ! " murmured Murphy. " Search the whole island, and a better place could not be found for our busi- ness." " I hear a carriage on the road," I said, not wishiog to dilate on a place that might witness my fall. " Then it must be the party we are expecting. They are five minutes beyond the time, but we will overlook it far the sake of the fight." Murphy's prediction was correct ; for the volante, drawn by two horses, stopped, and four men, dressed in black, alighted. " One of 'em is a surgeon I told 'em to bring him in case of accidents," Murphy said, in reply to my look of interrogation. The Englishmen walked towards us until within ten paces, when they stopped, and saluted us by raising their caps. Murphy and Horton advanced and shook hands. The doctor took sntfff, and eyed us suspiciously, as though settling in his own mind our exact standing. I thought that I had seen his face before, but was not positive. " We are a few minutes late," the lieutenant said, when he and Murphy met, " but I trust that you will excuse it." " We should have been much more sorry if you had not come, I assure you," replied Murphy. " We took the liberty of bringing the surgeon of our ship," the lieutenant said, at length. " An accident may happen, you know." "It is quite probable," Murphy continued. - " You have brought the weapons, I trust ? " the Englishman in- quired. " I'd as soon forget my chain and anchor if going to sea. Step this way, and you shall see them. There they are," said Mur- phy, " two as good rifles as can be found in Cuba. Take your choice. We have none. One is as good as the other." " I shall make choice of this," Horton said, at length. I felt rejoiced. He had chosen Murphy's, and not the one I was accustomed to use. The seconds proceeded to load the weapons most carefully ; each grain of*powder being weighed, for fear of not getting enough, or too little. The rifles were prepared and capped, and the seconds proceeded to measure off the distance with commend- able promptness. 118 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " You will now take your stations, gentlemen," cried Mr. Hor- ton ; and, in obedience to that command, we moved to our re- spective posts, where the .rifles were handed to us. " The word will be given by me," Murphy said. " I shall re- peat ' one, two, three fire.' Neither of you will fire until you hear the ' three.' This must be recollected, or unpleasant feel- ings may arise. Don't forget." " I wish to speak to that gentleman one moment," cried the surgeon, pointing to me. " It is too late," said Murphy. " But it may save the effusion of blood. Mr. Russell is not bound to meet a person who is not a " " I tell you that the time for talking has gone by, and we don't lay to any longer for any one. Fill the topsails, and drive ahead," Murphy exclaimed. I could not think what the doctor wanted, and would have given him an opportunity to speak, if Murphy had not been so positive in refusing. The surgeon consoled himself with a pinch of snuff, and looked at me harder than ever. "Are you ready, gentlemen?" cried Murphy. " I am ready," I answered. " And 1," Russell said ; but his voice was almost inaudible. " Then keep your weather eyes open for the word. Now then one!" I brought my rifle to my shoulder, and cocked it. Russell had done the same before the word. " Two ! " thundered Murphy, in a voice that could have been heard fore and aft in a gale of wind. " Three fire ! " he continued. I heard the discharge of Russell's rifle before I fired. The ball whizzed within a foot of my head, but I was safe. I took a de- liberate aim, and also fired almost as soon as Murphy had uttered the last word. I did not aim to kill or to wound. I aimed to frighten my adversary, and think that I did, for the ball passed between his right arm and body, so near that his clothing was cut as though with a knife. ' I'm wounded," he shouted ; and down went*his rifle to the ground as though mortally hurt. His seconds and friends rushed towards him, and Francisco and Murphy came towards me with eager looks. NOT ANOTHER SHOT. 119 " Are you all right ? " demanded Murphy. " I'm not touched," I replied, with a smile "Thank fortune for that. But I think the Englishman has got a belly-full that will last him for a month. See ; they are examining his wound." " They won't find one," I replied, confidently. "Why not?" " Because I aimed to frighten, and not to kill." " The devil you did. And now the fellow will ask for another shot at you. What did you want to play for ? " He did not stop to hear my explanations, but waddled towards the other party, who surrounded Russell. "He isn't damaged much is he?" asked Murphy, with a slight laugh. " No, I think not," replied Horton, with a look that approached contempt. " He is good for another shot." " No, I am not," faintly gasped Russell. " I'm satisfied with what I have got." " Hold your tongue, sir ! " thundered Horton, indignantly. " You will be guided by your seconds in this matter, and do as they tell you." " But I won't fire another shot," persisted Russell, doggedly. "Will you keep quiet?" roared Horton. " My friend is not yet satisfied, sir," Murphy said, speaking to Horton. The lieutenant hardly knew how to proceed. He looked at the surgeon for advice, and that gentleman was not slow in offering it. He drew the officer one side, and whispered to him for a few moments earnestly. The lieutenant looked surprised, and scruti- nized the faces of Murphy and myself attentively. I wondered what was in the wind, and was soon enlightened. " This affair can proceed no farther," Mr. Horton said, firmly but quietly. " And why not, in the devil's name ? " roared Murphy. " Because, sir, my friend is a gentleman." " And do you pretend to say that my friend is not one also?" cried Murphy, his face swelling with passion. " I am not required to give an answer to that question. But this you must be satisfied with. Your friend has had a shot, and here the matter ends." 120 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. " Ends ? " gasped Murphy. " Ends," repeated the lieutenant, quite calmly. "I I don't understand this," the captain said, gulping down his mighty wrath with the aid of a chew of tobacco. " Perhaps it is as well that you don't. With the shot that has been exchanged, Mr. Russell feels satisfied, but will not risk the loss of his reputation by firing another." " Why, the lad seemed to stand up well enough, all but his knees, and them was rather shaky," the captain said. " You don't understand me, sir," replied the lieutenant. " I don't mean to impugn the courage of my friend." " Then what did you mean? Hang me if I ain't taken all aback by this 'ere course of proceedings," roared Murphy. " You know, sir, that my principal is a gentleman," he said, " and it is derogatory to his dignity to fight with a slaver, or a man engaged in the trade." The thing was out at last ; but it was a long time before the lieutenant had been brought to the scratch, and revealed that which was on his mind. As soon as he mentioned the word " slaver," I knew at once where I had seen the doctor's face. He was on board the Serpent when she was lying at Gabun, watching our movements. He had been transferred to the Scorpion, and, what was worse, recollected my face, having seen me one day when he visited the Coquette for the purpose of prescribing foi a sick man, down with the coast fever. For a few seconds Murphy was speechless with astonishment ; but he rallied after a while, and was vehement in his denuncia- tion of the man who would creep out of a fight on such a sup- position. " We can't discuss the question," said Mr. Horton. " My man must remain satisfied without an additional exchange of shots." " Then all that I can say is, that he is easily suited ; and I wish you a good day, unless you would like to take a crack at me, just for friendship's sake." The lieutenant declined ; but as he led his friend from the field, I could see an expression that was jubilant upon Russell's face at the prospect of escaping so cheaply. " It was a shrewd operation on that fellow's part," muttered Murphy, with a grin of approval. " The cuss hadn't got nerve enough to stand another shot, so they resorted to the slave dodge OFF AT LAST. 121 to prevent us from having a second clip at him. But there's no use in growling like a sick marine. The thing is over, and we may as well go back to the city and get breakfast. I'm hungry." We rode slowly back to Havana, all hands feeling in good humor. I, especially, was happy, and contented with myself. I was satisfied that I had not killed the Englishman as I might have done, and was more particularly pleased that I was un- harmed, and likely to make Isadora happy with the successful termination of the duel. Under this state of things we reached Havana by nine o'clock in the forenoon, and when the volante drove up to the door I saw Isadora gazing from the window with anxious eyes, and the look of concern did not pass from her face until she saw that I was well and unharmed. I settled my bill with the tobacconist the next morning, and received a present of a few hundred choice cigars for my liberality in paying him all that he asked. Then I took leave of Francisco ; and as a recompense for his kindness, slipped upon his finger a handsome ring, which he protested he would wear to the last day of his life. He accompanied us on board, where I found Murphy had kept his word, and made ample preparations for us. He had been fitting up a state-room in excellent style, and it looked as neat as a chamber at a first-class hotel. Towards twelve o'clock a light land breeze sprang up, and we made preparations for weighing anchor, and our movements im- mediately excited the attention of the officers of the frigate Scor- pion, which vessel was lying about a cable's length from the Co- quette, on the east side t)f the bay. " The fellow is going to follow us out, I believe," Murphy said, after watching the movements of the Scorpion for a few minutes in silence, undecided whether to give the orders to trip the anchor, or remain in the harbor until dark, when we could steal out unnoticed. " He's a fast 'un," cried one of our men, who was coiling down a rope on the quarter-deck, and overheard the remark. " You know her, then?" I asked. " Yes, sir," replied the man, " and I have good cause to re- member her. I was two years a foretop-mau on board of the ship, and got four dozen during that time, with the bos'n's lady." " I suppose you deserved it," said Murphy. 122 A SLAVER'S ADVENTUUES. " Well, I don't know but I did, sir ; but it's cussed hard to be flogged for splicing the main brace, when an officer gets just as drunk, and escapes." The Englishman had let fall his sails, and we could hear his men as they stamped around the capstan, and hove in the chain. The getting under weigh of a man-of-war always attracts much attention in Havana, as by it people judge of the discipline of the crew, and commend or condemn, according to the smart- ness that is exhibited. On this account we also came in for much attention, for the perfect symmetry of the Coquette, and her jet black hull, with a narrow streak of red, having been re- painted while lying in Havana, combined to render her the best looking craft in the harbor. A light breeze rippled over the water, just as we broke ground, and the schooner gracefully payed off by the aid of her jib, and stood towards the Scorpion, intending to pass under her stern, as there was plenty of room to do, while ahead was a Spanish ship, loading with sugar, and her decks covered with people, who seemed to be celebrating a feast day, "or having a feast, for there was music and singing on board, and many ladies to be seen upon the quarter-deck. As the Coquette gathered headway, we saw at once that the Englishman's anchor had broken ground, and that the ship had sternway on, the wind being too light to enable the frigate to work readily. Murphy saw the position of the vessel at once, and that he would lose ground if he passed under her stern, so he luffed up a little, flattened down the sails, and determined to pass across his bow, just astern of the Spanish ship, there being suffi- cient room to do so by close attention to the helm. Suddenly, an officer in uniform, armed with a speaking trumpet, sprang upon the hammock-nettings of the frigate, and hailed us. " Schooner, ahoy ! " he shouted, " don't attempt to pass across our bow. Put your helm up, ease off your main sheet, and pass under our stern." " They are hailing us," I said to Murphy. " Let them hail and be hanged ! " was his quick reply. " Do you hear on board of the schooner? " demanded the officer, fiercely. " No entende ! " roared Murphy, with a slight Irish brogue, which made the ladies on board of the Spanish ship clap their hands with merriment, A MAD ENGLISHMAN. 123 We were not more than a cable's length from the man-of-war, and were moving through the water little faster than a knot an hour. " Send a man here who can speak Spanish," cried the English captain, sharply ; and almost before the words were out of his mouth, an officer mounted the hammock nettings by the com- mander's side, and repeated the words of his superior in Spanish. " What in the devil's name do you mean by talking to me in such a manner?" asked Murphy. " I don't speak the lingo." " Blast you, I'll make you walk Spanish if you cross my bow ! " roared the now thoroughly aroused captain. " Have you got a lieutenant named Horton on board?" asked Murphy, quite calmly. u Yes," replied the captain, astonished at the question. ''And a Mr. Russell?" " Yes." " Well, give my respects to both of them will you ? " Murphy cried, with a wave of his hand. The captain of the Scorpion sprang from the hammock nettings as though he was stung by one of the insects of that name. We did not hear him swear, but I have no doubt that he did utter an English oath that was full of significance, for his ship had just gathered headway, and was under steerage way. when down went the helm, and she luffed up slowly as though about to tack ship, or come to anchor. At any rate, either purpose was dangerous to us, for we were likely to be jammed in between the frigate and the Spanish merchantman, and if such a thing happened, we should lose our spars close to the deck, or perhaps get our hull stove, and sink in the harbor. At first we could not be- lieve that the Englishman really intended to tack ship or to anchor. We supposed that he was endeavoring to avoid a vessel off his larboard bow, and Under this impression we kept on our way, each moment expecting the Scorpion to keep on his course again, and it was not until we were within ten fathoms of the frigate's bow that we understood the mano3uvre, but" then it seemed too late to guard against the collision that we saw the Englishman was bound to cause if possible. The people on board of the Spanish ship saw the danger we were in, and sought to warn us by gestures and loud cries, which attracted the attention of all in the harbor who were not regarding the scene. They saw at once that the Scorpion was 124 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. about t'o take a summary method of preventing our 'sailing, and that the manner of doing so was peculiarly English, and of course an outrage. If we had had American colors flying, the commander of the Scorpion would have thought twice before he put into execution his project ; but as we were under the Spanish flag, and Spain is but a fourth-rate power, the Englishman knew that no questions would be asked, or if they were asked, that they would be easily answered. But the Coquette was not so easily crushed as the Englishman seemed to think, and just when it seemed to the spectators that we should drift under his bow, we put our helm hard down, eased off our jib sheets, shivered our foretop-sail, and hauled aft our main sheet. The schooner instantly obeyed her helm, and poked her nose into the wind, shooting ahead slowly at the same time, clearing the taffrail of the Spanish ship by just about half a fathom, 'while at the same time the heavy jib-boom of the Scorpion was over our deck, where we expected it to foul every moment ; but luck was on our side, for, owing to the light breeze, the Coquette moved two feet to the Scorpion's one, and as we gradually forged ahead, grazed the Spaniard, and then paid off the head of the schooner by the aid of the jib and foretop-sail, until our other sails were filled, when we drew ahead until the bow of the Scorpion was entirely clear, and we had room to work. Then from every vessel in the harbor arose such wild cheers of exultation as only sailors can bestow, and at a sign from Murphy our men sprang upon the bulwark and joined in the general roar of triumph, which must have mortified the Englishman most intensely, for we could see him on his quarter-deck shake his speaking trumpet at us, as though determined to get even the first opportunity. Another triumph was to come, for the Scorpion forged ahead so far, that her flying jib-boom came in contact with the Span- iard's mizzen-mast, and carrying away the former's spar, snapping it like a pipe-stem, and falling under foot in one confused mass. Then another mighty shout arose, which we gladly responded to, and for the purpose of repairing damages the Englishman dropped anchor, and let his topsails down upon the caps. We tacked ship, and once more stood towards the Englishman ; but this time we gave him a wide berth, and passed under his A LADY SEA-SICK. 125 stern. Men were at work repairing the damage done to his jib- boom, and they displayed such activity that we could not doubt that the frigate would sail as soon as new spars, in the place of those broken, were replaced. The officers were on the quarter- deck, and as we slowly forged ahead we could easily make out Horton and the surgeon, but they made no sign that they recog- nized us, and we were as backward in that respect as they were. As we drew near Moro Castle the breeze freshened, so we eased off the sheets, and kept the schooner free ; and by the time we were outside of the harbor, we were walking through the water at the rate of six knots per hour, and a fair prospect of getting more wind from off the land as the sun went down. For the first hour we shaped our course to the northward, for the pur- pose of getting an offing, and deceiving the captain of the Scor- pion into the belief that we were not intending to touch on the coast, but steer direct for some port in the United States for sup- plies. As soon, however, as we were out of sight of land, we put our helm up and ran down for Quitero, where our pro- visions and water were waiting, and where our slave deck and guns were stored. As soon as we got before the wind the schooner's motion increased, and it was sufficient to cause Isa- dora to experience sensations such as she had never before known. " Come down here and take care of your sister," Murphy said, just after dinner, while we were running down the coast. u She is groanidg like an eighty-gun ship in a gale, and I am afraid will carry away some of her rigging unless preventers are rove. Come and cheer her with the light of your eyes." I found Isadora was quite sick, and like most of her nation, under great apprehensions when a little ill. She had a pretty fair attack of sea-sickness, and for a few minutes refused to be comforted. " Give me something," she cried, " to allay this dreadful feel- ing. I feel as though I was dying. Kiss me, and bless me be- fore I go." I attempted to kiss her ; but before I could reach her lips . I was compelled to draw back, although I was obliged to laugh heartily at my eScape. " You no longer love me," she mourned. " You are tired of me." " Not quite, dear. As soon as this fit of sea-sickness passes off you will be more beautiful than ever, for it will make your skin as transparent as a lily." 126 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. That consoled her. Only tell a woman she can improve her complexion, and she will willingly endure pain and suffering. From this time Isadora did not complain ; but, fortunately, her sickness was of short duration, and before she had been upon the water a week her sea legs were on, and she professed to be quite a sailor. The next day, at sunrise, we anchored at the little sheltered port of Quitero, and commenced receiving from the agent's hands provisions and water. As cruisers were known to be in the neighborhood we used much despatch, for fear they should poke their nose into port and take us, without stopping to investi- gate whether right or wrong. On the second day we had our guns and ammunition on board, and the slave deck stowed away in its place under hatches. We should have got under weigh at sundown had we not had to wait for orders as to whether we should visit Gabun or Madagascar. Letters were expected by express from Havana, containing the latest information as to the disposition of the English cruisers, and, until we received them, our hands were tied. Murphy fretted, but his fretting was of no use, and the sun went down with a slight breeze blowing into the harbor r and the promise of a dark night. We had supper late, for we had been at work hard all day, and while we were mak- ing .sad havoc among the steward's delicacies we heard a boat run alongside, and the next instant our agent stepped on deck. " Hallo ! what brings you on board?" Murphy asked, surprised at his appearance. " Diablo, I have news of importance to communicate, or you would not see me here. You must get under weigh and be off in a hurry, or you will be under the lee of an English frigate before morning." " How is that ? Explain ! " cried Murphy, somewhat astonished. " The Scorpion left Havana yesterday afternoon, and this eve- ning, at sundown, was observed standing towards the harbor, under shortened sail. She is determined to cut you out, I'll bet an ounce. You must trust to your heels, and be off at once." " And certainly fall into the Englishman's hands. No, that wouldn't do. I'll warrant you that if he has- followed us here, he would not let a boat leave the harbor without being over- hauled. If we stay here we shall have to discharge everything during the night, and let him find the schooner empty in the morn- ing, for the Scorpion is determined to take us, right or wrong." IN A TIGHT PLACE. 127 The captain mused long and earnestly after he spoke. " What time is it high water?" he asked, at length. " Not until one o'clock," replied the agent. " If we could keep them off until that hour, we could make our escape by way of the creek," Murphy said, after consulting a small map of the harbor. " Perhaps the* Englishman knows that route as well as your- selves," remarked the agent. " I think not in fact I am positive that the creek is not on any map in existence excepting the one I hold in my hand. This I bought of the oldest pilot on the coast, and he buoyed out the channel. We can go through, I am confident, for I have dono the same thing once before, and know every inch of water .and ground. We only draw seven feet, and at high tides there's seven and a half in the shoalest places." " But they may attempt to cut you out during the night," the agent said. "Three or four boats would trouble you if well armed." u They may," the captain said, thoughtfully, " but I don't think they will. The night is dark, however, and Englishmen are plucky. It is best to use all due precautions and prevent a sur- prise. Go on shore, and send me" thirty bold fellows who are willing to risk their lives for an ounce each. I shall up anchor and warp the schooner close to the creek, .where I shall moor her by kedges, and show the Englishmen the Coquette's broadside in case they want a little brush." We surprised the crew by ordering the anchor up, and still more by compelling them to maintain a perfect silence while rousing in the chain. They knew that their duty was to obey, and they did not grumble or ask a question. We sent our boat ahead with six stout fellows, and by the aid of the schooner's sweeps, soon placed the Coquette at the mouth of the creek, which was used entirely by fishermen for shelter. Here we moored the Coquette, and then made preparations for our defence. To make all sure, however, that the Scorpion was off the har- bor, Murphy hired a fisherman, whom he could depend upon, to take his canoe and p.addle out on a reconnoitering expedition, and bring back all the information he could obtain ; and while he was absent we continued our work in earnest. We loaded our guns with grape and canister, armed our men with cutlasses and pis- 128 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. tols, and then triced up our boarding nets, fore and aft, to prevent the enemy from carrying our decks with a rush. While we were preparing for the expected conflict, two boat loads of Creoles came on board, each man armed with a long, dangerous-looking knife, which they were accustomed to use in their melees on shore. There were thirty of them, and they promised to risk their lives for an ounce per man, and to stick by the vessel as long as they considered it safe so to do ; which meant that they would jump overboard and swim .to the shore as soon as they found that the tide of battle was turning against us. To guard against this, however, we distributed the Spaniards in different sections of the schooner, where they would have to fight under the eyes of the crew, and, in case of dissatisfaction, would not be so likely to hear of it. By the time our preparations were completed it was ten o'clock. All the lights were extinguished fore and aft, and it was difficult to see a canoe a few fathoms distant from the vessel. Look- outs were stationed, with orders to report if boats approached, and the rest of the crew were compelled to be upon deck, at their stations, and get what sleep they could. " A canoe is off the starboard quarter, sir," cried one of our lookouts, in a low tone. " Let it come alongside," replied Murphy. " It is the fisher- man I expect.'* The canoe shot up alongside, and the man whom the captain had hired to reconnoitre the position of the frigate came on deck. " Well," cried Murphy, " what have you discovered? " " The frigate is anchored at the mouth of the harbor, seuor, and no vessel can pass out without being seen." " Are they moving on board? Do they look as though intend- ing mischief?" was the next question. " I paddled close to the ship, and was hailed. I replied that I was a fisherman, and I had my lines with me in ease they should disbelieve the assertion. I was ordered on board, and I did not dare refuse, for I was close to the sentry's musket. They asked me if the schooner was at anchor in the harbor, and I said that I did not know, for I had been out all day, and was just returning home. They believed me, senor, for they said that to-morrow forenoon they should enter the harbor and capture the schooner ; for she was a slaver, and a bold one at that." " What do you think of the news ? " asked Murphy. READY FOR AN ATTACK. 129 " I think they were fearful that the fisherman would give us information, and they wish to deceive us by pretending that the attack will be delayed until morning," I replied. " Just my idea to a hair ; but we ain't so green as that," Mur- phy remarked ; and then he continued to interrogate the fisherman. " Did you see any movements on board, as though boats were to be sent off during the night? " " No, senor. The boats were hanging at the davits, and the men handling cutlasses and pistols." " Just as I thought ; they mean to give us a call during the night, and they will commence the attack soon after twelve. If we can beat them off, we can make our escape, and be clear of the land by morning." " The senorita Isadora wishes to see you, senor," cried the steward, just at that moment. 44 Go and comfort her," Murphy said. " I will take care of the deck until you return. And you needn't hurry, you know, for there is no danger just at present." The lady was nervous, but soon went to sleep, and I returned to the deck. " All quiet so far," said Murphy, who was pacing the quarter- deck, smoking a cigar. "It is eight bells, and time that opera- tions were commenced if they intend to do anything. By one o'clock it will be high water, and we shan't wait for the English- man to find us." We talked for a few moments on the subject, but suddenly I heard the sound of muffled oars, as I thought, upon the water, but it was so dark that we could see nothing. We listened attentively. u They are coming around the point," Murphy said, pointing with his finger to the entrarfce of the harbor, which was about half a mile distant from where we were anchored. " That is the regular man-of-war stroke," I remarked. " They may attempt to disguise it, and pull as noiselessly as Congo men ; but one who has ever heard men-of-war's-men pull, will recognize it at once." u Yes ; and I can even tell the number of boats that's coming," Murphy remarked. " There's three boats, or I'm a sinner." I knew that he was a sinner ; but did not think it was necessary to say so, for I did not have a very good opinion of myself. " Call up the men quietly, and see that they take their stations 9 130 A SLAVER'S ADVENTURES. without noise. If the boats should not find us, I don't think it is necessary to mourn much, for who knows which of us will fall in the fight?" I went forward ; but, to my surprise, found our men were on the alert, and wide awake, but the Cubans were snoring most unmercifully. They were readily aroused, however, and sta- tioned at their posts for the purpose of cutting down the enemy if he attempted to board ; the handling of the large guns being left to the crew of the Coquette, on account of their knowledge of gunnery, and because we trusted more to them than to cutlasses and pistols. After returning to the quarter-deck, I found that the boats had pulled to the place where we were anchored at sundown ; but not finding us there, it was evident that those in command were lay- ing on their oars, and deliberating upon what course to pursue. They knew that we had not escaped, because it was evident, from the fisherman's account, that nothing could pass in or out of the harbor without being overhauled. After deliberation, which lasted for five minutes, we could hear the boats pull slowly towards the shore, under the impres- sion that we had kedged in for safety. We guessed that they almost touched the beach, for in a few minutes the sound of oars again ceased, and another deliberation was entered upon. This time the conference was brief, and after it was over we found that the boats were headed in our direction. "We have got to fight," Murphy said, drawing a long breath. " In half a minute's time they will see us." " Give them an opportunity to think twice before they attack us," I pleaded, anxious to save shedding blood. " It is hardly fair to talk of such matters with an enemy within gunshot," Murphy answered ; but I had no doubt he would com- ply with my request, and I had hardly time to listen to his reply, when the sound of oars became very distinct, and we could see the boats approaching by the phosphorescent light which the blades made in the water. " Give way, boys," we heard an ofiicer say, who commanded one of the boats. " Pull strong and silently, and we shall take them napping." " Boats ahoy ! " roared Murphy, There was no response. " Boats ahoy ! " repeated Murphy, still louder. A SPIRITED FIGHT. 131 Tliere was no reply. " If the boats come any nearer, I shall fire upon them," Mur- phy cried. " Give way, men," shouted the officer who had charge of the cutting-out expedition, and the men cheered, and bent to their oars. In another minute they would have been alongside, and ready to fight with all the obstinacy of Englishmen. " Fire ! " shouted Murphy. I sprang to the midship gun, and jerked the lanyard, but there was no response. " Fire, for God's sake, fire ! " roared Murphy. " The priming of the guns has been removed, sir," I replied, for I saw that the men who had charge of the light six-pounders were are as much embarrassed as myself. I ran to the place where the percussions were usually kept, but they had been removed. " There is a traitor on board," I said, in a low tone. " It is no time to ask who he is," cried Murphy. " We will deal with him after we have beaten off the enemy. Use your pistols, lads. Take good aim and fire." Our crew responded with a cheer, and an irregular volley was discharged at the boats, which must have done considerable exe- cution, for we heard shrill yells and cries of pain ; but the boats still came on. I saw an officer standing up in the stern-sheets of the foremost boat, and he was urging the men on with gestures and words. I snatched my rifle from the place where I had put it a few minutes before, and took a hasty aim, and fired. I saw the leader fall headlong upon the man who was pulling the after oar, an