[Illustration:

CAPTAIN CANOT

OR

TWENTY YEARSOF ANAFRICAN SLAVER

D. APPLETON & CO. ]

 CAPTAIN CANOT;

 OR, TWENTY YEARS OF AN AFRICAN SLAVER

 BEING AN ACCOUNT OF

 HIS CAREER AND ADVENTURES ON THE COAST, IN THE INTERIOR, ON SHIPBOARD, AND IN THE WEST INDIES. 

 WRITTEN OUT AND EDITED FROM THE

Captain's Journals, Memoranda and Conversations, BY

 BRANTZ MAYER. 

NEW YORK:D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 846 & 848 BROADWAY. LONDON: 16 LITTLE BRITAIN. M. DCCC. LIV. 

[Illustration: MANDINGO CHIEF AND HIS SWORD BEARER. ]

ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by

BRANTZ MAYER, in the Clerk's Office of the United States District Court for theDistrict of Maryland. 

TO

N. P. WILLIS, OF IDLEWILD. 

MY DEAR WILLIS, While inscribing this work with your name, as a testimonial of ourlong, unbroken friendship, you will let me say, I am sure, not onlyhow, but why I have written it. 

About a year ago I was introduced to its hero, by Dr. James Hall, thedistinguished founder and first governor of our colony at Cape Palmas. While busy with his noble task in Africa, Dr. Hall accidentally becameacquainted with Captain Canot, during his residence at Cape Mount, andwas greatly impressed in his favor by the accounts of all who knewhim. Indeed, --setting aside his career as a slaver, --Dr. Hall'sobservation convinced him that Canot was a man of unquestionableintegrity. The zeal, moreover, with which he embraced the firstopportunity, after his downfall, to mend his fortunes by honorableindustry in South America, entitled him to respectful confidence. Astheir acquaintance ripened, my friend gradually drew from the wandererthe story of his adventurous life, and so striking were its incidents, so true its delineations of African character, that he advised thecaptain to prepare a copious memorandum, which I should write out forthe public. 

Let me tell you why I undertook this task; but first, let me assureyou that, entertaining as the story might have been for a large classof readers, I would not have composed a line for the meregratification of scandalous curiosity. My conversations with Canotsatisfied me that his disclosures were more thoroughly candid thanthose of any one who has hitherto related his connection with thetraffic. I thought that the evidence of one who, for twenty years, played the chief part in such a drama, was of value to society, which, is making up its mind, not only about a great political and domesticproblem, but as to the nature of the race itself. I thought that atrue picture of aboriginal Africa, --unstirred by progress, --unmodifiedby reflected civilization, --full of the barbarism that blood andtradition have handed down from the beginning, and embalmed in itsprejudices, like the corpses of Egypt, --could not fail to be ofincalculable importance to philanthropists who regard no people asbeyond the reach of enlightenment. 

The completed task rises before me like a moving panorama whosescenery and background are the ocean and tropics, and whose principalactor combines the astuteness of Fouché with the dexterity of GilBlas. I have endeavored to set forth his story as plainly as possible, letting events instead of descriptions develope a chequered life whichwas incessantly connected with desperate men of both colors. As heunmasked his whole career, and gave me leave to use the incidents, Ihave not dared to hide what the actor himself displayed no wish toconceal. Besides the sketches of character which familiarize us withthe aboriginal negro in Africa, there is a good moral in theresultless life, which, after all its toils, hazards, and successesleaves the adventurer a stranded wreck in the prime of manhood. Onehalf the natural capacity, employed industriously in lawful commerce, would have made the captain comfortable and independent. Nor is theremuch to attract in the singular abnegation of civilized happiness in aslaver's career. We may not be surprised, that such an _animal_ as DaSouza, who is portrayed in these pages, should revel in thesensualities of Dahomey; but we must wonder at the passive endurancethat could chain a superior order of man, like Don Pedro Blanco, forfifteen unbroken years, to his pestilential hermitage, till theavaricious anchorite went forth from the marshes of Gallinas, ladenwith gold. I do not think this story is likely to seduce or educate arace of slavers!

The frankness of Canot's disclosures may surprise the more reservedand timid classes of society; but I am of opinion that there is anethnographic value in the account of his visit to the Mandingoes andFullahs, and especially in his narrative of the wars, jugglery, cruelty, superstition, and crime, by which one sixth of Africasubjects the remaining five sixths to servitude. 

As the reader peruses these characteristic anecdotes, he will askhimself how, --in the progress of mankind, --such a people is to beapproached and dealt with? Will the Mahometanism of the North which iswinning its way southward, and infusing itself among the crowds ofcentral Africa, so as, in some degree, to modify their barbarism, prepare the primitive tribes to receive a civilization and faith whichare as true as they are divine? Will our colonial fringe spread itsfibres from the coast to the interior, and, like veins of refreshingblood, pour new currents into the mummy's heart? Is there hope for anation which, in three thousand years, has hardly turned in its sleep?The identical types of race, servitude, occupation, and character thatare now extant in Africa, may be found on the Egyptian monuments builtforty centuries ago; while a Latin poem, attributed to Virgil, describes a menial negress who might unquestionably pass for a slaveof our Southern plantations:

 "Interdum clamat Cybalen; erat unica custos; Afra genus, tota patriam testante figura; Torta comam, labroque tumens, et fusca colorem; Pectore lata, jacens mammis, compressior alvo, Cruribus exilis, spatiosa prodiga planta; Continuis rimis calcanea scissa rigebant. "[1]

It will be seen from these hints that our memoir has nothing to dowith slavery as a North American institution, except so far as it isan inheritance from the system it describes; yet, in proportion as thedetails exhibit an innate or acquired inferiority of the negro race_in its own land_, they must appeal to every generous heart in behalfof the benighted continent. 

It has lately become common to assert that Providence permits _anexodus through slavery_, in order that the liberated negro may in timereturn, and, with foreign acquirements, become the pioneer of Africancivilization. It is attempted to reconcile us to this "good fromevil, " by stopping inquiry with the "inscrutability of God's ways!"But we should not suffer ourselves to be deceived by such imaginaryirreverence; for, in God's ways, there is nothing _less_ inscrutablethan his _law of right_. That law is never qualified in this world. Itmoves with the irresistible certainty of organized nature, and, whileit makes man free, in order that his responsibility may beunquestionable, it leaves mercy, even, for the judgment hereafter. Such a system of divine law can never palliate _the African slavetrade_, and, in fact, it is the basis of that human legislation whichconverts the slaver into a pirate, and awards him a felon's doom. 

For these reasons, we should discountenance schemes like thoseproposed not long ago in England, and sanctioned by the Britishgovernment, for the encouragement of spontaneous emigration fromAfrica under the charge of _contractors_. The plan was viewed withfear by the colonial authorities, and President Roberts at once issueda proclamation to guard the natives. No one, I think, will read thisbook without a conviction that the idea of _voluntary expatriation_has not dawned on the African mind, and, consequently, what mightbegin in laudable philanthropy would be likely to end in practicalservitude. 

Intercourse, trade, and colonization, in slow but steadfast growth, are the providences intrusted to us for the noble task ofcivilization. They who are practically acquainted with the coloredrace of our country, have long believed that gradual colonization wasthe only remedy for Africa as well as America. The repugnance of thefree blacks to _emigration from our shores_ has produced a tardymovement, and thus the African population has been thrown back grainby grain, and not wave by wave. Every one conversant with the state ofour colonies, knows how beneficial this languid accretion has been. Itmoved many of the most enterprising, thrifty, and independent. Itestablished a social nucleus from the best classes of American coloredpeople. Like human growth, it allowed the frame to mature in muscularsolidity. It gave immigrants time to test the climate; to learn thehabit of government in states as well as in families; to acquire thebearing of freemen; to abandon their imitation of the whites amongwhom they had lived; and thus, by degrees, to consolidate a social andpolitical system which may expand into independent and lastingnationality. Instead, therefore, of lamenting the slowness with whichthe colonies have reached their vigorous promise, we should considerit a blessing that the vicious did not rush forth in turbulent crowdswith the worthy, and impede the movements of better folks, who werestill unused to the task of self-reliance. 

Men are often too much in a hurry to do good, and mar by excessivezeal what patience would complete. "Deus quies quia æternus, " saithSt. Augustine. The cypress is a thousand years in growth, yet itslimbs touch not the clouds, save on a mountain top. Shall theregeneration of a continent be quicker than its ripening? That wouldbe miracle--not progress. 

Accept this offering, my dear Willis, as a token of that sincereregard, which, during an intimacy of a quarter of a century, has neverwavered in its friendly trust. 

 Faithfully, yours, BRANTZ MAYER. 

 BALTIMORE, _1st July, 1854_. 

FOOTNOTE:

[1] MORETUM, --Carm. Virg. Wagner's ed. Vol. 4, p. 301. 

CONTENTS. 

 PAGE CHAP. I. --My parentage and education--Apprenticed at Leghorn to an American captain--First voyage--its mishaps--overboard--black cook--Sumatra--cabin-boy--Arrival in Boston--My first _command_--View of Boston harbor from the mast-head--My first interview with a Boston merchant, WILLIAM GRAY 1

 CHAP. II. --My uncle tells my adventure with LORD BYRON--CAPTAIN TOWNE, and my life in Salem--My skill in Latin--Five years voyaging from Salem--I rescue a Malay girl at Quallahbattoo--The _first_ slave I ever saw--End of my apprenticeship--My backslidings in Antwerp and Paris--Ship on a British vessel for Brazil--The captain and his wife--Love, grog, and grumbling--A scene in the harbor of Rio--Matrimonial happiness--Voyage to Europe--Wreck and loss on the coast near Ostend 10

 CHAP. III. --I design going to South America--A Dutch galliot for Havana--Male and female captain--Run foul of in the Bay of Biscay--Put into Ferrol, in Spain--I am appropriated by a _new_ mother, grandmother, and sisters--A comic scene--How I got out of the scrape--Set sail for Havana--Jealousy of the captain--Deprived of my post--Restored--Refuse to do duty--Its sad consequences--Wrecked on a reef near Cuba--Fisherman-wreckers--Offer to land cargo--Make a bargain with our salvors--A sad _denouement_--A night bath and escape 19

 CHAP. IV. --Bury my body in the sand to escape the insects--Night of horror--Refuge on a tree--Scented by bloodhounds--March to the rancho--My guard--Argument about my fate--"MY UNCLE" RAFAEL suddenly appears on the scene--Magic change effected by my relationship--Clothed, and fed, and comforted--I find an uncle, and am protected--MESCLET--Made cook's mate--Gallego, the cook--His appearance and character--DON RAFAEL'S story--"Circumstances"--His counsel for my conduct on the island 31

 CHAP. V. --Life on a sand key--Pirates and wreckers--Their difference--Our galliot destroyed--the gang goes to Cuba--I am left with Gallego--His daily fishing and nightly flitting--I watch him--My discoveries in the graveyard--Return of the wreckers--"Amphibious Jews"--Visit from a Cuban inspector--"Fishing license"--Gang goes to Cape Verde--Report of a fresh wreck--Chance of escape--Arrival--Return of wreckers--Bachicha and his clipper--Death of Mesclet--My adventures in a privateer--My restoration to the key--Gallego's charges--His trial and fate 41

 CHAP. VI. --I am sent from the key--Consigned to a grocer at Regla--CIBO--His household--Fish-loving padre--Our dinners and studies--Rafael's fate--Havana--A slaver--I sail for Africa--The Areostatico's voyage, crew, gale--Mutiny--How I meet it alone--My first night in Africa! 57

 CHAP. VII. --Reflections on my conduct and character--Morning after the mutiny--Burial of the dead--My wounds--JACK ORMOND or the "MONGO JOHN"--My physician and his prescription--Value of woman's milk--I make the vessel ready for her slave cargo--I dine with Mongo John--His harem--Frolic in it--Duplicity of my captain--I take service with Ormond as his clerk--I _pack_ the human cargo of the Areostatico--Farewell to my English cabin-boy--His story 68

 CHAP. VIII. --I take possession of my new quarters--My household and its fittings--History of Mr. Ormond--How he got his rights in Africa--I take a survey of his property and of my duties--The Cerberus of his harem--Unga-golah's stealing--Her rage at my opposition--A night visit at my quarters--ESTHER, the quarteroon--A warning and a sentimental scene--Account of an African factor's harem--Mongo John in his decline--His women--Their flirtations--Battles among the girls--How African beaus fight a duel _for love_!--Scene of passionate jealousy among the women 76

 CHAP. IX. --Pains and dreariness of the "wet season"--African rain!--A CARAVAN announced as coming to the Coast--Forest paths and trails in Africa--How we arrange to catch a caravan--"Barkers, " who they are--AHMAH-DE-BELLAH, son of the ALI-MAMI of FOOTHA-YALLON--A Fullah chief leads the caravan of 700 persons--Arrival of the caravan--Its character and reception--Its produce taken charge of--People billeted--Mode of trading for the produce of a caravan--(_Note:_ Account of the produce, its value and results)--Mode of purchasing the produce--Sale over--Gift of an ostrich--Its value in guns--_Bungee_ or "_dash_"--Ahmah-de-Bellah--How he got up his caravan--Blocks the forest paths--Convoy duties--Value and use of blocking the forest paths--Collecting debts, &c. --My talks with Ahmah--his instructions and sermons on Islamism--My geographical disquisitions, rotundity of the world, the Koran--I consent to turn, _minus_ the baptism!--Ahmah's attempt to vow me to Islamism--Fullah punishments--Slave wars--Piety and profit--Ahmah and I exchange gifts--A double-barrelled gun for a Koran--I promise to visit the Fullah country 84

 CHAP. X. --Mode of purchasing Slaves at factories--Tricks of jockeys--Gunpowder and lemon-juice--I become absolute manager of the stores--Reconciliation with Unga-golah--La belle Esther--I get the African fever--My nurses--Cured by sweating and bitters--Ague--Showerbath remedy--MR. EDWARD JOSEPH--My union with him--I quit the Mongo, and take up my quarters with the Londoner 94

 CHAP. XI. --An epoch in my life in 1827--A vessel arrives consigned to me for slaves--LA FORTUNA--How I managed to sell my cigars and get a cargo, though I had no factory--My first shipment--(Note on the cost and profit of a slave voyage)--How slaves are selected for various markets, and shipped--Go on board naked--hearty feed before embarkation--Stowage--Messes--Mode of eating--Grace--Men and women separated--Attention to health, cleanliness, ventilation--Singing and amusements--Daily purification of the vessel--Night, order and silence preserved by negro constables--Use and disuse of handcuffs--Brazilian slavers--(Note on condition of slavers since the treaty with Spain) 99

 CHAP. XII. --How a cargo of slaves is landed in Cuba--Detection avoided--"_Gratificaciones_. " Clothes distributed--Vessel burnt or sent in as a coaster, or in distress--A slave's first glimpse of a Cuban plantation--Delight with food and dress--Oddity of beasts of burden and vehicles--A slave's first interview with a negro _postilion_--the postilion's sermon in favor of slavery--Dealings with the anchorites--How tobacco smoke blinds public functionaries--My popularity on the Rio Pongo--Ormond's enmity to me 107

 CHAP. XIII. --I become intimate with "Country princes" and receive their presents--Royal marriages--Insulting to refuse a proffered wife--I am pressed to wed a princess and my diplomacy to escape the sable noose--My partner agrees to marry the princess--The ceremonial of wooing and wedding in African high life--COOMBA 110

 CHAP. XIV. --JOSEPH, my partner, has to fly from Africa--How I save our property--My visit to the BAGERS--their primitive mode of life--Habits--Honesty--I find my property unguarded and safe--My welcome in the village--Gift of a goat--Supper--Sleep--A narrow escape in the surf on the coast--the skill of KROOMEN 118

 CHAP. XV. --I study the institution of SLAVERY IN AFRICA--Man becomes a "legal tender, " or the coin of Africa--Slave wars, how they are directly promoted by the peculiar adaptation of the trade of the great commercial nations--Slavery an immemorial institution in Africa--How and why it will always be retained--Who are made _home_ slaves--Jockeys and brokers--Five sixths of Africa in domestic bondage 126

 CHAP. XVI. --Caravan announced--MAMI-DE-YONG, from Footha-Yallon, uncle of Ahmah-de-Bellah--My ceremonious reception--My preparations for the chief--Coffee--his school and teaching--NARRATIVE OF HIS TRIP TO TIMBUCTOO--Queer black-board map--prolix story teller--Timbuctoo and its trade--Slavery 129

 CHAP. XVII. --I set forth on my journey to TIMBO, to see the father of Ahmah-de-Bellah--My caravan and its mode of travel--My Mussulman passport--Forest roads--Arrive at KYA among the MANDINGOES--My lodgings--IBRAHIM ALI--Our supper and "bitters"--A scene of piety, love and liquor--Next morning's headache--ALI-NINPHA begs leave to halt for a day--I manage our Fullah guide--My fever--Homoeopathic dose of Islamism from the Koran--My cure--Afternoon 136

 CHAP. XVIII. --A ride on horseback--Its exhilaration in the forest--Visit to the DEVIL'S FOUNTAIN--Tricks of an echo and sulphur water--Ibrahim and I discourse learnedly upon the ethics of fluids--My respect for national peculiarities--Our host's liberality--Mandingo etiquette at the departure of a guest--A valuable gift from Ibrahim and its delicate bestowal--My offering in return--Tobacco and brandy 143

 CHAP. XIX. --A night bivouac in the forest--Hammock swung between trees--A surprise and capture--What we do with the fugitive slaves--A Mandingo upstart and his "town"--Inhospitality--He insults my Fullah leader--A quarrel--The Mandingo is seized and his townsfolk driven out--We tarry for Ali-Ninpha--He returns and tries his countrymen--Punishment--Mode of inculcating the social virtues among these interior tribes--We cross the Sanghu on an impromptu bridge--Game--Forest food--Vegetables--A "Witch's cauldron" of reptiles for the negroes 147

 CHAP. XX. --Spread of Mahometanism in the interior of Africa--The external aspect of nature in Africa--Prolific land--Indolence a law of the physical constitution--My caravan's progress--The ALI-MAMI'S PROTECTION, its value--Forest scenery--Woods, open plains, barrancas and ravines--Their intense heat--Prairies--Swordgrass--River scenery, magnificence of the shores, foliage, flowers, fruits and birds; picturesque towns, villages and herds--Mountain scenery, view, at _morning_, over the lowlands--An African noon 153

 CHAP. XXI. --We approach TAMISSO--Our halt at a brook--bathing, beautifying, and adornment of the women--Message and welcome from MOHAMEDOO, by his son, with a gift of food--Our musical escort and procession to the city--My horse is led by a buffoon of the court, who takes care of my face--Curiosity of the townsfolk to see the white Mongo--I pass on hastily to the PALACE OF MOHAMEDOO--What an African palace and its furniture is--Mohamedoo's appearance, greeting and dissatisfaction--I make my present and clear up the clouds--I determine to bathe--How the girls watch me--Their commentaries on my skin and complexion--Negro curiosity--A bath scene--Appearance of Tamisso, and my entertainment there 157

 CHAP. XXII. --Improved character of country and population as we advance to the interior--We approach JALLICA--Notice to SUPHIANA--A halt for refreshment and ablutions--Ali-Ninpha's early home here--A great man in SOOLIMANA--Sound of the war-drum at a distance--Our welcome--Entrance to the town--My party, with the Fullah, is barred out--We are rescued--Grand ceremonial procession and reception, lasting two hours--I am, at last, presented to Suphiana--My entertainment in Jallica--A concert--Musical instruments--MADOO, the _ayah_--I reward her dancing and singing 162

 CHAP. XXIII. --Our caravan proceeds towards Timbo--Met and welcomed in advance, on a lofty table land, by Ahmah-de-Bellah--Psalm of joy song by the Fullahs for our safety--We reach TIMBO before day--A house has been specially built and furnished for me--Minute care for my taste and comforts--Ahmah-de-Bellah _a trump_--A fancy dressing-gown and ruffled shirt--I bathe, dress, and am presented to the ALI-MAMI--His inquisitive but cordial reception and recommendation--Portrait of a Fullah king--A breakfast with his wife--My formal reception by the Chiefs of Timbo and SULIMANI-ALI--The ceremonial--Ahmah's speech as to my purposes--Promise of hospitality--My gifts--I design purchasing slaves--scrutiny of the presents--_Cantharides_--ABDULMOMEN-ALI, a prince and book-man--His edifying discourse on Islamism--My submission 167

 CHAP. XXIV. --Site of Timbo and the surrounding country--A ride with the princes--A modest custom of the Fullahs in passing streams--Visit to villages--The inhabitants fly, fearing we are on a slave scout--Appearance of the cultivated lands, gardens, near Findo and Furo--Every body shuns me--A walk through Timbo--A secret expedition--I watch the girls and matrons as they go to the stream to draw water--Their figures, limbs, dress--A splendid headdress--The people of Timbo, their character, occupation, industry, reading--I announce my approaching departure--Slave forays to supply me--A capture of forty-five by Sulimani-Ali--The personal dread of me increases--Abdulmomen and Ahmah-de-Bellah continue their slave hunts by day, and their pious discourses on Islamism by night--I depart--The farewell gifts--two pretty damsels 176

 CHAP. XXV. --My home journey--We reach home with a caravan near a thousand strong--Kambia in order--Mami-de-Yong and my clerk--The story and fate of the Ali-Mami's daughter BEELJIE 183

 CHAP. XXVI. --Arrival of a French slaver, LA PEROUSE, Captain Brulôt--Ormond and I breakfast on board--Its sequel--We are made prisoners and put in irons--Short mode of collecting an old debt on the coast of Africa--The Frenchman gets possession of our slaves--Arrival of a Spanish slaver 190

 CHAP. XXVII. --Ormond communicates with the Spaniard, and arranges for our rescue--LA ESPERANZA--Brulôt gives in--How we fine him two hundred and fifty doubloons for the expense of his suit, and teach him the danger of playing tricks upon African factors 196

 CHAP. XXVIII. --CAPT. ESCUDERO of the Esperanza dies--I resolve to take his place in command and visit Cuba--Arrival of a Danish slaver--Quarrel and battle between the crews of my Spaniard and the Dane--The Dane attempts to punish me through the duplicity of Ormond--I bribe a servant and discover the trick--My conversation with Ormond--We agree to circumvent the enemy--How I get a cargo without cash 200

 CHAP. XXIX. --Off to sea--A calm--A British man-of-war--Boat attack--Reinforcement--A battle--A catastrophe--A prisoner 206

 CHAP. XXX. --I am sent on board the corvette--My reception--A dangerous predicament--The Captain and surgeon make me comfortable for the night--Extraordinary conveniences for escape, of which I take the liberty to avail myself 214

 CHAP. XXXI. --I drift away in a boat with my servant--Our adventures till we land in the ISLES DE LOSS--My illness and recovery--I return to the Rio Pongo--I am received on board a French slaver--Invitation to dinner--Monkey soup and its consequences 218

 CHAP. XXXII. --My greeting in KAMBIA--The FELIZ from Matanzas--Negotiations for her cargo--Ormond attempts to poison me--Ormond's _suicide_--His burial according to African customs 222

 CHAP. XXXIII. --A visit to the MATACAN river in quest of slaves--My reception by the king--His appearance--Scramble for my gifts--How slaves are sometimes trapped on a hasty hunt--I visit the MATACAN WIZARD; his cave, leopard, blind boy--Deceptions and jugglery--Fetiches--A scale of African intellect 227

 CHAP. XXXIV. --What became of the Esperanza's officers and crew--The destruction of my factory at Kambia by fire--I lose all but my slaves--the incendiary detected--Who instigated the deed--Ormond's relatives--DEATH OF ESTHER--I go to sea in a schooner from Sierra Leone--How I acquire a cargo of slaves in the Rio Nunez without money 233

 CHAP. XXXV. --I escape capture--Symptoms of mutiny and detection of the plot--How we put it down 240

 CHAP. XXXVI. --A "white squall"--I land my cargo near St. Jago de Cuba--Trip to Havana on horseback--My consignees and their prompt arrangements--success of my voyage--Interference of the French Consul--I am _nearly_ arrested--How things were managed, of old, in Cuba 244

 CHAP. XXXVII. --A long holiday--I am wrecked on a key--My rescue by salvors--New Providence--I ship on the SAN PABLO, from St. Thomas's, as sailing master--Her captain and his arrangements--Encounter a transport--Benefit of the small-pox--Mozambique Channel--Take cargo near QUILLIMANE--How we managed to get slaves--Illness of our captain--The small-pox breaks out on our brig--Its fatality 248

 CHAP. XXXVIII. --Our captain _longs_ for calomel, and how I get it from a Scotchman--Our captain's last will and testament--We are chased by a British cruiser--How we out-manoevred and crippled her--Death of our captain--Cargo landed and the San Pablo burnt 255

 CHAP. XXXIX. --My returns from the voyage $12, 000, and how I apply them--A custom-house encounter which loses me LA CONCHITA and my money--I get command of a slaver for AYUDAH--LA ESTRELLA--I consign her to the notorious DA SOUZA or CHA-CHA--His history and mode of life in Africa--His gambling houses and women--I keep aloof from his temptations, and contrive to get my cargo in two months 260

 CHAP. XL. --All Africans believe in divinities or powers of various degree, except the Bagers--Iguanas worshipped in Ayudah--Invitation to witness the HUMAN SACRIFICES at the court of DAHOMEY--How they travel to ABOMEY--The King, his court, amazons, style of life, and brutal festivities--Superstitious rights at LAGOS--The JUJU hunts by night for the virgin to be sacrificed--Gree-gree bush--The sacrifice--African priest and kingcraft 265

 CHAP. XLI. --My voyage home in the ESTRELLA--A REVOLT OF THE SLAVES during a squall, and how we were obliged to suppress it--Use of pistols and hot water 272

 CHAP. XLII. --Smallpox and a _necessary murder_--Bad luck every where--A chase and a narrow escape 276

 CHAP. XLIII. --The AGUILA DE ORO, a Chesapeake clipper--my race with the Montesquieu--I enter the river Salum to trade for slaves--I am threatened, then arrested, and my clipper seized by French man-of-war's men--Inexplicable mystery--We are imprisoned at GOREE--Transferred to San Louis on the Senegal--The Frenchmen appropriate my schooner without condemnation--How they used her The sisters of charity in our prison--The trial scene in court, and our sentence--Friends attempt to facilitate my escape, but our plans detected--I am transferred to a guard-ship in the stream--New projects for my escape--A jolly party and the nick of time, but the captain spoils the sport 280

 CHAP. XLIV. --I am sent to France in the frigate FLORA--Sisters of charity--The prison of Brest--My prison companions--Prison mysteries--CORPORAL BLON--I apply to the Spanish minister--Transfer to the civil prison 286

 CHAP. XLV. --MADAME SORRET and my new quarters--Mode of life--A lot of Catalan girls--Prison boarding and lodging--Misery of the convicts in the coast prisons--Improvement of the central prisons 292

 CHAP. XLVI. --New lodgers in our quarters--How we pass our time in pleasant diversions by aid of the Catalan girls and my cash--Soirées--My funds give out--Madame Sorret makes a suggestion--I turn schoolmaster, get pupils, teach English and penmanship, and support my whole party 295

 CHAP. XLVII. --MONSIEUR GERMAINE, the forger--His trick--Cause of Germaine's arrest--An adroit and rapid forgery--Its detection 300

 CHAP. XLVIII. --Plan of escape--Germaine's project against Babette--A new scheme for New Year's night--Passports--PIETRO NAZZOLINI and DOMINICO ANTONETTI--Preparations for our "French leave"--How the attempt eventuated 304

 CHAP. XLIX. --Condition of the sentinel when he was found--His story--Prison researches next day--How we avoid detection--Louis Philippe receives my petition favorably--Germaine's philosophic pilfering and principles--His plan to rob the SANTISSIMA CASA OF LORETTO--He designs making an attempt on the Emperor Nicholas--I am released and banished from France 310

 CHAP. L. --I go to Portugal, and return in disguise to Marseilles, in order to embark for Africa--I resolve to continue a slaver--A Marseilles hotel during the cholera--DOCTOR DU JEAN and MADAME DUPREZ--Humors of the _table d'hôte_--Coquetry and flirtation--A phrenological _denouement_ 316

 CHAP. LI. --I reach Goree, and hasten to Sierra Leone, where I become a coast-pilot to GALLINAS--Site of that celebrated factory--_Don_ PEDRO BLANCO--His monopoly of the Vey country--Slave-trade and its territorial extent prior to the AMERICAN SCHEME OF COLONIZATION--Blanco's arrangements, telegraphs, &c. At Gallinas--Appearance and mode of life--Blanco and the Lords' prayer in Latin 324

 CHAP. LII. --Anecdotes of Blanco--Growth of slave-trade in the VEY country--Local wars--AMARAR and SHIAKAR--Barbarities of the natives 330

 CHAP. LIII. --I visit LIBERIA, and observe a new phase of negro development--I go to NEW SESTROS, and establish trade--Trouble with Prince FREEMAN--The value of gunpowder physic 335

 CHAP. LIV. --My establishment at New Sestros, and how I created the slave-trade in that region--The ordeal of SAUCY-WOOD--My mode of attacking a superstitious usage, and of saving the victims--The story of BARRAH and his execution 339

 CHAP. LV. --No river at New Sestros--Beach--Kroomen and Fishmen--Bushmen--Kroo boats--I engage a fleet of them for my factory--I ship a cargo of slaves in a hurry--My mode of operating--Value of rum and mock coral beads--Return of the cruiser 344

 CHAP. LVI. --I go on a pleasure voyage in the Brilliant, accompanied by GOVERNOR FINDLEY--Murder of the Governor--I fit out an expedition to revenge his death--A fight with the beach negroes--We burn five towns--A disastrous retreat--I am wounded--Vindication of Findley's memory 349

 CHAP. LVII. --What Don Pedro Blanco thought of my Quixotism--Painful effects of my wound--Blanco's liberality to Findley's family--My slave _nurseries_ on the coast--Digby--I pack nineteen negroes on my launch, and set sail for home--Disastrous voyage--Stories--I land my cargo at night at MONROVIA, and carry it through the colony!--Some new views of commercial Morality! 356

 CHAP. LVIII. --My compliments to British cruisers--The BONITO--I offer an inspection of my barracoons, &c. , to her officers--A lieutenant and the surgeon are sent ashore--My reception of them, and the review of my slaves, feeding, sleeping, &c. --Our night frolic--Next morning--A surprise--The Bonito off, and her officers ashore!--Almost a quarrel--How I pacified my guests over a good breakfast--Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander 362

 CHAP. LIX. --Ups and downs--I am captured in a Russian vessel, and sent to Sierra Leone--It is resolved that I am to be despatched to England--I determine to take French leave--Preparation to celebrate a birthday--A feast--A martinet--CORPORAL BLUNT--Pleasant effects of cider--A swim for life and liberty at night--My concealment--I manage to equip myself, and depart in a Portuguese vessel--I ship thirty-one slaves at Digby--A narrow escape from a cruiser--My return to New Sestros--Report of my death--How I restored confidence in my actual existence--Don Pedro's notion of me--The gift of a donkey, and its disastrous effect on the married ladies of New Sestros 369

 CHAP. LX. --The confession of a dying sailor--SANCHEZ--The story of the murder of Don Miguel, and destruction of his factory by THOMPSON--A piratical revenge--An _auto-da-fé_ at sea 377

 CHAP. LXI. --My establishment at Digby--The rival kinsmen, and their quarrel--JEN-KEN, THE BUSHMAN--My arrival at Digby, carousal--A night attack by the rival and his allies--A rout--Horrid scenes of massacre, barbarity, and cannibalism--My position and ransom 382

 CHAP. LXII. --I escape from the bloody scene in a boot with a Krooman--Storm on the coast--My perilous attempt to land at Gallinas--How I am warned off--An African tornado--The sufferings of my companion and myself while exposed in the boat, and our final rescue 387

 CHAP. LXIII. --Don Pedro Blanco leaves Gallinas--I visit Cape Mount, to restore his son to the Chief--His reception--I go to England in the GIL BLAS; she is run down by steamer in the Channel--Rescued, and reach Dover--I see London and the British Islands--The diversions, sufferings, and opinions of my servant LUNES in Great Britain--He leaves voluntarily for Africa--A queer chat and scene with the ladies--His opinion of negro dress and negro bliss 391

 CHAP. LXIV. --I make arrangements for future trade and business with MR. REDMAN--I go to Havana, resolved to obtain a release from Blanco, and engage in lawful commerce--Don Pedro refuses, and sends me back with a freight--A voyage with two African females revisiting their native country--Their story in Cuba; results of frugality and industry--Shiakar's daughter--Her reception at home--Her disgust with her savage home in Africa, and return to Cuba 396

 CHAP. LXV. --I find my establishment in danger, from the colonists and others--A correspondence with LIEUT. BELL, U. S. N. --Harmless termination of GOVERNOR BUCHANAN's onslaught--Threatened with famine; my relief--The VOLADOR takes 749 slaves;--THE LAST CARGO I EVER SHIPPED 399

 CHAP. LXVI. --I am attacked by the British cruiser TERMAGANT, Lieut. SEAGRAM--Correspondence and diplomacy--I go on board the cruiser in a _damp uniform_--My reception and jollification--I CONFESS MY INTENTION TO ABANDON THE SLAVE-TRADE--My compact with Seagram--How we manage Prince Freeman--His treaty with the Lieutenant for the suppression of the trade--The negro's duplicity outwits himself--The British officer guaranties the safe removal of my property, whereupon I release 100 slaves--Captain DENMAN'S DESTRUCTION OF GALLINAS--Freeman begins to see my diplomacy, and regrets his inability to plunder my property, as the natives had done at Gallinas--His plot to effect this--How I counteract it 405

 CHAP. LXVII. --My barracoons destroyed--Adieus to New Sestros--I sail with Seagram, in the Termagant, for Cape Mount--A slaver in sight--All the nautical men depart to attack her in boats during a calm--I am left in charge of Her Britannic Majesty's cruiser--The fruitless issue--Escape of the Serea 411

 CHAP. LXVIII. --We land at Cape Mount, and obtain a cession of territory, by deed, from KING FANA-TORO and PRINCE GRAY--I explore the region--Site of old English slave factory--Difficulty of making the negroes comprehend my improvements at New Florence--Negro speculations and philosophy in regard to labor. 414

 CHAP. LXIX. --Visit to Monrovia--Description of the colony and its products--Speculations on the future of the republic, and the character of colored colonization 419

 CHAP. LXX. --I remove, and settle permanently at New Florence--I open communications with cruisers to supply them with provisions, &c. --Anecdote of SOMA, the gambler--His sale and danger in the hands of a Bushman--Mode of gambling one's self away in Africa--A letter from Governor Macdonald destroys my prospect of British protection--I haul down the British flag--I determine to devote myself to husbandry--Bad prospect 424

 CHAP. LXXI. --Account of the character of the VEY negroes--The GREE-GREE bush--Description of this institution, its rites, services, and uses--Marriage and midwifery--A scene with Fana-Toro, at Toso--Human sacrifice of his enemy; frying a heart; indignity committed on the body--Anecdote of the king's endurance; burns his finger as a test, and rallies his men--Death of Prince Gray--Funeral rites among the Vey people--_Smoking the corpse_--I am offered the choice of his widows 429

 CHAP. LXXII. --My workshops, gardens, and plantations at the Cape Mount settlement--I do not prosper as a farmer or trader with _the interior_--I decide to send a _coaster_ to aid in the transfer of the Yankee clipper A---- to a slaver--I part on bad terms with the British--Game at Cape Mount--Adventure of a boy and an _Ourang-outang_--How we killed leopards, and saved our castle--Mode of hunting elephants--Elephant law 437

 CHAP. LXXIII. --Fana-Toro's war, and its effect on my establishment--I decline joining actively in the conflict--I allow captives to be shipped by a Gallinas factor--Two years of blockade by the British--A miraculous voyage of a long-boat with thirty-three slaves to Bahia--My disasters and mishaps at Cape Mount in consequence of this war--Exaggerations of my enemies--My true character--Letter from Rev. JOHN SEYS to me--My desire to aid the missionaries--CAIN and CURTIS stimulate the British against me--Adventure of the Chancellor--the British destroy my establishment--Death of Fana-Toro--The natives revenge my loss--The end 442

THEODORE CANOT. 

CHAPTER I. 

Whilst Bonaparte was busy conquering Italy, my excellent father, LouisCanot, a captain and paymaster in the French army, thought fit topursue his fortunes among the gentler sex of that fascinating country, and luckily won the heart and hand of a blooming Piedmontese, to whomI owe my birth in the capital of Tuscany. 

My father was faithful to the Emperor as well as the Consul. Hefollowed his sovereign in his disasters as well as glory: nor did hefalter in allegiance until death closed his career on the field ofWaterloo. 

Soldiers' wives are seldom rich, and my mother was no exception to therule. She was left in very moderate circumstances, with six childrento support; but the widow of an old campaigner, who had partaken thesufferings of many a long and dreary march with her husband, wasneither disheartened by the calamity, nor at a loss for thriftyexpedients to educate her younger offspring. Accordingly, I was keptat school, studying geography, arithmetic, history and the languages, until near twelve years old, when it was thought time for me to choosea profession. At school, and in my leisure hours, I had always been agreedy devourer of books of travel, or historical narratives full ofstirring incidents, so that when I avowed my preference for asea-faring life, no one was surprised. Indeed, my fancy was ratherapplauded, as two of my mother's brothers had served in the Neapolitannavy, under Murat. Proper inquiries were quickly made at Leghorn; and, in a few weeks, I found myself on the _mole_ of that noble seaport, comfortably equipped, with a liberal outfit, ready to embark, as anapprentice, upon the American ship Galatea, of Boston. 

It was in the year 1819, that I first saluted the element upon whichit has been my destiny to pass so much of my life. The reader willreadily imagine the discomforts to which I was subjected on thisvoyage. Born and bred in the interior of Italy, I had only the mostromantic ideas of the sea. My opinions had been formed from the livesof men in loftier rank and under more interesting circumstances. Mycareer was necessarily one of great hardship; and, to add to mymisfortunes, I had neither companion nor language to vent my grief anddemand sympathy. For the first three months, I was the butt of everyjoker in the ship. I was the scape-goat of every accident and of everyone's sins or carelessness. As I lived in the cabin, each plate, glass, or utensil that fell to leeward in a gale, was charged to mynegligence. Indeed, no one seemed to compassionate my lot save a fat, lubberly negro cook, whom I could not endure. He was the _first_African my eye ever fell on, and I must confess that he was the onlyfriend I possessed during my early adventures. 

Besides the officers of the Galatea, there was a clerk on board, whomthe captain directed to teach me English, so that, by the time wereached Sumatra, I was able to stand up for my rights, and plead mycause. As we could not obtain a cargo of pepper on the island, weproceeded to Bengal; and, on our arrival at Calcutta, the captain, whowas also supercargo, took apartments on shore, where the clerk andmyself were allowed to follow him. 

According to the fashion of that period, the house provided for ouraccommodation was a spacious and elegant one, equipped with everyoriental comfort and convenience, while fifteen or twenty servantswere always at the command of its inmates. For three months we livedlike nabobs, and sorry, indeed, was I when the clerk announced thatthe vessel's loading was completed, and our holiday over. 

On the voyage home, I was promoted from the cabin, and sent into thesteerage to do duty as a "light hand, " in the chief mate's watch. Between this officer and the captain there was ill blood, and, as Iwas considered the master's pet, I soon began to feel the bitternessof the subordinate's spite. This fellow was not only cross-grained, but absolutely malignant. One day, while the ship was skimming alonggayly with a five-knot breeze, he ordered me out to the end of thejib-boom to loosen the sail; yet, without waiting until I was clear ofthe jib, he suddenly commanded the men who were at the halliards tohoist the canvas aloft. A sailor who stood by pointed out mysituation, but was cursed into silence. In a moment I was jerked intothe air, and, after performing half a dozen involuntary summersets, was thrown into the water, some distance from the ship's side. When Irose to the surface, I heard the prolonged cry of the anxious crew, all of whom rushed to the ship's side, some with ropes' ends, somewith chicken coops, while others sprang to the stern boat to prepareit for launching. In the midst of the hurly-burly, the captain reachedthe deck, and laid the ship to; the sailor who had remonstrated withthe mate having, in the meantime, clutched that officer, and attemptedto throw him over, believing I had been drowned by his cruelty. As thesails of the Galatea flattened against the wind, many an anxious eyewas strained over the water in search of me; but I was nowhere seen!In truth, as the vessel turned on her heel, the movement brought herso close to the spot where I rose, that I clutched a rope thrown overfor my rescue, and climbed to the lee channels without beingperceived. As I leaped to the deck, I found one half the men intumultuous assemblage around the struggling mate and sailor; but mysudden apparition served to divert the mob from its fell purpose, and, in a few moments, order was perfectly restored. Our captain was anintelligent and just man, as may be readily supposed from the factthat he exclusively controlled so valuable an enterprise. Accordingly, the matter was examined with much deliberation; and, onthe following day, the chief mate was deprived of his command. Ishould not forget to mention that, in the midst of the excitement, mysable friend the cook leaped overboard to rescue his _protegé_. Nobodyhappened to notice the darkey when he sprang into the sea; and, as heswam in a direction quite contrary from the spot where I fell, he wasnigh being lost, when the ship's sails were trimmed upon her course. Just at that moment a faint call was heard from the sea, and thewoolly skull perceived in time for rescue. 

This adventure elevated not only "little Theodore, " but our "culinaryartist" in the good opinion of the mess. Every Saturday night myAfrican friend was allowed to share the cheer of the forecastle, whileour captain presented him with a certificate of his meritorious deed, and made the paper more palatable by the promise of a liberal bountyin current coin at the end of the voyage. 

I now began to feel at ease, and acquire a genuine fondness for sealife. My aptitude for languages not only familiarized me with English, but enabled me soon to begin the scientific study of navigation, inwhich, I am glad to say, that Captain Solomon Towne was always pleasedto aid my industrious efforts. 

We touched at ST. HELENA for supplies, but as Napoleon was stillalive, a British frigate met us within five miles of that rock-boundcoast, and after furnishing a scant supply of water, bade us take ourway homeward. 

I remember very well that it was a fine night in July, 1820, when wetouched the wharf at Boston, Massachusetts. Captain Towne's familyresided in Salem, and, of course, he was soon on his way thither. Thenew mate had a young wife in Boston, and he, too, was speedilymissing. One by one, the crew sneaked off in the darkness. The secondmate quickly found an excuse for a visit in the neighborhood; so that, by midnight, the Galatea, with a cargo valued at about one hundred andtwenty thousand dollars, was intrusted to the watchfulness of astripling cabin-boy. 

I do not say it boastfully, but it is true that, whenever I have beenplaced in responsible situations, from the earliest period of myrecollection, I felt an immediate stirring of that pride which alwaysmade me equal, or at least willing, for the required duty. All nightlong I paced the deck. Of all the wandering crowd that had accompaniedme nearly a year across many seas, I alone had no companions, friends, home, or sweetheart, to seduce me from my craft; and I confess thatthe sentiment of loneliness, which, under other circumstances, mighthave unmanned me at my American greeting, was stifled by the mingledvanity and pride with which I trod the quarter-deck as temporarycaptain. 

When dawn ripened into daylight, I remembered the stirring account myshipmates had given of the beauty of Boston, and I suddenly feltdisposed to imitate the example of my fellow-sailors. Honor, however, checked my feet as they moved towards the ship's ladder; so that, instead of descending her side, I closed the cabin door, and climbedto the main-royal yard, to _see_ the city at least, if I could notmingle with its inhabitants. I expected to behold a second Calcutta;but my fancy was not gratified. Instead of observing the long, glittering lines of palaces and villas I left in India and on theTuscan shore, my Italian eyes were first of all saluted by dingybricks and painted boards. But, as my sight wandered away from thetown, and swept down both sides of the beautiful bay, filled with itslovely islands, and dressed in the fresh greenness of summer, Iconfess that my memory and heart were magically carried away into theheart of Italy, playing sad tricks with my sense of duty, when I wasabruptly restored to consciousness by hearing the heavy footfall of astranger on deck. 

The intruder--as well as I could see from aloft--seemed to be a stout, elderly person. I did not delay to descend the ratlins, but slid downa back-stay, just in time to meet the stranger as he approached ourcabin. My notions of Italian manners did not yet permit me toappreciate the greater freedom and social liberty with which I havesince become so familiar in America, and it may naturally be supposedthat I was rather peremptory in ordering the inquisitive Bostonian toleave the ship. I was in command--in my _first_ command; and sounceremonious a visit was peculiarly annoying. Nor did the conduct ofthe intruder lessen my anger, as, quietly smiling at my order, hecontinued moving around the ship, and peered into every nook andcorner. Presently he demanded whether I was alone? My self-possessionwas quite sufficient to leave the question unanswered; but I orderedhim off again, and, to enforce my command, called a dog that did notexist. My _ruse_, however, did not succeed. The Yankee still continuedhis examination, while I followed closely on his heels, now and thentwitching the long skirts of his surtout to enforce my mandate for hisdeparture. 

During this promenade, my unwelcome guest questioned me about thecaptain's health, --about the mate, --as to the cause of hisdismissal, --about our cargo, --and the length of our voyage. Each newquestion begot a shorter and more surly answer. I was perfectlysatisfied that he was not only a rogue, but a most impudent one; andmy Franco-Italian temper strained almost to bursting. 

By this time, we approached the house which covered the steering-gearat the ship's stern, and in which were buckets containing a dozensmall turtles, purchased at the island of Ascension, where we stoppedto water after the refusal at St. Helena. The turtle at once attractedthe stranger's notice, and he promptly offered to purchase them. Istated that only half the lot belonged to me, but that I would sellthe whole, provided he was able to pay. In a moment, my persecutordrew forth a well-worn pocket-book, and handing me six dollars, askedwhether I was satisfied with the price. The dollars wereunquestionable gleams, if not absolute proofs, of honesty, and I amsure my heart would have melted had not the purchaser insisted ontaking one of the buckets to convey the turtles home. Now, as thesecharming implements were part of the ship's pride, as well asproperty, and had been laboriously adorned by our marine artists witha spread eagle and the vessel's name, I resisted the demand, offering, at the same time, to return the money. But my turtle-dealer was not tobe repulsed so easily; his ugly smile still sneered in my face as heendeavored to push me aside and drag the bucket from my hand. I soonfound that he was the stronger of the two, and that it would beimpossible for me to rescue my bucket fairly; so, giving it a suddentwist and shake, I contrived to upset both water and turtles on thedeck, thus sprinkling the feet and coat-tails of the veteran with acopious ablution. To my surprise, however, the tormentor's cursed grinnot only continued but absolutely expanded to an immoderate laugh, theuproariousness of which was increased by another suspicious Bostonian, who leaped on deck during our dispute. By this time I was in a redheat. My lips were white, my checks in a blaze, and my eyes sparks. Beyond myself with ferocious rage, I gnashed my teeth, and buried themin the hand which I could not otherwise release from its grasp on thebucket. In the scramble, I either lost or destroyed part of my banknotes; yet, being conqueror at last, I became clement, and taking upmy turtles, once more insisted upon the departure of my annoyers. There is no doubt that I larded my language with certain epithets, very current among sailors, most of which are learned more rapidly byforeigners than the politer parts of speech. 

Still the abominable monster, nothing daunted by my onslaught, rushedto the cabin, and would doubtless have descended, had not I beennimbler than he in reaching the doors, against which I placed my back, in defiance. Here, of course, another battle ensued, enlivened by achorus of laughter from a crowd of laborers on the wharf. This time Icould not bite, yet I kept the apparent thief at bay with my feet, kicking his shins unmercifully whenever he approached, and swearing inthe choicest Tuscan. 

He who knows any thing of Italian character, especially when it isadditionally spiced by French condiments, may imagine the intense rageto which so volcanic a nature as mine was, by this time, fullyaroused. Language and motion were nearly exhausted. I could neitherspeak nor strike. The mind's passion had almost produced the body'sparalysis. Tears began to fall from my eyes: but still he laughed! Atlength, I suddenly flung wide the cabin doors, and leaping below at abound, seized from the rack a loaded musket, with which I rushed upondeck. As soon as the muzzle appeared above the hatchway, my tormentorsprang over the ship, and by the time I reached the ladder, I foundhim on the wharf, surrounded by a laughing and shouting crowd. I shookmy head menacingly at the group; and shouldering my firelock, mountedguard at the gangway. It was fully a quarter of an hour that I paraded(occasionally ramming home my musket's charge, and varying theamusement by an Italian defiance to the jesters), before the tardymate made his appearance on the wharf. But what was my consternation, when I beheld him advance deferentially to my pestilent visitor, andtaking off his hat, respectfully offer to conduct him on board! Thiswas a great lesson to me in life on the subject of "appearances. " Theshabby old individual was no less a personage than the celebratedWilliam Gray, of Boston, owner of the Galatea and cargo, andproprietor of many a richer craft then floating on every sea. 

But Mr. Gray was a forgiving enemy. As he left the ship that morning, he presented me fifty dollars, "in exchange, " he said, "for the sixdestroyed in protection of his property;" and, on the day of mydischarge, he not only paid the wages of my voyage, but added fiftydollars more to aid my schooling in scientific navigation. 

Four years after, I again met this distinguished merchant at theMarlborough Hotel, in Boston. I was accompanied, on that occasion, byan uncle who visited the United States on a commercial tour. When myrelative mentioned my name to Mr. Gray, that gentleman immediatelyrecollected me, and told my venerable kinsman that he never receivedsuch abuse as I bestowed on him in July, 1820! The sting of my teeth, he declared, still tingled in his hand, while the kicks I bestowed onhis ankles, occasionally displayed the scars they had left on hislimbs. He seemed particularly annoyed, however, by some causticremarks I had made about his protuberant stomach, and forgave theblows but not the language. 

My uncle, who was somewhat of a tart disciplinarian, gave me anextremely black look, while, in French, he demanded an explanation ofmy conduct. I knew Mr. Gray, however, better than my relative; and so, without heeding his reprimand, I answered, in English, that if Icursed the ship's owner on that occasion, it was my _debut_ in theEnglish language on the American continent; and as my Anglo-Saxoneducation had been finished in a forecastle, it was not to be expectedI should be select in my vocabulary. "Never the less, " I added, "Mr. Gray was so delighted with my _accolade_, that he valued my defence ofhis property and our delicious _tête-à-tête_ at the sum of a hundreddollars!"

CHAPTER II. 

The anecdote told in the last chapter revived my uncle's recollectionof several instances of my early impetuosity; among which was arencounter with Lord Byron, while that poet was residing at his villaon the slope of Monte Negro near Leghorn, which he took the liberty tonarrate to Mr. Gray. 

A commercial house at that port, in which my uncle had some interest, was the noble lord's banker;--and, one day, while my relative and thepoet were inspecting some boxes recently arrived from Greece, I wasdispatched to see them safely deposited in the warehouse. Suddenly, Lord Byron demanded a pencil. My uncle had none with him, butremembering that I had lately been presented one in a handsome silvercase, requested the loan of it. Now, as this was my first _silver_possession, I was somewhat reluctant to let it leave my possessioneven for a moment, and handed it to his lordship with a bad grace. When the poet had made his memorandum, he paused a moment, as if lostin thought, and then very unceremoniously--but, doubtless, in a fit ofabstraction--put the pencil in his pocket. If I had already visitedAmerica at that time, it is likely that I would have warned theEnglishman of his mistake on the spot; but, as children in the OldWorld are rather more curbed in their intercourse with elders than onthis side of the Atlantic, I bore the forgetfulness as well as I coulduntil next morning. Summoning all my resolution, I repaired without myuncle's knowledge to the poet's house at an early hour, and after muchdifficulty was admitted to his room. He was still in bed. Every bodyhas heard of Byron's peevishness, when disturbed or intruded on. Hedemanded my business in a petulant and offensive tone. I replied, respectfully, that on the preceding day I loaned him a _silver_pencil, --strongly emphasizing and repeating the word _silver_, --which, I was grieved to say, he forgot to return. Byron reflected a moment, and then declared he had restored it to me on the spot! I mildly butfirmly denied the fact; while his lordship as sturdily reasserted it. In a short time, we were both in such a passion that Byron commandedme to leave the room. I edged out of the apartment with the slow, defying air of angry boyhood; but when I reached the door, I suddenlyturned, and looking at him with all the bitterness I felt for hisnation, called him, in French, "an English hog!" Till then our quarrelhad been waged in Italian. Hardly were the words out of my mouth whenhis lordship leaped from the bed, and in the scantiest draperyimaginable, seized me by the collar, inflicting such a shaking as Iwould willingly have exchanged for a tertian ague from the Pontinemarshes. The sudden air-bath probably cooled his choler, for, in a fewmoments, we found ourselves in a pacific explanation about theluckless pencil. Hitherto I had not mentioned my uncle; but the momentI stated the relationship, Byron became pacified and credited mystory. After searching his pockets once more ineffectually for thelost _silver_, he presented me his own _gold_ pencil instead, andrequested me to say why I "cursed him _in French_?"

"My father was a Frenchman, my lord, " said I. 

"And your mother?"

"She is an Italian, sir. "

"Ah! no wonder, then, you called me an 'English hog. ' The hatred runsin the blood; you could not help it. "

After a moment's hesitation, he continued, --still pacing the apartmentin his night linen, --"You don't like the English, do you, my boy?"

"No, " said I, "I don't. "

"Why?" returned Byron, quietly. 

"Because my father died fighting them, " replied I. 

"Then, youngster, you have _a right_ to hate them, " said the poet, ashe put me gently out of the door, and locked it on the inside. 

A week after, one of the porters of my uncle's warehouse offered tosell, at an exorbitant price, what he called "Lord Byron's pencil, "declaring that his lordship had presented it to him. My uncle was onthe eve of bargaining with the man, when he perceived his own initialson the silver. In fact, it was my lost gift. Byron, in hisabstraction, had evidently mistaken the porter for myself; so theservant was rewarded with a trifling gratuity, while my _virtuoso_uncle took the liberty to appropriate the golden relic of Byron tohimself, and put me off with the humbler remembrance of his honoredname. 

These, however, are episodes. Let us return once more to the Galateaand her worthy commander. 

Captain Towne retired to Salem after the hands were discharged, andtook me with him to reside in his family until he was ready foranother voyage. In looking back through the vista of a stormy andadventurous life, my memory lights on no happier days than those spentin this sea-faring emporium. Salem, in 1821, was my paradise. Ireceived more kindness, enjoyed more juvenile pleasures, and foundmore affectionate hospitality in that comfortable city than I can welldescribe. Every boy was my friend. No one laughed at my brokenEnglish, but on the contrary, all seemed charmed by my foreign accent. People thought proper to surround me with a sort of romantic mystery, for, perhaps, there was a flavor of the dashing dare-devil in mydemeanor, which imparted influence over homelier companions. Besidesthis, I soon got the reputation of a scholar. I was considered amarvel in languages, inasmuch as I spoke French, Italian, Spanish, English, and _professed_ a familiarity with Latin. I remember therewas a wag in Salem, who, determining one day to test my acquaintancewith the latter tongue, took me into a neighboring druggist's, wherethere were some Latin volumes, and handed me one with the request totranslate a page, either verbally or on paper. Fortunately, the bookhe produced was Æsop, whose fables had been so thoroughly studied byme two years before, that I even knew some of them by heart. Still, as I was not very well versed in the niceties of English, I thought itprudent to make my version of the selected fable in French; and, asthere was a neighbor who knew the latter language perfectly, mytranslation was soon rendered into English, and the proficiency of the"Italian boy" conceded. 

 * * * * *

I sailed during five years from Salem on voyages to various parts ofthe world, always employing my leisure, while on shore and at sea, infamiliarizing myself minutely with the practical and scientificdetails of the profession to which I designed devoting my life. I donot mean to narrate the adventures of those early voyages, but Icannot help setting down a single anecdote of that fresh and earnestperiod, in order to illustrate the changes that time and"_circumstances_" are said to work on human character. 

In my second voyage to India, I was once on shore with the captain atQuallahbattoo, in search of pepper, when a large _proa_, or Malaycanoe, arrived at the landing crammed with prisoners, from one of theislands. The unfortunate victims were to be sold _as slaves_. Theywere the _first slaves_ I had seen! As the human cargo wasdisembarked, I observed one of the Malays dragging a handsome youngfemale by the hair along the beach. Cramped by long confinement in thewet bottom of the canoe, the shrieking girl was unable to stand orwalk. My blood was up quickly. I ordered the brute to desist from hiscruelty; and, as he answered with a derisive laugh, I felled him tothe earth with a single blow of my boat-hook. This impetuousvindication of humanity forced us to quit Quallahbattoo in greathaste; but, at the age of seventeen, my feelings in regard to slaverywere very different from what this narrative may disclose them to havebecome in later days. 

When my apprenticeship was over, I made two or three successfulvoyages as mate, until--I am ashamed to say, --that a "disappointment"caused me to forsake my employers, and to yield to the temptations ofreckless adventure. This sad and early blight overtook me atAntwerp, --a port rather noted for the backslidings of young seamen. My hard-earned pay soon diminished very sensibly, while I wasdesperately in love with a Belgian beauty, who made a complete fool ofme--for at least three months! From Antwerp, I betook myself to Paristo vent my second "disappointment. " The pleasant capital of _la belleFrance_ was a cup that I drained at a single draught. Few young men ofeighteen or twenty have lived faster. The gaming tables at Frascati'sand the Palais Royal finished my consumptive purse; and, leaving anempty trunk as a recompense for my landlord, I took "French leave" onefine morning, and hastened to sea. 

The reader will do me the justice to believe that nothing but thedirest necessity compelled me to embark on board a _British_ vessel, bound to Brazil. The captain and his wife who accompanied him, wereboth stout, handsome Irish people, of equal age, but addicted tofondness for strong and flavored drinks. 

My introduction on board was signalized by the ceremonious bestowalupon me of the key of the spirit-locker, with a strict injunction fromthe commander to deny more than three glasses daily either to his wifeor himself. I hardly comprehended this singular order at first, but, in a few days, I became aware of its propriety. About eleven o'clockher ladyship generally approached when I was serving out the men'sration of gin, and requested me to fill her tumbler. Of course, Igallantly complied. When I returned from deck below with the bottle, she again required a similar dose, which, with some reluctance, Ifurnished. At dinner the dame drank _porter_, but passed off the ginon her credulous husband as water. This system of deception continuedas long as the malt liquor lasted, so that her ladyship received andswallowed daily a triple allowance of capital grog. Indeed, it isquite astonishing what quantities of the article can sometimes beswallowed by sea-faring _women_. The oddness of their appetite for thecordials is not a little enhanced by the well-known aversion the sexhave to spirituous fluids, in every shape, on shore. Perhaps the saltair may have something to do with the acquired relish; but, as I amnot composing an essay on temperance, I shall leave the discussion towiser physiologists. 

My companions' indulgence illustrated another diversity between thesexes, which I believe is historically true from the earliest recordsto the present day. _The lady_ broke her rule, but _the captain_adhered faithfully to his. Whilst on duty, the allotted three glassescompleted his potations. But when we reached Rio de Janeiro, and therewas no longer need of abstinence, save for the sake of propriety, bothmy shipmates gave loose to their thirst and tempers. They drank, quarrelled, and kissed, with more frequency and fervor than anycreatures it has been my lot to encounter throughout an adventurouslife. After we got the vessel into the inner harbor, --though notwithout a mishap, owing to the captain's drunken stubbornness, --myIrish friends resolved to take lodgings for a while on shore. For twodays they did not make their appearance; but toward the close of thethird, they returned, "fresh, " as they said, "from the theatre. " Itwas very evident that the jolly god had been their companion; and, asI was not a little scandalized by the conjugal scenes which usuallyclosed these frolics, I hastened to order tea under the awning ondeck, while I betook myself to a hammock which was slung on the mainboom. Just as I fell off into pleasant dreams, I was roused from mynap by a prelude to the opera. Madame gave her lord the lie direct. Aloaf of bread, discharged against her head across the table, was hisreply. Not content with this harmless demonstration of rage, he seizedthe four corners of the table-cloth, and gathering the tea-things andfood in the sack, threw the whole overboard into the bay. In a flash, the tigress fastened on his scanty locks with one hand, while, withthe other, she pummelled his eyes and nose. Badly used as he was, Imust confess that the captain proved too generous to retaliate on thatportion of his spouse where female charms are most bewitching andvisible; still, I am much mistaken if the sound spanking she receiveddid not elsewhere leave marks of physical vigor that would have beencreditable to a pugilist. 

It was remarkable that these human tornados were as violent and briefas those which scourge tropical lands as well as tropical characters. In a quarter of an hour there was a dead calm. The silence of thenight, on those still and star-lit waters, was only broken by a sortof chirrup, that might have been mistaken for a cricket, but which Ithink was _a kiss_. Indeed, I was rapidly going off again to sleep, when I was called to give the key of the spirit-locker, --a gloriousresource that never failed as a solemn seal of reconciliation andbliss. 

Next morning, before I awoke, the captain went ashore, and when hiswife, at breakfast, inquired my knowledge of the night's affray, mygallantry forced me to confess that I was one of the soundest sleeperson earth or water, and, moreover, that I was surprised to learn therehad been the least difference between such happy partners. In spite ofmy simplicity, the lady insisted on confiding her griefs, with theassurance that she would not have been half so angry had not herspouse foolishly thrown her silver spoons into the sea, with the breadand butter. She grew quite eloquent on the pleasures of married life, and told me of many a similar reproof she had been forced to give herhusband during their voyages. It did him good, she said, and kept himwholesome. In fact, she hoped, that if ever I married, I would havethe luck to win a guardian like herself. Of course, I was again mostgallantly silent. Still, I could not help reserving a decision as tothe merits of matrimony; for present appearances certainly did notdemonstrate the bliss I had so often read and heard of. At any rate, Iresolved, that if ever I ventured upon a trial of love, it should, atleast, in the first instance, be love _without_ liquor!

On our return to Europe we called at Dover for orders, and found thatAntwerp was our destination. We made sail at sunset, but as the windwas adverse and the weather boisterous, we anchored for two days inthe Downs. At length, during a lull of the gale, we sailed for themouth of the Scheldt; but, as we approached the coast of Holland, thewind became light and baffling, so that we were unable to enter theriver. We had not taken a pilot at Ramsgate, being confident ofobtaining one off Flushing. At sundown, the storm again arose in allits fury from the north-west; but all attempts to put back to Englandwere unavailing, for we dared not show a rag of sail before thehowling tempest. It was, indeed, a fearful night of wind, hail, darkness, and anxiety. At two o'clock in the morning, we suddenlygrounded on one of the numerous banks off Flushing. Hardly had westruck when the sea made a clean sweep over us, covering the deckswith sand, and snapping the spars like pipe-stems. The captain waskilled instantly by the fall of a top-gallant yard, which crushed hisskull; while the sailors, who in such moments seem possessed by utterrecklessness, broke into the spirit-room and drank to excess. Forawhile I had some hope that the stanchness of our vessel's hull mightenable us to cling to her till daylight, but she speedily bilged andbegan to fill. 

After this it would have been madness to linger. The boats were stillsafe. The long one was quickly filled by the crew, under the commandof the second mate--who threw an anker of gin into the craft before heleaped aboard, --while I reserved the jolly-boat for myself, thecaptain's widow, the cook, and the steward. The long-boat was neverheard of. 

All night long that dreadful nor'wester howled along and lashed thenarrow sea between England and the Continent; yet I kept our frailskiff before it, hoping, at daylight, to descry the lowlands ofBelgium. The heart-broken woman rested motionless in the stern-sheets. We covered her with all the available garments, and, even in the midstof our own griefs, could not help feeling that the suddenness of herdouble desolation had made her perfectly unconscious of our drearysurroundings. 

Shortly after eight o'clock a cry of joy announced the sight of landwithin a short distance. The villagers of Bragden, who soon descriedus, hastened to the beach, and rushing knee deep into the water, signalled that the shore was safe after passing the surf. The sea waschurned by the storm into a perfect foam. Breakers roared, gathered, and poured along like avalanches. Still, there was no hope for us butin passing the line of these angry sentinels. Accordingly, I watchedthe swell, and pulling firmly, bow on, into the first of the breakers, we spun with such arrowy swiftness across the intervening space, thatI recollect nothing until we were clasped in the arms of the brawnyBelgians on the beach. 

But, alas! the poor widow was no more. I cannot imagine when she died. During the four hours of our passage from the wreck to land, her headrested on my lap; yet no spasm of pain or convulsion marked the momentof her departure. 

That night the parish priest buried the unfortunate lady, andafterwards carried round a plate, asking alms, --not for masses toinsure the repose of her soul, --but to defray the expenses of _theliving_ to Ostend. 

CHAPTER III. 

I had no time or temper to be idle. In a week, I was on board a Dutchgalliot, bound to Havana; but I soon perceived that I was again underthe command of two captains--male and female. The regular mastersuperintended the navigation, while the _bloomer_ controlled the wholeof us. Indeed, the dame was the actual owner of the craft, and, fromskipper to cabin-boy, governed not only our actions but our stomachs. I know not whether it was piety or economy that swayed her soul, but Inever met a person who was so rigid as this lady in the observance ofthe church calendar, especially whenever a day of abstinence allowedher to deprive us of our beef. Nothing but my destitution compelled meto ship in this craft; still, to say the truth, I had well-nigh givenup all idea of returning to the United States, and determined toengage in any adventurous expedition that my profession offered. In1824, it will be remembered, Mexico, the Spanish main, Peru, and thePacific coasts, were renowned for the fortunes they bestowed onenterprise; and, as the galliot was bound to Havana, I hailed her as asort of floating bridge to my EL DORADO. 

On the seventh night after our departure, while beating out of the bayof Biscay with a six-knot breeze, in a clear moonlight, we ran foul ofa vessel which approached us on the opposite tack. Whence she sprangno one could tell. In an instant, she appeared and was on us with adreadful concussion. Every man was prostrated on deck and all ourmasts were carried away. From the other vessel we heard shrieks and acry of despair; but the ill-omened miscreant disappeared as rapidly asshe approached, and left us floating a helpless log, on a seaproverbial for storms. 

We contrived, however, to reach the port of Ferrol, in Spain, where wewere detained four months, in consequence of the difficulty ofobtaining the materials for repairs, notwithstanding this place isconsidered the best and largest ship-yard of Castile. 

It was at Ferrol that I met with a singular adventure, which waswell-nigh depriving me of my personal identity, as Peter Schlemhil wasdeprived of his shadow. I went one afternoon in my boat to the otherside of the harbor to obtain some pieces of leather from a tannery, and, having completed my purchase, was lounging slowly towards thequay, when I stopped at a house for a drink of water. I was handed atumbler by the trim-built, black-eyed girl, who stood in the doorway, and whose rosy lips and sparkling eyes were more the sources of mythirst than the water; but, while I was drinking, the damsel ran intothe dwelling, and hastily returned with her mother and another sister, who stared at me a moment without saying a word, and simultaneouslyfell upon my neck, smothering my lips and cheeks with repeated kisses!

"_Oh! mi querido hijo_, " said the mother. 

"_Carissimo Antonio_, " sobbed the daughter. 

"_Mi hermano!_" exclaimed her sister. 

"Dear son, dear Antonio, dear brother! Come into the house; where haveyou been? Your grandmother is dying to see you once more! Don't delayan instant, but come in without a word! _Por dios!_ that we shouldhave caught you at last, and in such a way: _Ave Maria! madrecita, aqui viene Antonito!_"

In the midst of all these exclamations, embraces, fondlings, andkisses, it may easily be imagined that I stood staring about me withwide eyes and mouth, and half-drained tumbler in hand, like one in adream. I asked no questions, but as the dame was buxom, and the girlswere fresh, I kissed in return, and followed unreluctantly as theyhalf dragged, half carried me into their domicil. On the door-sill ofthe inner apartment I found myself locked in the skinny arms of abrown and withered crone, who was said to be my grandmother, and, ofcourse, my youthful _moustache_ was properly bedewed with the moistureof her toothless mouth. 

As soon as I was seated, I took the liberty to say, --though withoutany protest against this charming assault, --that I fancied there mightpossibly be some mistake; but I was quickly silenced. My _madrecita_declared at once, and in the presence of my four shipmates, that, sixyears before, I left her on my first voyage in a Dutch vessel; that my_querido padre_, had gone to bliss two years after my departure; and, accordingly, that now, I, Antonio Gomez y Carrasco, was the onlysurviving male of the family, and, of course, would never more quiteither her, my darling sisters, or the old _pobrecita_, ourgrandmother. This florid explanation was immediately closed like thepleasant air of an opera by a new chorus of kisses, nor can there beany doubt that I responded to the embraces of my sweet _hermanas_ withthe most gratifying fraternity. 

Our charming _quartette_ lasted in all its harmony for half an hour, during which volley after volley of family secrets was discharged intomy eager ears. So rapid was the talk, and so quickly was its threadtaken up and spun out by each of the three, that I had no opportunityto interpose. At length, however, in a momentary lull and in a jocularmanner, --but in rather bad Spanish, --I ventured to ask my loving andtalkative mamma, "what amount of property my worthy father had deemedproper to leave on earth _for his son_ when he took his departure torest _con Dios_?" I thought it possible that this agreeable drama wasa Spanish joke, got up _al' improvista_, and that I might end it byexploding the dangerous mine of money: besides this, it was growinglate, and my return to the galliot was imperative. 

But alas! my question brought tears in an instant into my mother'seyes, and I saw that the scene was _not_ a jest. Accordingly, Ihastened, in all seriousness, to explain and insist on their error. Iprotested with all the force of my Franco-Italian nature and Spanishrhetoric, against the assumed relationship. But all was unavailing;they argued and persisted; they brought in the neighbors; lots of oldwomen and old men, with rusty cloaks or shawls, with cigars or_cigarillos_ in mouth, formed a jury of inquest; so that, in the end, there was an unanimous verdict in favor of my Galician nativity!

Finding matters had indeed taken so serious a turn, and knowing theimpossibility of eradicating an impression from the female mind whenit becomes imbedded with go much apparent conviction, I resolved toyield; and, assuming the manner of a penitent prodigal, I kissed thegirls, embraced my mother, passed my head over both shoulders of mygrand-dame, and promised my progenitors a visit next day. 

As I did not keep my word, and two suns descended without my return, the imaginary "mother" applied to the ministers of law to enforce herrights over the truant boy. The _Alcalde_, after hearing my story, dismissed the claim; but my dissatisfied relatives summoned me, onappeal, before the governor of the district, nor was it withoutinfinite difficulty that I at last succeeded in shaking off theirannoying consanguinity. 

I have always been at a loss to account for this queer mistake. It istrue that my father was in Spain with the French army duringNapoleon's invasion, but that excellent gentleman was a faithfulspouse as well as valiant soldier, and I do not remember that he eversojourned in the pleasant port of Ferrol!

 * * * * *

At length, we sailed for Havana, and nothing of importance occurred tobreak the monotony of our hot and sweltering voyage, save a suddenflurry of jealousy on the part of the captain, who imagined I made anattempt to conquer the pious and economical heart of his wife! Intruth, nothing was further from my mind or taste than such anenterprise; but as the demon had complete possession of him, and hispassion was stimulated by the lies of a cabin-boy, I was forced toundergo an inquisitorial examination, which I resisted manfully butfruitlessly. The Bloomer-dame, who knew her man, assumed such an airof outraged innocence and calumniated virtue, interlarded with sobs, tears, and hysterics, that her perplexed husband was quite at hiswit's end, but terminated the scene by abruptly ordering me to mystate-room. 

This was at nightfall. I left the cabin willingly but with greatmortification; yet the surly pair eyed each other with so much angerthat I had some fear for the _denouement_. I know not what passedduring the silent watches of that night; but doubtless woman'switchcraft had much to do in pouring oil on the seared heart of theskipper. At daylight he emerged from his cabin with orders to have thetell-tale cabin-boy soundly thrashed; and, when Madame mounted thedeck, I saw at a glance that her influence was completely restored. Nor was I neglected in this round of reconciliation. In the course ofthe day, I was requested to resume my duty on board, but I stubbornlyrefused. Indeed, my denial caused the captain great uneasiness, for hewas a miserable navigator, and, now that we approached the Bahamas, myservices were chiefly requisite. The jealous scamp was urgent indesiring me to forget the past and resume duty; still I declined, especially as his wife informed me in private that there would perhapsbe peril in my compliance. 

The day after we passed the "Hole in the Wall" and steered for SaltKey, we obtained no meridian observation, and no one on board, exceptmyself, was capable of taking a lunar, which in our position, amongunknown keys and currents, was of the greatest value. I knew thistroubled the skipper, yet, after his wife's significant warning, I didnot think it wise to resume my functions. Nevertheless, I secretlymade calculations and watched the vessel's course. Another day went bywithout a noontide observation; but, at midnight, I furtively obtaineda lunar, by the result of which I found we were drifting close to theCuba reefs, about five miles from the CRUZ DEL PADRE. 

As soon as I was sure of my calculation and sensible of imminentdanger, I did not hesitate to order the second officer, --whose watchit was, --to call all hands and tack ship. At the same time, Idirected the helmsman to luff the galliot close into the wind's eye. 

But the new mate, proud of his command, refused to obey until thecaptain was informed; nor would he call that officer, inasmuch as nodanger was visible ahead on the allotted course. But time wasprecious. Delay would lose us. As I felt confident of my opinion, Iturned abruptly from the disobedient mariners, and letting go the mainbrace, brought the vessel to with the topsail aback. Quickly, then, Iordered the watch as it rushed aft, to clew up the mainsail;--butalas! no one would obey; and, in the fracas, the captain, who rushedon deck ignorant of the facts or danger, ordered me back to mystate-room with curses for my interference in his skilful navigation. 

With a shrug of my shoulders, I obeyed. Remonstrance was useless. Fortwenty minutes the galliot cleft the waters on her old course, whenthe look-out screamed: "Hard up!--rocks and breakers dead ahead!"

"Put down the helm!" yelled the confused second mate;--but the galliotlost her headway, and, taken aback, shaved the edge of a foam-coveredrock, dropping astern on a reef with seven feet water around her. 

All was consternation;--sails flapping; breakers roaring; ropessnapping and beating; masts creaking; hull thumping; men shouting! Thecaptain and his wife were on deck in the wink of an eye. Every oneissued an order and no one obeyed. At last, _the lady_ shouted--"letgo the anchor!"--the worst command that could be given, --and down wentthe best bower and the second anchor, while the vessel swung round, and dashed flat on both of them. No one seemed to think of clewing upthe sails, and thereby lessening the impetuous surges of theunfortunate galliot. 

Our sad mishap occurred about one o'clock in the morning. Fortunatelythere was not much wind and the sea was tolerably calm, so that wecould recognize, and, in some degree, control our situation;--yet, every thing on board appeared given over to Batavian stupidity andpanic. 

My own feelings may be understood by those who have calmly passedthrough danger, while they beheld their companions unmanned by fear orlack of coolness. There was no use of my interference, for no onewould heed me. At last the captain's wife, who was probably the mostcollected individual on board, called my name loudly, and in thepresence of officers and crew, who, by this time were generallycrowded on the quarter-deck, entreated me to save her ship!

Of course, I sprang to duty. Every sail was clewed up, while theanchors were weighed to prevent our thumping on them. I next orderedthe boats to be lowered; and, taking a crew in one, directed thecaptain to embark in another to seek an escape from our perilous trap. At daylight, we ascertained that we had crossed the edge of the reefat high water, yet it would be useless to attempt to force her back, as she was already half a foot buried in the soft and mushyoutcroppings of coral. 

Soon after sunrise, we beheld, at no great distance, one of those lowsandy keys which are so well-known to West Indian navigators; while, further in the distance, loomed up the blue and beautiful outline ofthe highlands of Cuba. The sea was not much ruffled by swell or waves;but as we gazed at the key, which we supposed deserted, we saw a boatsuddenly shoot from behind one of its points and approach our wreck. The visitors were five in number; their trim, beautiful boat wascompletely furnished with fishing implements, and four of the handsspoke Spanish only, while the _patron_, or master, addressed us inFrench. The whole crew were dressed in flannel shirts, the skirts ofwhich were belted by a leather strap over their trowsers, and when thewind suddenly dashed the flannel aside, I saw they had long knivesconcealed beneath it. 

The _patron_ of these fellows offered to aid us in lightening thegalliot and depositing the cargo on the key; where, he said, there wasa hut in which he would guarantee the safety of our merchandise until, at the full of the moon, we could float the vessel from the reef. Heoffered, moreover, to pilot us out of harm's way; and, for all hisservices in salvage, we were to pay him a thousand dollars. 

While the master was busy making terms, his companions were rummagingthe galliot in order to ascertain our cargo and armament. It wasfinally agreed by the captain and his petticoat commodore, that if, byevening and the return of tide, our galliot would not float, we wouldaccept the wreckers' offer; and, accordingly, I was ordered to informthem of the resolution. 

As soon as I stated our assent, the _patron_, suddenly assumed an airof deliberation, and insisted that the money should be paid in hardcash on the spot, and not by drafts on Havana, as originally required. I thought the demand a significant one, and hoped the joint partnerswould neither yield nor admit their ability to do so; but, unfortunately, they assented at once. The nod and wink I saw the_patron_ immediately bestow on one of his companions, satisfied me ofthe imprudence of the concession and the justice of my suspicions. 

The fishermen departed to try their luck on the sea, promising to beback at sunset, on their way to the island. We spent the day infruitless efforts to relieve the galliot or to find a channel, so thatwhen the Spaniards returned in the afternoon with a rather carelessreiteration of their proposal, our captain, with some eagerness, madehis final arrangements for the cargo's discharge early next morning. Our skipper had visited the key in the course of the day, and findingthe place of deposit apparently safe, and every thing else seeminglyhonest, he was anxious that the night might pass in order that thedisembarkation might begin. 

The calm quiet of that tropic season soon wore away, and, when Ilooked landward, at day-dawn, I perceived two strange boats at anchornear the key. As this gave me some uneasiness, I mentioned it to thecaptain and his wife, but they laughed at my suspicions. After anearly meal we began to discharge our heaviest cargo with thefishermen's aid, yet we made little progress towards completion by theafternoon. At sunset, accounts were compared, and finding aconsiderable difference _in favor_ of the wreckers, I was dispatchedashore to ascertain the error. At the landing I was greeted by severalnew faces. I particularly observed a Frenchman whom I had not noticedbefore. He addressed me with a courteous offer of refreshments. Hismanners and language were evidently those of an educated person, whilehis figure and physiognomy indicated aristocratic habits or birth, yethis features and complexion bore the strong imprint of that prematureold age which always marks a dissipated career. 

After a delightful chat in my mother-tongue with the pleasantstranger, he invited me to spend the night on shore. I declinedpolitely, and, having rectified the cargo's error, was preparing tore-embark, when the Frenchman once more approached and insisted on myremaining. I again declined, asserting that duty forbade my absence. He then remarked that orders had been left by my countryman the_patron_ to detain me; but if I was so obstinate as to go, _I mightprobably regret it_. 

With a laugh, I stepped into my boat, and on reaching the galliot, learned that our skipper had imprudently avowed the rich nature of ourcargo. 

Before leaving the vessel that night, the _patron_ took me aside, andinquired whether I received the invitation to pass the night on thekey, and why I had not accepted it? To my great astonishment, headdressed me in pure Italian; and when I expressed gratitude for hisoffer, he beset me with questions about my country, my parents, myage, my objects in life, and my prospects. Once or twice he threw inthe ejaculation of, "poor boy! poor boy!" As he stepped over thetaffrail to enter his boat, I offered my hand, which he firstattempted to take, --then suddenly stopping, rejected the grasp, and, with an abrupt--"_No! addio!_" he spun away in his boat from thegalliot's side. 

I could not help putting these things together in my mind during theglowing twilight. I felt as if walking in a cold shadow; anunconquerable sense of impending danger oppressed me. I tried torelieve myself by discussing the signs with the captain, but thephlegmatic Hollander only scoffed at my suspicions, and bade me sleepoff my nervousness. 

When I set the first night watch, I took good care to place every casecontaining valuables _below_, and to order the look-out to call allhands at the first appearance or sound of a boat. Had we been providedwith arms, I would have equipped the crew with weapons of defence, but, unluckily, there was not on board even a rusty firelock or sabre. 

 * * * * *

How wondrously calm was all nature that night! Not a breath of air, ora ripple on the water! The sky was brilliant with stars, as if thefirmament were strewn with silver dust. The full moon, with itsglowing disc, hung some fifteen or twenty degrees above the horizon. The intense stillness weighed upon my tired limbs and eyes, while Ileaned with my elbows on the taffrail, watching the roll of the vesselas she swung lazily from side to side on the long and weary swell. Every body but the watch had retired, and I, too, went to mystate-room in hope of burying my sorrows in sleep. But the calm nightnear the land had so completely filled my berth with annoying insects, that I was obliged to decamp and take refuge in the stay-sail netting, where, wrapped in the cool canvas, I was at rest in quicker time thanI have taken to tell it. 

Notwithstanding my nervous apprehension, a sleep more like the torporof lethargy than natural slumber, fell on me at once. I neitherstirred nor heard any thing till near two o'clock, when a piercingshriek from the deck aroused me. The moon had set, but there was lightenough to show the decks abaft filled with men, though I coulddistinguish neither their persons nor movements. Cries of appeal, andmoans as of wounded or dying, constantly reached me. I roused myselfas well and quickly as I could from the oppression of my deathlikesleep, and tried to shake off the nightmare. The effort assured methat it was reality and not a dream! In an instant, that presence ofmind which has seldom deserted me, suggested escape. I seized thegasket, and dropping by aid of it as softly as I could in the water, struck out for shore. It was time. My plunge into the sea, notwithstanding its caution, had made some noise, and a rough voicecalled in Spanish to return or I would be shot. 

When I began to go to sea, I took pains to become a good swimmer, andmy acquired skill served well on this occasion. As soon as the voiceceased from the deck, I lay still on the water until I saw a flashfrom the bow of the _galliot_, to which I immediately made acomplaisant bow by diving deeply. This operation I repeated severaltimes, till I was lost in the distant darkness; nor can I pride myselfmuch on my address in escaping the musket balls, as I have since hadmy own aim similarly eluded by many a harmless duck. 

After swimming about ten minutes, I threw myself on my back to restand "take a fresh departure. " It was so dark that I could not see thekey, yet, as I still discerned the galliot's masts relieved againstthe sky, I was enabled by that beacon to steer my way landward. Naked, with the exception of trowsers, I had but little difficulty inswimming, so that in less than half an hour, I touched the key, andimmediately sought concealment in a thick growth of mangroves. 

I had not been five minutes in this dismal jungle, when such a swarmof mosquitoes beset me, that I was forced to hurry to the beach andplunge into the water. In this way was I tormented the whole night. Atdawn, I retreated once more to the bushes; and climbing the highesttree I found, --whose altitude, however, was not more than twelve feetabove the sand, --I beheld, across the calm sea, the dismantled hull ofmy late home, surrounded by a crowd of boats, which were rapidlyfilling with plundered merchandise. It was evident that we had fallena prey to pirates; yet I could not imagine why _I_ had been singledfrom this scene of butchery, to receive the marks of anxious sympathythat were manifested by the _patron_ and his French companion on thekey. All the morning I continued in my comfortless position, watchingtheir movements, --occasionally refreshing my parched lips by chewingthe bitter berries of the thicket. Daylight, with its heat, was asintolerable as night, with its venom. The tropical sun and the glaringreflection from a waveless sea, poured through the calm atmosphereupon my naked flesh, like boiling oil. My thirst was intense. As theafternoon wore away, I observed several boats tow the lightened hullof our galliot south-east of the key till it disappeared behind apoint of the island. Up to that moment, my manhood had not forsakenme; but, as the last timber of my vessel was lost to sight, natureresumed its dominion. Every hope of seeing my old companions was gone;I was utterly alone. If this narrative were designed to be asentimental confession, the reader might see unveiled the ghastlyspectacle of a "troubled conscience, " nor am I ashamed to say that noconsolation cheered my desolate heart, till I prayed to my Maker thatthe loss of so many lives might not be imputed to the wilful malice ofa proud and stubborn nature. 

CHAPTER IV. 

So passed the day. As the sun sank is the west, I began to reflectabout obtaining the rest for mind and body I so much needed. My systemwas almost exhausted by want of food and water, while the dreadfultragedy of the preceding night shattered my nerves far more than theyever suffered amid the trying scenes I have passed through since. Itwas my _first_ adventure of peril and of blood; and my soul shrankwith the natural recoil that virtue experiences in its earliestencounter with flagrant crime. 

In order to escape the incessant torment of insects, I had justdetermined to bury my naked body in the sand, and to cover my headwith the only garment I possessed, when I heard a noise in theneighboring bushes, and perceived a large and savage dog rushingrapidly from side to side, with his nose to the ground, evidently insearch of game or prey. I could not mistake the nature of his hunt. With the agility of a harlequin, I sprang to my friendly perch just intime to save myself from his fangs. The foiled and ferocious beast, yelling with rage, gave an alarm which was quickly responded to byother dogs, three of which--followed by two armed men--promptly madetheir appearance beneath my tree. The hunters were not surprised atfinding me, as, in truth, I was the game they sought. Ordering medown, I was commanded to march slowly before them, and especiallywarned to make no attempt at flight, as the bloodhounds would tear meto pieces on the spot. I told my guard that I should of coursemanifest no such folly as to attempt as escape from _caballeros_ likethemselves, --upon a desolate sand key half a mile wide, --especiallywhen my alternative refuge could only be found among the fish of thesea. The self-possession and good humor with which I replied, seemedsomewhat to mollify the cross-grained savages, and we soon approacheda habitation, where I was ordered to sit down until the whole partyassembled. After a while, I was invited to join them in their eveningmeal. 

The piquant stew upon which we fed effectually loosened their tongues, so that, in the course of conversation, I discovered my pursuers hadbeen in quest of me since early morning, though it was hardly believedI had either escaped the shot, or swam fully a mile amid sharks duringthe darkness. Upon this, I ventured to put some ordinary questions, but was quickly informed that inquisitiveness was considered veryunwholesome on the sand keys about Cuba!

At sunset, the whole piratical community of the little isle wasassembled. It consisted of two parties, each headed by its respectivechief. Both gangs were apparently subject to the leadership of the_rancho's_ proprietor; and in this man I recognized the _patron_ whoinquired so minutely about my biography and prospects. His companionsaddressed him either as "El señor patron" or "Don Rafael. " I wassurveyed very closely by the picturesque group of bandits, who retiredinto the interior of the _rancho_, --a hut made of planks and sailsrescued from wrecks. My guard or sentinel consisted of but a singlevagabond, who amused himself by whetting a long knife on a hone, andthen trying its sharpness on a single hair and then on his finger. Sometimes the scoundrel made a face at me, and drew the back of hisweapon across his throat. 

The conversation within, which I felt satisfied involved my fate, wasa long one. I could distinctly overhear the murmuring roar of talk, although I could not distinguish words. One sentence, however, didnot escape me, and its signification proved particularlyinteresting:--"_Los muertos_, " said the French dandy, --"_nohablan_, "--Dead men tell no tales!

It is hard to imagine a situation more trying for a young, hearty, andhopeful man. I was half naked; my skin was excoriated by the sun, sand, and salt water; four bloodhounds were at my feet ready to fastenon my throat at the bidding of a _desperado_; a piratical sentry, knife in hand, kept watch over me, while a jury of _buccaneers_discussed my fate within earshot. Dante's Inferno had hardly moretorments. 

The _filibustero_ conclave lasted quite an hour without reaching aconclusion. At length, after an unusual clamor, the _patron_ Rafaelrushed from the _rancho_ with a horseman's pistol, and, calling myname, whirled me behind him in his strong and irresistible grasp. Thenfacing both hands, with a terrible imprecation, he swore vengeance ifthey persisted in requiring the death of HIS NEPHEW!

At the mention of the word "_nephew_, " every one paused with a look ofsurprise, and drawing near the excited man with expressions ofinterest, agreed to respect his new-found relative, though theyinsisted I should swear never to disclose the occurrence of which Ihad been an unwilling witness. I complied with the conditionunhesitatingly, and shook hands with every one present except thesentry, of whom I shall have occasion to speak hereafter. 

It is astonishing what revulsions of manner, if not of feeling, takeplace suddenly among the class of men with whom my lot had now beencast. Ten minutes before, they were greedy for my blood, not onaccount of personal malice, but from utter recklessness of lifewhenever an individual interfered with their personal hopes or tenureof existence. Each one of these outlaws now vied with his companionsin finding articles to cover my nakedness and make me comfortable. Assoon as I was clothed, supper was announced and I was given almost aseat of honor at a table plentifully spread with fresh fish, sardines, olives, ham, cheese, and an abundance of capital claret. 

The chat naturally turned upon me, and some sly jokes were uttered atthe expense of Rafael, concerning the kinsman who had suddenly sprungup like a mushroom out of this pool of blood. 

"_Caballeros!_" interposed Rafael, passionately, "you seem inclined todoubt my word. Perhaps you are no longer disposed to regard me asyour chief? We have broken bread together during four months; we haveshared the same dangers and divided our spoils fairly: am I _now_ tobe charged to my face with a lie?" "Ha!" said he, rising from thetable and striding through the apartment with violent gestures, "whodares doubt my word, and impute to me the meanness of a lie? Are yedrunk? Can this wine have made you mad?" and seizing a bottle, hedashed it to the ground, stamping with rage. "Has the blood of lastnight unsettled your nerves and made you delirious? _Basta! basta!_Let me not hear another word of doubt as to this youth. The first whoutters a syllable of incredulity shall kill me on the spot or fall bymy hand!"

This sounds, I confess, very melo-dramatically, yet, my experience hastaught me that it is precisely a bold and dashing tone of bravado, adopted at the right moment, which is always most successful among_such_ ruffians as surrounded my preserver. The speech was deliveredwith such genuine vehemence and resolution that no one could questionhis sincerity or suppose him acting. But, as soon as he was done, theleader of the other gang, who had been very unconcernedly smoking hiscigar, and apparently punctuating Don Rafael's oration with his littlepuffs, advanced to my new uncle, and laying his hand on his arm, said:--

"_Amigo_, you take a joke too seriously. No one here certainly desiresto harm the boy or disbelieve you. Take my advice, --calm yourself, light a cigarillo, drink a tumbler of claret, and drop the subject. "

But this process of pacification was too rapid for my excited uncle. Men of his quality require to be let down gradually from their wrath, for I have frequently noticed that when their object is too easilygained, they interpose obstacles and start new subjects ofcontroversy, so that the most amiable and yielding temper may at lastbecome inflamed to passionate resistance. 

"No, _caballeros_!" exclaimed Don Rafael, "I will neither light a_cigarillo_, drink claret, calm myself, nor accept satisfaction forthis insult, short of the self-condemnation you will all experiencefor a mean suspicion, when I _prove_ the truth of my assertions aboutthis boy. A doubted man has no business at the head of such fellows asyou are. Begone out of my hearing, Theodore, " continued he, pointingto the canvas door, "begone till I convince these people that I amyour uncle!"

As soon as I was out of the chamber, I afterwards learned, that Rafaelannounced my name, place of birth, and parentage to the wreckers, anddesired the other _patron_, Mesclet, who spoke Italian, to follow andinterrogate me as to his accuracy. 

Mesclet performed the service in a kind manner, opening the interviewby asking the names of my father and mother, and then demanding howmany uncles I had on my mother's side? My replies appearedsatisfactory. 

"Was one of your uncles a navy officer?" inquired Mesclet, "and whereis he at present?" The only uncle I had in the navy, I declared, hadlong been absent from his family. But once in my life had I seen him, and that was while on his way to Marseilles, in 1815, to embark forthe Spanish main; since then no intelligence of the wanderer hadreached my ears. Had I been a French _scholar_ at that time, myadventures of consanguinity at Ferrol and on this key might well havebrought Molière's satire to my mind:

 "De moi je commence à douter tout de bon; Pourtant, quand je me tâte et que je me rapelle, _Il me semble que je suis moi!_"

Mesclet's report gave perfect satisfaction to the scoffers, and themysterious drama at once established me in a position I could not haveattained even by desperate services to the _filibusteros_. A bumper, all round, closed the night; and each slunk off to his cot or blanketbeneath a mosquito bar, while the bloodhounds were chained at the doorto do double duty as sentinels and body-guard. 

I hope there are few who will deny me the justice to believe that whenI stretched my limbs on the hard couch assigned me that night, Iremembered my God in heaven, and my home in Tuscany. It was the firstnight that an ingenuous youth had spent among outcasts, whose handswere still reeking with the blood of his companions. At that periodof manhood we are grateful for the mere boon of _life_. It is pleasantto live, to breathe, to have one's being, on this glorious earth, eventhough that life may be cast among felons. There is still a _future_before us; and Hope, the bright goddess of health and enthusiasm, inspires our nerves with energy to conquer our present ills. 

I threw myself down thankfully, but I could not rest. Sore and tiredas I was, I could not compose my mind to sleep. The conduct of Rafaelsurprised me. I could not imagine how he became familiar with mybiography, nor could I identify his personal appearance with my unclewho went so long before to South America. A thousand fancies jumbledthemselves in my brain, and, in their midst, I fell into slumber. Yetmy self-oblivion was broken and short. My pulse beat wildly, but myskin did not indicate the heat of fever. The tragedy of the galliotwas reacted before me. Phantoms of the butchered wife and men, streaming with blood, stood beside my bed, while a chorus of devils, in the garb of sailors, shouted that _I_ was the cause of thegalliot's loss, and of their murder. Then the wretched woman wouldhang round my neck, and crawl on my breast, besprinkling me with gorethat spouted from her eyeless sockets, imploring me to saveher;--till, shrieking and panting, I awoke from the horriblenightmare. Such were the dreams that haunted my pillow nearly all thetime I was forced to remain with these desperadoes. 

 * * * * *

I thanked God that the night of the tropics was so brief. The firstglimmer of light found me up, and as soon as I could find a companionto control the hounds, I ran to the sea for refreshment by a glorioussurf-bath. I was on a miserable sandbar, whose surface was hardlycovered with soil; yet, in that prolific land of rain and sunshine, nature seems only to require the slightest footing to assert hermagnificent power of vegetation. In spots, along the arid island, werethe most beautiful groves of abundant undergrowth, matted withbroad-leaved vines, while, within their shadow, the fresh herbagesprang up, sparkling with morning dew. In those climates, the blaze ofnoon is a season of oppressive languor, but morning and evening, withtheir dawn and twilight, --their lengthened shadows and declining sun, are draughts of beauty that have often intoxicated less enthusiastictempers than mine. The bath, the breeze, the renewed nature, arousedand restored a degree of tone to my shattered nerves, so that when Ireached the _rancho_, I was ready for any duty that might be imposed. The twin gangs had gone off in their boats soon after daylight, withsaws and axes; but Rafael left orders with my brutal sentry that Ishould assist him in preparing breakfast, which was to be ready byeleven o'clock. 

I never knew the real patronymic of this fellow, who was a Spaniard, and passed among us by the nickname of Gallego. Gallego possessed agood figure, --symmetrical and strong, while it was lithe and active. But his head and face were the most repulsive I ever encountered. Thefellow was not absolutely ugly, so far as mere contour of features wasconcerned; but there was so dropsical a bloat in his cheeks, such astagnant sallowness in his complexion, such a watching scowl in hiseyes, such a drawling sullenness of speech, such sensuality in theturn of his resolute lips, that I trembled to know he was to be mydaily companion. His dress and skin denoted slovenly habits, while arude and growling voice gave token of the bitter heart that kept theenginery of the brute in motion. 

With this wretch for _chef de cuisine_ I was exalted to the post of"cook's mate. "

 * * * * *

I found that a fire had been already kindled beneath some dwarf trees, and that a kettle was set over it to boil. Gallego beckoned me tofollow him into a thicket some distance from the _rancho_, where, beneath the protection of a large tarpaulin, we found _filibustero's_pantry amply provided with butter, onions, spices, salt-fish, bacon, lard, rice, coffee, wines, and all the requisites of comfortableliving. In the corners, strewn at random on the ground, I observedspy-glasses, compasses, sea-charts, books, and a quantity of choicecabin-furniture. We obtained a sufficiency of water for cookery anddrinking from holes dug in the sand, and we managed to cool thebeverage by suspending it in a draft of air in porous vessels, whichare known throughout the West Indies by the mischievous name of"monkeys. " Our copious thickets supplied us with fuel, nor were wewithout a small, rough garden, in which the gang cultivated peppers, tomatoes and mint. The premises being reviewed, I returned with myill-favored guard to take a lesson in piratical cookery. 

It is astonishing how well these wandering vagabonds know how to tossup a savory mess, and how admirably they understand its enjoyment. Atickled palate is one of the great objects of their mere animalexistence, and they are generally prepared with a mate who might passmuster in a second-rate restaurant. The _déjeuner_ we served ofcodfish stewed in claret, snowy and granulated rice, delicioustomatoes and fried ham, was irreproachable. Coffee had been drunk atday-dawn; so that my comrades contented themselves during the mealwith liberal potations of claret, while they finished the morning withbrandy and cigars. 

By two o'clock the breakfast was over, and most of the gorged scampshad retired for a _siesta_ during the sweltering heat. A few of thetoughest took muskets and went to the beach to shoot gulls or sharks. Gallego and myself were dispatched to our grove-kitchen to scullionizeour utensils; and, finally, being the youngest, I was intrusted withthe honorable duty of feeding the bloodhounds. 

As soon as my duties were over, I was preparing to follow thesiesta-example of my betters, when I met Don Rafael coming out of thedoor, and, without a word, was beckoned to follow towards the interiorof the island. When we reached a solitary spot, two or three hundredyards from the _rancho_, Rafael drew me down beside him in the shadeof a tree, and said gently with a smile, that he supposed I was atleast _surprised_ by the events of the last four days. I must confessthat I saw little for any thing else but astonishment in them, and Itook the liberty to concede that fact to the Don. 

"Well, " continued he, "I have brought you here to explain a part ofthe mystery, and especially to let you understand why it was that Ipassed myself off last night as your uncle, in order to save yourlife. I was obliged to do it, boy; and, _voto à Dios_! I would havefought the _junta_, --bloodhounds and all, --before they should haveharmed a limb of your body!"

Don Rafael explained that as soon as he caught a glimpse of my facewhen he boarded the _galliot_ on the morning of our disaster, herecognized the lineaments of an old companion in arms. The resemblancecaused him to address me as particularly as he had done on the nightof the piracy, the consequence of which was that his suspicionsripened into certainty. 

If I were writing the story of Don Rafael's life, instead of my own, I might give an interesting and instructive narrative, whichshowed, --as he alleged, --how those potent controllers ofoutlaws, --"circumstances, "--had changed him from a very respectablesoldier of fortune into a genuine buccaneer. He asserted that myuncle had been his schoolmate and professional companion in the oldworld. When the war of South American independence demanded the aidof certain Dugald Dalgettys to help its fortune, Don Rafael and myuncle had lent the revolutionists of Mexico their swords, for whichthey were repaid in the coin that "patriots" commonly receive forsuch amiable self-sacrifice. _Republics_ are proverbially ungrateful, and Mexico, alas! was a republic. 

After many a buffet of fortune, my poor uncle, it seems, perished in aduel at which Don Rafael performed the professional part of "hisfriend. " My relation died, of course, like a "man of honor, " and soonafter, Don Rafael, himself, fell a victim to the "circumstances"which, in the end, enabled him to slaughter my shipmates and save mylife. 

I must admit that I use this flippant tone with a twinge of sorrow, for I think I perceived certain spasms of conscience during ourinterview, which proved that, among the lees of that withered heart, there were some rich drops of manhood ready to mantle his cheek withshame at our surroundings. Indeed, as he disclosed his story, heexhibited several outbursts of passionate agony which satisfied methat if Don Rafael were in Paris, Don Rafael would have been a mostrespectable _bourgeois_; while, doubtless, there were many estimablecitizens at that moment in Paris, who would have given up their shopsin order to become Don Rafaels in Cuba! Such is life--and"circumstances!"

Our chat wasted a large portion of the afternoon. It was terminated bya counsel from my friend to be wary in my deportment, and a directionto console myself with the idea that he did not mean I should tarrylong upon the island. 

"You see, " said he, "that I do not lack force of eye, voice, andpersonal influence over these ruffians; yet I do not know that I canalways serve or save a friend, so your fate hangs very much on yourcircumspection. Men in our situation are Ishmaelites. Our hands arenot only against all, and all against us, but we do not know theminute when we may be all against each other. The power of habitualcontrol may do much for a leader among such men; but such an one mustneither quail nor _deceive_. Therefore, _beware_! Let none of youractions mar my projects. Let them never suspect the truth of ourconsanguinity. Call me 'uncle;' and in my mouth you shall always be'Theodore. ' Ask no questions; be civil, cheerful, and serviceableabout the _rancho_; never establish an intimacy, confidence, orfriendship with any _one_ of the band; stifle your feelings and yourtears if you ever find them rising to your lips or eyes; talk aslittle as you possibly can; avoid that smooth-tongued Frenchman; keepaway from our revels, and refrain entirely from wine. 

"I charge you to be specially watchful of Gallego, the cook. He is ourman of dirty work, --a shameless coward, though revengeful as a cat. Ifit shall ever happen that you come in collision with him, _strikefirst and well_; no one cares for him; even his death will make nostir. Take this _cuchillo_, --it is sharp and reliable; keep it nearyou day and night; and, _in self-defence_, do not hesitate to makegood use of it. In a few days, I may say more to you; untilthen, --_corragio figlio, è addio!_"

We returned to the _rancho_ by different paths. 

CHAPTER V. 

The life of men under the ban of society, on a desolate sand key, whose only visitors are land-crabs and sea-gulls, is a dull and drearyaffair. The genuine pirate, properly equipped for a desperate lot, whohas his swift keel beneath him and is wafted wheresoever he lists oncanvas wings, encounters, it is true, an existence of peril; yet thereis something exhilarating and romantic in his dashing career ofincessant peril: he is ever on the wing, and ever amid novelty; thereis something about his life that smacks of genuine warfare, and hisexistence becomes as much more respectable as the old-fashionedhighwayman on his mettlesome steed was superior to the sneakingfootpad, who leaped from behind a thicket and bade the unarmedpedestrian stand and deliver. But the wrecker-pirate takes his victimat a disadvantage, for he is not a genuine freebooter of the sea. Heshuns an able foe and strikes the crippled. Like the shark and theeagle, he delights to prey on the carcass, rather than to strike theliving quarry. 

The companionship into which misfortune had thrown me was precisely ofthis character, and I gladly confess that I was never tempted for amoment to bind up my fate with the sorry gang. I confided, it is true, in Rafael's promise to liberate me; yet I never abandoned the hope ofescape by my own tact and energy. 

Meanwhile, I became heartily tired of my scullion duties as thesubordinate of Gallego. Finding one day a chest of carpenters' toolsamong the rubbish, I busied myself in making a rudder for one of theboats, and so well did I succeed, that when my companions returned tobreakfast from their daily "fishing, " my mechanical skill was laudedto such a degree that Rafael converted the general enthusiasm to myadvantage by separating me from the cook. I was raised to the head ofour "naval bureau" as boatbuilder in chief. Indeed, it was admitted onall hands that I was abler with the adze than the ladle and spoiledfewer boards than broths. 

A few days passed, during which I learned that our unfortunate galliotwas gradually emptied and destroyed. This was the usual morningoccupation of the whole gang until the enterprise ended. When the jobwas over Don Rafael told me that he was about to depart hurriedly onbusiness with the whole company, to the mainland of Cuba, so that, during his absence, the island and its property would be left incustody of Gallego, myself, and the bloodhounds. He specially chargedthe cook to keep sober, and to give a good account of himself at theend of _five days_, which would terminate his absence. 

But no sooner was the _patron_ away, than the lazy scamp neglected hisduties, skulked all day among the bushes, and refused even to furnishmy food or supply the dogs. Of course, I speedily attended to thewelfare of myself and the animals; but, at night, the surly Galiciancame home, prepared his own supper, drank till he was completelydrunk, and retired without uttering a word. 

I was glad that he yielded to the temptation of liquor, as I hoped hewould thereby become incapable of harming me during the watches of thenight, if weariness compelled me to sleep. He was a malignant wretch, and his taciturnity and ill-will appeared so ominous now that I wasleft utterly alone, that I resolved, if possible, to keep awake, andnot to trust to luck or liquor. The galliot's tragedy and anxietystood me in stead, so that I did not close my eyes in sleep the wholeof that dreary vigil. About midnight, Gallego stealthily approached mycot, and pausing a moment to assure himself that I was in the profoundrepose which I admirable feigned, he turned on tip-toe to the door ofour cabin, and disappeared with a large bundle in his hand. He did notreturn until near day-dawn; and, next night, the same act was exactlyrepeated. 

The mysterious sullenness of this vagabond not only alarmed, butincreased my nervousness, for I can assure the reader that, on adesolate island, without a companion but a single outcast, one wouldrather hear the sound of that wretch's voice than be doomed to thesilence of such inhuman solitude. During the day he kept entirelyaloof, --generally at sea fishing, --affording me time for a long_siesta_ in a nook near the shore, penetrated by a thorny path, whichGallego could not have traced without hounds. On the fourth night, when the pirate left our hut for his accustomed excursion, I resolvedto follow; and taking a pistol with renewed priming, I pursued hissteps at a safe distance, till I saw him enter a thick shrubbery, inwhich he was lost. I marked the spot and returned to the cabin. Nextmorning, after coffee, Gallego departed in his canoe to fish. Iwatched him anxiously from the beach until he anchored about two milesfrom the reef, and then calling the dogs, retraced my way to thethicket. The hounds were of great service, for, having placed them onthe track, they instantly traced the path of the surly scoundrel. 

After some trouble in passing the dense copse of underwood, I entereda large patch of naked sand, broken by heaps of stones, which appearedto cover graves. One heap bore the form of a cross, and was probablythe sepulchre of a wrecker. I stopped awhile and reflected as tofurther explorations. On entering this arid graveyard, I observed anumber of land-crabs scamper away; but, after awhile, when I sat downin a corner and became perfectly quiet, I noticed that the armyreturned to the field and introduced themselves into all the heaps ofstones or graves _save one_. This struck me as singular; for, whenpeople are so hopelessly alone as I was, they become minute observers, and derive infinite happiness from the consideration of the meresttrifles. Accordingly, I ventured close to the abandoned heap, andfound at once that the neighboring sand had been freshly smoothed. Iwas on Gallego's track! In dread of detection, I stealthily climbed atree, and, screening myself behind the foliage, peered out towards thesea till I beheld the cook at work beyond the reef. My musket andpistols were again examined and found in order. With theseprecautions, I began to remove the stones, taking care to mark theirrelative positions so that I might replace them exactly; and, in aboutten minutes work at excavation, I came upon two barrels, one of whichwas filled with bundles of silk, linens, and handkerchiefs, while theother contained a chronometer, several pieces of valuable lace, and abeautifully bound, gilt, and ornamented _Bible_. One bundle, tied in aMadras handkerchief, particularly attracted my attention, for Ithought I recognized the covering. Within it I found a number oftrinkets belonging to the wife of my Dutch captain, and a largehairpin, set with diamonds, which I remember she wore the last day ofher life. Had this wretch torn it from her head, as he imbrued hishands in her blood on that terrible night? The painful revelationbrought all before me once more with appalling force. I shuddered andbecame sick. Yet, I had no time for maudlin dalliance with myfeelings. Replacing every thing with precision, and smoothing the sandonce more with my flannel shirt, I returned to the _rancho_, where Iindulged in the boyish but honest outburst of nature which I could nolonger restrain. I was not then--and, thank God, I am not now--astranger to tears! To the world, the human heart and the human eye, like the coral isle of the Atlantic, may be parched and withered; yetbeneath the seared and arid surface, the living water still flows andgushes, when the rock and the heart alike are stricken!

 * * * * *

Just before sunset of this day, the deep baying of our hounds gavenotice of approaching strangers; and, soon after, four boats appearedin the cove. The two foremost belonged to Don Rafael and his crew, while the others were filled with strangers whose appearance was thatof landsmen rather than mariners. As Rafael received them on thebeach, he introduced them to me as his especial pets, the "AMPHIBIOUSJEWS. "

Our delicious supper of that night was augmented by a fine store ofbeef, pork and fowls, brought from shore. I lingered at table as longas the company maintained a decent sobriety, and learned that thesesalt water Hebrews were, in truth, speculators from Cardenas, whoaccompanied Rafael in the guise of fishermen, to purchase theplundered cargo of my galliot. 

During his visit to Cuba, Don Rafael was apprised that the Cubanauthorities were about sending an Inspector among the islands off thecoast, and accordingly took precaution to furnish himself in advancewith a regular "fishing license. " All hands were forthwith set to workto make our key and _rancho_ conform to this calling, and, in a fewdays, the canvas roof of our hut was replaced by a thatch of leaves, while every dangerous article or implement was concealed in thethicket of a labyrinthine creek. In fact, our piscatory charactercould not be doubted. In our persons and occupation, we looked asinnocent and rustic as a pic-nic party on a summer bivouac for freshair and salt bathing. Nor was the transformation less real in regardto our daily tasks. We became, in reality, most industrious fishermen;so that we had more than a thousand of the finny tribe piled up anddried, when the hounds signalled the arrival of the expectedofficials. 

Breakfast was on the table when they landed, but it was the _banyan_meal of humble men, whose nets were never filled with aught but the_scaly_ products of the sea. Our inspector was regaled with a scantfish-feast, and allowed to digest it over the genuine license. Rafaelcomplained sadly of hard times and poverty;--in fact, the drama ofhumility was played to perfection, and, finally, the functionarysigned our license, with a certificate of our loyalty, and pocketed amoderate "gratification" of _five ounces_!

 * * * * *

Six long, hot, and wretched weeks passed over my head before anystriking occurrence relieved the monotony of my life. During the wholeof this period, our fishing adventure was steadily pursued, wheninformation was mysteriously brought to the key that a richly-ladenFrench vessel had run ashore on the Cayo Verde, an islet some fortymiles east of the Cruz del Padre. That afternoon, both of our largeboats were filled with armed men, and, as they departed with _every_wrecker aboard, I alone was left on the islet to guard our propertywith the dogs. 

The thought and hope of escape both swelled in my breast as I saw thehulls dwindle to a dot and disappear behind the horizon. In a moment, my plan was conceived and perfected. The sea was perfectly smooth, andI was expert in the use of oars. That very night I launched ourcanoe, --the only vessel left in the cove, --and placing the sail, scullers, and grappling-hook within it, returned to the _rancho_ forclothing. As it was dark, I lighted a candle, when, on looking intothe clothes-chest beneath my bed, I found inscribed on the lid, infresh chalk-marks, the words "PATIENCE! WAIT!"

This discovery made me pause in my preparations. Was it thewarning--as it was certainly the handwriting--of Rafael? Had hepurposely and honorably left me alone, in order to escape this sceneof blood? Did he anticipate my effort to fly, and endeavor to save mefrom the double risk of crossing to the mainland, and of futureprovision for my comfort? I could not doubt its being the work of myfriend; and, whether it was superstition or prudence, I cannot say, but I resolved, unhesitatingly, to abandon a scheme in regard to whichI hesitated. Instead, therefore, of attempting to pass the straitbetween the key and Cuba, I went to bed, and slept more comfortably inmy utter abandonment than I had done since I was on the island. 

Next day, at noon, I descried a small pilot-boat sailing inside thereef, with all the confidence of a perfect master of the channel. Twopersons speedily landed, with provisions from the mainland, and statedthat, on his last visit to Cuba, Don Rafael engaged them to take me toHavana. This, however, was to be done with much caution, inasmuch ashis men would not assent to my departure until they had compromised mylife with theirs by some act of desperate guilt. The pilots declinedtaking me then without my guardian's assent;--and, in truth, so fullywas I convinced of his intention to liberate me in the best andspeediest way, that I made up my mind to abide where I was till hereturned. 

For three days more I was doomed to solitude. On the fourth, theboats came back, with the pilot's cutter, and I quickly saw that aserious encounter had taken place. The pilot-boat appeared to bedeeply laden. Next day, she was taken to the mazes of the winding andwooded creek, where, I learned, the booty was disembarked and hidden. While the party had gone to complete this portion of their enterprise, the Frenchman, who was wounded in the head and remained behind, tookthat opportunity to enlighten me on passing events. When the wreckersreached Cayo Verde, they found the French vessel already takenpossession of by "fishermen" of that quarter. Anticipated in theirdirty work, our comrades were in no mood to be sociable with thefortunate party. An affray was the natural result, in which knives hadbeen freely used, while Mesclet himself had been rescued by Rafael, pistol in hand, after receiving the violent blow on his head fromwhich he was now suffering. Having secured a retreat to their boats, they were just beginning to think of a rapid departure, when thefriendly pilot-boat hove in sight. So fortunate a reinforcementrenerved our gang. A plan of united action was quickly concerted. TheFrench vessel was again hoarded and carried. Two of the opposite partywere slain in the onslaught; and, finally, a rich remnant of the cargowas seized, though the greater part of the valuables had, no doubt, been previously dispatched ashore by the earlier band of desperadoes. 

"Thank God!" added the narrator, "we have now the boat and theassistance of Bachicha, who is as brave as Rafael: with his'_Baltimore clipper_, ' we shall conduct our affairs on a grander scalethan heretofore. _Sacre-bleu!_ we may now cruise under the Columbianflag, and rob Peter to pay Paul!"

In fact, the "clipper" had brought down an ample store of ammunition, under the innocent name of "provisions, " while she carried in herbowels a long six, which she was ready to mount amidships at amoment's notice. 

But poor Mesclet did not live to enjoy the fruits of the largerpiracy, which he hoped to carry on in a more elegant way withBachicha. The _roué_ could not be restrained from the favoritebeverages of his beautiful France. His wound soon mastered him; and, in a month, all that was mortal of this gallant Gaul, who, in earlieryears, had figured in the best saloons of his country, rested amongsand-graves of a Cuban key. 

"Ah!" growled Gallego, as they came home from his burial, "there isone less to share our earnings; and, what is better, claret and brandywill be more plentiful now that this sponge is under the sand!"

 * * * * *

In a few days, the boats were laden with fish for the mainland, inorder to cover the real object of our _patron's_ visit to Cuba, whichwas to dispose of the booty. At his departure, he repeated thecherished promise of liberty, and privately hinted that I had bettercontinue fishing on good terms with Señor Gallego. 

It required some time to repair the nets, for they had been ratherneglected during our late fishing, so that it was not, in fact, untilRafael had been three days gone that I took the canoe with Gallego, and dropped anchor outside the reef, to take breakfast beforebeginning our labor. 

We had hardly begun a frugal meal when, suddenly, a large schoonershot from behind a bend of the island, and steered in our direction. As the surly Spaniard never spoke, I had become accustomed to beequally silent. Unexpectedly, however, he gave a scowling glance frombeneath his shaggy brows at the vessel, and exclaimed with unusualenergy: "A Columbian privateer!"

"We had best up anchor, and get inside the reef, " continued he, "orour sport will be spoiled for the day. "

"Pshaw!" returned I, "she's not making for us, and, even if she were, I wouldn't be such a coward as to run!" Indeed, I had heard so much of"Columbian privateers" and the patriot service, that I rather longedto be captured, that I might try my hand at lawful war and glory. Theimpulse was sudden and silly. 

Still Gallego insisted on retreating; until, at length, we got into anangry controversy, which the cook, who was in the bow of the boat, attempted to end by cutting the anchor-rope. As he was drawing hisknife to execute this purpose, I swiftly lifted an oar, and, with asingle blow, laid him senseless in the bottom of the canoe. By thistime the schooner was within pistol-shot; and, as she passed with athree-knot breeze, the captain, who had witnessed the scene, threw agrappling-iron into our skiff, and taking us in tow, dragged the boatfrom its moorings. 

As soon as we got into deeper water, I was ordered on deck, whileGallego, still quite insensible, was hoisted carefully on board. Itold the truth as to our dispute, reserving, however, the importantfact that I had been originally urged into the quarrel by my anxiety"to ship" on board a privateer. 

"I want a pilot for Key West, " said the master, hurriedly, "and I haveno time to trifle with your stupid quarrels. Can either of you performthis service?"

By this time Gallego had been somewhat roused from his stupor, andpointing feebly towards me, uttered a languid:--"Yes, and an_excellent_ one. "

Mistaking the word "_pilote_, " which in Spanish signifies "navigator, "the French captain, who spoke the Castilian very badly, translated itinto the more limited meaning attached to that peculiar profession, one of whose ministers he was anxious to secure. 

"_Bon!_" said the master, "put the other fellow back into his skiff, and make sail at once under charge of this youngster. "

I remonstrated, protested, declaimed, swore, that I knew nothing ofKey West and its approaches; but all my efforts were vain. I was apilot in spite of myself. 

The malicious cook enjoyed the joke of which I had so hastily becomethe victim. As they lowered him again into the boat, he jeered at myincredulity, and in ten minutes was towed to the edge of the reef, where the scamp was turned adrift to make for the island. 

When the schooner was once more under full sail, I was ordered to givethe course for Key West. I at once informed the captain, whose name Iunderstood to be Laminé, that he really labored under a mistake intranslating the Spanish word _pilote_ into _port guide_, and assuredhim that Gallego had been prompted by a double desire to get rid ofhim as well as me by fostering his pernicious error. I acknowledgedthat I was a "_pilot_, " or "navigator, " though not a "_practico_, " orharbor-pilot; yet I urged that I could not, without absolutefoolhardiness, undertake to conduct his schooner into a port of whichI was utterly ignorant, and had never visited. Hereupon the firstlieutenant or mate interposed. This fellow was a short, stout-builtperson of thirty-five, with reddish whiskers and hair, along-projecting under-jaw, and eye-teeth that jutted out like tusks. To add to his ugliness, he was sadly pitted by small-pox, and waddledabout on short duck legs, which were altogether out of proportion tohis long body, immense arms, and broad, massive shoulders. I do notremember a more vulgarly repulsive person than this privateeringlieutenant. 

"He is a liar, Captain Laminé, and only wants to extort money for hisservices, " interjected the brute. "Leave him to me, sir; I'll find away to refresh his memory of Key West that will open the bottom of thegulf to his eyes as clearly as the pathway to his piratical hut on thesand key! To the helm, sir--to the helm!"

What possible object or result could I gain by resistance amid themotley assemblage that surrounded me on the deck of the "CARA-BOBO?"She was a craft of about 200 tons; and, with her crew of seventy-five, composed of the scourings of all nations, castes, and colors, bore acommission from the authorities of Carthagena to burn, sink anddestroy all Spanish property she was strong enough to capture. Laminéwas born in the isle of France, while Lasquetti, the lieutenant, was acreole of Pensacola. The latter spoke French and Spanish quite well, but very little English; while both master and mate were almostentirely ignorant of navigation, having intrusted that task to thethird lieutenant, who was then ill with yellow fever. The secondlieutenant was absent on board a prize. 

Thus forced to take charge of a privateer without a moment's warning, I submitted with the best grace, and, calling for charts andinstruments, I shaped my way for the destined port. All day we steeredwest-north-west, but at sunset, as we had run along smartly, Iordered the schooner to be "laid to" for the night. The wind andweather were both charmingly fair, and objections were of course madeto my command. But, as the most difficult part of our navigation wasto be encountered during the night, if I kept on my course, I resolvedto persist to the last in my resolution, and I was fortunate enough tocarry my point. 

"D--n you, " said Lasquetti, as the vessel was brought to the wind andmade snug for the night, "d--n you, Master Téodore; this laying-toshall give _you_ no rest, at least, if you thought to dodge work, andget into a hammock by means of it! You shall march the deck all nightto see that we don't drift on a reef, if I have to sit up, or stand uptill day-dawn to watch you!"

Obedience, alas! had been the order of the day with me for a longwhile; so I promenaded the lee quarter till nearly midnight, when, utterly exhausted by fatigue, I sat down on a long brass chaser, andalmost instantly fell asleep. 

I know not how long I rested, but a tremendous shock knocked me fromthe cannon and laid me flat on the deck, bleeding from mouth, nose andears. Lasquetti stood beside me, cigar in hand, laughing immoderately, blaspheming like a demon, and kicking me in the ribs with his roughwet-weather boots. He had detected me asleep, and touched off the gunwith his _havanna_!

The explosion aroused all hands, and brought the commander on deck. Myblood flowed, but it did not pour fast enough to relieve my agonizingrage. As soon as I recovered consciousness, I seized the first heavyimplement I could grasp, and rushed at my aggressor, whose skull wassaved from the blow by descending beneath the combings of thehatchway, which, the instant after, were shivered by the descent of myheavy weapon. Laminé was a man of some sensibility, and, thoughselfish, as usual with his set, could not avoid at once reprimandingLasquetti with uncommon severity in presence of his men. 

That afternoon, I was fortunate enough, by the aid of a good chart, and a sort of _navigating instinct_, to anchor the "Cara-bobo" in thenarrow harbor of Key West. When Laminé went ashore, he ordered me notto leave the schooner, while sentries were placed to prevent boatsfrom boarding or even approaching us. Hardly was the master out of thevessel before two men seized me as I looked at the shore through atelescope. In the twinkling of an eye, I was hurried below anddouble-ironed; nor would I have received a morsel of food save breadand water during our detention, had I not been secretly fed by somegood fellows from the forecastle, who stole to me after dark with theremnant of their rations. This was the cowardly revenge of Lasquetti. 

On the third day, Laminé returned, bringing an American pilot for thecoast and islands. I was set at liberty as he was seen approaching;and when we got under way on another cruise, I was commanded to doduty as sailing-master, which I promptly refused with spiritedindignation, until I received satisfaction from the dastardlieutenant. But this fellow had taken care to forestall me, byassuring Laminé that he never dreamed of securing me until I wascaught in the very act of escaping from the schooner!

During a week's cruise of indifferent success with these "patriots, " Iwon the kind heart of the American pilot, who heard the story of mylate adventures with patience; and, through his influence with thecommander, my lot was mitigated, notwithstanding my refusal to doduty. By this time, the third lieutenant was restored to sufficienthealth to resume the deck. He was a native of Spain and a gallantsailor. Many an hour did he pass beside me, recounting his adventuresor listening to mine, until I seemed to win his sympathy, and insurehis assistance for relief from this miserable tyranny. 

At length, the schooner's course was shaped for the Cruz del Padre, while I was summoned to the cabin. I perceived at once a singularchange for the better in Monsieur Laminé's manner. He requested me tobe seated; pressed me to accept a tumbler of claret; inquired about myhealth, and ended this harmonious overture by saying, that if I wouldsign a document exonerating him from all charges of compulsorydetention or ill-treatment, he would pay me two hundred dollars formy service, and land me again on the key. 

I promptly saw that his object in replacing me on the island was toprevent my complaints against his conduct from reaching the ears of atribunal in a neutral port; and, accordingly, I declined theproposition, --demanding, however, to be put on board of any vessel wemet, no matter what might be her nationality. I sternly refused hismoney, and insisted that my only desire was to be free from his brutalofficer. 

But Laminé was in power and I was not. In the end, I discovered thatworse consequences might befall me among these ruffians, if Ihesitated to take the recompense and sign the paper. In fact, I beganto be quite satisfied that, in reality, it was an _escape_ to be freedfrom the privateer, even if I took refuge once more among pirates!

So, after a good deal of claret and controversy had been wasted, Isigned the document and pocketed the cash. 

As the first bars of saffron streaked the east next morning, the reefof the Cruz del Padre hove in sight dead ahead. The third lieutenantpresented me at my departure with a set of charts, a spy-glass, aquadrant, and a large bag of clothes; while, in the breast of a richsilk waistcoat, he concealed three ounces and a silver watch, which hedesired me to wear in honor of him, if ever I was fortunate enough totread the streets of Havana. Several of the white sailors also offeredme useful garments; and a black fellow, who had charge of the boat inwhich I was sent ashore, forced on me two sovereigns, which heconsidered a small gratuity to "_a countryman_" in distress. He hailedfrom Marblehead, and protested that he knew me in Salem when I was alad. 

As the boat approached the _rancho's_ cove, I perceived every bodyunder arms, and heard Don Rafael command my boatmen, in a loud, imperious voice, to begone, or he would fire. Standing on the thwartsof the boat, I ordered the oarsmen to back water, and leaping into thesea, waist-deep, struggled alone to the beach, calling "mi tio! mitio!"--"_my uncle! Don Rafael!_"--who, recognizing my voice andgestures, promptly rushed forward to embrace me. Our boat was thenallowed to approach the landing and disburthen itself of the gifts. Ithought it best to request my sable ally from Marblehead to narrate, in as good Spanish or _lingua-franca_, as he could press into hisservice, the whole story of my capture and the conduct of Gallego. This being done, the boat and its crew were dispatched aboard with amultitude of Spanish courtesies and the substantial gift of some_Chateau Margaux_. 

After an early supper, I became the lion of the evening, and wasrequested to give a narrative of my cruise in the "patriot service. " Inoticed that some of the gang looked on me askance with an incredulousair, while others amused themselves by smoking and spitting in a verycontemptuous way whenever I reached what I conceived to be a thrillingportion of my story. At its conclusion, I arose and deposited in thehands of Don Rafael my gifts of two hundred dollars and the twosovereigns. This evidence of reciprocity seemed to restore the goodtemper of my impatient hearers, so that, by the time the _patron_ wentround the circle, giving each man his share of my earnings, --not evenomitting Gallego, --my credit was almost restored among the gang. 

"As for these two pieces of gold, these charts, instruments andclothes, " said Don Rafael, "they are the property of the youth, and Iam sure none of you are mean enough to divide them. The money wasanother thing. That was _his_ earning, as the 'fishing _revenue_' isours; and as he is entitled to a share of what _we_ gain, we areentitled to participate in whatever _he_ wins. Yet, _amigos_, this isnot all. My nephew, _caballeros_, has been accused, by one of thisparty, _during his absence_, of being not only a contemptible thief, but a traitor and coward. Now, as these are three 'blasphemousvituperations' which are not to be found under any head in myprayer-book, and never were chargeable on the blood of our family, Iinsist on immediate justice to my kinsman. Let that cowardly scoundrelrepeat and _prove_ his accusation of Téodore, face to face! You, _señores_, shall stand judges. Every thing shall be fair. To-night, myboy shall be found guilty or purged of the baseness imputed to him;and, moreover, I apprise you now, that if he is innocent, I shallto-morrow restore him to liberty. His voluntary return was a voucherof honesty; and I doubt whether there is a clever man among you whodoes not agree with me. Stand forth, Gallego, and charge this youthagain with the infamy you heaped on him while he was away. "

But the sullen wretch bowed his head, with a hang-dog look, and rolledhis black and bushy skull slowly from side to side, with an air ofbullying defiance. Still he remained perfectly silent. 

"Stand forth, Gallego, once more, I say!" shouted Don Rafael, stampingwith fury and foaming at the mouth; "stand forth, imp of the devil, and make good your charge, or I'll trice you up to these rafters byyour thumbs, and lash you with a cow-hide till your stretched skinpeels off in ribbons!"

The threat restored Gallego's voice; but he could only say that therewas no use in repeating the charges, because the case was prejudged, and all feared Don Rafael and his parasite to such a degree that itwas impossible to treat him with justice. "Yet, look ye, señores, if Ican't talk, I can fight. If Don Rafael is ready to meet me, knife inhand, in support of my cause, why, all I have to say is, that I amready for him and his bastard to boot!"

In a moment, Rafael's knife was out of his belt, and the two sprangforward in a death-struggle, which would doubtless have been a shortaffair, had not the whole party interposed between the combatants andforbidden the fight. In the hurly-burly, Gallego took to his heels anddeparted. 

The scoundrel's escape caused some alarm in the camp, as it was fearedhe might leave the island, and, turning king's evidence, make thewaters of Cuba too hot for the band. Accordingly, all the canoes andboats that night were drawn up on the beach and kept under doublewatch. 

When order was restored in the _rancho_, I asked Don Rafael to explainthe "three accusations" that had been made against my fair fame; whenI learned that I was charged by Gallego with having felled him in theboat, with having shipped voluntarily in the privateer, and withreturning in the Cara-bobo's boats _to rob the rancho of itsvaluables_!

The first of the allegations I admitted to be true; the second hadbeen disproved by the privateer's boatmen; and, as to the third, I atonce insisted upon the party's taking torches and accompanying me tothe graveyard, where, I told them, they would find--as, in truth, theydid--the valuables this villain had charged me with stealing. On ourway thither, I recounted the manner in which I detected his infamy. 

Nest morning we divided into two parties, and taking the dogs, proceeded in chase of the dastard Galician. He was quickly tracked bythe hounds and caught asleep, with two empty flasks beside him. 

A drum-head court-martial at once convened for his trial, and it wasunanimously resolved to chain him to a tree, where he was to be leftexposed to the elements until he starved to death. The passive andsilent fit had again come over Gallego. I implored that the sentencemight be softened, but I was laughed at for my childish pity, andordered home to the _rancho_. The command to chain him having beenexecuted, the Spanish outcast was left to his terrible fate. One ofthe men, out of compassion, as he said, secretly conveyed a case ofgin to the doomed man, and left it within reach, either to solace hisdeparture from the world, or to render him insensible. But his end wasspeedy. Next morning the guard found him dead, with six empty bottlesout of the case. His body was denied the rites of sepulture. It wasleft lying in chains as he perished, to rot in the sun and be devouredby the insects generated from his decay. 

CHAPTER VI. 

When these dreadful scenes were over, Don Rafael took me aside withthe pleasant news that the time for my liberation was indeed arrived. He handed me one hundred and twenty-five dollars, which wore my shareof the proceeds of our lawful fishing. "Take the money, " said Rafael, with a good deal of feeling; "take it, young man, with _perfect_confidence;--_there is no blood on it!_"

My preparations for departure were quickly made, as Bachicha was inthe cove with his craft ready to take me to the mainland. I bade ahasty adieu to the gang; and perhaps it is rare that any one everabandoned the companions of several months' intimacy with so littlepain. Rafael's solicitude for my character touched me. He had done allin his power to preserve my self-respect, and I was, therefore, welldisposed to regard the good counsel he gave me at parting, and tobelieve in his sincerity when he pictured a bright future, andcontrasted it with his own desolation and remorse. 

"I have recommended you, _hijo mio_, to a friend in Regla, on theopposite side of the harbor at Havana, who will take care of you. Heis a _paisano_ of ours. Take these additional ten ounces, which arethe fruit of honest labor. They will help you to appear properly inHavana; so that, with the care of Bachicha and our Regla countryman, Idon't despair of your welfare. ADIOS! _para siempre!_"

And so we parted;--and it was, indeed, an adieu for ever. We nevermet again, but I heard of Don Rafael and his fortunes. The newenterprise with the pilot-boat turned out successfully, and the bandacquired considerable property on the island before the piraticalnests along the coast of Cuba were broken up by cruisers. Rafael hadsome narrow escapes from the noose and the yard arm; but he eluded thegrasp of his pursuers, and died a respectable _ranchero_ on acomfortable farm in the interior of the Queen of the Antilles. 

 * * * * *

The light winds of summer soon brought us inside the Moro Castle, pastthe frowning batteries of the Cabanas, and at anchor near Regla, within the beautiful harbor of Havana. I shall never forget theimpression made on my mind by this delicious scene as it first brokeon my sight at sunrise, in all the cool freshness of morning. Thegrand amphitheatre of hills swept down to the calm and lake-like waterwith gentle slopes, lapped in the velvet robes of richest green, andembroidered, as it were, with lace-like spots of castle, fort, dwelling, and villa, until the seaward points were terminated on theleft, by the brilliant city, and on the right by a pile of majesticbatteries. 

This grand and lasting impression was made almost at a glance, for, at my time of life, I was more concerned with man than nature, andrarely paused to dwell on the most fascinating scenery. Accordingly, I hastened to Regla with my letter of introduction, which was_interpreted_ by Bachicha to the Italian grocer, the friend ofRafael, to whom I was confided. _Il signore Carlo Cibo_ was anilliterate man of kind heart, who had adventurously emigrated fromItaly to furnish the Havanese with good things; while, in return, theHavanese had been so pleased with his provender, that Carlo may besaid to have been a man "very well to do in the world" for aforeigner. He received me with unbounded kindness;--welcomed me tohis bachelor home;--apologized for its cold cheerlessness, andordered me to consider himself and his "_casa_" entirely at mydisposal as long as I chose to remain. 

I was content to accept this unstinted hospitality for a few days, while I ran over the town, the hills, and the _paseos_; but I couldnot consent to dally long eating the bread of idleness and charity. Iobserved that my friend Carlo was either the most prudent or leastinquisitive man I knew, for he never asked me a question about myearly or recent history. As he would not lend the conversation to myaffairs, I one day took the liberty to inquire whether there was avessel in port bound to the Pacific Ocean or Mexico, in which myprotector could possibly find a situation for me as an officer, orprocure me permission to work my way even as a common sailor. 

The kind grocer instantly divined my true motive, and while he honoredme for it, deprecated the idea of my departure. He said that my visit, instead of being a burden, was a pleasure he could not soon replace. As to the expenses of his house, he declared they were, in fact, _not_increased. What fed five, fed half a dozen; and, as to my proposal togo to Mexico, or any other place in Spanish America on the Continent, with a view of "making my fortune, " he warmly protested against it, inconsequence of his own experience. 

"They can never conquer their jealousy of _foreigners_, " said Carlo;"you may live with them for years, and imagine yourself as intimate asbrothers; but, at last, _carramba_, you will find something turn up, that marks you an alien and kindles nationality against you. Take myadvice, Don Téodore, stay where you are; study Spanish carefully; getthe hang of the people; and, my life on it, before long, you'll haveyour hands full of trump cards and the game in your power. "

I did as he desired, and was presented to a corpulent old quiz of a_padre_, who pretended to instruct me in classical Castilian. Twolessons demonstrated his incapacity; but as he was a jolly gossip ofmy grocer, and hail-fellow with the whole village of Regla, I thoughtit good policy to continue his pupil in appearance, while I taughtmyself _in private_. Besides this, the _padre_ was a _bon vivant_ anddevoted lover of fish. Now, as I happened to be a good sportsman, witha canoe at my command, I managed to supply his kitchen with anabundance of the finny tribe, which his cook was an adept inpreparing. It may be supposed that our "fast days" were especialepochs of delicious reunion. A fine dinner smoked on the table; a goodbottle was added by the grocer; and, while my entertainer discussedthe viands, I contrived to keep him in continual chat, which, inreality, was the best practical lesson a man in my circumstances couldreceive. 

 * * * * *

It is strange how our lives and destinies are often decided bytrifles. As I sailed about the harbor in idleness, my nautical eye andtaste were struck by the trim rig of the sharp built "slavers, " which, at that time, used to congregate at Havana. There was somethingbewitching to my mind in their race-horse beauty. A splendid vesselhas always had the same influence on my mind, that I have heard asplendid woman has on the minds of other men. These dashing _slavers_, with their arrowy hulls and raking masts, got complete possession ofmy fancy. There was hardly a day that I did not come home with adiscovery of added charms. Signor Carlo listened in silence and noddedhis head, when I was done, with an approving smile and a "_bueno!_"

I continued my sailing peregrinations for a month around the harbor, when my kind entertainer invited me to accompany him aboard a vesselof which, he said, he owned two shares--_she was bound to Africa!_ Thesplendid clipper was one of the very craft that had won my heart; andmy feverish soul was completely upset by the gala-scene as we drifteddown the bay, partaking of a famous breakfast, and quaffing bumpers ofChampagne to the schooner's luck. When she passed the Moro Castle weleaped into our boats, and gave the voyagers three hearty and tipsycheers. My grocer was a "slaver!"

I had a thousand questions for the Italian in regard to the trade, nowthat I found _he_ belonged to the fraternity. All my inquiries weregratified in his usually amiable manner; and that night, in my dreams, I was on board of a coaster chased by John Bull. 

My mind was made up. Mexico, Peru, South American independence, patriotism, and all that, were given to the breezes of the gulf. Islept off my headache and nightmare; and next morning announced toCibo my abandonment of the Costa Firma, and my anxiety to get asituation in a vessel bound to Africa. 

In a few days I was told that my wishes would perhaps be gratified, asa fast vessel from the Canaries was about to be sold; and if she wentoff a bargain, Signor Carlo had resolved to purchase her, with afriend, to send to Africa. 

Accordingly, the Canary "GLOBO" was acquired for $3000; and after aperfect refitting at the Casa-Blanca of Havana, loomed in the harboras a respectable pilot-boat of forty tons. Her name, in consequence ofreputed speed, was changed to "El Areostatico;" a culverine was placedamidships; all the requisites for a slave cargo were put on board;fifteen sailors, the refuse of the press-gang and jail-birds, wereshipped; powder, ammunition, and small arms, were abundantly supplied;and, last of all, four kegs, ballasted with specie, were conveyed intothe cabin to purchase our return cargo. 

It was on the 2d of September, 1826, after a charming _déjeuner_, thatI bade farewell to my friend Carlo on the deck of the Areostatico, cleared for the Cape de Verd isles, but, in truth, bound for the RioPongo. Our crew consisted of twenty-one scamps--Spaniards, Portuguese, Frenchmen, and mongrels. The Majorcan captain was an odd character tointrust with such an enterprise, and probably nowhere else, save inHavana at that period, would he have been allowed to command a slaver. He was a scientific navigator, but no sailor;--afraid of his shadow, he had not a particle of confidence in his own judgment; every bodywas listened to, and he readily yielded his opinions without argumentor controversy. Our chief officer, a Catalonian cousin of the captain, made no pretensions to seamanship, yet he was a good mathematician. Istill remember the laughs I had at the care he took of his lily-whitehands, and the jokes we cracked upon his girl-like manners, voice, andconversation. The boatswain, who was in his watch, assured me that herarely gave an order without humming it out to a tune of some favoriteopera. 

In this fantastic group, I occupied the position of supernumeraryofficer and interpreter; but accustomed, as I had been, to wholesome_American_ seamanship and discipline, I trembled not a little when Idiscovered the amazing ignorance of the master, and observed the utterworthlessness of our crew. These things made me doubly vigilant; andsometimes I grieved that I was not still in Regla, or on the _paseo_. On the tenth day out, a northwester began to pipe and ripen to a galeas the sea rose with it. Sail had been soon diminished on theschooner; but when I was relieved in my watch by the first officer, Ihinted to the captain that it would be best to lay the vessel to assoon as possible. We had been scudding before the tempest for somehours under a close-reefed foresail, and I feared if we did not bringour craft to the wind at once, we would either run her under, or beswamped in attempting the manoeuvre when the waves got higher. Thecaptain, however, with his usual submission to the views of the wrongperson, took the advice of the helmsman, who happened to be older thanI, and the schooner was allowed to dash on either through or over theseas, at the speed of a racer. 

By this time the forward deck was always under water, and the mengathered abaft the trunk to keep as dry as possible. Officers and crewwere huddled together pell-mell, and, with our usual loose discipline, every body joined in the conversation and counsel. Before sundown Iagain advised the laying-to of the schooner; but the task had nowbecome so formidable that the men who dreaded the job, assured thecaptain that the wind would fall as the moon arose. Yet, when the dimorb appeared above the thick, low-drifting scud, the gale _increased_. The light rather hinted than revealed the frightful scene around thategg-shell on the lashed and furious sea. Each wave swept over us, butour buoyant craft rose on the succeeding swell, and cleft its crestwith her knife-like prow. It was now too late to attempt bringing herto the wind; still it became more urgent to do something to prevent usfrom being submerged by the huge seas, which came thundering after uslike avalanches on our quarters. 

The perilous dilemma of our doubtful captain and his dainty mate, maybe easily imagined. Every body had an opinion, and of course they viedwith each other in absurdity;--at last some one proposed to cut awaythe foresail, and bring her to the wind under bare poles. 

I was "conning" the schooner when this insane scheme was broached, andfearing that the captain might adopt it, I leaped on the hatch, aftercalling the boatswain to my place, and assured the crew that if theysevered the sail, we would lose command of the vessel, so that withimpaired headway, the next wave that struck her would show her keel tothe skies and her dock to the fishes. I exhorted them to drive her_faster_ if possible rather than stop. To turn out the "balance reef, "I said, was our only salvation;--and I alleged that I had seen avessel saved before in precisely the same way. Cowards, with deathclutching their throats, were soon convinced by a man of nerve. Iavailed myself of the instantaneous silence that followed my act, andbefore the captain could think or speak, I leaped to the boom with mysharp knife, cutting the reef-points slowly and carefully, so as notto allow the foresail to be inflated and torn by a single blast. 

My judgment was correct. Our increased canvas immediately sent usskimming over the waves; the rollers no longer combed dangerously overour quarter; we scudded steadily throughout the remnant of the gale;and, next night, at sundown, we rested on a quiet, lake-like ocean, taughtening the strained rigging, and priding ourselves mightily onthe hazards we encountered and overcame. The Minorcan skipper wassatisfied that no man ever before performed so daring an exploit. Hewas, moreover, convinced, that no one but himself could have carriedthe schooner through so frightful a storm, or would have invented thenoble expedient of driving instead of stripping her!

From this hour all semblance of regular discipline was abandoned. Sailors, who are suffered to tread the quarter-deck familiarly andoffer their opinions, never get over the permitted freedom. Ourragamuffins of the Areostatico could never abide the idea that theyoungest seaman aboard, --and he, too, a _foreigner_, --should haveproved the best sailor. The skilful performance of my duty was thesource of a rankling grudge. As I would not mix with the scamps, theycalled me arrogant. My orders were negligently obeyed; and, in fact, every thing in the schooner became as comfortless as possible. 

Forty-one days, however, brought us to the end of our voyage at themouth of the Rio Pongo. No one being acquainted with the river'sentrance or navigation, the captain and four hands went ashore for apilot, who came off in the afternoon, while our master ascended in aboat to the slave-factory at Bangalang. Four o'clock found us enteringthe Rio Pongo, with tide and wind in our favor, so that before the sunsank into the Atlantic Ocean we were safe at our anchorage below thesettlement. 

While we were slowly drifting between the river banks, and watchingthe gorgeous vegetation of Africa, which, that evening, first burstupon my sight, I fell into a chat with the native pilot, who had beenin the United States, and spoke English remarkably well. Berak verysoon inquired whether there was any one else on board who spoke thelanguage besides myself, and when told that the cabin-boy alone knewit, he whispered a story which, in truth, I was not in the leastsurprised to hear. 

That afternoon one of our crew had attempted the captain's life, whileon shore, by snapping a carabine behind his back! Our pilot learnedthe fact from a native who followed the party from the landing, alongthe beach; and its truth was confirmed, in his belief, by thesignificant boasts made by the _tallest_ of the boatmen whoaccompanied him on board. He was satisfied that the entire gangcontemplated our schooner's seizure. 

The pilot's story corroborated some hints I received from our cookduring the voyage. It struck me instantly, that if a crime like thiswere really designed, no opportunity for its execution could be morepropitious than the present. I determined, therefore, to omit noprecaution that might save the vessel and the lives of her honestofficers. On examining the carabines brought back from shore, which Ihad hurriedly thrown into the arm-chest on deck, I found that the lockof this armory had been forced, and several pistols and cutlassesabstracted. 

Preparations had undoubtedly been made to assassinate us. As nightdrew on, my judgment, as well as _nervousness_, convinced me that thedarkness would not pass without a murderous attempt. There was anunusual silence. On reaching port, there is commonly fun and merrimentamong crews; but the usual song and invariable guitar were omittedfrom the evening's entertainment. I searched the deck carefully, yetbut two mariners were found above the hatches apparently asleep. Inasmuch as I was only a subordinate officer, I could not command, norhad I any confidence in the nerve or judgment of the chief mate, if Itrusted my information to him. Still I deemed it a duty to tell himthe story, as well as my discovery about the missing arms. Accordingly, I called the first officer, boatswain, and cook, asquietly as possible, into the cabin; leaving our English cabin-boy towatch in the companion way. Here I imparted our danger, and askedtheir assistance in _striking the first blow_. My plan was to securethe crew, and give them battle. The mate, as I expected, shrank like agirl, declining any step till the captain returned. The cook andboatswain, however, silently approved my movement; so that wecounselled our cowardly comrade to remain below, while we assumed theresponsibility and risk of the enterprise. 

It may have been rather rash, but I resolved to begin the rescue, byshooting down, like a dog and without a word, the notorious Cubanconvict who had attempted the captain's life. This, I thought, wouldstrike panic into the mutineers; and end the mutiny in the mostbloodless way. Drawing a pair of large horse-pistols from beneath thecaptain's pillow, and examining the load, I ordered the cook andboatswain to follow me to the deck. But the craven officer would notquit his hold on my person. He besought me not to commit murder. Heclung to me with the panting fear and grasp of a woman. He begged me, with every term of endearment, to desist; and, in the midst of myscuffle to throw him off, one of the pistols accidentally exploded. Amoment after, my vigilant watch-boy screamed from the starboard, awarning "look-out!" and, peering forward in the blinding darkness as Iemerged from the lighted cabin, I beheld the stalwart form of theringleader, brandishing a cutlass within a stride of me. I aimed andfired. We both fell; the mutineer with two balls in his abdomen, and Ifrom the recoil of an over-charged pistol. 

My face was cut, and my eye injured by the concussion; but as neithercombatant was deprived of consciousness, in a moment we were both onour feet. The Spanish felon, however, pressed his hand on his bowels, and rushed forward exclaiming he was slain; but, in his descent to theforecastle, he was stabbed in the shoulder with a bayonet by theboatswain, whose vigorous blow drove the weapon with such tremendousforce that it could hardly be withdrawn from the scoundrel's carcass. 

I said I was up in a minute; and, feeling my face with my hand, Iperceived a quantity of blood on my cheek, around which I hastily tieda handkerchief, below my eyes. I then rushed to the arm-chest. At thatmoment, the crack of a pistol, and a sharp, boyish cry, told me thatmy pet was wounded beside me. I laid him behind the hatchway, andreturned to the charge. By this time I was blind with rage, andfought, it seems, like a _madman_. I confess that I have no personalrecollection whatever of the following events, and only learned themfrom the subsequent report of the cook and boatswain. 

I stood, they said, over the arm-chest like one spell-bound. My eyeswere fixed on the forecastle; and, as head after head loomed out ofthe darkness above the hatch, I discharged carabine after carabine atthe mark. Every thing that moved fell by my aim. As I fired theweapons, I flung them away to grasp fresh ones: and, when the battlewas over, the cook aroused me from my mad stupor, still groping wildlyfor arms in the emptied chest. 

As the smoke cleared off, the fore part of our schooner seemed utterlydeserted: yet we found two men dead, one in mortal agony on the deck, while the ringleader and a colleague were gasping in the forecastle. Six pistols had been fired against us from forward; but, strange tosay, the only efficient ball was the one that struck my English boy'sleg. 

When I came to my senses, my first quest was for the gallantboatswain, who, being unarmed on the forecastle when the unexpecteddischarge took place, and seeing no chance of escape from my murderouscarabines, took refuge over the bows. 

Our cabin-boy was soon quieted. The mutineers needed but little carefor their hopeless wounds, while the felon chief, like all suchwretches, died in an agony of despicable fear, shrieking for pardon. My shriving of his sins was a speedy rite!

Such was my _first_ night in Africa!

CHAPTER VII. 

There are casual readers who may consider the scene described in thelast chapter unnatural. It may be said that a youth, whose life hadbeen chequered by trials and disasters, but who preserved a puresensibility throughout them, is sadly distorted when portrayed asexpanding, at a leap, into a desperado. I have but little to say inreply to these objections, save that _the occurrences are perfectlytrue as stated_, and, moreover, that I am satisfied they were only thenatural developments of my character. 

From my earliest years I have adored nobility of soul, and detesteddishonor and treachery. I have passed through scenes which will behereafter told, that the world may qualify by harsh names; yet I havestriven to conduct myself throughout them, not only with the ideas offairness current among reckless men, but with the truth that, underall circumstances, characterizes an honorable nature. 

Now, the tragedy of my first night on the Rio Pongo was my transitionfrom pupilage to responsible independence. I do not allege in aboastful spirit that I was a man of courage; because courage, or thewant of it, are things for which a person is no more responsible thanhe is for the possession or lack of physical strength. I was, moreover, always a man of what I may style _self-possessed passion_. Iwas endowed with something more than cool energy; or, rather, coolenergy was heightened and sublimated by the fire of an ardent nature. Hitherto, I had been tempered down by the habitual obedience to whichI was subjected as a sailor under lawful discipline. But the eventsof the last six months, and especially the gross relaxation on thevoyage to Africa, the risks we had run in navigating the vessel, andthe outlaws that surrounded me, not only kept my mind for ever on thealert, but aroused my dormant nature to a full sense of duty andself-protection. 

Is it unnatural, then, for a man whose heart and nerves have been laidbare for months, to quiver with agony and respond with headlongviolence, when imperilled character, property and life, hang upon thefiat of his courageous promptitude? The doubters may cavil over thephilosophy, but I think I may remain content with the fact. _I did myduty_--dreadful as it was. 

Let me draw a veil over our gory decks when the gorgeous sun of Africashot his first rays through the magnificent trees and herbage thathemmed the placid river. Five bodies were cast into the stream, andthe traces of the tragedy obliterated as well as possible. Therecreant mate, who plunged into the cabin at the report of the firstpistol from the forecastle, reappeared with haggard looks andtrembling frame, to protest that _he_ had no hand in what he called"the murder. " The cook, boatswain, and African pilot, recounted thewhole transaction to the master, who inserted it in the log-book, andcaused me to sign the narrative with unimplicated witnesses. Then thewound of the cabin-boy was examined and found to be trifling, whilemine, though not painful, was thought to imperil my sight. The flintlock of a rebounding pistol had inflicted three gashes, just beneaththe eye on my cheek. 

There was but little appetite for breakfast that day. After the storywas told and recorded, we went sadly to work unmooring the vessel, bringing her slowly like a hearse to an anchorage in front ofBangalang, the residence and factory of Mr. Ormond, better known bythe country-name of "Mongo John. " This personage came on board earlyin the morning with our returned captain, and promised to send anative doctor to cure both my eye and the boy's leg, making me pledgehim a visit as soon as the vessel's duties would permit. 

That evening the specie was landed, and the schooner left in mycharge by the master, with orders to strip, repair, and provide forthe voyage home. Before night, Mongo John fulfilled his promise of aphysician, who came on board with his prescription, --not in hispocket, but by his side! He ordered my torn cheek to be bathed, everyhalf-hour, _with human milk fresh from the breast_; and, in order tosecure a prompt, pure, and plentiful supply, a stout negress and herinfant were sent, with orders to remain as long as her lactealservices might be required! I cannot say whether nature or the remedyhealed my wound, but in a short time the flesh cicatrized, and allsymptoms of inflammation disappeared entirely. 

It required ten days to put the Areostatico in ship-shape and supplyher with wood and water. Provisions had been brought from Havana, sothat it was only necessary we should stow them in an accessiblemanner. As our schooner was extremely small, we possessed noslave-deck; accordingly, mats were spread over the fire-wood whichfilled the interstices of the water-casks, in order to make an evensurface for our cargo's repose. 

When my tiresome task was done, I went ashore--almost for the firsttime--to report progress to the master; but he was still unprepared toembark his living freight. Large sums, far in advance of the usualmarket, were offered by him for a cargo of _boys_; still we weredelayed full twenty days longer than our contract required before asupply reached Bangalang. 

As I had promised _Mongo John_, or John the Chief, to visit hisfactory, I took this opportunity to fulfil my pledge. He received mewith elaborate politeness; showed me his town, barracoons, and stores, and even stretched a point, to honor me by an introduction to the_penetralia_ of his _harem_. The visit paid, he insisted that I shoulddine with him; and a couple of choice bottles were quickly disposedof. Ormond, like myself, had been a sailor. We spoke of the lands, scenes, and adventures, each had passed through, while a fresh bottlewas called to fillip our memories. There is nothing so nourishing tofriendship as wine! Before sundown our electric memories had circledthe globe, and our intimacy culminated. 

While the rosy fluid operated as a sedative on the Mongo, and gluedhim to his chair in a comfortable nap, it had a contrary effect on myexhilarated nerves. I strolled to the verandah to get a breath offresh air from the river, but soon dashed off in the darkness to thesacred precincts of the _harem_! I was not detected till I reachednearly the centre of the sanctuary where Ormond confined his motleygroup of black, mulatto, and quarteroon wives. The first dame whoperceived me was a bright mulatto, with rosy checks, sloe-like eyes, coquettish turban, and most voluptuous mouth, whom I afterwardsdiscovered to be second in the chief's affections. In an instant thecourt resounded with a chattering call to her companions, so that, before I could turn, the whole band of gabbling parrots hemmed me inwith a deluge of talk. Fame had preceded me! My sable nurse was aservant of the harem, and her visit to the schooner, with the tale ofthe tragedy, supplied anecdotes for a lifetime. Every body was on the_qui vive_ to see the "white fighter. " Every body was crazy to feelthe "white skin" she had healed. Then, with a sudden, childish freakof caprice, they ran off from me as if afraid, and at once rushed backagain like a flock of glib-tongued and playful monkeys. I could notcomprehend a word they said; but the bevy squealed with quite as muchpleasure as if I did, and peered into my eyes for answers, with impishdevilry at my wondering ignorance. 

At last, my sable friends seemed not only anxious to amuse themselvesbut to do something for my entertainment also. A chatter in a cornersettled what it should be. Two or three brought sticks, while two orthree brought coals. A fire was quickly kindled in the centre of thecourt; and as its flames lit up the area, a whirling circle ofhalf-stripped girls danced to the monotonous beat of a _tom-tom_. Presently, the formal ring was broken, and each female stepping outsingly, danced according to her individual fancy. Some were wild, somewere soft, some were tame, and some were fiery. After so many years Ihave no distinct recollection of the characteristic movements of thesesemi-savages, especially as the claret and champagne rather fermentedin my brain, and possessed me with the idea that it was my duty tomingle in the bounding throng. I resolved that the barbarians shouldhave a taste of Italian quality!

Accordingly, I leaped from the hammock where I had swung idly duringthe scene, and, beginning with a _balancez_ and an _avant-deux_, terminated my terpsichorean exhibition by a regular "double shuffle"and sailor's hornpipe. The delirious laughter, cracked sides, rollicking fun, and outrageous merriment, with which my feats werereceived, are unimaginable by sober-sided people. Tired of my singleexhibition, I seized the prettiest of the group by her slim, shiningwaist, and whirled her round and round the court in the quickest ofwaltzes, until, with a kiss, I laid her giddy and panting on thefloor. Then, grasping another, --another, --another, --and another, --andtreating each to the same dizzy swim, I was about waltzing the whole_seraglio_ into quiescence, when who should rise before us but thestaring and yawning _Mongo_!

The apparition sobered me. A quarteroon pet of Ormond, --just spinninginto fashionable and luscious insensibility, --fell from my arms intothose of her master; and while I apologized for the freak, I chargedit altogether to the witchcraft of his wit and wine. 

"Ha!" said the Mongo, "St. Vitus is in your Italian heels the momentyou are within hail of music and dancing; and, by Jove, it seems youcan scent a petticoat as readily as a hound tracks runaways. Butthere's no harm in _dancing_, Don Téodore; only hereafter I hope youwill enjoy the amusement in a less uproarious manner. In Africa we arefond of a _siesta_ after dinner; and I recommend you to get, as soonas possible, under the lee of another bottle. "

We retired once more to his mahogany; and, under the spell of mychieftain's claret and sea-yarns, I was soon lapped in delicioussleep. 

 * * * * *

Next day the captain of the Areostatico drew me aside confidentially, and hinted that Ormond had taken such a decided fancy for me, and_insinuated_ so warm a wish for my continuance _as his clerk_ atBangalang, that he thought it quite a duty, though a sad one, to givehis advice on the subject. 

"It may be well for your purse, Don Téodore, to stay with so powerfula trader; but beside the improvement of your fortunes, there aredoubts whether it will be _wholesome_ for you to revisit Havana, atleast at present. It may be said, _amigo mio_, that you _commenced_the warfare on board the schooner;--and as five men were slain in theaffray, it will be necessary for me to report the fact to the_commandante_ as soon as I arrive. Now it is true, _hijo mio_, thatyou saved the vessel, cargo, specie, and my cousin; yet, God knowswhat may be the result of Havana justice. You will have a rigidexamination, and I rather think you will be _imprisoned_ until thefinal decision is made. When that consummation shall occur is quiteuncertain. If you have friends, they will be bled as long as possiblebefore you get out; if you have none, no one will take pains to seeyou released without recompense. When you see daylight once more, therest of these ragamuffins and the felon friends of the dead men, willbegin to dog your steps, and make Havana uncomfortable as well asdangerous; so that I have no hesitation in recommending you to staywhere you are, and take the doubloons of the Mongo. "

I thought I saw at a glance the drift of this hypocritical_fanfaronade_, and was satisfied he only desired to get rid of me inorder to reinstate the chief mate in a situation which he surely couldnot occupy as long as I was on board. As I meant to stay in Africa, Itold him at once that I grieved because he had not spoken his wishesopenly, boldly, and honestly, like a man, but had masked an ungratefulcowardice by hypocritical solicitude for my welfare. I departedabruptly with a scowl of contempt; and as he hastened to hide hisblanched face in the cabin, I called a boat, and throwing my seachest, bedding, and arms, aboard, committed my fate to the Africancontinent. _A half-hour turned and decided my fate!_

Mr. Ormond received me very cordially, and, installing me in my newsecretaryship, promised a private establishment, a seat at his table, and a negro per month, --or its value at the rate of fortydollars, --for my services. 

When the runners returned from the interior with the slaves requiredto complete the Areostatico's cargo, I considered it my duty to theItalian grocer of Regla to dispatch his vessel personally. Accordingly, I returned on board to aid in stowing _one hundred andeight boys and girls, the eldest of whom did not exceed fifteenyears_! As I crawled between decks, I confess I could not imagine howthis little army was to be packed or draw breath in a hold but_twenty-two inches high_! Yet the experiment was promptly made, inasmuch as it was necessary to secure them below in descending theriver, in order to prevent their leaping overboard and swimmingashore. I found it impossible to adjust the whole in a sittingposture; but we made them lie down in each other's laps, like_sardines_ in a can, and in this way obtained space for the entirecargo. Strange to tell, when the Areostatico reached Havana, but_three_ of these "passengers" had paid the debt of nature. 

As I left the schooner a few miles outside the bar, I crossed her sidewithout an adieu save for the English cabin-boy, whose fate I waspained to intrust to these stupid Spaniards. Indeed, the youth almostbelonged to me, for I may say he owed his life to my interference. 

Previous to the voyage, while waiting in the harbor of Havana for acrew, our vessel was anchored near the wharves, next to an Englishmerchantman. One afternoon I heard a scream from the neighboringcraft, and perceived a boy rush from the cabin with his face dyed inblood. He was instantly pursued by a burly seaman, inflicting blowswith his fist. I implored the brute to desist, but my interferenceseemed to augment his choler to such a degree, that he seized ahandspike to knock the stripling down. Upon this I called the child toleap overboard, at the same time commanding a hand to lower my boatand scull in the direction of his fall. The boy obeyed my voice; andin a few minutes I had him on board blessing me for his safety. Butthe drunken Briton vented his rage in the most indecent language; andhad his boat been aboard, I doubt not a summary visit would haveterminated in a fight on my deck. 

However, as good luck would have it, his skiff was at the landing, sothat there was ample time, before he could reach the Areostatico, totie up the bruised face and broken rib of the child, and to concealhim in the house of a Spanish crone in Havana, who cured the maladiesof credulous seamen by witchcraft!

After nightfall the master of the British vessel came aboard to claimhis boy; but as he was petulant and seemed disposed to carry matterswith a high hand, my temper rose in resistance, and I refused torelease the child until he sealed with an oath his promise to treathim better in future. But the cruel scoundrel insisted on_unconditional_ surrender; and to end the controversy, I was compelledto order him off the schooner. 

British pluck of course would not allow a captain to be deprived soeasily of his property, so the British consul was invoked to appealto the captain of the port. This personage summoned me before him, and listened calmly to a story which added no honor to Englishmariners. In my last interview with the boy he implored my continuedprotection and concealment; so that when the Spanish officialdeclared--notwithstanding the officer's conduct--that the vessel wasentitled to her crew, and that I must surrender the child, I excusedmyself from complying by pleading utter ignorance of his whereabout. In view of this contingency, I directed the woman to hide him in aplace of which I should be ignorant. So I told no lie, and saved theboy from his tyrant. 

The inquiry was dropped at this stage of proceedings. When the Britishvessel sailed a few days after, I caused the youth to be brought fromhis concealment; and, with our captain's consent, brought him aboardto serve in our cabin. 

I have narrated this little episode in consequence of my love for theboy, and because _he was the only English subject I ever knew to shipin a slaver_. 

I requested the Areostatico's owners to pay him liberally for hisfidelity when he got back to Havana; and I was happy to learn nextyear, that they not only complied with my request, but sent him hometo his friends in Liverpool. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

When I got back to Bangalang, my first movement was to take possessionof the quarters assigned me by the Mongo, and to make myself ascomfortable as possible in a land whose chief requirements are shadeand shelter. My house, built of cane plastered with mud, consisted oftwo earthen-floored rooms and a broad verandah. The thatched roof wasrather leaky, while my furniture comprised two arm-chests covered withmats, a deal table, a bamboo settle, a tin-pan with palm-oil for alamp, and a German looking-glass mounted in a paper frame. I augmentedthese comforts by the addition of a trunk, mattress, hammock and pairof blankets; yet, after all this embellishment, I confess my householdwas rather a sorry affair. 

It is time I should make the reader acquainted with the individual whowas the presiding genius of the scene, and, in some degree, a type ofhis peculiar class in Africa. 

Mr. Ormond was the son of an opulent slave-trader from Liverpool, andowed his birth to the daughter of a native chief on the Rio Pongo. Hisfather seems to have been rather proud of his mulatto stripling, anddispatched him to England to be educated. But Master John had madelittle progress in belles-lettres, when news of the trader's death wasbrought to the British agent, who refused the youth further suppliesof money. The poor boy soon became an outcast in a land which had notyet become fashionably addicted to philanthropy; and, after driftingabout awhile in England, he shipped on board a merchantman. Thepress-gang soon got possession of the likely mulatto for the serviceof his Britannic Majesty. Sometimes he played the part of dandy waiterin the cabin; sometimes he swung a hammock with the hands in theforecastle. Thus, five years slipped by, during which the wanderervisited most of the West Indian and Mediterranean stations. 

At length the prolonged cruise was terminated, and Ormond paid off. Heimmediately determined to employ his hoarded cash in a voyage toAfrica, where he might claim his father's property. The project wasexecuted; his mother was still found alive; and, fortunately for themanly youth, she recognized him at once as her first-born. 

The reader will recollect that these things occurred on the west coastof Africa in the early part of the present century, and that thetenure of property, and the interests of foreign traders, werecontrolled entirely by such _customary_ laws as prevailed on the spot. Accordingly, a "grand palaver" was appointed, and all Mr. Ormond'sbrothers, sisters, uncles, and cousins, --many of whom were inpossession of his father's slaves or their descendants, --were summonedto attend. The "talk" took plate at the appointed time. The Africanmother stood forth stanchly to assert the identity and rights of herfirst-born, and, in the end, all of the Liverpool trader's property, in houses, lands, and negroes, that could be ascertained, was handedover, according to coast-law, to the returned heir. 

When the mulatto youth was thus suddenly elevated into comfort, if notopulence, in his own country, he resolved to augment his wealth bypursuing his father's business. But the whole country was thendesolated by a civil war, occasioned, as most of them are, by familydisputes, which it was necessary to terminate before trade could becomfortably established. 

To this task Ormond steadfastly devoted his first year. His effortswere seconded by the opportune death of one of the warring chiefs. Atame opponent, --a brother of Ormond's mother, --was quickly brought toterms by a trifling present; so that the sailor boy soon concentratedthe family influence, and declared himself "MONGO, " or, Chief of theRiver. 

Bangalang had long been a noted factory among the English traders. When war was over, Ormond selected this post as his permanentresidence, while he sent runners to Sierra Leone and Goree with noticethat he would shortly be prepared with ample cargoes. Trade, which hadbeen so long interrupted by hostilities, poured from the interior. Vessels from Goree and Sierra Leone were seen in the offing, responding to his invitation. His stores were packed with British, French, and American fabrics; while hides, wax, palm-oil, ivory, gold, and slaves, were the native products for which Spaniards andPortuguese hurried to proffer their doubloons and bills. 

It will be readily conjectured that a very few years sufficed to makeJack Ormond not only a wealthy merchant, but a popular Mongo among thegreat interior tribes of Foulahs and Mandingoes. The petty chiefs, whose territory bordered the sea, flattered him with the title ofking; and, knowing his _Mormon taste_, stocked his _harem_ with theirchoicest children as the most valuable tokens of friendship andfidelity. 

When I was summoned to act as secretary or clerk of such a personage, I saw immediately that it would be well not only to understand myduties promptly, but to possess a clear estimate of the property I wasto administer and account for. Ormond's easy habits satisfied me thathe was not a man of business originally, or had become sadly negligentunder the debasing influence of wealth and voluptuousness. My earliesttask, therefore, was to make out a _minute inventory_ of hispossessions, while I kept a watchful eye on his stores, never allowingany one to enter them unattended. When I presented this document, which exhibited a large deficiency, the Mongo received it withindifference, begging me not to "annoy him with accounts. " His mannerindicated so much petulant fretfulness, that I augured from it theconscious decline or disorder of his affairs. 

As I was returning to the warehouse from this mortifying interview, Iencountered an ancient hag, --a sort of superintendent Cerberus ormanager of the Mongo's _harem_, --who, by signs, intimated that shewanted the key to the "cloth-chest, " whence she immediately helpedherself to several fathoms of calico. The crone could not speakEnglish, and, as I did not understand the Soosoo dialect, we attemptedno oral argument about the propriety of her conduct; but, taking apencil and paper, and making signs that she should go to the Mongo, who would write an order for the raiment, I led her quietly to thedoor. The wrath of the virago was instantly kindled, while her horridface gleamed with that devilish ferocity, which, in some degree islost by Africans who dwell on our continent. During the reign of mypredecessors, it seems that she had been allowed to control the storekeys, and to help herself unstintedly. I knew not, of course, what she_said_ on this occasion; but the violence of her gestures, the nervousspasms of her limbs, the flashing of her eyes, the scream of hervoluble tongue, gave token that she swelled with a rage which wasaugmented by my imperturbable quietness. At dinner, I apprised Mr. Ormond of the negro's conduct; but he received the announcement withthe same laugh of indifference that greeted the account of hisdeficient inventory. 

That night I had just stretched myself on my hard pallet, and wasrevolving the difficulties of my position with some degree of pain atmy forced continuance in Africa, when my servant tapped softly at thedoor, and announced that some one demanded admittance, but begged thatI would first of all extinguish the light. I was in a countryrequiring caution; so I felt my pistols before I undid the latch. Itwas a bright, star-light night; and, as I opened the door sufficientlyto obtain a glance beyond, --still maintaining my control of theaperture, --I perceived the figure of a female, wrapped in cotton clothfrom head to foot, except the face, which I recollected as that of thebeautiful _quarteroon_ I was whirling in the waltz, when surprised bythe Mongo. She put forth her hands from the folds of her garment, andlaying one softly on my arm, while she touched her lips with theother, looked wistfully behind, and glided into my apartment. 

This poor girl, the child of a mulatto mother and a white parent, wasborn in the settlement of Sierra Leone, and had acquired our languagewith much more fluency than is common among her race. It was said thather father had been originally a missionary from Great Britain, butabandoned his profession for the more lucrative traffic in slaves, towhich he owed an abundant fortune. It is probable that the earlyecclesiastical turn of her delinquent progenitor induced him, beforehe departed for America, to bestow on his child the biblical name ofESTHER. 

I led my trembling visitor to the arm-chest, and, seating her gentlyby my side, inquired why I was favored by so stealthy a visit from the_harem_. My suspicions were aroused; for, though a novice in Africa, Iknew enough of the discipline maintained in these slave factories, notto allow my fancy to seduce me with the idea that her visit was owingto mad-cap sentimentality. 

The manner of these _quarteroon_ girls, whose complexion hardlyseparates them from our own race, is most winningly graceful; andEsther, with abated breath, timidly asked my pardon for intruding, while she declared I had made so bitter an enemy of Unga-golah, --thehead-woman of the seraglio, --that, in spite of danger, she stole to myquarters with a warning. Unga swore revenge. I had insulted andthwarted her; I was able to thwart her at all times, if I remained theMongo's "book-man;"--I must soon "go to another country;" but, if Idid not, I would quickly find the food of Bangalang excessivelyunwholesome! "Never eat any thing that a Mandingo offers you, " saidEsther. "Take your meals exclusively from the Mongo's table. Unga-golah knows all the Mandingo _jujus_, and she will have noscruple in using them in order to secure once more the control of thestore keys. Good night!"

With this she rose to depart, begging me to be silent about her visit, and to believe that a poor slave could feel true kindness for a whiteman, or even expose herself to save him. 

If an unruly passion had tugged at my heartstrings, the soft appeal, the liquid tones, the tenderness of this girl's humanity, would haveextinguished it in an instant. It was the first time for many a longand desolate mouth that I had experienced the gentle touch of awoman's hand, or felt the interest of mortal solicitude fall like arefreshing dew upon my heart! Who will censure me for halting on mydoor-sill as I led her forth, retaining her little hand in mine, whileI cast my eyes over the lithe symmetry of those slender and roundedlimbs; while I feasted on the flushed magnolia of those beautifulcheeks, twined my fingers in the trailing braids of that raven hair, peered into the blackness of those large and swimming orbs, felt atear trickle down my hardening face, and left, on those coral lips, the print of a kiss that was fuller of gratitude than passion!

 * * * * *

Nowadays that Mormonism is grafting a "celestial wifery" upon thecivilization of the nineteenth century, I do not think it amiss torecall the memory of those African establishments which formed solarge a portion of a trader's homestead. It is not to be supposed thatthe luxurious _harem_ of Turkey or Egypt was transferred to the Guineacoast, or that its lofty walls were barricaded by stout gates, guardedby troops of sable eunuchs. The "wifery" of my employer was a bareinclosure, formed by a quadrangular cluster of mud-houses, theentrance to whose court-yard was never watched save at night. Unga-golah, the eldest and least delectable of the dames, maintainedthe establishment's police, assigned gifts or servants to each female, and distributed her master's favors according to the bribes she wascajoled by. 

In early life and during his gorged prosperity, Ormond, --a stout, burly, black-eyed, broad-shouldered, short-necked man, --ruled his_harem_ with the rigid decorum of the East. But as age and misfortunesstole over the sensual voluptuary, his mental and bodily vigor becameimpaired, not only by excessive drink, but by the narcotics to whichhe habitually resorted for excitement. When I became acquainted withhim, his face and figure bore the marks of a worn-out _debauché_. Hisharem now was a fashion of the country rather than a domestic resort. His wives ridiculed him, or amused themselves as they pleased. Ilearned from Esther that there was hardly one who did not "flirt" witha lover in Bangalang, and that Unga-golah was blinded by gifts, whilethe stupor of the Mongo was perpetuated by liquor. 

It may be supposed that in such a _seraglio_, and with such a master, there were but few matrimonial jealousies; still, as it would bedifficult to find, even in our most Christian society, two femaleswithout some lurking bitterness towards rivals, so it is not to beimagined that the Mongo's mansion was free from womanly quarrels. These disputes chiefly occurred when Ormond distributed gifts ofcalico, beads, tobacco, pipes and looking-glasses. If the slightestpreference or inequality was shown, adieu to order. Unga-golahdescended below zero! The favorite wife, outraged by her neglectedauthority, became furious; and, for a season, pandemonium was letloose in Bangalang. 

One of these scenes of passion occurs to me as I write. I was in thestore with the Mongo when an aggrieved dame, not remarkable either fordelicacy of complexion or sweetness of odor, entered the room, andmarching up with a swagger to her master, dashed a Germanlooking-glass on the floor at his feet. She wanted a larger one, forthe glass bestowed on her was half an inch smaller than the gifts toher companions. 

When Ormond was sober, his pride commonly restrained him from allowingthe women to molest his leisure; so he quietly turned from the viragoand ordered her out of the store. 

But my lady was not to be appeased by dignity like this. "Ha!"shrieked the termagant, as she wrenched off her handkerchief. "Ha!"yelled she, tearing off one sleeve, and then the other. "Ha!" screamedthe fiend, kicking a shoe into one corner, and the other shoe intoanother corner. "Ha! Mongo!" roared the beldame, as she stripped everygarment from her body and stood absolutely _naked_ before us, slappingher wool, cheeks, forehead, breasts, arms, stomach and limbs, andappealing to Ormond to say where she was deficient in charms, that sheshould be slighted half an inch on a looking-glass?

As the Mongo was silent, she strode up to me for an opinion; but, scarlet with blushes, I dived behind the cloth-chest, and left thelaughing Ormond to gratify the whim of the "_model artiste_. "

Years afterwards, I remember seeing an infuriate Ethiopian fling herinfant into the fire because its white father preferred the child ofanother spouse. Indeed, I was glad my station at Bangalang did notmake it needful for the preservation of my respectability that Ishould indulge in the luxury of _African matrimony_!

 * * * * *

But these exhibitions of jealous passion were not excited alone by theunequal distribution of presents from the liege lord of Bangalang. Ihave observed that Ormond's wives took advantage of his carelessnessand age, to seek congenial companionship outside the _harem_. Sometimes the preference of two of these sable _belles_ alighted onthe same lover, and then the battle was transferred from a worthlesslooking-glass to the darling _beau_. When such a quarrel arose, ameeting between the rivals was arranged out of the Mongo's hearing;when, throwing off their waist-cloths, the controversy was settledbetween the female gladiators without much damage. But, now and then, the matter was not left to the ladies. The sable lovers themselvestook up the conflict, and a regular challenge passed between the gayOthellos. 

At the appointed time, the duellists appeared upon "the field ofhonor" accompanied by friends who were to witness their victory orsympathize in their defeat. Each stalwart savage leaped into thearena, armed with a cow-hide cat, whose sharp and triple thongs werecapable of inflicting the harshest blows. They stripped, and tossedthree _cowries_ into the air to determine which of the two shouldreceive the first lashing. The unfortunate loser immediately took hisstand, and received, with the firmness of a martyr, the allottednumber of blows. Then came the turn of the whipper, who, with equalconstancy, offered his back to the scourge of the enraged sufferer. Thus they alternated until one gave in, or until the bystandersdecreed victory to him who bore the punishment longest withoutwincing. The flayed backs of these "chivalrous men of honor" were everafter displayed in token of bravery; and, doubtless, their Dulcineasdevoted to their healing the subtlest ointment and tenderest affectionrecognized among Africans. 

CHAPTER IX. 

My business habits and systematic devotion to the Mongo's interestssoon made me familiar with the broad features of "country trade;" butas I was still unable to speak the coast dialects, Mr. Ormond--whorarely entered the warehouse or conversed about commerce--supplied anadroit interpreter, who stood beside me and assisted in the retail offoreign merchandise, for rice, ivory, palm-oil, and domesticprovisions. The purchase of slaves and gold was conducted exclusivelyby the Mongo, who did not consider me sufficiently initiated in nativecharacter and tricks to receive so delicate a trust. 

 * * * * *

Long and dreary were the days and nights of the apparentlyinterminable "wet season. " Rain in a city, rain in the country, rainin a village, rain at sea, are sufficiently wearying, even to thosewhose mental activity is amused or occupied by books or the concernsof life; but who can comprehend the insufferable lassitude anddespondency that overwhelm an African resident, as he lies on hismat-covered arm-chest, and listens to the endless deluge pouring fordays, weeks, months, upon his leaky thatch?

At last, however, the season of rain passed by, and the "dry season"set in. This was the epoch for the arrival of caravans from theinterior; so that we were not surprised when our runners appeared, with news that AHMAH-DE-BELLAH, son of a noted Fullah chief, wasabout to visit the Rio Pongo with an imposing train of followers andmerchandise. The only means of communication with the interior ofAfrica are, for short distances, by rivers, and, for longer ones, by"paths" or "trails" leading through the dense forest and among thehills, to innumerable "towns" that stud this prolific land. Stephensonand McAdam have not been to Africa, and there are neither turnpikesnor railways. Now, when the coast-traders of the west are apprisedthat caravans are threading their way towards the Atlantic shores, itis always thought advisable to make suitable preparations for thechiefs, and especially to greet them by messages, before their arrivalat the beach. Accordingly, "_barkers_" are sent forth on the forest"paths" to welcome the visitors with gifts of tobacco and powder. "_Barkers_" are colored gentlemen, with fluent tongues and flexibleconsciences, always in the train of factories on the coast, who hastento the wilderness at the first signal of a caravan's approach, andmagnify the prosperity and merchandise of their patrons with as muchzeal and veracity as the "drummers" of more Christian lands. 

A few days after our band of travelling agents had departed on theirmission, the crack of fire-arms was heard from the hills in our rear, signifying that the Mongo's "_barkers_" had been successful with thecaravan in tow. A prompt response to the joyous signal was made by ourcannons; so that, after half an hour's firing, Ahmah-de-Bellah and hisparty emerged from the smoke, marshalled by our band of singers, whopreceded him, chanting with loud voices the praise of the youthfulchieftain. Behind the master came the principal traders and theirslaves laden with produce, and followed by forty captive negroes, secured by bamboo withes. These were succeeded by three-scorebullocks, a large flock of sheep or goats, and the females of theparty; while the procession was closed by the demure tread of a tameand stately OSTRICH!

It was the first time I had seen so odd an assemblage of beasts andhumanity. Indeed, had the troupe been accompanied by a bevy ofourang-outangs, I confess I might, at times, have had difficulty indeciding the grade of animal life to which the object in front of mebelonged. 

Mr. Ormond, when put upon his mettle, was one of the ablest tradersin Africa, and received the Mahometan strangers with becoming state. He awaited Ahmah-de-Bellah and his committee of head-traders on thepiazza of his receiving-house, which was a rather stately edifice, onehundred and fifty feet in length, built to be fire-proof for theprotection of our stores. When each Fullah stranger was presented, heshook hands and "snapped fingers" with the Mongo several times; and, as every petty peddler in the train wanted to _salaam_, the "white manfor good luck, " the process of presentation occupied at least an hour. 

According to coast custom, as soon as these compliments were over, thecaravan's merchandise was deposited within our walls, not only forsecurity, but in order that we might gauge the _value of the welcome_the owners were entitled to receive. This precaution, thoughungallant, is extremely necessary, inasmuch as many of the interiordealers were in the habit of declaring, on arrival, the value of theirgold and ivory to be much greater than it was in fact, in order toreceive a more liberal "present. " Even savages instinctively acquirethe tricks of trade!

When the goods were stored, a couple of fat bullocks, with an abundantsupply of rice, were given to the visitors, and the chiefs of thecaravan were billeted upon our townspeople. The _canaille_ builttemporary huts for themselves in the outskirts; while Ahmah-de-Bellah, a strict Mahometan, accompanied by two of his wives, was furnishedwith a pair of neat houses that had been hastily fitted up with newand elegant mats. [A]

While the merchandise of these large caravans is unpaid for, theirowners, by the custom of the country, remain a costly burden upon thefactories. We were naturally anxious to be free from this expense assoon as possible, and gave notice next morning that "trade would beginforthwith. " Ahmah-de-Bellah, the chiefs of the caravans, and Mr. Ormond, at once entered into negotiations, so that by nightfall abargain had been struck, not only for their presents, but for theprice of merchandise, and the percentage to be retained as "nativeduty. " Such a preliminary liquidation with _the heads_ of a caravan isever indispensable, for, without their assistance, it would be out ofthe question to traffic with the ragamuffins who hang on the skirts ofopulent chieftains. 

Each morning, at daylight, a crier went through the town, announcingthe character of the specific trade which would be carried on duringhours of business. One day it was in hides; another, rice; another, cattle. When these were disposed of, a time was specially appointedfor the exchange of gold, ivory and slaves; and, at the agreed hour, Mr. Ormond, Ahmah-de-Bellah, and myself, locked the doors of thewarehouse, and traded through a window, while our "barkers"distributed the goods to the Africans, often using their whips to keepthe chattering and disputatious scamps in order. Ahmah-de-Bellahpretended to inspect the measurement of cloth, powder and tobacco, toinsure justice to his compatriots; but, in reality, like a truetax-gatherer, he was busy ascertaining his lawful percentage on thesale, in return for the protection from robbery he gave the pettytraders on their pilgrimage to the coast. 

At length the market was cleared of sellers and merchandise--exceptthe ostrich, which, when all was over, reached the Mongo's hands as aroyal gift from the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon, the pious father ofAhmah-de-Bellah. The bird, it is true, was presented as a freeoffering; yet it was hinted that the worthy Ali stood in need ofreliable muskets, which his son would take charge of on the journeyhome. As twenty of those warlike instruments were dispatched byAhmah-de-Bellah, the ostrich became rather a costly as well ascharacteristic gift. Each of the traders, moreover, expected a"bungee" or "dash" of some sort, in token of good will, and inproportion to his sales; so that we hastened to comply with all thecommon-law customs of the country, in order to liberate Bangalang fromthe annoying crowd. They dropped off rapidly as they were paid; and ina short time Ahmah-de-Bellah, his wives, and immediate followers, wereall that remained of the seven hundred Fullahs. 

Ahmah-de-Bellah was a fine specimen of what may be considered "YoungAfrica, " though he can hardly be classed among the progressives orrevolutionary propagandists of the age. In person he was tall, graceful, and commanding. As the son of an important chief, he hadbeen free from those menial toils which, in that climate, soonobliterate all intellectual characteristics. His face was well formedfor an African's. His high and broad brow arched over a straight nose, while his lips had nothing of that vulgar grossness which gives sosensual an expression to his countrymen. Ahmah's manners to strangersor superiors were refined and courteous in a remarkable degree; but tothe mob of the coast and inferiors generally, he manifested that harshand peremptory tone which is common among the savages of a fieryclime. 

Ahmah-de-Bellah was second son of the Ali-Mami, or King ofFootha-Yallon, who allowed him to exercise the prerogative of leadingfor the first time, a caravan to the seaboard, in honor of attainingthe discreet age of "twenty four rainy seasons. " The privilegehowever, was not granted without a view to profit by the courage ofhis own blood; for the Ali-Mami was never known to suffer a son orrelative to depart from his jurisdiction without a promise of _half_the products of the lucrative enterprise. 

The formation of a caravan, when the king's permission has beenfinally secured, is a work of time and skill. At the beginning of the"dry season, " the privileged chieftain departs with power of life anddeath over his followers, and "squats" in one of the most frequented"paths" to the sea, while he dispatches small bands of daringretainers to other trails throughout the neighborhood, to blockadeevery passage to the beach. The siege of the highways is kept up withvigor for a month or more, by these black Rob Roys and Robin Hoods, until a sufficient number of traders may be trapped to constitute avaluable caravan, and give importance to its leader. While this is themain purpose of the forest adventure, the occasion is taken advantageof to collect a local tribute, due by small tribes to the Ali, whichcould not be obtained otherwise. The despotic officer, moreover, avails himself of the blockade to stop malefactors and abscondingdebtors. Goods that are seized in the possession of the latter may besequestrated to pay his creditors; but if their value is not equal tothe debt, the delinquent, if a pagan, is sold as a slave, but is letoff with a _bastinado_, if he proves to be "one of the faithful. "

It is natural to suppose that every effort is made by the smalltraders of the interior to avoid these savage press-gangs. The poorwretches are not only subjected to annoying vassalage by ruffianprinces, but the blockade of the forest often diverts them from thepoint they originally designed to reach, --forces them to towns orfactories they had no intention of visiting, --and, by extreme delay, wastes their provisions and diminishes their frugal profits. It issurprising to see how admirably even savages understand and exercisethe powers of sovereignty and the rights of transit!

 * * * * *

While Ahmah-de-Bellah tarried at Bangalang, it was my habit to visithim every night to hear his interesting chat, as it was translated byan interpreter. Sometimes, in return, I would recount the adventuresof my sea-faring life, which seemed to have a peculiar flavor for thischild of the wilderness, who now gazed for the first time on theocean. Among other things, I strove to convince him of the world'srotundity; but, to the last, he smiled incredulously at my daringassertion, and closed the argument by asking me to prove it from theKoran? He allowed me the honors due a traveller and "book-man;" but amind that had swallowed, digested, and remembered every text ofMahomet's volume, was not to be deceived by such idle fantasies. Hekindly undertook to conquer my ignorance of his creed by a carefulexposition of its mysteries in several long-winded lectures, and I wasso patient a listener, that I believe Ahmah was entirely satisfied ofmy conversion. 

My seeming acquiescence was well repaid by the Fullah's confidence. Hereturned my nightly calls with interest; and, visiting me in thewarehouse during hours of business, became so fervently wrapped up inmy spiritual salvation, that he would spout Mahometanism for hoursthrough an interpreter. To get rid of him, one day, I promised tofollow the Prophet with pleasure if he consented to receive me; but Iinsisted on entering the "fold of the faithful" _without_ submittingto the peculiar rite of Mussulman baptism!

Ahmah-de-Bellah took the jest kindly, laughing like a good fellow, and from that day forward, we were sworn cronies. The Fullah at oncewrote down a favorite prayer in Arabic, requiring as my spiritualguide, that I should commit it to memory for constant and ready use. After a day or two, he examined me in the ritual; but, finding I wasat fault after the first sentence, reproached me pathetically upon mynegligence and exhorted me to repentance, --much to the edification ofour interpreter, who was neither Jew, Christian, nor Mussulman. 

But the visit of the young chieftain, which began in trade and taperedoff in piety, drew to a close. Ahmah-de-Bellah began to prepare forhis journey homeward. As the day of departure approached, I saw thatmy joke had been taken seriously by the Fullah, and that he _relied_upon my apostasy. At the last moment, Ahmah tried to put me to asevere test, by suddenly producing the holy book, and requiring me toseal our friendship by an oath that I would never abandon Islamism. Icontrived, however, adroitly to evade the affirmation by feigning anexcessive anxiety to acquire more profound knowledge of the Koran, before I made so solemn a pledge. 

 * * * * *

It came to pass that, out of the forty slaves brought in the caravan, the Mongo rejected eight. After some altercation, Ahmah-de-Bellahconsented to discard seven; but he insisted that the remaining veteranshould be shipped, as he could neither _kill_ nor send him back toFootha-Yallon. 

I was somewhat curious to know the crime this culprit had committed, which was so heinous as to demand his perpetual exile, though itspared his life. The chief informed me that the wretch had slain hisson; and, as there was no punishment for such an offence assigned bythe Koran, the judges of his country condemned him to be sold _a slaveto Christians_, --a penalty they considered worse than death. 

Another curious feature of African law was developed in the sale ofthis caravan. I noticed a couple of women drawn along with ropesaround their necks, while others of their sex and class were sufferedto wander about without bonds. These females, the chief apprised us, would have been burnt in his father's domains for witchcraft, had nothis venerable ancestor been so much distressed for powder that hethought their lives would be more valuable to his treasury than theircarcasses to outraged law. 

It was a general complaint among the companions of Ahmah-de-Bellahthat the caravan was scant of slaves in consequence of thisunfortunate lack of powder. The young chieftain promised better thingsin future. Next year, the Mongo's barracoons should teem with hisconquests. When the "rainy season" approached, the Ali-Mami, hisfather, meant to carry on a "great war" against a variety of smalltribes, whose captives would replenish the herds, that, two yearsbefore, had been carried off by a sudden blight. 

I learned from my intelligent Fullah, that while the Mahometan courtsof his country rescued by law the people of their own faith fromslavery, they omitted no occasion to inflict it, as a penalty, uponthe African "unbelievers" who fell within their jurisdiction. Amongthese unfortunates, the smallest crime is considered capital, and a"capital crime" merits the profitable punishment of slavery. Nor wasit difficult, he told me, for a country of "true believers" to acquirea multitude of bondsmen. They detested the institution, it is true, among themselves, and among their own caste, but it was both right andreputable among the unorthodox. The Koran commanded the "subjugationof the tribes to the true faith, " so that, to enforce the Prophet'sorder against infidels, they resorted to the white man's cupidity, which authorized its votaries to enslave the negro! My inquisitivenessprompted me to demand whether these holy wars spoken of in the Koranwere not somewhat stimulated, in our time, at least, by the profitsthat ensued; and I even ventured to hint that it was questionablewhether the mighty chief of Footha-Yallon would willingly storm aKaffir fortification, were he not prompted by the booty of slaves!

Ahmah-de-Bellah was silent for a minute, when his solemn facegradually relaxed into a quizzical smile, as he replied that, intruth, Mahometans were no worse than Christians, so that it was quitelikely, --if the white elect of heaven, who knew how to make powderand guns, did not tempt the black man with their weapons, --thecommands of Allah would be followed with less zeal, and implements notquite so dangerous!

I could not help thinking that there was a good deal of quiet satirein the gossip of this negro prince. According to the custom of hiscountry, we "exchanged names" at parting; and, while he put in mypocket the gift of a well-thumbed _Koran_, I slung over his shoulder a_double-barrelled gun_. We walked side by side for some miles into theforest, as he went forth from Bangalang; and as we "cracked fingers"for farewell, I promised, with my hand on my heart, that the "next dryseason" I would visit his father, the venerable Ali-Mami, in his realmof Footha-Yallon. 

FOOTNOTE:

[A] As it may be interesting to learn the nature of trade on thiscoast, --_which is commonly misunderstood at consisting in slavesalone_, --I thought it well to set down the inventory I made out of thecaravan's stock and its result, as the various items were intrusted tomy guardianship. The body of the caravan itself consisted of sevenhundred persons, principally men; while the produce was as follows:

 3, 500 hides $1, 750 19 large and prime teeth of ivory, 1, 560 Gold, 2, 500 600 pounds small ivory, 320 15 tons of rice, 600 40 slaves, 1, 600 36 bullocks, 360 Sheep, goats, butter, vegetables, 100 900 pounds bees-wax, 95 ------- Total value of the caravan's merchandise, $8, 885 -------

Our profits on this speculation were very flattering, both as regardssales and acquisitions. Rice cost us one cent per pound; hides weredelivered at eighteen or twenty cents each; a bullock was sold fortwenty or thirty pounds of tobacco; sheep, goats or hogs, cost twopounds of tobacco, or a fathom of common cotton, each; ivory waspurchased at the rate of a dollar the pound for the best, whileinferior kinds were given at half that price. In fact, the profit onour merchandise was, at least, one hundred and fifty per cent. As goldcommands the very best fabrics in exchange, and was paid for at therate of sixteen dollars an ounce, we made but seventy per cent. On thearticle. The slaves were delivered at the rate of one hundred "_bars_"each. The "_bar_" is valued on the coast at half a dollar; but a poundand a half of tobacco is also a "bar, " as well as a fathom of ordinarycotton cloth, or a pound of powder, while a common musket is equal totwelve "bars. " Accordingly, where slaves were purchased for onehundred and fifty pounds of tobacco, only eighteen dollars were, inreality, paid; and when one hundred pounds of powder were given, wegot them for twenty dollars each. Our _British_ muskets cost us butthree dollars apiece; yet we seldom purchased negroes for this articlealone. If the women, offered in the market, exceeded twenty-five yearsof age, we made a deduction of twenty per cent. ; but if they werestanchly-built, and gave promising tokens for the future, we took themat the price of an able-bodied man. The same estimate was made foryouths over four feet four inches high; but children were rarelypurchased at the factories, though they might be advantageously tradedin the native towns. 

CHAPTER X. 

I was a close watcher of Mongo John whenever he engaged in thepurchase of slaves. As each negro was brought before him, Ormondexamined the subject, without regard to sex, from head to foot. Acareful manipulation of the chief muscles, joints, arm-pits and groinswas made, to assure soundness. The mouth, too, was inspected, and if atooth was missing, it was noted as a defect liable to deduction. Eyes, voice, lungs, fingers and toes were not forgotten; so that when thenegro passed from the Mongo's hands without censure, he might havebeen readily adopted as a good "life" by an insurance company. 

Upon one occasion, to my great astonishment, I saw a stout andapparently powerful man discarded by Ormond as utterly worthless. Hisfull muscles and sleek skin, to my unpractised eye, denoted the heightof robust health. Still, I was told that he had been medicated for themarket with bloating drugs, and sweated with powder and lemon-juice toimpart a gloss to his skin. Ormond remarked that these jockey-tricksare as common in Africa as among horse-dealers in Christian lands; anddesiring me to feel the negro's pulse, I immediately detected diseaseor excessive excitement. In a few days I found the poor wretch, abandoned by his owner, a paralyzed wreck in the hut of a villager atBangalang. 

[Illustration: INSPECTION AND SALE OF A NEGRO. ]

When a slave becomes useless to his master in the interior, orexhibits signs of failing constitution, he is soon disposed of to apeddler or broker. These men call to their aid a quack, familiar withdrugs, who, for a small compensation, undertakes to refit an impairedbody for the temptation of green-horns. Sometimes the cheat issuccessfully effected; but experienced slavers detect it readily bythe yellow eye, swollen tongue, and feverish skin. 

After a few more lessons, I was considered by the Mongo sufficientlylearned in the slave traffic to be intrusted with the sole managementof his stores. This exemption from commerce enabled him to indulgemore than ever in the use of ardent spirits, though his vanity to becalled "king, " still prompted him to attend faithfully to all the"country palavers;"--and, let it be said to his credit, his decisionswere never defective in judgment or impartiality. 

After I had been three months occupied in the multifarious intercourseof Bangalang and its neighborhood, I understood the language wellenough to dispense with the interpreter, who was one of the Mongo'sconfidential agents. When my companion departed on a long journey, hecounselled me to make up with Unga-golah, the _harem's_ Cerberus, asshe suspected my intimacy with Esther, who would doubtless bedenounced to Ormond, unless I purchased the beldame's silence. 

Indeed, ever since the night of warning, when the beautiful_quarteroon_ visited my hovel, I had contrived to meet this charminggirl, as the only solace of my solitude. Amid all the wild, passionate, and savage surroundings of Bangalang, Esther--thePariah--was the only golden link that still seemed to bind me tohumanity and the lands beyond the seas. On that burning coast, I wasnot excited by the stirring of an adventurous life, nor was my youngheart seduced and bewildered by absorbing avarice. Many a night, whenthe dews penetrated my flesh, as I looked towards the west, my soulshrank from the selfish wretches around me, and went off in dreams tothe homes I had abandoned. When I came back to myself, --when I wasforced to recognize my doom in Africa, --when I acknowledged that mylot had been cast, perhaps unwisely, by myself, my spirit turned, like the worm from the crashing heel, and found nothing that kindledfor me with the light of human sympathy, save this outcast girl. Esther was to me as a sister, and when the hint of her harm or losswas given, I hastened to disarm the only hand that could inflict ablow. Unga-golah was a woman, and a rope of sparkling coral for herneck, smothered all her wrongs. 

The months I had passed in Africa without illness, --though I wentabroad after dark, and bathed in the river during the heat of theday, --made me believe myself proof against malaria. But, at length, aviolent pain in my loins, accompanied by a swimming head, warned methat the African fever held me in its dreaded gripe. In two days I wasdelirious. Ormond visited me; but I knew him not, and in my madness, called on Esther, accompanying the name with terms of endearment. This, I was told, stirred the surprise and jealousy of the Mongo, whoforthwith assailed the matron of his harem with a torrent of inquiriesand abuse. But Unga-golah was faithful. The beads had sealed hertongue; so that, with the instinctive adroitness peculiar to ladies ofher color, she fabricated a story which not only quieted the Mongo, but added lustre to Esther's character. 

The credulous old man finding Unga so well disposed towards hiswatchful clerk, restored the warehouse to her custody. This was theheight of her avaricious ambition; and, in token of gratitude for myprofitable malady, she contrived to let Esther become the nurse andguardian of my sick bed. 

As my fever and delirium continued, a native doctor, renowned for hisskill, was summoned, who ordered me to be cupped in the Africanfashion by scarifying my back and stomach with a hot knife, andapplying plantain leaves to the wounds. The operation allayed my pulsefor a few hours; but as the fever came back with new vigor, it becamenecessary for my attendants to arouse the Mongo to a sense of myimminent danger. Yet Ormond, instead of springing with alacrity tosuccor a friend and retainer in affliction, sent for a young man, named Edward Joseph, who had formerly been in his employment, but wasnow settled on his own account in Bangalang. 

Joseph proved a good Samaritan. As soon as he dared venture upon myremoval, he took me to his establishment at Kambia, and engaged theservices of another Mandingo doctor, in whose absurdities he believed. But all the charms and incantations of the savage would not avail, andI remained in a state of utter prostration and apparent insensibilityuntil morning. As soon as day dawned, my faithful Esther was again onthe field of action; and this time she insisted upon the trial of herjudgment, in the person of an old white-headed woman, who accompaniedher in the guise of the greatest enchantress of the coast. A slave, paid in advance, was the fee for which she undertook to warrant mycure. 

No time was to be lost. The floor of a small and close mud hut wasintensely heated, and thickly strewn with moistened lemon leaves, overwhich a cloth was spread for a couch. As soon as the bed was ready, Iwas borne to the hovel, and, covered with blankets, was allowed tosteam and perspire, while my medical attendant dosed me with half atumbler of a green disgusting juice which she extracted from herbs. This process of drinking and barbecuing was repeated during fiveconsecutive days, at the end of which my fever was gone. But myconvalescence was not speedy. For many a day, I stalked about, auseless skeleton, covering with ague, and afflicted by an insatiableappetite, until a French physician restored me to health by the use ofcold baths at the crisis of my fever. 

When I was sufficiently recovered to attend to business, Mongo Johndesired me to resume my position in his employment. I heard, however, from Esther, that during my illness, Unga-golah used her opportunitiesso profitably in the warehouse, that there would be sad deficiencies, which, doubtless, might be thrown on me, if the crone were badlydisposed at any future period. Accordingly, I thought it decidedlymost prudent to decline the clerkship, and requested the Mongo torecompense me for the time and attention I had already bestowed onhim. This was refused by the indolent voluptuary; so we parted withcoolness, and I was once more adrift in the world. 

In these great outlying colonies and lodgments of European nations inthe East Indies and Africa, a stranger is commonly welcome to thehospitality of every foreigner. I had no hesitation, therefore, inreturning to the house of Joseph, who, like myself, had been a clerkof Ormond, and suffered from the pilferings of the matron. 

My host, I understood, was a native of London, where he was born ofcontinental parents, and came to Sierra Leone with Governor Turner. Upon the death or return of that officer, --I do not recollectwhich, --the young adventurer remained in the colony, and, for a time, enjoyed the post of harbor master. His first visit to the Rio Pongowas in the capacity of supercargo of a small coasting craft, ladenwith valuable merchandise. Joseph succeeded in disposing of his wares, but was not equally fortunate in collecting their avails. It was, perhaps, an ill-judged act of the supercargo, but he declined to facehis creditors with a deficient balance-sheet; and quitting SierraLeone for ever, accepted service with Ormond. For a year he continuedin this employment; but, at the end of that period, consideringhimself sufficiently informed of the trade and language of the river, he sent a message to his creditors at the British settlement that hecould promptly pay them in full, if they would advance him capitalenough to commence an independent trade. The terms were accepted by anopulent Israelite, and in a short time Edward Joseph was numberedamong the successful factors of Rio Pongo. 

As I had nothing to do but get well and talk, I employed my entireleisure in acquiring the native language perfectly. The Soosoo is adialect of the Mandingo. Its words, ending almost universally invowels, render it as glibly soft and musical as Italian; so that, in ashort time, I spoke it as fluently as my native tongue. 

CHAPTER XI. 

The 15th of March, 1827, was an epoch in my life. I remember it well, because it became the turning point of my destiny. A few weeks more ofindolence might have forced me back to Europe or America, but thefortune of that day decided my residence and dealings in Africa. 

At dawn of the 15th, a vessel was descried in the offing, and, as sheapproached the coast, the initiated soon ascertained her to be aSpanish slaver. But, what was the amazement of the river grandees whenthe captain landed and consigned his vessel _to me_!

"LA FORTUNA, " the property, chiefly, of my old friend the Reglagrocer, was successor of the Areostatico, which she exceeded in sizeas well as comfort. Her captain was charged to pay me my wages in fullfor the round voyage in the craft I had abandoned, and handed me, besides, a purse of thirty doubloons as a testimonial from his ownersfor my defence of their property on the dreadful night of our arrival. The "Fortuna" was dispatched to me for an "assorted cargo of slaves, "while 200, 000 cigars and 500 ounces of Mexican gold, were on board fortheir purchase. My commission was fixed at ten per cent. , and I waspromised a command whenever I saw fit to abandon my residence on theAfrican coast. 

Having no factory, or _barracoon_ of slaves, and being elevated to thedignity of "a trader" in so sudden a manner, I thought it best tosummon all the factors of the river on board the schooner, with anoffer to divide the cargo, provided they would pledge the productionof the slaves within thirty days. Dispatch was all-important to theowners, and, so anxious was I to gratify them, that I consented to payfifty dollars for every slave that should be accepted. 

After some discussion my offer was taken, and the cargo apportionedamong the residents. They declined, however, receiving any share ofthe cigars in payment, insisting on liquidation in gold alone. 

As this was my first enterprise, I felt at a loss to know how toconvert my useless tobacco into merchantable doubloons. In thisstrait, I had recourse to the Englishman Joseph, who hitherto tradedexclusively in produce; but, being unable to withstand the temptationof gold, had consented to furnish a portion of my required negroes. Assoon as I stated the difficulty to Don Edward, he proposed to send theHavanas to his Hebrew friend in Sierra Leone, where, he did not doubt, they would be readily exchanged for Manchester merchandise. Thatevening a canoe was dispatched to the English colony with the cigars;and, on the tenth day after, the trusty Israelite appeared in the RioPongo, with a cutter laden to the deck with superior British fabrics. The rumor of five hundred doubloons disturbed his rest in SierraLeone! So much gold could not linger in the hands of natives as longas Manchester and Birmingham were represented in the colony; and, accordingly, he coasted the edge of the surf, as rapidly as possible, to pay me a profit of four dollars a thousand for the cigars, and totake his chances at the exchange of my gold for the sable cargo! Bythis happy hit I was enabled to pay for the required balance ofnegroes, as well as to liquidate the schooners expenses while in theriver. I was amazingly rejoiced and proud at this happy result, because I learned from the captain that the invoice of cigars was amalicious trick, palmed off on the Areostatico's owners by hercaptain, in order to thwart or embarrass me, when he heard I was to beintrusted with the purchase of a cargo on the coast. 

At the appointed day, La Fortuna sailed with 220 human beings packedin her hold. Three months afterwards, I received advices that shesafely landed 217 in the bay of Matanzas, and that their sale yieldeda clear profit on the voyage of forty-one thousand four hundred andthirty-eight dollars. [B]

As I am now fairly embarked in a trade which absorbed so many of mymost vigorous years, I suppose the reader will not be loth to learn alittle of my experience in the alleged "cruelties" of this commerce;and the first question, in all likelihood, that rises to his lips, isa solicitation to be apprised of the embarkation and treatment ofslaves on the dreaded voyage. 

An African factor of fair repute is ever careful to select his humancargo with consummate prudence, so as not only to supply his employerswith athletic laborers, but to avoid any taint of disease that mayaffect the slaves in their transit to Cuba or the American main. Twodays before embarkation, the head of every male and female is neatlyshaved; and, if the cargo belongs to several owners, each man's_brand_ is impressed on the body of his respective negro. Thisoperation is performed with pieces of silver wire, or small ironsfashioned into the merchant's initials, heated just hot enough toblister without burning the skin. When the entire cargo is the ventureof but one proprietor, the branding is always dispensed with. 

On the appointed day, the _barracoon_ or slave-pen is made joyous bythe abundant "feed" which signalizes the negro's last hours in hisnative country. The feast over, they are taken alongside the vessel incanoes; and as they touch the deck, they are entirely stripped, sothat women as well as men go out of Africa as they came intoit--_naked_. This precaution, it will be understood, is indispensable;for perfect nudity, during the whole voyage, is the only means ofsecuring cleanliness and health. In this state, they are immediatelyordered below, the men to the hold and the women to the cabin, whileboys and girls are, day and night, kept on deck, where their soleprotection from the elements is a sail in fair weather, and a_tarpaulin_ in foul. 

At meal time they are distributed in messes of ten. Thirty years ago, when the Spanish slave-trade was lawful, the captains were somewhatmore ceremoniously religious than at present, and it was then auniversal habit to make the gangs say grace before meat, and givethanks afterwards. In our days, however, they dispense with thisritual, and content themselves with a "_Viva la Habana_, " or "hurrahfor Havana, " accompanied by a clapping of hands. 

This over, a bucket of salt water is served to each mess, by way of"finger glasses" for the ablution of hands, after which a_kidd_, --either of rice, farina, yams, or beans, --according to thetribal habit of the negroes, is placed before the squad. In order toprevent greediness or inequality in the appropriation of nourishment, the process is performed by signals from a monitor, whose motionsindicate when the darkies shall dip and when they shall swallow. 

It is the duty of a guard to report immediately whenever a slaverefuses to eat, in order that his abstinence may be traced tostubbornness or disease. Negroes have sometimes been found in slaverswho attempted voluntary starvation; so that, when the watch reportsthe patient to be "shamming, " his appetite is stimulated by themedical antidote of a "cat. " If the slave, however, is truly ill, heis forthwith ticketed for the sick list by a bead or button around hisneck, and dispatched to an infirmary in the forecastle. 

These meals occur twice daily, --at ten in the morning and four in theafternoon, --and are terminated by another ablution. Thrice in eachtwenty-four hours they are served with half a pint of water. Pipes andtobacco are circulated economically among both sexes; but, as eachnegro cannot be allowed the luxury of a separate bowl, boys are sentround with an adequate supply, allowing a few whiffs to eachindividual. On regular days, --probably three times a week, --theirmouths are carefully rinsed with vinegar, while, nearly every morning, a dram is given as an antidote to scurvy. 

Although it is found necessary to keep the sexes apart, they areallowed to converse freely during day while on deck. Corporalpunishment is _never_ inflicted save by order of an officer, and, eventhen, not until the culprit understands exactly why it is done. Once aweek, the ship's barber scrapes their chins without assistance fromsoap; and, on the same day, their nails are closely pared, to insuresecurity from harm in those nightly battles that occur, when the slavecontests with his neighbor every inch of plank to which he is glued. During afternoons of serene weather, men, women, girls, and boys areallowed to unite in African melodies, which they always enhance by anextemporaneous _tom-tom_ on the bottom of a tub or tin kettle. 

These hints will apprise the reader that the greatest care, compatiblewith safety, is taken of a negro's health and cleanliness on thevoyage. In every well-conducted slaver, the captain, officers, andcrew, are alert and vigilant to preserve the cargo. It is theirpersonal interest, as well as the interest of humanity to do so. Theboatswain is incessant in his patrol of purification, and disinfectingsubstances are plenteously distributed. The upper deck is washed andswabbed daily; the slave deck is scraped and holy-stoned; and, at nineo'clock each morning, the captain inspects every part of his craft; sothat no vessel, except a man-of-war, can compare with a slaver insystematic order, purity, and neatness. I am not aware that theship-fever, which sometimes decimates the emigrants from Europe, hasever prevailed in these African traders. 

At sundown, the process of stowing the slaves for the night is begun. The second mate and boatswain descend into the hold, whip in hand, andrange the slaves in their regular places; those on the right side ofthe vessel facing forward, and lying in each other's lap, while thoseon the left are similarly stowed with their faces towards the stern. In this way each negro lies on his right side, which is consideredpreferable for the action of the heart. In allotting places, particular attention is paid to size, the taller being selected forthe greatest breadth of the vessel, while the shorter and younger arelodged near the bows. When the cargo is large and the lower deckcrammed, the supernumeraries are disposed of on deck, which issecurely covered with boards to shield them from moisture. The_strict_ discipline of nightly stowage is, of course, of the greatestimportance in slavers, else every negro would accommodate himself asif he were a passenger. 

In order to insure perfect silence and regularity during night, aslave is chosen as constable from every ten, and furnished with a"cat" to enforce commands during his appointed watch. In remunerationfor his services, which, it may be believed, are admirably performedwhenever the whip is required, he is adorned with an old shirt ortarry trowsers. Now and then, billets of wood are distributed amongthe sleepers, but this luxury is never granted until the good temperof the negroes is ascertained, for slaves have often been tempted tomutiny by the power of arming themselves with these pillows from theforest. 

It is very probable that many of my readers will consider it barbarousto make slaves lie down naked upon a board, but let me inform themthat native Africans are not familiar with the use of feather-beds, nor do any but the free and rich in their mother country indulge inthe luxury even of a mat or raw-hide. Among the Mandingo chiefs, --themost industrious and civilized of Africans, --the beds, divans, andsofas, are heaps of mud, covered with untanned skins for cushions, while logs of wood serve for bolsters! I am of opinion, therefore, that emigrant slaves experience very slight inconvenience in lyingdown on the deck. 

But _ventilation_ is carefully attended to. The hatches and bulkheadsof every slaver are grated, and apertures are cut about the deck forampler circulation of air. Wind-sails, too, are constantly pouring asteady draft into the hold, except during a chase, when, of course, every comfort is temporarily sacrificed for safety. During calms or inlight and baffling winds, when the suffocating air of the tropicsmakes ventilation impossible, the gratings are always removed, andportions of the slaves allowed to repose at night on deck, while thecrew is armed to watch the sleepers. 

Handcuffs are rarely used on shipboard. It is the common custom tosecure slaves in the _barracoons_, and while shipping, by chaining_ten_ in a gang; but as these platoons would be extremely inconvenientat sea, the manacles are immediately taken off and replaced byleg-irons, which fasten them in pairs by the feet. Shackles are neverused but for _full-grown men_, while _women_ and _boys_ are set atliberty as soon as they embark. It frequently happens that when thebehavior of _male_ slaves warrants their freedom, they are releasedfrom all fastenings long before they arrive. Irons are altogetherdispensed with on many _Brazilian_ slavers, as negroes from Anjuda, Benin, and Angola, are mild; and unaddicted to revolt like those whodwell east of the Cape or north of the Gold Coast. Indeed, a knowingtrader will never use chains but when compelled, for the longer aslave is ironed the more he deteriorates; and, as his sole object isto land a healthy cargo, pecuniary interest, as well as naturalfeeling, urges the sparing of metal. 

My object in writing this palliative description is not to exculpatethe slavers or their commerce, but to correct those exaggeratedstories which have so long been current in regard to the _usual_voyage of a trader. I have always believed that the cause of humanity, as well as any other cause, was least served by over-statement; and Iam sure that if the narratives given by Englishmen are true, thevoyages they detail must either have occurred before my day, or wereconducted in British vessels, while her majesty's subjects stillconsidered the traffic lawful. [C]

FOOTNOTES:

[B] As the reader may scarcely credit so large a profit, I subjoin anaccount of the fitting of a slave vessel from Havana in 1827, and theliquidation of her voyage in Cuba:--

1. --EXPENSES OUT. 

 Cost of LA FORTUNA, a 90 ton schooner, $3, 700 00 Fitting out, sails, carpenter and cooper's bills, 2, 500 00 Provisions for crew and slaves, 1, 115 00 Wages advanced to 18 men before the mast, 900 00 " " to captain, mates, boatswain, cook, and steward, 440 00 200, 000 cigars and 500 doubloons, cargo, 10, 900 00 Clearance and hush-money, 200 00 ----------- $19, 755 00 Commission at 5 per cent. , 987 00 ----------- Full cost of voyage out, $20, 742 00

2. --EXPENSES HOME. 

 Captain's head-money, at $8 a head, 1, 746 00 Mate's " $4 " 873 00 Second mate and boatswain's head-money, at $2 each a head, 873 00 Captain's wages, 219 78 First mate's wages 175 56 Second mate and boatswain's wages, 307 12 Cook and steward's wages, 264 00 Eighteen sailors' wages, 1, 972 00 ----------- $27, 172 46

3. --EXPENSES IN HAVANA. 

 Government officers, at $8 per head, 1, 736 00 My commission on 217 slaves, expenses off, 5, 565 00 Consignees' commissions, 8, 878 00 217 slave dresses, at $2 each, 634 00 Extra expenses of all kinds, say, 1, 000 00 ----------- Total expenses, $39, 980 46

4. --RETURNS. 

 Value of vessel at auction, $3, 950 00 Proceeds of 217 slaves, 77, 469 00 ----------- $81, 419 00 -----------

RESUMÉ. 

 Total Returns, $81, 419 00 " Expenses, 39, 980 46 ----------- Nett profit, $41, 438 54 -----------

[C] The treaty with Spain, which was designed by Great Britain to endthe slave-trade, failed utterly to produce the desired result. 

All _profitable_ trade, --illicit, contraband, or what not, --_will_ becarried on by avaricious men, as long as the temptation continues. Accordingly, whenever a trade becomes _forced_, the only and sureresult of violent restriction is to imperil still more both life andcargo. 

1st. --The treaty with Spain, it is said, was enforced some time beforeit was properly promulgated or notified; so that British cruisersseized over eighty vessels, one third of which certainly were notdesigned for slave-trade. 

2d. --As the compact condemned slave vessels to be broken up, thesailing qualities of craft were improved to facilitate escape, ratherthan insure human comfort. 

3d. --The Spanish slavers had recourse to Brazilians and Portuguese tocover their property; and, as slavers could not be fitted out in Cuba, other nations sent their vessels ready equipped to Africa, and (underthe jib-booms of cruisers) Sardinians, Frenchmen and Americans, transferred them to slave traders, while the captains and parts of thecrew took passage home in regular merchantmen. 

4th. --As the treaty created greater risk, every method of economy wasresorted to; and the crowding and cramming of slaves was one of themost prominent results. Water and provisions were diminished; andevery thing was sacrificed for gain. 

CHAPTER XII. 

In old times, before treaties made slave-trade piracy, the landing ofhuman cargoes was as comfortably conducted as the disembarkation offlour. But now, the enterprise is effected with secrecy and hazard. Awild, uninhabited portion of the coast, where some little bay orsheltering nook exists, is commonly selected by the captain and hisconfederates. As soon as the vessel is driven close to the beach andanchored, her boats are packed with slaves, while the craft is quicklydismantled to avoid detection from sea or land. The busy skiffs arehurried to and fro incessantly till the cargo is entirely ashore, whenthe secured gang, led by the captain, and escorted by armed sailors, is rapidly marched to the nearest plantation. There it is safe fromthe rapacity of local magistrates, who, if they have a chance, imitatetheir superiors by exacting "_gratifications_. "

In the mean time, a _courier_ has been dispatched to the owners inHavana, Matanzas, or Santiago de Cuba, who immediately post to theplantation with clothes for the slaves and gold for the crew. Preparations are quickly made through brokers for the sale of theblacks; while the vessel, if small, is disguised, to warrant herreturn under the coasting flag to a port of clearance. If the crafthappens to be large, it is considered perilous to attempt a returnwith a cargo, or "_in distress_, " and, accordingly, she is either sunkor burnt where she lies. 

When the genuine African reaches a plantation for the first time, hefancies himself in paradise. He is amazed by the generosity with whichhe is fed with fruit and fresh provisions. His new clothes, red cap, and roasting blanket (a civilized superfluity he never dreamed of), strike him dumb with delight, and, in his savage joy, he not onlyforgets country, relations, and friends, but skips about like amonkey, while he dons his garments wrongside out or hind-part before!The arrival of a carriage or cart creates no little confusion amongthe Ethiopian groups, who never imagined that beasts could be made towork. But the climax of wonder is reached when that paragon ofoddities, a Cuban _postilion_, dressed in his sky-blue coat, silver-laced hat, white breeches, polished jack-boots, and ringingspurs, leaps from his prancing quadruped, and bids them welcome intheir mother-tongue. Every African rushes to "snap fingers" with hisequestrian brother, who, according to orders, forthwith preaches anedifying sermon on the happiness of being a white man's slave, takingcare to jingle his spurs and crack his whip at the end of everysentence, by way of _amen_. 

Whenever a cargo is owned by several proprietors, each one takes hisshare at once to his plantation; but if it is the property ofspeculators, the blacks are sold to any one who requires them beforeremoval from the original depot. The sale is, of course, conducted asrapidly as possible, to forestall the interference of Britishofficials with the Captain-General. 

Many of the Spanish Governors in Cuba have respected treaties, or, atleast, promised to enforce the laws. Squadrons of dragoons and troopsof lancers have been paraded with convenient delay, and ordered togallop to plantations designated by the representative of England. Itgenerally happens, however, that when the hunters arrive the game isgone. Scandal declares that, while brokers are selling the blacks atthe depot, it is not unusual for their owner or his agent to be foundknocking at the door of the Captain-General's secretary. It is oftensaid that the Captain-General himself is sometimes present in thesanctuary, and, after a familiar chat about the happy landing of "thecontraband, "--as the traffic is amiably called, the requisite_rouleaux_ are insinuated into the official desk under the intensesmoke of a fragrant _cigarillo_. The metal is always considered theproperty of the Captain-General, but his scribe avails himself of alingering farewell at the door, to hint an immediate and pressing needfor "a very small darkey!" Next day, the diminutive African does notappear; but, as it is believed that Spanish officials prefer gold evento mortal flesh, his algebraic equivalent is unquestionably furnishedin the shape of shining ounces!

 * * * * *

The prompt dispatch I gave the schooner Fortuna, started new ideasamong the traders of the Rio Pongo, so that it was generally agreed mymethod of dividing the cargo among different factors was not only mostadvantageous for speed, but prevented monopoly, and gave all an equalchance. At a "grand palaver" or assemblage of the traders on theriver, it was resolved that this should be the course of trade for thefuture. All the factors, except Ormond, attended and assented; but welearned that the Mongo's people, with difficulty prevented him fromsending an armed party to break up our deliberations. 

The knowledge of this hostile feeling soon spread throughout thesettlement and adjacent towns, creating considerable excitementagainst Ormond. My plan and principles were approved by the natives aswell as foreigners, so that warning was sent the Mongo, if any harmbefell Joseph and Theodore, it would be promptly resented. Our nativelandlord, Ali-Ninpha, a Foulah by descent, told him boldly, inpresence of his people, that the Africans were "tired of a mulattoMongo;" and, from that day, his power dwindled away visibly, though ashow of respect was kept up in consequence of his age and ancientimportance. 

During these troubles, the Areostatico returned to my consignment, andin twenty-two days was dispatched with a choice cargo ofMandingoes, --a tribe, which had become fashionable for house servantsamong the Havanese. But the luckless vessel was never heard of, and itis likely she went down in some of the dreadful gales that scourgedthe coast immediately after her departure. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

I had now grown to such sudden importance among the natives, that theneighboring chiefs and kings sent me daily messages of friendship, with trifling gifts that I readily accepted. One of these borderinglords, more generous and insinuating than the rest, hinted severaltimes his anxiety for a closer connection in affection as well astrade, and, at length, insisted upon becoming my father-in-law!

I had always heard in Italy that it was something to receive the handof a princess, even after long and tedious wooing; but now that I wassurrounded by a mob of kings, who absolutely thrust their daughters onme, I confess I had the bad taste not to leap with joy at the royaloffering. Still, I was in a difficult position, as no graver offencecan be given a chief than to reject his child. It is so serious aninsult to refuse a wife, that, high born natives, in order to avoidquarrels or war, accept the tender boon, and as soon as etiquettepermits, pass it over to a friend or relation. As the offer was madeto me personally by the king, I found the utmost difficulty inescaping. Indeed, he would receive no excuse. When I declined onaccount of the damsel's youth, he laughed incredulously. If I urgedthe feebleness of my health and tardy convalescence, he insisted thata regular life of matrimony was the best cordial for an impairedconstitution. In fact, the paternal solicitude of his majesty for mydoubloons was so urgent that I was on the point of yielding myself apatient sacrifice, when Joseph came to my relief with the offer of hishand as a substitute. 

The Gordian knot was cut. Prince Yungee in reality did not care somuch who should be his son-in-law as that he obtained one with a whiteskin and plentiful purse. Joseph or Theodore, Saxon or Italian, madeno difference to the chief; and, as is the case in all Oriental lands, the opinion of the lady was of no importance whatever. 

I cannot say that my partner viewed this matrimonial project with thedisgust that I did. Perhaps he was a man of more liberal philosophyand wider views of human brotherhood; at any rate, his residence inAfrica gave him a taste not only for its people, habits, andsuperstitions, but he upheld practical amalgamation with more fervorand honesty than a regular abolitionist. Joseph was possessed byAfrico-mania. He admired the women, the men, the language, thecookery, the music. He would fall into philharmonic ecstasies over thediscord of a bamboo _tom-tom_. I have reason to believe that evenAfrican barbarities had charms for the odd Englishman; but he waschiefly won by the _dolce far niente_ of the natives, and the Orientallicense of polygamy. In a word, Joseph had the same taste for afull-blooded _cuffee_, that an epicure has for the _haut gout_ of astale partridge, and was in ecstasies at my extrication. He neglectedhis _siestas_ and his accounts; he wandered from house to house withthe rapture of an impatient bridegroom; and, till every thing wasready for the nuptial rites, no one at the factory had a moment'srest. 

As the bride's relations were eminent folks on the upper part of theriver, they insisted that the marriage ceremony should be performedwith all the honorable formalities due to the lady's rank. Esther, whoacted as my mentor in every "country-question, " suggested that itwould be contrary to the Englishman's interest to ally himself with afamily whose only motive was sordid. She strongly urged that if hepersisted in taking the girl, he should do so without a "_colungee_"or ceremonial feast. But Joseph was obstinate as a bull; and as hedoubted whether he would ever commit matrimony again, he insistedthat the nuptials should be celebrated with all the fashionablesplendor of high life in Africa. 

When this was decided, it became necessary, by a fiction of etiquette, to ignore the previous offer of the bride, and to begin anew, as ifthe damsel were to be sought in the most delicate way by a despondinglover. She must be demanded formally, by the bridegroom from herreluctant mother; and accordingly, the most respectable matron in ourcolony was chosen by Joseph from his colored acquaintances to be thebearer of his valentine. In the present instance, the selected Cupidwas the principal wife of our native landlord, Ali-Ninpha; and, asAfricans as well as Turks love by the pound, the dame happened to beone of the fattest, as well as most respectable, in our parish. Several female _attachés_ were added to the suite of the ambassadress, who forthwith departed to make a proper "_dantica_. " The giftsselected were of four kinds. First of all, two demijohns of_trade_-rum were filled to gladden the community of Mongo-Yungee'stown. Next, a piece of blue cotton cloth, a musket, a keg of powder, and a demijohn of _pure_ rum, were packed for papa. Thirdly, ayouthful virgin dressed in a white "tontongee, "[2] a piece of whitecotton cloth, a white basin, a white sheep, and a basket of whiterice, were put up for mamma, in token of her daughter's purity. And, lastly, a German looking-glass, several bunches of beads, a coralnecklace, a dozen of turkey-red handkerchiefs, and a spotless whitecountry-cloth, were presented to the bride; together with a decanterof white palm-oil for the anointment of her ebony limbs after thebath, which is never neglected by African _belles_. 

While the missionary of love was absent, our sighing swain devoted hisenergies to the erection of a bridal palace; and the task requiredjust as many days as were employed in the creation of the world. Thebuilding was finished by the aid of bamboos, straw, and a modicum ofmud; and, as Joseph imagined that love and coolness were secured insuch a climate by utter darkness, he provided an abundance of thatcommodity by omitting windows entirely. The furnishing of the domicilwas completed with all the luxury of native taste. An elasticfour-poster was constructed of bamboos; some dashing crockery was setabout the apartment for display; a cotton quilt was cast over thematted couch; an old trunk served for bureau and wardrobe; and, asnegresses adore looking-glasses, the largest in our warehouse wasnailed against the door, as the only illuminated part of the edifice. 

At last all was complete, and Joseph snapped his fingers with delight, when the corpulent dame waddled up asthmatically, and announced with awheeze that her mission was prosperous. If there had ever been doubt, there was now no more. The oracular "_fetiche_" had announced that thedelivery of the bride to her lord might take place "on the tenth dayof the new moon. "

As the planet waxed from its slender sickle to the thicker quarter, the impatience of my Cockney waxed with it; but, at length, the firingof muskets, the twang of horns, and the rattle of tom-toms, gavenotice from the river that COOMBA, the bride, was approaching thequay. Joseph and myself hastily donned our clean shirts, whitetrousers, and glistening pumps; and, under the shade of broad_sombreros_ and umbrellas, proceeded to greet the damsel. Our fatfriend, the matron; Ali-Ninpha, her husband; our servants, and a troopof village ragamuffins, accompanied us to the water's brink, so thatwe were just in time to receive the five large canoes bearing theescort of the king and his daughter. Boat after boat disgorged itspassengers; but, to our dismay, they ranged themselves apart, and wereevidently displeased. When the last canoe, decorated with flags, containing the bridal party, approached the strand, the chief of theescort signalled it to stop and forbade the landing. 

In a moment there was a general row--a row, conceivable only byresidents of Africa, or those whose ears have been regaled with thechattering of a "wilderness of monkeys. " Our lusty _factotum_ wasastonished. The Cockney aspirated his _h's_ with uncommon volubility. We hastened from one to the other to inquire the cause; nor was ituntil near half an hour had been wasted in palaver, that I found theyconsidered themselves slighted, first of all because we had not fireda salvo in their honor, and secondly because we failed to spread matsfrom the beach to the house, upon which the bride might place hervirgin feet without defilement! These were indispensable formalitiesamong the "upper ten;" and the result was that COOMBA could not landunless the etiquette were fulfilled. 

Here, then, was a sad dilemma. The guns could be fired instantly;--butwhere, alas! at a moment's notice, were we to obtain mats enough tocarpet the five hundred yards of transit from the river to the house?The match must be broken off!

My crest-fallen cockney immediately began to exculpate himself bypleading ignorance of the country's customs, --assuring the strangersthat he had not the slightest inkling of the requirement. Still, thestubborn "master of ceremonies" would not relax an iota of hisrigorous behests. 

At length, our bulky dame approached the master of the bridal party, and, squatting on her knees, confessed her neglectful fault. Then, forthe first time, I saw a gleam of hope. Joseph improved the moment byalleging that he employed this lady patroness to conduct every thingin the sublimest style imaginable, because it was presumed no one knewbetter than she all that was requisite for so admirable and virtuous alady as COOMBA. Inasmuch, however, as he had been disappointed by herunhappy error, he did not think the blow should fall on _his_shoulders. The negligent matron ought to pay the penalty; and, as itwas impossible now to procure the mats, she should forfeit the valueof a slave to aid the merry-making, _and carry the bride on her backfrom the river to her home_!

A clapping of hands and a quick murmur of assent ran through thecrowd, telling me that the compromise was accepted. But the porteragewas no sinecure for the delinquent elephant, who found it difficult attimes to get along over African sands even without a burden. Still, notime was lost in further parley or remonstrance. The muskets andcannon were brought down and exploded; the royal boat was brought tothe landing; father, mother, brothers, and relations were paraded onthe strand; tom-toms and horns were beaten and blown; and, at last, the suffering missionary waddled to the canoe to receive the veiledform of the slender bride. 

The process of removal was accompanied by much merriment. Ourcorpulent porter groaned as she "larded the lean earth" beneath herponderous tread; but, in due course of labor and patience, she sankwith her charge on the bamboo couch of Master Joseph. 

As soon as the bearer and the burden were relieved from their fatigue, the maiden was brought to the door, and, as her long concealing veilof spotless cotton was unwrapped from head and limbs, a shout ofadmiration went up from the native crowd that followed us from thequay to the hovel. As Joseph received the hand of COOMBA, he paid theprincely fee of a slave to the matron. 

COOMBA had certainly not numbered more than sixteen years, yet, inthat burning region, the sex ripen long before their pallid sisters ofthe North. She belonged to the Soosoo tribe, but was descended fromMandingo ancestors, and I was particularly struck by the uncommonsymmetry of her tapering limbs. Her features and head, thoughdecidedly African, were not of that coarse and heavy cast that marksthe lineaments of her race. The grain of her shining skin was as fineand polished as ebony. A melancholy languor subdued and deepened theblackness of her large eyes, while her small and even teeth gleamedwith the brilliant purity of snow. Her mouth was rosy and evendelicate; and, indeed, had not her ankles, feet, and wool, manifestedthe unfortunate types of her kindred, COOMBA, the daughter ofMongo-Yungee, might have passed for a _chef d'oeuvre in blackmarble_. 

The scant dress of the damsel enabled me to be so minute in thiscatalogue of her charms; and, in truth, had I not inspected themclosely, I would have violated matrimonial etiquette as much as if Ifailed to admire the _trousseau_ and gifts of a bride at home. Coomba's costume was as innocently primitive as Eve's after theexpulsion. Like all maidens of her country, she had beads round herankles, beads round her waist, beads round her neck, while anabundance of bracelets hooped her arms from wrist to elbow. The white_tontongee_ still girdled her loins; but Coomba's climate was hermantuamaker, and indicated more necessity for ornament than drapery. Accordingly, Coomba was obedient to Nature, and troubled herself verylittle about a supply of useless garments, to load the presses and vexthe purse of her bridegroom. 

As soon as the process of unveiling was over, and time had beenallowed the spectators to behold the damsel, her mother led her gentlyto the fat ambassadress, who, with her companions, bore the girl to abath for ablution, anointment, and perfuming. While Coomba underwentthis ceremony at the hands of our matron, flocks of sable damesentered the apartment; and, as they withdrew, shook hands with hermother, in token of the maiden's purity, and with the groom incompliment to his luck. 

As soon as the bath and _oiling_ were over, six girls issued from thehut, bearing the glistening bride on a snow-white sheet to the home ofher spouse. The transfer was soon completed, and the burden depositedon the nuptial bed. The dwelling was then closed and put in charge ofsentinels; when the plump plenipotentiary approached the Anglo-Saxon, and handing him the scant fragments of the bridal dress, pointed tothe door, and, in a loud voice, exclaimed: "White man, this authorizesyou to take possession of your wife!"

It may naturally be supposed that our radiant cockney was somewhatembarrassed by so public a display of matrimonial happiness, at sixo'clock in the afternoon, on the thirtieth day of a sweltering June. Joseph could not help looking at me with a blush and a laugh, as hesaw the eyes of the whole crowd fixed on his movements; but, nervinghimself like a man, he made a profound _salaam_ to the admiringmultitude, and shaking my hand with a convulsive grip, plunged intothe darkness of his abode. A long pole was forthwith planted beforethe door, and a slender strip of white cotton, about the size of a"_tontongee_, " was hoisted in token of privacy, and floated from thestaff like a pennant, giving notice that the commodore is aboard. 

No sooner were these rites over, than the house was surrounded by aswarm of women from the adjacent villages, whose incessant songs, screams, chatter, and _tom-tom_ beatings, drowned every mortal sound. Meanwhile, the men of the party--whose merriment around an enormous_bonfire_ was augmented by abundance of liquor and provisions--amusedthemselves in dancing, shouting, yelling, and discharging muskets inhonor of the nuptials. 

Such was the ceaseless serenade that drove peace from the lovers'pillow during the whole of that memorable night. At dawn, thecorpulent matron again appeared from among the wild and reeling crowd, and concluding her functions by some mysterious ceremonies, led forththe lank groom from the dark cavity of his hot and sleepless oven, looking more like a bewildered wretch rescued from drowning, than aradiant lover fresh from his charmer. In due time, the bride also wasbrought forth by the matrons for the bath, where she was anointed fromhead to foot with a vegetable butter, --whose odor is probably moreagreeable to Africans than Americans, --and fed with a bowl of brothmade from a young and tender pullet. 

The marriage _fêtes_ lasted three days, after which I insisted thatJoseph should give up nonsense for business, and sobered his ecstasiesby handing him a wedding-bill for five hundred and fifty dollars. 

There is hardly a doubt that he considered COOMBA very _dear_, if notabsolutely adorable!

FOOTNOTE:

[2] A _tontongee_ is a strip of white cotton cloth, three inches wideand four feet long, used as a _virgin African's only dress_. It iswound round the limbs, and, hanging partly in front and partly behind, is supported from the maiden's waist by strands of _showee-beads_. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

I am sorry to say that my colleague's honeymoon did not last long, although it was not interrupted by domestic discord. One of hismalicious Sierra Leone creditors, who had not been dealt with quite asliberally as the rest, called on the colonial governor of that Britishestablishment, and alleged that a certain Edward Joseph, anEnglishman, owned a factory on the Rio Pongo, in company with aSpaniard, and was engaged in the slave-trade!

At this the British lion, of course, growled in his African cage, andbestirred himself to punish the recreant cub. An expedition wasforthwith fitted out to descend upon our little establishment; and, inall likelihood, the design would have been executed, had not ourfriendly Israelite in Sierra Leone sent us timely warning. No soonerdid the news arrive than Joseph embarked in a slaver, and, packing uphis valuables, together with sixty negroes, fled from Africa. Hisdisconsolate bride was left to return to her parents. 

As the hostile visit from the British colony was hourly expected, Idid not tarry long in putting a new face on Kambia. Fresh books weremade out in my name exclusively; their dates were carefully suited tomeet all inquiries; and the townspeople were prepared to answerimpertinent questions; so that, when Lieutenant Findlay, of HerBritannic Majesty's naval service, made his appearance in the river, with three boats bearing the cross of St. George, no man in thesettlement was less anxious than Don Téodore, the _Spaniard_. 

When the lieutenant handed me an order from the governor of SierraLeone and its dependencies, authorizing him to burn or destroy theproperty of Joseph, as well as to arrest that personage himself, Iregretted that I was unable to facilitate his patriotic projects, inasmuch as the felon was afloat on salt water, while all his propertyhad long before been conveyed to me by a regular bill of sale. Inproof of my assertions, I produced the instrument and the books; andwhen I brought in our African landlord to sustain me in everyparticular, the worthy lieutenant was forced to relinquish hishostility and accept an invitation to dinner. His conduct during thewhole investigation was that of a gentleman; which, I am sorry to say, was not always the case with his professional countrymen. 

 * * * * *

During the rainy season, which begins in June and lasts till October, the stores of provisions in establishments along the Atlantic coastoften become sadly impaired. The Foulah and Mandingo tribes of theinterior are prevented by the swollen condition of intervening streamsfrom visiting the beach with their produce. In these straits, thefactories have recourse by canoes to the smaller rivers, which areneither entered by sea-going vessels, nor blockaded for the caravansof interior chiefs. 

Among the tribes or clans visited by me in such seasons, I do notremember any whose intercourse afforded more pleasure, or exhibitednobler traits, than the BAGERS, who dwell on the solitary margins ofthese shallow rivulets, and subsist by boiling salt in the dry seasonand making palm-oil in the wet. I have never read an account of theseworthy blacks, whose civility, kindness, and honesty will comparefavorably with those of more civilized people. 

The Bagers live very much apart from the great African tribes, andkeep up their race by intermarriage. The language is peculiar, andaltogether devoid of that Italian softness that makes the Soosoo somusical. 

Having a week or two of perfect leisure, I determined to set out in acanoe to visit one of these establishments, especially as nointelligence had reached me for some time from one of my countrytraders who had been dispatched thither with an invoice of goods topurchase palm-oil. My canoe was comfortably fitted with a waterproofawning, and provisioned for a week. 

A tedious pull along the coast and through the dangerous surf, broughtus to the narrow creek through whose marshy mesh of _mangroves_ wesqueezed our canoe to the bank. Even after landing, we waded aconsiderable distance through marsh before we reached the solid land. The Bager town stood some hundred yards from the landing, at the endof a desolate savanna, whose lonely waste spread as far as the eyecould reach. The village itself seemed quite deserted, so that I haddifficulty in finding "the oldest inhabitant, " who invariably stays athome and acts the part of chieftain. This venerable personage welcomedme with great cordiality; and, having made my _dantica_, or, in otherwords, declared the purpose of my visit, I desired to be shown thetrader's house. The patriarch led me at once to a hut, whose miserablethatch was supported by four posts. Here I recognized a large chest, arum cask, and the grass hammock of my agent. I was rather exasperatedto find my property thus neglected and exposed, and began venting mywrath in no seemly terms on the delinquent clerk, when my conductorlaid his hand gently on my sleeve, and said there was no need to blamehim. "This, " continued he, "is his house; here your property issheltered from sun and rain; and, among the Bagers, whenever yourgoods are protected from the elements, they are safe from everydanger. Your man has gone across the plain to a neighboring town foroil; to-night he will be back;--in the mean time, look at your goods!"

I opened the chest, which, to my surprise, was unlocked, and found itnearly full of the merchandise I had placed in it. I shook the cask, and its weight seemed hardly diminished. I turned the spigot, and lo!the rum trickled on my feet. Hard-by was a temporary shed, filled tothe roof with hides and casks of palm-oil, all of which, thegray-beard declared was my property. 

Whilst making this inspection, I have no doubt the expression of myface indicated a good deal of wonder, for I saw the old man smilecomplacently as he followed me with his quiet eye. 

"Good!" said the chief, "it is all there, --is it not? We Bagers areneither Soosoos, Mandingoes, Foulahs, nor _White-men_, that the goodsof a stranger are not safe in our towns! We work for a living; we wantlittle; big ships never come to us, and we neither steal from ourguests nor go to war to sell one another!"

The conversation, I thought, was becoming a little personal; and, witha gesture of impatience, I put a stop to it. On second thoughts, however, I turned abruptly round, and shaking the noble savage's handwith a vigor that made him wince, presented him with a piece of cloth. Had Diogenes visited Africa in search of his man, it is by no meansunlikely that he might have extinguished his lamp among the Bagers!

 * * * * *

It was about two o'clock in the afternoon when I arrived in the town, which, as I before observed, seemed quite deserted, except by a dozenor two ebony antiquities, who crawled into the sunshine when theylearned the advent of a stranger. The young people were absentgathering palm nuts in a neighboring grove. A couple of hours beforesundown, my trader returned; and, shortly after, the merry gang ofvillagers made their appearance, laughing, singing, dancing, and ladenwith fruit. As soon as the gossips announced the arrival of a whiteman during their absence, the little hut that had been hospitablyassigned me was surrounded by a crowd, five or six deep, of men, women, and children. The pressure was so close and sudden that I wasalmost stifled. Finding they would not depart until I made myselfvisible, I emerged from concealment and shook hands with nearly all. The women, in particular, insisted on gratifying themselves with a_sumboo_ or smell at my face, --which is the native's kiss, --andfolded their long black arms in an embrace of my neck, threateningperil to my shirt with their oiled and dusty flesh. However, I noticedso much _bonhommie_ among the happy crew that my heart would not allowme to repulse them; so I kissed the youngest and shunned the crones. In token of my good will, I led a dozen or more of the prettiest tothe rum-barrel, and made them happy for the night. 

When the townsfolks had comfortably nestled themselves in theirhovels, the old chief, with a show of some formality, presented me aheavy ram-goat, distinguished for its formidable head-ornaments, which, he said, was offered as a _bonne-bouche_, for my supper. Hethen sent a crier through the town, informing the women that a whitestranger would be their guest during the night; and, in less than halfan hour, my hut was visited by most of the village dames and damsels. One brought a pint of rice; another some roots of _cassava_; another, a few spoonfuls of palm-oil; another a bunch of peppers; while theoldest lady of the party made herself particularly remarkable by thegift of a splendid fowl. In fact, the crier had hardly gone hisrounds, before my mat was filled with the voluntary contributions ofthe villagers; and the wants, not only of myself but of my eightrowers, completely supplied. 

There was nothing peculiar in this exhibition of hospitality, onaccount of my nationality. It was the mere fulfilment of a Bager law;and the poorest _black stranger_ would have shared the rite as well asmyself. I could not help thinking that I might have travelled from oneend of England or America to the other, without meeting a Bager_welcome_. Indeed, it seemed somewhat questionable, whether it werebetter for the English to civilize Africa, or for the Bagers to sendmissionaries to their brethren in Britain!

These reflections, however, did not spoil my appetite, for I confess afeeling of unusual content and relish when the patriarch sat down withme before the covered bowls prepared for our supper. But, alas! forhuman hopes and tastes! As I lifted the lid from the vessel containingthe steaming stew, its powerful fragrance announced the remains ofthat venerable quadruped with which I had been welcomed. It wasprobably not quite in etiquette among the Bagers to decline the stew, yet, had starvation depended on it, I could not have touched a morsel. Accordingly, I forbore the mess and made free with the rice, seasoningit well with salt and peppers. But my amiable landlord was resolvedthat I should not go to rest with such penitential fare, and orderedone of his wives to bring her supper to my lodge. A taste of the dishsatisfied me that it was edible, though intensely peppered. I ate withthe appetite of an alderman, nor was it till two days after that mytrader informed me I had supped so heartily on the spareribs of analligator! It was well that the hours of digestion had gone by, forthough partial to the chase, I had never loved "water fowl" of so wilda character. 

When supper was over, I escaped from the hut to breathe a little freshair before retiring for the night. Hardly had I put my head outsidewhen I found myself literally inhaling the mosquitoes that swarmed atnightfall over these marshy flats. I took it for granted that therewas to be no rest for me in darkness among the Bagers; but, when Imentioned my trouble to the chief, he told me that another hut hadalready been provided for my sleeping quarters, where my bed was madeof certain green and odorous leaves which are antidotes to mosquitoes. After a little more chat, he offered to guide me to the hovel, a low, thickly matted bower, through whose single aperture I crawled on handsand knees. As soon as I was in, the entrance was closed, and althoughI felt very much as if packed in my grave, I slept an unbroken sleeptill day-dawn. [D]

My return to the Rio Pongo was attended with considerable danger, yetI did not regret the trial of my spirit, as it enabled me to see aphase of African character which otherwise might have been missed. 

After passing two days among the Bagers, I departed once more in mycanoe, impelled by the stout muscles of the Kroomen. The breezefreshened as we passed from the river's mouth across the boiling surfof the bar, but, when we got fairly to sea, I found the Atlantic sovexed by the rising gale, that, in spite of waterproof awning anddiligent bailing, we were several times near destruction. Still, I hadgreat confidence in the native boatmen, whose skill in their skiffs isquite as great as their dexterity when naked in the water. I had oftenwitnessed their agility as they escaped from capsized boats on thesurf of our bar; and often had I rewarded them with a dram, when theycame, as from a frolic, dripping and laughing to the beach. 

When night began to fall around us the storm increased, and I coulddetect, by the low chatter and anxious looks of the rowers, that theywere alarmed. As far as my eye reached landward, I could descrynothing but a continuous reef on which the chafed sea was dashingfuriously in columns of the densest spray. Of course I felt that itwas not my duty, nor would it be prudent, to undertake the guidance ofthe canoe in such circumstances. Yet, I confess that a shudder ranthrough my nerves when I saw my "head-man" suddenly change our courseand steer the skiff directly towards the rocks. On she bounded like aracer. The sea through which they urged her foamed like a caldron withthe rebounding surf. Nothing but wave-lashed rock was before us. Atlast I could detect a narrow gap in the iron wall, which was filledwith surges in the heaviest swells. We approached it, and paused atthe distance of fifty feet. A wave had just burst through the chasmlike a storming army. We waited for the succeeding lull. All handslaid still, --not a word was spoken or paddle dipped. Then came thenext enormous swell under our stern;--the oars flew likelightning;--the canoe rose as a feather on the crest of the surf;--ina moment she shot through the cleft and reposed in smooth water nearthe shore. As we sped through the gap, I might have touched the rockson both sides with my extended arms!

Such is the skill and daring of Kroomen. 

FOOTNOTE:

[D] These Bagers are remarkable for their honesty, as I was convincedby several anecdotes related, during my stay in this village, by mytrading clerk. He took me to a neighboring lemon-tree, and exhibitedan English brass steelyard hanging on its branches, which had beenleft there by a mulatto merchant from Sierra Leone, who died in thetown on a trading trip. This article, with a chest half full of goods, deposited in the "palaver-house, " had been kept securely more thantwelve years in expectation that some of his friends would send forthem from the colony. The Bagers, I was told, have no _jujus_, _fetiches_, or _gree-grees_;--they worship no god or evilspirit;--their dead are buried without tears or ceremony;--and theirhereafter in eternal oblivion. 

The males of this tribe are of middling size and deep black color;broad-shouldered, but neither brave nor warlike. They keep aloof fromother tribes, and by a Fullah law, are protected from foreign violencein consequence of their occupation as salt-makers, which is regardedby the interior natives as one of the most useful trades. Theirfondness for palm-oil and the little work they are compelled toperform, make them generally indolent. Their dress is a singlehandkerchief, or a strip of country cloth four or five inches wide, most carefully put on. 

The young women have none of the sylphlike appearance of theMandingoes or Soosoos. They work hard and use palm-oil plentifullyboth internally and externally, so that their relaxed flesh is bloatedlike blubber. Both sexes shave their heads, and adorn their noses andlower lips with rings, while they penetrate their ears with porcupinequills or sticks. _They neither sell nor buy each other_, though theyacquire children of both sexes from other tribes, and adopt them intotheir own, or dispose of them if not suitable. Their avails of workare commonly divided; so the Bagers may be said to resemble theMormons in polygamy, the Fourierites in community, but to exceed bothin honesty!

I am sorry that their nobler characteristics have so few imitatorsamong the other tribes of Africa. 

CHAPTER XV. 

When the rains began to slacken, a petty caravan now and thenstraggled towards the coast; but, as I was only a new comer in theregion, and not possessed of abundant means, I enjoyed a slender shareof the trade. Still I consoled myself with the hope of better luck inthe dry season. 

In the mean time, however, I not only heard of Joseph's safe arrivalat Matanzas, but received a clerk whom he dispatched to dwell inKambia while I visited the interior. Moreover, I built a boat, andsent her to Sierra Leone with a cargo of palm-oil, to be exchanged forBritish goods; and, finally, during my perfect leisure, I went to workwith diligence _to study_ the trade in which fortune seemed to havecast my lot. 

It would be a task of many pages if I attempted to give a full accountof the origin and causes of _slavery in Africa_. As a nationalinstitution, it seems to have existed always. Africans have beenbondsmen every where: and the oldest monuments bear their imageslinked with menial toils and absolute servitude. Still, I have nohesitation in saying, that three fourths of the slaves _sent abroad_from Africa are the fruit of native wars, fomented by the avarice andtemptation of our own race. I cannot exculpate any commercial nationfrom this sweeping censure. We stimulate the negro's passions by theintroduction of wants and fancies never dreamed of by the simplenative, while slavery was an institution of domestic need and comfortalone. But what was once a luxury has now ripened into an absolutenecessity; so that MAN, _in truth, has become the coin of Africa, andthe "legal tender" of a brutal trade_. 

England, to-day, with all her philanthropy, sends, under the cross ofSt. George, to convenient magazines of _lawful commerce_ on the coast, her Birmingham muskets, Manchester cottons, and Liverpool lead, all ofwhich are righteously swapped at Sierra Leone, Acra, and on the Goldcoast, for Spanish or Brazilian bills on London. Yet, what Britishmerchant does not know the traffic on which those bills are founded, and for whose support his wares are purchased? France, with her_bonnet rouge_ and fraternity, dispatches her Rouen cottons, Marseilles brandies, flimsy taffetas, and indescribable variety oftinsel gewgaws. Philosophic Germany demands a slice for herlooking-glasses and beads; while multitudes of our own worthy traders, who would hang a slaver as a pirate _when caught_, do not hesitate tosupply him indirectly with tobacco, powder, cotton, Yankee rum, andNew England notions, in order to bait the trap in which he _may_ becaught! It is the temptation of these things, I repeat, that feeds theslave-making wars of Africa, and forms the human basis of thoseadmirable bills of exchange. 

I did not intend to write a homily on Ethiopian commerce when I begunthis chapter; but, on reviewing the substantial motives of thetraffic, I could not escape a statement which tells its own tale, andis as unquestionable as the facts of verified history. 

Such, then, may be said to be the _predominating_ influence thatsupports the African slave-trade; yet, if commerce of all kinds wereforbidden with that continent, the customs and laws of the nativeswould still encourage slavery as a domestic affair, though, of course, in a very modified degree. The rancorous family quarrels among tribesand parts of tribes, will always promote conflicts that resemble theforays of our feudal ancestors, while the captives made therein willinvariably become serfs. 

Besides this, the financial genius of Africa, instead of devisingbank notes or the precious metals as a circulating medium, has fromtime immemorial, declared that a human creature, --_the truerepresentative and embodiment of labor_, --is the most valuable articleon earth. A man, therefore, becomes the standard of prices. A slave isa note of hand, that may be discounted or pawned; he is a bill ofexchange that carries himself to his destination and pays a debtbodily; he is a tax that walks corporeally into the chieftain'streasury. Thus, slavery is not likely to be surrendered by the negroesthemselves as a national institution. Their social interests willcontinue to maintain hereditary bondage; they will send the felon andthe captive to foreign _barracoons_; and they will sentence todomestic servitude the orphans of culprits, disorderly children, gamblers, witches, vagrants, cripples, insolvents, the deaf, the mute, the barren, and the faithless. Five-sixths of the population is inchains. [3]

To facilitate the sale of these various unfortunates or malefactors, there exists among the Africans a numerous class of brokers, who areas skilful in their traffic as the jockeys of civilized lands. Theseadroit scoundrels rove the country in search of objects to suitdifferent patrons. They supply the body-guard of princes; procureespecial tribes for personal attendants; furnish laborers for farms;fill the _harems_ of debauchees; pay or collect debts in flesh; and incases of emergency take the place of bailiffs, to kidnap under thename of sequestration. If a native king lacks cloth, arms, powder, balls, tobacco, rum, or salt, and does not trade personally with thefactories on the beach, he employs one of these dexterous gentry toeffect the barter; and thus both British cotton and Yankee rum ascendthe rivers from the second hands into which they have passed, whilethe slave approaches the coast to become the ebony basis of a bill ofexchange!

It has sometimes struck me as odd, how the extremes of society almostmeet on similar principles; and how much some African short-comingsresemble the conceded civilizations of other lands!

FOOTNOTE:

[3] Dr. Lugenbeel's "Sketches of Liberia. ": 1853. P. 45, 2d ed. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The month of November, 1827, brought the wished-for "dry season;" andwith it came a message from the leader of a caravan, that, at the fullof the moon, he would halt in my village with all the produce he couldimpress. The runner represented his master as bearing a missive fromhis beloved nephew Ahmah-de-Bellah, and declared that he only lingeredon the path to swell his caravan for the profit of my coffers. 

I did not let the day pass before I sent an interpreter to greet mypromised guest with suitable presents; while I took advantage of hisdelay to build a neat cottage for his reception, inasmuch as no FullahMahometan will abide beneath the same roof with an infidel. Ifurnished the establishment, according to their taste, with greenhides and several fresh mats. 

True to his word, Mami-de-Yong made known his arrival in myneighborhood on the day when the planet attained its full diameter. The moment the pious Mussulman, from the high hills in the rear of mysettlement, espied the river winding to the sea, he turned to theeast, and raising his arms to heaven, and extending them towardsMecca, gave thanks for his safe arrival on the beach. After repeatedgenuflections, in which the earth was touched by his prostrateforehead, he arose, and taking the path towards Kambia, struck up aloud chant in honor of the prophet, in which he was joined by theinterminable procession. 

It was quite an imposing sight--this Oriental parade and barbaricpomp. My native landlord, proud of the occasion, as well as of hisMahometan progenitors, joined in the display. As the train approachedmy establishment, I ordered repeated salutes in honor of the stranger, and as I had no minstrels or music to welcome the Fullah, I commandedmy master of ceremonies to conceal the deficiency by plenty of smokeand a dozen more rounds of rattling musketry. 

This was the first caravan and the first leader of absolutely royalpretensions that visited my settlement; so I lined my piazza withmats, put a body-guard under arms behind me, decorated the front withfancy flags, and opposite the stool where I took my seat, caused apure white sheepskin of finest wool to be spread for the accommodationof the noble savage. Advancing to the steps of my dwelling, I stooduncovered as the Fullah approached and tendered me a silver-mountedgazelle-horn snuff-box--the credential by which Ahmah-de-Bellah hadagreed to certify the mission. Receiving the token with a _salaam_, Icarried it reverently to my forehead, and passed it to Ali-Ninpha, who, on this occasion, played the part of my scribe. The ceremonyover, we took him by the hands and led him to his allotted sheepskin, while, with a bow, I returned to my stool. 

According to "country custom, " Mami-de-Yong then began the _dantica_, or exposition of purposes, first of all invoking ALLAH to witness hishonor and sincerity. "Not only, " said the Mussulman, "am I the bearerof a greeting from my dear nephew Ahmah-de-Bellah, but I am an envoyfrom my royal master the Ali-Mami, of Footha-Yallon, who, at his son'sdesire, has sent me with an escort to conduct you on your promisedvisit to Timbo. During your absence, my lord has commanded us to dwellin your stead at Kambia, so that your property may be safe from theMulatto Mongo of Bangalang, whose malice towards your person has beenheard of even among our distant hills!"

The latter portion of this message somewhat surprised me, for thoughmy relations with Mongo John were by no means amicable, I did notimagine that the story of our rupture had spread so far, or beenreceived with so much sympathy. 

Accordingly, when Mami-de-Yong finished his message, I approached himwith thanks for his master's interest in my welfare; and, placingAhmah-de-Bellah's Koran--which I had previously wrapped in a whitenapkin--in his hands, as a token of the nephew's friendship, I retiredonce more to my seat. As soon as the holy book appeared from thefolds, Mami-de-Yong drew a breath of surprise, and striking hisbreast, fell on his knees with his head on the ground, where heremained for several minutes apparently in rapt devotion. As herose--his forehead sprinkled with dust, and his eyes sparkling withtears--he opened the volume, and pointed out to me and his people hisown handwriting, which he translated to signify that "Mami-de-Yonggave this word of God to Ahmah-de-Bellah, his kinsman. " At the readingof the sentence, all the Fullahs shouted, "Glory to Allah and Mahomethis Prophet!" Then, coming forward again to the chief, I laid my handon the Koran, and swore by the help of God, to accept the invitationof the great king of Footha-Yallon. 

This terminated the ceremonial reception, after which I hastened toconduct Mami-de-Yong to his quarters, where I presented him with asparkling new kettle and an inkstand, letting him understand, moreover, I was specially anxious to know that all the wants of hisattendants in the caravan were completely satisfied. 

Next morning early, I remembered the joy of his nephewAhmah-de-Bellah, when I first treated him to _coffee_; and determinedto welcome the chief, as soon as he came forth from his ablutions toprayers, with a cup distilled from the fragrant berry. I could nothave hit upon a luxury more gratifying to the old gentleman. Thirtyyears before had he drank it in Timbuctoo, where it is used, he said, by the Moses-people (meaning the Hebrews), with milk and honey; andits delicious aroma brought the well-remembered taste to his lips erethey touched the sable fluid. 

Long before Mami-de-Yong's arrival, his fame as a learned "book-man"and extensive traveller preceded him, so that when he mentioned histravel to Timbuctoo, I begged him to give me some account of that"capital of capitals, " as the Africans call it. The royal messengerpromised to comply as soon as he finished the morning lessons of thecaravan's children. His quarters were filled with a dozen or more ofyoung Fullahs and Mandingoes squatted around a fire, while the princesat apart in a corner with inkstand, writing reeds, and a pile of oldmanuscripts. Ali-Ninpha, our backsliding Mahometan, stood by, pretending devoted attention to Mami's precepts and the Prophet'sversus. The sinner was a scrupulous follower in the presence of thefaithful; but when their backs were turned, I know few who relished aporker more lusciously, or avoided water with more scrupulous care. Yet why should I scoff at poor Ali? Joseph and I had done our best to_civilize_ him!

Mami-de-Yong apologized for the completion of his daily task in mypresence, and went on with his instruction, while the pupils wrotedown notes, on wooden slabs, with reeds and a fluid made of powderdissolved in water. 

I am sorry to say that these Ethiopian Mahometans are but poorscholars. Their entire instruction amounts to little more than theKoran, and when they happen to write or receive a letter, itsinterpretation is a matter over which many an hour is toilsomelyspent. Mami-de-Yong, however, was superior to most of his countrymen;and, in fact, I must record him in my narrative as the most eruditeNegro I ever encountered. 

HIS TRIP TO TIMBUCTOO. 

True to his promise, the envoy came to my piazza, as soon as schoolwas over, and squatting sociably on our mats and sheepskins, with aplentiful supply of pipes and tobacco, we formed as pleasant a littleparty as was assembled that day on the banks of the Rio Pongo. Ali-Ninpha acted as interpreter, having prepared himself for thelong-winded task by a preliminary dram from my private locker, out ofsight of the noble Mahometan. 

Invoking the Lord's name, --as is usual among Mussulmen, --Mami-de-Yongtook a long whiff at his pipe, and, receiving from his servant a smallbag of fine sand, spread it smoothly on the floor, leaving the massabout a quarter of an inch in thickness. This was his black-board, designed to serve for the delineation of his journey. On thewesternmost margin of his sand, he dotted a point with his finger forthe starting at Timbo. As he proceeded with his track over Africatowards the grand capital, he marked the outlines of the principalterritories, and spotted the remarkable towns through which he passed. By a thick or thin line, he denoted the large rivers and small streamsthat intercepted his path, while he heaved up the sand into heaps torepresent a mountain, or smoothed it into perfect levels to imitatethe broad prairies and savannas of the interior. When he came to adense forest, his snuff-box was called in requisition, and a pinch ortwo judiciously sprinkled, stood for the monarchs of the wood. 

Like all Oriental story-tellers, Mami proved rather prolix. His talewas nearly as long as his travel. He insisted on describing hisreception at every village. At each river he had his story ofdifficulty and danger in constructing rafts or building bridges. Hecounted the minutes he lost in awaiting the diminution of floods. Anon, he would catalogue the various fish with which a famous riverteemed; and, when he got fairly into the woods, there was no end ofadventures and hairbreadth escapes from alligators, elephants, anacondas, vipers, and the fatal tape snake, whose bite is certaindeath. In the mountains he encountered wolves, wild asses, hyænas, zebras, and eagles. 

In fact, the whole morning glided away with a geographical, zoological, and statistical overture to his tour; so that, when thehour of prayer and ablution arrived, Mami-de-Yong had not yet reachedTimbuctoo! The double rite of cleanliness and faith required him topause in his narrative; and, apologizing for the interruption, he lefta slave to guard the map while he retired to perform his religiousservices. 

When the noble Fullah got back, I had a nice lunch prepared on anapkin in the neighborhood of his diagram, so that he could munch hisbiscuits and sugar without halting on his path. Before he began, however, I took the liberty to offer a hint about the precious valueof time in this brief life of ours, whilst I asked a question or twoabout the "capital of capitals, " to indicate my eagerness to enterthe walls of Timbuctoo. Mami-de-Yong, who was a man of tact as well ashumor, smiled at my insinuation, and apologizing like a Christian forthe natural tediousness of all old travellers, skipped a degree or twoof the wilderness, and at once stuck his buffalo-horn snuff-box intothe eastern margin of the sand, to indicate that he was at hisjourney's end. 

Mami had visited many of the European colonies and Moorish kingdoms onthe north coast of Africa, so that he enjoyed the advantage ofcomparison, and, of course, was not stupefied by the untravelledignorance of Africans who consider Timbuctoo a combination of Parisand paradise. Indeed, he did not presume, like most of the Mandingochiefs, to prefer it to Senegal or Sierra Leone. He confessed that theroyal palace was nothing but a vast inclosure of mud walls, builtwithout taste or symmetry, within whose labyrinthine mesh there werenumerous buildings for the wives, children, and kindred of thesovereign. If the royal palace of Timbuctoo was of _such_ acharacter, --"What, " said he, "were the dwellings of nobles andtownsfolk?" The streets were paths;--the stores were shops;--thesuburb of an European colony was _superior_ to their best display! Themarkets of Timbuctoo, alone, secured his admiration. Every week theywere thronged with traders, dealers, peddlers and merchants, whoeither dwelt in the neighboring kingdoms, or came from afar withslaves and produce. Moors and Israelites, from the north-east, werethe most eminent and opulent merchants; and among them he counted atravelling class, crowned with peculiar turbans, whom he called"Joseph's-people, " or, in all likelihood, Armenians. 

The prince had no mercy on the government of this influential realm. Strangers, he said, were watched and taxed. Indeed, he spoke of itwith the peculiar love that we would suppose a Hungarian might beartowards Austria, or a Milanese to the inquisitorial powers ofLombardy. In fact, I found that, despite of its architecturalmeanness, Timbuctoo was a great central mart for exchange, and thatcommercial men as well as the innumerable petty kings, frequented itnot only for the abundant mineral salt in its vicinity, _but becausethey could exchange their slaves for foreign merchandise_. I askedthe Fullah why he preferred the markets of Timbuctoo to thewell-stocked stores of regular European settlements on a coast whichwas reached with so much more ease than this core of Africa? "Ah!"said the astute trafficker, "no market is a good one for the genuineAfrican, in which he cannot openly exchange his _blacks_ for whateverthe original owner or importer can sell without fear! _Slaves, DonTéodore, are our money!_"

The answer solved in my mind one of the political problems in thequestion of African civilization, which I shall probably develope inthe course of this narrative. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Having completed the mercantile negotiations of the caravan, and mademy personal arrangements for a protracted absence, I put the nobleFullah in charge of my establishment, with special charges to myretainers, clerks, runners, and villagers, to regard the Mami as mysecond self. I thought it well, moreover, before I plunged into thewilderness, --leaving my worldly goods and worldly prospects in chargeof a Mussulman stranger, --to row down to Bangalang for a parting chatwith Mongo John, in which I might sound the veteran as to his feelingand projects. Ormond was in trouble as soon as I appeared. He waswilling enough that I might perish by treachery on the roadside, yethe was extremely reluctant that I should penetrate Africa and makealliances which should give me superiority over the monopolists of thebeach. I saw these things passing through his jealous heart as wetalked together with uncordial civility. At parting I told the Mongo, for the first time, that I was sure my establishment would not go todecay or suffer harm in my absence, inasmuch as that powerful Fullah, the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon had deputed a lieutenant to watch Kambiawhile I travelled, and that he would occupy my village with his chosenwarriors. The mulatto started with surprise as I finished, andabruptly left the apartment in silence. 

I slept well that night, notwithstanding the Mongo's displeasure. Myconfidence in the Fullah was perfect. Stranger as he was, I had aninstinctive reliance on his protection of my home, and hisguardianship of my person through the wilderness. 

At day-dawn I was up. It was a fresh and glorious morning. As natureawoke in the woods of that primitive world, the mists stole off fromthe surface of the water; and, as the first rays shot through theglistening dew of the prodigious vegetation, a thousand birds sentforth their songs as if to welcome me into their realm of unknownpaths. 

After a hearty breakfast my Spanish clerk was furnished with minuteinstructions in writing, and, at the last moment, I presented theFullah chief to my people as a temporary master to whom they were topay implicit obedience for his generous protection. By ten o'clock, mycaravan was in motion. It consisted of thirty individuals deputed byAhmah-de-Bellah, headed by one of his relations as captain. Ten of myown servants were assigned to carry baggage, merchandise, andprovisions; while Ali-Ninpha, two interpreters, my body-servant, awaiter, and a hunter, composed my immediate guard. In all, there wereabout forty-five persons. 

When we were starting, Mami-de-Yong approached to "snap fingers, "and put in my hands a verse of the Koran in his master'shandwriting, --"hospitality to the wearied stranger is the road toheaven, "--which was to serve me as a passport among all goodMahometans. If I had time, no doubt I would have thought how muchmore Christian this document was than the formal paper with whichwe are fortified by "foreign offices" and "state departments, " whenwe go abroad from civilized lands;--but, before I could summon somuch sentiment, the Fullah chief stooped to the earth, and fillinghis hands with dust, sprinkled it over our heads, in token of aprosperous journey. Then, prostrating himself with his head on theground, he bade us "go our way!"

I believe I have already said that even the best of African roads areno better than goat-paths, and barely sufficient for the passage of asingle traveller. Accordingly, our train marched off in single file. Two men, cutlass in hand, armed, besides, with loaded muskets, wentin advance not only to scour the way and warn us of danger, but to cutthe branches and briers that soon impede an untravelled path in thisprolific land. They marched within hail of the caravan, and shoutedwhenever we approached bee-trees, ant-hills, hornet-nests, reptiles, or any of the Ethiopian perils that are unheard of in our Americanforests. Behind these pioneers, came the porters with food andluggage; the centre of the caravan was made up of women, children, guards, and followers; while the rear was commanded by myself and thechiefs, who, whips in hand, found it sometimes beneficial to stimulatethe steps of stragglers. As we crossed the neighboring Soosoo towns, our imposing train was saluted with discharges of musketry, whilecrowds of women and children followed their "_cupy_, " or "white-man, "to bid him farewell on the border of the settlement. 

For a day or two our road passed through a rolling country, interspersed with forests, cultivated fields, and African villages, inwhich we were welcomed by the generous chiefs with _bungees_, ortrifling gifts, in token of amity. Used to the scant exercise of alazy dweller on the coast, whose migrations are confined to a journeyfrom his house to the landing, and from the landing to his house, itrequired some time to habituate me once more to walking. By degrees, however, I overcame the foot-sore weariness that wrapped me in perfectlassitude when I sank into my hammock on the first night of travel. However, as we became better acquainted with each other and withwood-life, we tripped along merrily in the shadowy silence of theforest, --singing, jesting, and praising Allah. Even the slaves wererelaxed into familiarity never permitted in the towns; while masterswould sometimes be seen relieving the servants by bearing theirburdens. At nightfall the women brought water, cooked food, anddistributed rations; so that, after four days pleasant wayfaring in agentle trot, our dusty caravan halted at sunset before the closedgates of a fortified town belonging to Ibrahim Ali, the Mandingo chiefof Kya. 

It was some time before our shouts and beating on the gates arousedthe watchman to answer our appeal, for it was the hour of prayer, andIbrahim was at his devotions. At last, pestered by their dalliance, Ifired my double-barrelled gun, whose loud report I knew was morelikely to reach the ear of a praying Mussulman. I did not reckonimproperly, for hardly had the echoes died away before the greatwar-drum of the town was rattled, while a voice from a loopholedemanded our business. I left the negotiation for our entry to theFullah chief, who forthwith answered that "the _Ali-Mami's_ caravan, laden with goods, demanded hospitality;" while Ali-Ninpha informed thequestioner, that Don Téodore, the "white man of Kambia, " cravedadmittance to the presence of Ibrahim the faithful. 

In a short time the wicket creaked, and Ibrahim himself put forth hishead to welcome the strangers, and to admit them, one by one, into thetown. His reception of myself and Ali-Ninpha was extremely cordial;but the Fullah chief was addressed with cold formality, for theMandingoes have but little patience with the well-known haughtiness oftheir national rivals. 

Ali-Ninpha had been Ibrahim's playmate before he migrated to thecoast. Their friendship still existed in primitive sincerity, and thechieftain's highest ambition was to honor the companion and guest ofhis friend. Accordingly, his wives and females were summoned toprepare my quarters with comfort and luxury. The best house was chosenfor my lodging. The earthen floor was spread with mats. Hides werestretched on _adobe_ couches, and a fire was kindled to purify theatmosphere. Pipes were furnished my companions; and, while a hammockwas slung for my repose before supper, a chosen henchman wasdispatched to seek the fattest sheep for that important meal. 

Ibrahim posted sentinels around my hut, so that my slumbers wereuninterrupted, until Ali-Ninpha roused me with the pleasant news thatthe bowls of rice and stews were smoking on the mat in the chamber ofIbrahim himself. Ninpha knew my tastes and superintended the cook. Hehad often jested at the "white man's folly, " when my stomach turned atsome disgusting dish of the country; so that the pure roasts andbroils of well-known pieces slipped down my throat with the appetiteof a trooper. While these messes were under discussion, the savorysteam of a rich stew with a creamy sauce saluted my nostrils, and, without asking leave, I plunged my spoon into a dish that stood beforemy entertainers, and seemed prepared exclusively for themselves. In amoment I was invited to partake of the _bonne-bouche_; and sodelicious did I find it, that, even at this distance of time, my mouthwaters when I remember the forced-meat balls of mutton, minced withroasted ground-nuts, that I devoured that night in the Mandingo townof Kya. 

But the best of feasts is dull work without an enlivening bowl. Wateralone--pure and cool as it was in this hilly region--did not quenchour thirst. Besides this, I recollected the fondness of my landlord, Ali-Ninpha, for strong distillations, and I guessed that his playmatemight indulge, at least privately, in a taste for similar libations. Ispoke, therefore, of "cordial bitters, "--(a name not unfamiliar evento the most temperate Christians, in defence of flatulentstomachs, )--and at the same time producing my travelling canteen ofOtard's best, applied it to the nostrils of the pair. 

I know not how it happened, but before I could warn the Mahometans ofthe risk they incurred, the lips of the bottle slid from their nosesto their mouths, while upheaved elbows long sustained in air, gavenotice that the flask was relishing and the draft "good for theircomplaints. " Indeed, so appetizing was the liquor, that anotherground-nut stew was demanded; and, of course, another bottle wasrequired to allay its dyspeptic qualities. 

By degrees, the brandy did its work on the worthy Mahometans. While itrestored Ali-Ninpha to his early faith, and brought him piously to hisknees with prayers to Allah, it had a contrary effect on Ibrahim, whomit rendered wild and generous. Every thing was mine;--house, lands, slaves, and children. He dwelt rapturously on the beauty of his wives, and kissed Ali-Ninpha in mistake for one of them. This only renderedthe apostate more devout than ever, and set him roaring invocationslike a muezzin from a minaret. In the midst of these orgies, I stoleoff at midnight, and was escorted by my servant to a delicioushammock. 

It was day-dawn when the caravan's crier aroused me, as he stood on ahouse-top calling the faithful to prayer previous to our departure. Before I could stir, Ali-Ninpha, haggard, sick, and crest-fallen, fromhis debauch, rolled into my chamber, and begged the postponement ofour departure, as it was impossible for _Ibrahim Ali_ to appear, beingperfectly vanquished by--"the bitters!" The poor devil hiccoughedbetween his words, and so earnestly and with so many bodily gyrationsimplored my interference with the Fullah guide, that I saw at once hewas in no condition to travel. 

As the caravan was my personal escort and designed exclusively for myconvenience, I did not hesitate to command a halt, especially as I wasin some measure the cause of my landlord's malady. Accordingly, I tieda kerchief round my head, covered myself with a cloak, and leaningvery lackadaisically on the edge of my hammock, sent for the Fullahchief. 

I moaned with pain as he approached, and, declaring that I wasprostrated by sudden fever, hoped he would indulge me bycountermanding the order for our march. I do not know whether theworthy Mussulman understood my case or believed my fever, but theresult was precisely the same, for he assented to my request like agentleman, and expressed the deepest sympathy with my sufferings. Hisnext concern was for my cure. True to the superstition and bigotry ofhis country, the good-natured Fullah insisted on taking the managementof matters into his own hands, and forthwith prescribed a dose fromthe Koran, diluted in water, which he declared was a specific remedyfor my complaint. I smiled at the idea of making a drug of divinity, but as I knew that homoeopathy was harmless under the circumstances, I requested the Fullah to prepare his physic on the spot. The chiefimmediately brought his Koran, and turning over the leaves attentivelyfor some time, at last hit on the appropriate verse, which he wrotedown on a board with gunpowder ink, which he washed off into a bowlwith clean water. This was given me to swallow, and the Mahometan leftme to the operation of his religious charm, with special directions tothe servant to allow no one to disturb my rest. 

I have no doubt that the Fullah was somewhat of a quiz, and thought achapter in his Bible a capital lesson after a reckless debauch; so Iordered my door to be barricaded, and slept like a dormouse, untilIbrahim and Ali-Ninpha came thundering at the portal long aftermid-day. They were sadly chopfallen. Penitence spoke from their achingbrows; nor do I hesitate to believe they were devoutly sincere whenthey forswore "_bitters_" for the future. In order to allay suspicion, or quiet his conscience, the Fullah had been presented with amagnificent ram-goat, flanked by baskets of choicest rice. 

When I sallied forth into the town with the suffering sinners, I foundthe sun fast declining in the west, and, although my fever had leftme, it was altogether too late to depart from the village on ourjourney. I mentioned to Ibrahim a report on the coast that his townwas bordered by a sacred spring known as the DEVIL'S FOUNTAIN, andinquired whether daylight enough still remained to allow us a visit. The chief assented; and as in his generous fit last night, he hadoffered me a horse, I now claimed the gift, and quickly mounted insearch of the aqueous demon. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Ah! what joy, after so many years, to be once more in the saddle in anopen country, with a steed of fire and spirit bounding beneath myexhilarated frame! It was long before I could consent to obey thesummons of our guide to follow him on the path. When the gates of Kyawere behind, and the wider roads opened invitingly before me, I couldnot help giving rein to the mettlesome beast, as he dashed across theplain beneath the arching branches of magnificent cotton-woods. Thesolitude and the motion were both delightful. Never, since I lastgalloped from the _paseo_ to Atares, and from Atares to El Principe, overlooking the beautiful bay of Havana, and the distant outline ofher purple sea, had I felt so gloriously the rush of joyous blood thatcareered through my veins like electric fire. Indeed, I know not howlong I would have traversed the woods had not the path suddenly endedat a town, where my Arabian turned of his own accord, and dashed backalong the road till I met my wondering companions. 

Having sobered both our bloods, I felt rather better prepared for avisit to the Satanic personage who was the object of our excursion. About two miles from Kya, we struck the foot of a steep hill, somethree hundred feet in height, over whose shoulder we reached a deepand tangled dell, watered by a slender stream which was hemmed in by aprofusion of shrubbery. Crossing the brook, we ascended the oppositedeclivity for a short distance till we approached a shelving precipiceof rock, along whose slippery side the ledgelike path continued. Ipassed it at a bound, and instantly stood within the arched apertureof a deep cavern, whence a hot and sulphurous stream trickled slowlytowards the ravine. This was the fountain, and the demon who presidedover its source dwelt within the cave. 

Whilst I was examining the rocks to ascertain their quality, the guideapprised me that the impish proprietor of these waters was gifted witha "multitude of tongues, " and, in all probability, would reply to mein my own, if I thought fit to address him. "Indeed, " said the savage, "he will answer you _word for word_ and that, too, almost before youcan shape your thought in language. Let us see if he is at home?"

I called, in a loud voice, "KYA!" but as no reply followed, Iperceived at once the wit of the imposture, and without waiting forhim to place me, took my own position at a spot inside the cavern, where I knew the _echoes_ would be redoubled. "Now, " said I, "I knowthe devil is at home, as well as you do;"--and, telling my people tolisten, I bellowed, with all my might--"_caffra fure!_" "infernalblack one!"--till the resounding rocks roared again with demoniacresponses. In a moment the cavern was clear of every African; so thatI amused myself letting off shrieks, howls, squeals, and pistols, until the affrighted natives peeped into the mouth of the cave, thinking the devil in reality had come for me in a double-breastedgarment of thunder and lightning. I came forth, however, with a wholeskin and so hearty a laugh, that the Africans seized my hands in tokenof congratulation, and looked at me with wonderment, as somethinggreater than the devil himself. Without waiting for a commentary, Ileaped on my Arab and darted down the hill. 

"And so, " said I, when I got back to Kya, "dost thou in truth believe, beloved Ibrahim, that the devil dwells in those rocks of the sulphurstream?"

"Why not, brother Theodore? Isn't the water poison? If you drink, will it not physic you? When animals lick it in the dry season, dothey not die on the margin by scores? Now, a 'book-man' like you, mybrother, knows well enough that _water_ alone can't kill; so thatwhenever it does, the devil _must_ be in it; and, moreover, is it nothe who speaks in the cavern?"

"Good, " replied I; "but, pry'thee, dear Ibrahim, read me this riddle:if the devil gets into _water_ and kills, why don't he kill when hegets into '_bitters_?'"

"Ah!" said the Ali--"you white men are infidels and scoffers!" as helaughed like a rollicking trooper, and led me, with his arm round myneck, into supper. "And yet, Don Téodore, don't forget the portableimp that you carry in that Yankee flask in your pocket!"

We did not dispute the matter further. I had been long enough inAfrica to find out that white men made themselves odious to thenatives and created bitter enemies, by despising or ridiculing theirerrors; and as I was not abroad on a mission of civilization, I leftmatters just as I found them. When I was among the Mahometans, I wasan excellent Mussulman, while, among the heathen, I affectedconsiderable respect for their _jujus_, _gree-grees_, _fetiches_, _snakes_, _iguanas_, _alligators_, and wooden images. 

Ere we set forth next morning, my noble host caused a generous meal tobe dispensed among the caravan. The breakfast consisted of boiled ricedried in the sun, and then boiled again with milk or water after beingpounded finely in a mortar. This nutritive dish was liberally served;and, as a new Mongo, I was tendered an especial platter, flanked bycopious bowls of cream and honey. 

It is true Mandingo etiquette, at the departure of an honored friend, for the Lord of the Town to escort him on his way to the first brook, drink of the water with the wayfarer, toast a prompt return, invokeAllah for a prosperous voyage, shake bands, and snap fingers, in tokenof friendly adieu. The host who tarries then takes post in the path, and, fixing his eyes on the departing guest, never stirs till thetraveller is lost in the folds of the forest, or sinks behind thedistant horizon. 

Such was the conduct of my friend Ibrahim on this occasion; nor wasit all. It is a singular habit of these benighted people, to keeptheir word whenever they make a promise! I dare say it is one of themarks of their faint civilization; yet I am forced to record it as astriking fact. When I sallied forth from the gate of the town, Inoticed a slave holding the horse I rode the day before to the Devil'sfountain, ready caparisoned and groomed as for a journey. Beingaccompanied by Ibrahim on foot, I supposed the animal was designed forhis return after our complimentary adieus. But when we had passed atleast a mile beyond the parting brook, I _again_ encountered thebeast, whose leader approached Ali-Ninpha, announcing the horse as agift from his master to help me on my way. Ere I backed the bloodedanimal, an order was directed to my clerk at Kambia for two muskets, two kegs of powder, two pieces of blue cotton, and one hundred poundsof tobacco. I advised my official, moreover, to inclose in the core ofthe tobacco the stoutest flask he could find of our fourth proof"bitters!"

CHAPTER XIX. 

The day was cloudy, but our trotting caravan did not exceed twentymiles in travel. In Africa things are done leisurely, for neitherlife, speculation, nor ambition is so exciting or exacting as to makeany one in a hurry. I do not recollect to have ever seen an individual_in haste_ while I dwelt in the torrid clime. The shortest existenceis long enough, when it is made up of sleep, slave-trade, andmastication. 

 * * * * *

At sunset no town was in sight; so it was resolved to bivouac in theforest on the margin of a beautiful brook, where rice, tea, and beef, were speedily boiled and smoking on the mats. When I was about tostretch my weary limbs for the night on the ground, my boy gave meanother instance of Ibrahim's true and heedful hospitality, byproducing a grass hammock he had secretly ordered to be packed amongmy baggage. With a hammock and a horse I was on velvet in the forest!

Delicious sleep curtained my swinging couch between two splendidcotton-woods until midnight, when the arm of our Fullah chief wassuddenly laid on my shoulder with a whispered call to prepare fordefence or flight. As I leaped to the ground the caravan was alreadyafoot, though the profoundest silence prevailed throughout the warycrowd. The watch announced strangers in our neighborhood, and twoguides had been despatched immediately to reconnoitre the forest. This was all the information they could give me. 

The native party was fully prepared and alert with spears, lances, bows and arrows. I commanded my own men to re-prime their muskets, pistols, and rifles; so that, when the guides returned with a reportthat the intruders were supposed to form a party of fugitive slaves, we were ready for our customers. 

Their capture was promptly determined. Some proposed we should delaytill daylight; but Ali-Ninpha, who was a sagacious old fighter, thought it best to complete the enterprise by night, especially as thesavages kept up a smouldering fire in the midst of their sleepinggroup, which would serve to guide us. 

Our little band was immediately divided into two squads, one under thelead of the Fullah, and the other commanded by Ali-Ninpha. The Fullahwas directed to make a circuit until he got in the rear of the slaves, while Ali-Ninpha, at a concerted signal, began to advance towards themfrom our camp. Half an hour probably elapsed before a faint call, likethe cry of a child, was heard in the distant forest, upon which thesquad of my landlord fell on all-fours, and crawled cautiously, likecats, through the short grass and brushwood, in the direction of thesound. The sleepers were quickly surrounded. The Mandingo gave thesignal as soon as the ends of the two parties met and completed thecircle; and, in an instant, every one of the runaways, except two, wasin the grasp of a warrior, with a cord around his throat. Fourteencaptives were brought into camp. The eldest of the party alleged thatthey belonged to the chief of Tamisso, a town on our path to Timbo, and were bound to the coast for sale. On their way to the _foreign_factories, which they were exceedingly anxious to reach, their ownerdied, so that they came under the control of his brother, whothreatened to change their destination, and sell them in the interior. In consequence of this they fled; and, as their master would surelyslay them if restored to Tamisso, they besought us with tears not totake them thither. 

Another council was called, for we were touched by the earnest mannerof the negroes. Ali-Ninpha and the Fullah were of opinion that thespoil was fairly ours, and should be divided in proportion to the menin both parties. Yet, as our road passed by the objectionable town, itwas impossible to carry the slaves along, either in justice toourselves or them. In this strait, which puzzled the Africans sorely, I came to their relief, by suggesting their dispatch to my factorywith orders for the payment of their value in merchandise. 

The proposal was quickly assented to as the most feasible, and ourfourteen captives were at once divided into two gangs, of seven each. Hoops of bamboo were soon clasped round their waists, while theirhands were tied by stout ropes to the hoops. A long tether was thenpassed with a slip-knot through each rattan belt, so that the slaveswere firmly secured to each other, while a small coil was employed tolink them more securely in a band by their necks. These extremeprecautions were needed, because we dared not diminish our party toguard the gang. Indeed, Ali-Ninpha was only allowed the twointerpreters and four of my armed people as his escort to Kya, where, it was agreed, he should deliver the captives to Ibrahim, to beforwarded to my factory, while he hastened to rejoin us at the riverSanghu, where we designed tarrying. 

For three days we journeyed through the forest, passing occasionallyalong the beds of dried-up streams and across lonely tracts of woodwhich seemed never to have been penetrated, save by the solitary pathwe were treading. As we were anxious to be speedily reunited with ourcompanions, our steps were not hastened; so that, at the end of thethird day, we had not advanced more than thirty miles from the sceneof capture, when we reached a small _Mandingo_ village, recently builtby an upstart trader, who, with the common envy and pride of histribe, gave our _Fullah_ caravan a frigid reception. A single hut wasassigned to the chief and myself for a dwelling, and the rage of theMahometan may readily be estimated by an insult that would doom him tosleep beneath the same roof with a Christian!

I endeavored to avert an outburst by apprising the Mandingo that I wasa bosom friend of Ali-Ninpha, his countryman and superior, and beggedthat he would suffer the "head-man" of our caravan to dwell in ahouse _alone_. But the impudent _parvenu_ sneered at my advice; "heknew no such person as Ali-Ninpha, and cared not a snap of his fingerfor a Fullah chief, or a beggarly white man!"

My body-servant was standing by when this tart reply fell from theMandingo's lips, and, before I could stop the impetuous youth, heanswered the trader with as gross an insult as an African can utter. To this the Mandingo replied by a blow over the boy's shoulders withthe flat of a cutlass; and, in a twinkling, there was a general shoutfor "rescue" from all my party who happened to witness the scene. Fullahs, Mandingoes, and Soosoos dashed to the spot, with spears, guns, and arrows. The Fullah chief seized my double-barrelled gun andfollowed the crowd; and when he reached the spot, seeing the traderstill waving his cutlass in a menacing manner, he pulled both triggersat the inhospitable savage. Fortunately, however, it was always mycustom on arriving in _friendly_ towns, to remove the copper caps frommy weapons, so that, when the hammers fell, the gun was silent. Beforethe Fullah could club the instrument and prostrate the insulter, Irushed between them to prevent murder. This I was happy enough tosucceed in; but I could not deter the rival tribe from binding thebrute, hand and foot, to a post in the centre of his town, while themajority of our caravan cleared the settlement at once of its fifty orsixty inhabitants. 

Of course, we appropriated the dwellings as we pleased, and suppliedourselves with provisions. Moreover, it was thought preferable to waitin this village for Ali-Ninpha, than to proceed onwards towards theborders of the Sanghu. When he arrived, on the second day after thesad occurrence, he did not hesitate to exercise the prerogative ofjudgment and condemnation always claimed by superior chiefs overinferiors, whenever they consider themselves slighted or wronged. Theprocess in this case was calmly and humanely formed. A regular trialwas allowed the culprit. He was arraigned on three charges:--1. Wantof hospitality; 2. Cursing and maltreating a Fullah chief and a whiteMongo; 3. Disrespect to the name and authority of his countryman andsuperior, Ali-Ninpha. On all these articles the prisoner was foundguilty; but, as there were neither slaves nor personal property bywhich the ruffian could be mulcted for his crimes, the tribunaladjudged him to be scourged with fifty lashes, and to have his"town-fence or stockade destroyed, never to be rebuilt. " The blowswere inflicted for the abuse, but the perpetual demolition of hisdefensive barrier was in punishment for refused hospitality. Such isthe summary process by which social virtues are inculcated andenforced among these interior tribes of Africa!

 * * * * *

It required three days for our refreshed caravan to reach the dry andprecipitous bed of the Sanghu, which I found impossible to pass withmy horse, in consequence of jagged rocks and immense boulders thatcovered its channel. But the men were resolved that my convenientanimal should not be left behind. Accordingly, all hands went to workwith alacrity on the trees, and in a day, they bridged the ravine withlogs bound together by ropes made from twisted bark. Across this frailand swaying fabric I urged the horse with difficulty; but hardly hadhe reached the opposite bank, and recovered from his nervous tremor, when I was surprised by an evident anxiety in the beast to return tohis swinging pathway. The guides declared it to be an instinctivewarning of danger from wild beasts with which the region is filled;and, even while we spoke, two of the scouts who were in advanceselecting ground for our camp, returned with the carcasses of a deerand leopard. Though meat had not passed our lips for five days, wewere in no danger of starvation; the villages teemed with fruits andvegetables. Pine-apples, bananas, and a pulpy globe resembling thepeach in form and flavor, quenched our thirst and satisfied ourhunger. 

Besides these, our greedy natives foraged in the wilderness fornourishment unknown, or at least unused, by civilized folks. Theyfound comfort in barks of various trees, as well as in buds, berries, and roots, some of which they devoured raw, while others were eitherboiled or made into palatable decoctions with water that gurgled fromevery hill. The broad valleys and open country supplied animal andvegetable "delicacies" which a white man would pass unnoticed. Many atime, when I was as hungry as a wolf, I found my vagabonds in a nookof the woods, luxuriating over a mess with the unctuous lips ofaldermen; but when I came to analyze the stew, I generally found it toconsist of a "witch's cauldron, " copiously filled with snails, lizards, iguanas, frogs and alligators!

CHAPTER XX. 

A journey to the interior of Africa would be a rural jaunt, were itnot so often endangered by the perils of war. The African may fairlybe characterized as a shepherd, whose pastoral life is varied by alittle agriculture, and the conflicts into which he is seduced, eitherby family quarrels, or the natural passions of his blood. His country, though uncivilized, is not so absolutely wild as is generallysupposed. The gradual extension of Mahometanism throughout theinterior is slowly but evidently modifying the Negro. An AfricanMussulman is _still_ a warrior, for the dissemination of faith as wellas for the gratification of avarice; yet the Prophet's laws are somuch more genial than the precepts of paganism, that, within the lasthalf century, the humanizing influence of the Koran is acknowledged byall who are acquainted with the interior tribes. 

But in all the changes that may come over the spirit of _man_ inAfrica, her magnificent external _nature_ will for ever remain thegame. A little labor teems with vast returns. The climate exactsnothing but shade from the sun and shelter from the storm. Itsoppressive heat forbids a toilsome industry, and almost enforcesindolence as a law. With every want supplied, without the allurementsof social rivalry, without the temptations of national ambition orpersonal pride, what has the African to do in his forest of palm andcocoa, --his grove of orange, pomegranate and fig, --on his mat ofcomfortable repose, where the fruit stoops to his lips without astruggle for the prize, --save to brood over, or gratify, the electricpassions with which his soul seems charged to bursting!

It is an interesting task to travel through a continent filled withsuch people, whose minds are just beginning, here and there, to emergefrom the vilest heathenism, and to glimmer with a faith that bearswrapped in its unfolded leaves, the seeds of a modified civilization. 

 * * * * *

As I travelled in the "dry season, " I did not encounter many of thediscomforts that beset the African wayfarer in periods of rain andtempest. I was not obliged to flounder through lagoons, or swimagainst the current of perilous rivers. We met their traces almostevery day; and, in many places, the soil was worn into parched ravinesor the tracks of dried-up torrents. Whatever affliction I experiencedarose from the wasting depression of heat. We did not suffer from lackof water or food, for the caravan of the ALI-MAMI commanded implicitobedience throughout our journey. 

In the six hundred miles I traversed, whilst absent from the coast, mymemory, after twenty-six years, leads me, from beginning to end, through an almost continuous forest-path. We struck a trail when westarted, and we left it when we came home. It was rare, indeed, toencounter a cross road, except when it led to neighboring villages, water, or cultivated fields. So dense was the forest foliage, that weoften walked for hours in shade without a glimpse of the sun. Theemerald light that penetrated the wood, bathed every thing it touchedwith mellow refreshment. But we were repaid for this partial bliss byintense suffering when we came forth from the sanctuary into the barevalleys, the arid _barrancas_, and marshy _savannas_ of an openregion. There, the red eye of the African sun glared with mercilessfervor. Every thing reflected its rays. They struck us like lancesfrom above, from below, from the sides, from the rocks, from thefields, from the stunted herbage, from the bushes. All was glare! Oureyes seemed to simmer in their sockets. Whenever the path followedthe channel of a brook, whose dried torrents left bare the scorchedand broken rocks, our feet fled from the ravine as from heated iron. Frequently we entered extensive _prairies_, covered with blades ofsword-grass, tall as our heads, whose jagged edges tore us like saws, though we protected our faces with masks of wattled willows. And yet, after all these discomforts, how often are my dreams haunted bycharming pictures of natural scenery that have fastened themselves forever in my memory!

As the traveller along the coast turns the prow of his canoe throughthe surf, and crosses the angry bar that guards the mouth of anAfrican river, he suddenly finds himself moving calmly onward betweensedgy shores, buried in mangroves. Presently, the scene expands in theunruffled mirror of a deep, majestic stream. Its lofty banks arecovered by innumerable varieties of the tallest forest trees, fromwhoso summits a trailing network of vines and flowers floats down andsweeps the passing current. A stranger who beholds this scenery forthe first time is struck by the immense size, the prolific abundance, and gorgeous verdure of every thing. Leaves, large enough forgarments, lie piled and motionless in the lazy air: The bamboo andcane shake their slender spears and pennant leaves as the streamripples among their roots. Beneath the massive trunks of forest trees, the country opens; and, in vistas through the wood, the traveller seesinnumerable fields lying fallow in grass, or waving with harvests ofrice and _cassava_, broken by golden clusters of Indian corn. Anon, groups of oranges, lemons, coffee-trees, plantains and bananas, arecrossed by the tall stems of cocoas, and arched by the broad anddrooping coronals of royal palm. Beyond this, capping the summit of ahill, may be seen the conical huts of natives, bordered by freshpastures dotted with flocks of sheep and goats, or covered by numbersof the sleekest cattle. As you leave the coast, and shoot round theriver-curves of this fragrant wilderness teeming with flowers, vocalwith birds, and gay with their radiant plumage, you plunge into theinterior, where the rising country slowly expands into hills andmountains. 

The forest is varied. Sometimes it is a matted pile of tree vine, andbramble, obscuring every thing, and impervious save with knife andhatchet. At others, it is a Gothic temple. The sward spreads openlyfor miles on every side, while, from its even surface, the trunks ofstraight and massive trees rise to a prodigious height, clear fromevery obstruction, till their gigantic limbs, like the capitals ofcolumns, mingle their foliage in a roof of perpetual verdure. 

At length the hills are reached, and the lowland heat is tempered bymountain freshness. The scene that may be beheld from almost anyelevation, is always beautiful, and sometimes grand. Forest, ofcourse, prevails; yet, with a glass, and often by the unaided eye, gentle hills, swelling from the wooded landscape, may be seen coveredwith native huts, whose neighborhood is checkered with patches ofsward and cultivation, and inclosed by massive belts of primevalwildness. Such is commonly the westward view; but north and east, asfar as vision extends, noble outlines of hill and mountain may betraced against the sky, lapping each other with their mighty folds, until they fade away in the azure horizon. 

When a view like this is beheld at morning, in the neighborhood ofrivers, a dense mist will be observed lying beneath the spectator in asolid stratum, refracting the light now breaking from the east. Hereand there, in this lake of vapor, the tops of hills peer up like greenislands in a golden sea. But, ere you have time to let fancy run riot, the "cloud compelling" orb lifts its disc over the mountains, and thefogs of the valley, like ghosts at cock-crow, flit from the dells theyhave haunted since nightfall. Presently, the sun is out in histerrible splendor. Africa unveils to her master, and the blue sky andgreen forest blaze and quiver with his beams. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

I felt so much the lack of scenery in my narrative, that I thought itwell to group in a few pages the African pictures I have given in thelast chapter. My story had too much of the bareness of the Greekstage, and I was conscious that landscape, as well as action, wasrequired to mellow the subject and relieve it from tedium. After ourdash through the wilderness, let us return to the slow toil of thecaravan. 

Four days brought us to Tamisso from our last halt. We camped on thecopious brook that ran near the town-walls, and while Ali-Ninphathought proper to compliment the chief, Mohamedoo, by a formalannouncement of our arrival, the caravan made ready for reception bycopious, but _needed_, ablutions of flesh and raiment. The women, especially, were careful in adorning and heightening their charms. Wool was combed to its utmost rigidity; skins were greased till theyshone like polished ebony; ankles and arms were restrung with beads;and loins were girded with snowy waist-cloths. Ali-Ninpha knew thepride of his old Mandingo companions, and was satisfied that Mohamedoowould have been mortified had we surprised him within the precincts ofhis court, squatted, perhaps, on a dirty mat with a female scratchinghis head! Ali-Ninpha was a prudent gentleman, and knew the differencebetween the private and public lives of his illustrious countrymen!

In the afternoon our interpreters returned to camp with Mohamedoo'sson, accompanied by a dozen women carrying platters of boiled rice, calabashes filled with delicate sauce, and abundance of _ture_, orvegetable butter. A beautiful horse was also despatched for mytriumphal entry into town. 

The food was swallowed with an appetite corresponding to our recentpenitential fare; the tents were struck; and the caravan was forthwithadvanced towards Tamisso. All the noise we could conveniently make, byway of _music_, was, of course, duly attempted. Interpreters andguides went ahead, discharging guns. Half a dozen tom-toms were struckwith uncommon rapidity and vigor, while the unctuous women set up achorus of melody that would not have disgraced a band of "EthiopianMinstrels. "

Half-way to the town our turbulent mob was met by a troop of musicianssent out by the chief to greet us with song and harp. I was quicklysurrounded by the singers, who chanted the most fulsome praise of theopulent Mongo, while a court-fool or buffoon insisted on leading myhorse, and occasionally wiping my face with his filthy handkerchief!

Presently we reached the gates, thronged by pressing crowds of curiousburghers. Men, women, and children, had all come abroad to see theimmense _Furtoo_, or white man, and appeared as much charmed by thespectacle as if I had been a banished patriot. I was forced todismount at the low wicket, but here the _empressement_ of myinquisitive hosts became so great, that the "nation's guest" wasforced to pause until some amiable bailiffs modified the amazement oftheir fellow-citizens by staves and whips. 

I lost no time in the lull, while relieved from the mob, to passonward to "the palace" of Mohamedoo, which, like all royal residencesin Africa, consisted of a mud-walled quadrangular inclosure, with asmall gate, a large court, and a quantity of _adobe_ huts, surroundedby shady verandahs. The furniture, mats, and couches were of cane, while wooden platters, brass kettles, and common wash-basins, werespread out in every direction for show and service. 

On a coach, covered with several splendid leopard skins, reclinedMohamedoo, awaiting my arrival with as much stateliness as if he hadbeen a scion of civilized royalty. The chief was a man of sixty atleast. His corpulent body was covered with short Turkish trousers, anda large Mandingo shirt profusely embroidered with red and yellowworsted. His bald or shaved head was concealed by a light turban, while a long white beard stood out in relief against his tawny skin, and hung down upon his breast. Ali-Ninpha presented me formally tothis personage, who got up, shook hands, "snapped fingers, " andwelcomed me thrice. My Fullah chief and Mandingo companion thenproceeded to "_make their dantica_, " or declare the purpose of theirvisit; but when they announced that I was the guest of the FullahAli-Mami, and, accordingly, was _entitled_ to free passage every wherewithout expense, I saw that the countenance of the veteran instantlyfell, and that his welcome was dashed by the loss of a heavy dutywhich he designed exacting for my transit. 

The sharp eye of Ali-Ninpha was not slow in detecting Mohamedoo'sdispleasure; and, as I had previously prepared him in private, he tookan early opportunity to whisper in the old man's ear, that Don Téodoreknew he was compelled to journey through Tamisso, and, of course, hadnot come empty-handed. My object, he said, in visiting this region andthe territory of the Fullah king, was not idle curiosity alone; butthat I was prompted by a desire for liberal trade, and especially forthe purchase of slaves to load the numerous vessels I had lingering onthe coast, with immense cargoes of cloth, muskets, and powder. 

The clouds were dispersed as soon as a hint was thrown out abouttraffic. The old sinner nodded like a mandarin who knew what he wasabout, and, rising as soon as the adroit whisperer had finished, tookme by the hand, and in a loud voice, presented me to the people as his"_beloved son_!" Besides this, the best house within the royalinclosure was fitted with fresh comforts for my lodging. When theFullah chief withdrew from the audience, Ali-Ninpha brought in themistress of Mohamedoo's harem, who acted as his confidential clerk, and we speedily handed over the six pieces of cotton and an abundantsupply of tobacco with which I designed to propitiate her lord andmaster. 

Tired of the dust, crowd, heat, confinement and curiosity of anAfrican town, I was glad to gulp down my supper of broiled chickensand milk, preparatory to a sleepy attack on my couch of rushes spreadwith mats and skins. Yet, before retiring for the night, I thought itwell to refresh my jaded frame by a bath, which the prince had orderedto be prepared in a small court behind my chamber. But I grieve tosay, that my modesty was put to a sore trial, when I began to unrobe. Locks and latches are unknown in this free-and-easy region. It hadbeen noised abroad among the dames of the harem, that the _Furtoo_would probably perform his ablutions before he slept; so that, when Ientered the yard, my tub was surrounded by as many inquisitive eyes asthe dinner table of Louis the Fourteenth, when sovereigns dined inpublic. As I could not speak their language, I made all the pantomimicsigns of graceful supplication that commonly soften the hearts of thesex on the stage, hoping, by dumb-show, to secure my privacy. Butgestures and grimace were unavailing. I then made hold to take off myshirt, leaving my nether garments untouched. Hitherto, the dames hadseen only my bronzed face and hands, but when the snowy pallor of mybreast and back was unveiled, many of them fled incontinently, shouting to their friends to "come and see the _peeled Furtoo_!" Anancient crone, the eldest of the crew, ran her hand roughly across thefairest portion of my bosom, and looking at her fingers with disgust, as if I reeked with leprosy, wiped them on the wall. As displeasureseemed to predominate over admiration, I hoped this experiment wouldhave satisfied the inquest, but, as black curiosity exceeds allothers, the wenches continued to linger, chatter, grin and feel, untilI was forced to disappoint their anxiety for further disclosures, byan abrupt "good night. "

We tarried in Tamisso three days to recruit, during which I wasliberally entertained on the prince's hospitable mat, where Africanstews of relishing flavor, and tender fowls smothered in snowy rice, regaled me at least twice in every twenty-four hours. Mohamedoo fedme with an European silver spoon, which, he said, came from among theeffects of a traveller who, many years before, died far in theinterior. In all his life, he had seen but _four_ of our race withinthe walls of Tamisso. Their names escaped his memory; but the last, hedeclared, was a poor and clever youth, probably from Senegal, whofollowed a powerful caravan, and "read the Koran like a _mufti_. "

Tamisso was entirely surrounded by a tall double fence of pointedposts. The space betwixt the inclosures, which were about seven feetapart, was thickly planted with smaller spear-headed staves, hardenedby fire. If the first fence was leaped by assailants, they met a cruelreception from those impaling sentinels. Three gates affordedadmission to different sections of the town, but the passage throughthem consisted of zig-zags, with loopholes cut judiciously in theangles, so as to command every point of access to the narrow streetsof the suburbs. 

The parting between Mohamedoo and myself was friendly in the extreme. Provisions for four days were distributed by the prince to thecaravan, and he promised that my return should be welcomed by anabundant supply of slaves. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

As our caravan approached the Fullah country, and got into the higherlands, where the air was invigorating, I found its pace improved somuch that we often exceeded twenty miles in our daily journey. Thenext important place we were to approach was Jallica. For three days, our path coasted the southern edge of a mountain range, whosedeclivities and valleys were filled with rivers, brooks, andstreamlets, affording abundant irrigation to fields teeming withvegetable wealth. The population was dense. Frequent caravans, withcattle and slaves, passed us on their way to various marts. Oursupplies of food were plentiful. A leaf of tobacco purchased a fowl; acharge of powder obtained a basin of milk, or a dozen of eggs; and alarge sheep cost only six cents, or a quart of salt. 

Five days after quitting Tamisso, our approach to Jallica wasannounced; and here, as at our last resting-place, it was deemedproper to halt half a day for notice and ablution before entering acity, whose chief--SUPHIANA--was a kinsman of Ali-Ninpha. 

The distance from our encampment to the town was about three miles;but an hour had hardly elapsed after our arrival, when the deep boomof the war-drum gave token that our message had been received withwelcome. I was prepared, in some measure, for a display of no ordinarycharacter at Jallica, because my Mandingo friend, Ali-Ninpha, inhabited the town in his youth, and had occupied a position whichgave importance to his name throughout Soolimana. The worthy fellowhad been absent many years from Jallica, and wept like a child when heheard the sound of the war-drum. Its discordant beat had the sameeffect on the savage that the sound of their village bells has on thespirit of returning wanderers in civilized lands. When the rattle ofthe drum was over, he told me that for five years he controlled thatvery instrument in Jallica, during which it had never sounded aretreat or betokened disaster. In peace it was never touched, save forpublic rejoicing; and the authorities allowed it to be beaten _now_only because an old commander of the tribe was to be received with thehonors due to his rank and service. Whilst we were still conversing, Suphiana's lance-bearer made his appearance, and, with a profound_salaam_, announced that the "gates of Jallica were open to theMandingo and his companions. "

No _fanda_ or refreshments were sent with the welcome; but when thecaravan got within fifty yards of the walls, a band of shoutingwarriors marched forth, and lifting Ali-Ninpha on their shoulders, bore him through the gates, singing war-songs, accompanied by allsorts of music and hubbub. 

I had purposely lingered with my men in the rear of the great body ofAfricans, so that nearly the whole caravan passed the portal before mycomplexion--though deeply bronzed by exposure--made me known to thecrowd as a white man. 

Then, instantly, the air rang with the sound of--"Furtoo! Furtoo!Furtoo!"--and the gate was slammed in our faces, leaving us completelyexcluded from guide and companions. But, in the midst of his exultantreception, Ali-Ninpha did not forget the Mongo of Kambia. Hardly hadhe attained the end of the street, when he heard the cry of exclusion, and observed the closing portal. By this time, my Fullah friend hadwrought himself into an examplary fit of Oriental rage with theinhospitable Mandingoes, so that I doubt very much whether he wouldnot have knocked the dust from his sandals on the gate of Jallica, hadnot Ali-Ninpha rushed through the wicket, and commanding the portalto be reopened, apologized contritely to the Mahometan and myself. 

This unfortunate mistake, or accident, not only caused considerabledelay, but rather dampened the delight of our party as it defiled inthe spacious square of Jallica, and entered the open shed which wascalled a "_palaver-house_. " Its vast area was densely packed with afragrant crowd of old and young, armed with muskets or spears. Allwore knives or cutlasses, slung by a belt high up on their necks;while, in their midst surrounded by a court of veterans, stoodSuphiana, the prince, waiting our arrival. 

In front marched Ali-Ninpha, preceded by a numerous band of shriekingand twanging minstrels. As he entered the apartment, Suphiana arose, drew his sword, and embracing the stranger with his left arm, wavedthe shining blade over his head, with the other. This peculiar_accolade_ was imitated by each member of the royal council; while, inthe centre of the square, the war-drum, --a hollowed tree, four feet indiameter, covered with hides, --was beaten by two savages withslung-shot, until its thundering reverberations completely deafenedus. 

You may imagine my joy and comfort when I saw the Mandingo take a seatnear the prince, as a signal for the din's cessation. This, however, was only the commencement of another prolonged ceremonial; for nowbegan the royal review and salute in honor of the returned commander. During two hours, an uninterrupted procession of all the warriors, chiefs, and head-men of Jallica, defiled in front of the ancientdrum-major; and, as each approached, he made his obeisance by pointinga spear or weapon at my landlord's feet. During this I remained onhorseback without notice or relief from the authorities. Ali-Ninpha, however, saw my impatient discomfort, and once or twice despatched asly message to preserve my good humor. The ceremony was one ofabsolute compulsion, and could not be avoided without discourtesy tothe prince and his countrymen. As soon as he could escape, however, hehastened over the court-yard to assist me in dismounting; and dashingthe rude crowd right and left, led me to his kinsman Suphiana. Theprince extended his royal hand in token of amity; Ali-Ninpha declaredme to be his "son;" while the long string of compliments andpanegyrics he pronounced upon my personal qualities, moral virtues, and _wealth_, brought down a roar of grunts by way of applause fromthe toad-eating courtiers. 

 * * * * *

Jallica was a fairer town than any I had hitherto encountered in mytravels. Its streets were wider, its houses better, its people morecivil. No one intruded on the friend of Ali-Ninpha, and guest ofSuphiana. I bathed without visits from inquisitive females. My housewas my castle; and, when I stirred abroad, two men preceded me withrattans to keep my path clear from women and children. 

After lounging about quietly for a couple of days, wearing awayfatigue, and getting rid of the stains of travel, I thought itadvisable to drop in one morning, unannounced, after breakfast, atSuphiana's with the presents that are customary in the east. As theguest, --during my whole journey, --of the Ali-Mami, or King ofFootha-Yallon, I was entirely exempt by customary law from thisspecies of tax, nor would my Fullah protector have allowed me to offera tribute had he known it;--yet, I always took a secret opportunity topresent a _voluntary gift_, for I wished my memory to smell sweetalong my track in Africa. Suphiana fully appreciated my generosityunder the circumstances, and returned the civility by an invitation todinner at the house of his principal wife. When the savory feast withwhich he regaled me was over, female singers were introduced for aconcert. Their harps were triangles of wood, corded with fibres ofcane; their banjoes consisted of gourds covered with skin pierced byholes, and strung like the harps; but, I confess, that I can neitherrave nor go into ecstasies over the combined effect which saluted mefrom such instruments or such voices. I was particularly struck, however, by one of their inventions, which slightly resembles the_harmonica_ I have seen played by children in this country. A board, about two feet square, was bordered by a light frame at two ends, across which a couple of cane strings were tightly stretched. Onthese, strips of nicely trimmed bamboo, gradually diminishing in sizefrom left to right, were placed; whilst beneath them, seven gourds, also gradually decreasing, were securely fastened to mellow the sound. The instrument was carried by a strap round the player's neck, and wasstruck by two small wooden hammers softened by some delicatesubstance. 

One of the prettiest girls in the bevy had charge of this Africanpiano, and was said to be renowned for uncommon skill. Her feet, hands, wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees, were strung with smallsilvery bells; and, as the gay damsel was dancer and singer as well asmusician, she seemed to reek with sound from every pore. Many of herattitudes would probably have been, at least, more picturesque anddecent for drapery; but, in Jallica, MADOO, the _ayah_, was considereda Mozart in composition, a Lind in melody, and a Taglioni on the"light fantastic toe!"

When the performance closed, Suphiana presented her a slave; and, asshe made an obeisance to me in passing, I handed her my _bowie-knife_, promising to redeem it at my lodgings with _ten pounds of tobacco_!

 * * * * *

Some superstitious notions about the state of the moon prevented myFullah guide from departing as soon as I desired; but while we weredallying with the planet, Ali-Ninpha became so ill that he wascompelled to halt and end the journey in his favorite Jallica. Irather suspected the Mandingo to feign more suffering than he reallyexperienced, and I soon discovered that his malady was nothing but asham. In truth, Ali-Ninpha had duped so many Fullah traders on thebeach, and owed them the value of so many slaves, that he found itextremely inconvenient; if not perilous, to enter the domain of theALI-MAMI OF FOOTHA-YALLON!

CHAPTER XXIII. 

A messenger was despatched from Jallica, in advance of our departure, to announce our approach to Timbo. For six days more, our path ledover hill and dale, and through charming valleys, fed by gentlestreamlets that nourished the vigorous vegetation of a mountain land. 

As we crossed the last summits that overlooked the territory ofFootha-Yallon, a broad _plateau_, whence a wide range of country mightbe beheld, was filled with bands of armed men, afoot and on horseback, while a dozen animals were held in tether by their gayly dressedattendants. I dashed to the head of the caravan on my jaded beast, andreached it just in time to find the sable arms of Ahmah-de-Bellahopening to greet me! The generous youth, surrounded by his friends andescorted by a select corps of soldiers and slaves, had come thus faron the path to offer the prince's welcome!

I greeted the Mahometan with the fervor of ancient love; and, in amoment, we were all dismounted and on our knees; while, at a signalfrom the chief, profound silence reigned throughout the troop andcaravan. Every eye was turned across the distant plain to the east. Anair of profoundest devotion subdued the multitude, and, in a loudchant, Ahmah-de-Bellah, with outstretched arms and upraised face, sangforth a psalm of gratitude to Allah for the safety of his "brother. "

The surprise of this complimentary reception was not only delightfulas an evidence of African character among these more civilized tribesof the Mahometan interior, but it gave me an assurance of security andtrade, which was very acceptable to one so far within the bowels ofthe land. We were still a day's journey from the capital. Ahmah-de-Bellah declared it impossible, with all the diligence wecould muster, to reach Timbo without another halt. Nevertheless, as hewas extremely solicitous to bring us to our travel's end, he not onlysupplied my personal attendants with fresh horses, but orderedcarriers from his own guard to charge themselves with the entireluggage of our caravan. 

Thus relieved of burden, our party set forth on the path in a brisktrot, and resting after dark for several hours in a village, weentered Timbo unceremoniously before daybreak while its inhabitantswere still asleep. 

I was immediately conducted to a house specially built for me, surrounded by a high wall to protect my privacy from intrusion. Within, I found a careful duplicate of all the humble comforts in mydomicil on the Rio Pongo. Tables, sofas, plates, knives, forks, tumblers, pitchers, basins, --had all been purchased by my friend, andforwarded for this establishment, from other factories without myknowledge; while the centre of the main apartment was decorated withan "American rocking-chair, " which the natives had ingeniouslycontrived of rattans and bamboo! Such pleasant evidences of refinedattention were more remarkable and delicate, because most of thearticles are not used by Mahometans. "These, I hope, " saidAhmah-de-Bellah, as he led me to a seat, "will make you comparativelycomfortable while you please to dwell with your brother in Timbo. Youhave no thanks to return, because I have not treated you like a_native_ Mussulman; for you were kind enough to remember all my ownlittle nationalities when I was your guest on the beach. ALLAH bepraised for your redemption and arrival;--and so, brother, take yourrest in peace within the realm of the Ali-Mami, your father!"

I embraced the generous fellow with as much cordiality as if he hadbeen a kinsman from the sweet valley of Arno. During his visit to myfactory he was particularly charmed with an old dressing-gown I usedfor my siestas, and when I resolved on this journey, I caused animproved copy of it to be made by one of the most skilful artists onthe river. A flashy pattern of calico was duly cut into rather amplerform than is usual among our dandies. This was charmingly lined withsky-blue, and set off at the edges with broad bands of glaring yellow. The effect of the whole, indeed, was calculated to strike an Africanfancy; so that, when I drew the garment from my luggage, and threw it, together with a fine white ruffled shirt, over the shoulders of "mybrother, " I thought the pious Mussulman would have gone wild withdelight. He hugged me a dozen times with the gripe of a tiger, andprobably would have kissed quite as lustily, had I not deprecated anyfurther ebullitions of bodily gratitude. 

A bath erased not only the dust of travel from my limbs, but seemed toextract even the memory of its toils from my bones and muscles. Ahmah-de-Bellah intimated that the Ali-Mami would soon be prepared toreceive me without ceremony. The old gentleman was confined by dropsyin his lower extremities, and probably found it uncomfortable tosustain the annoyance of public life except when absolutely necessary. The burden of my entertainment and glorification, therefore, was caston the shoulders of his younger kinsfolk, for which, I confess, I wasproportionally grateful. Accordingly, when I felt perfectly refreshed, I arose from my matted sofa, and dressing for the first time in morethan a month in a perfectly clean suit, I donned a snowy shirt, a pairof dashing drills, Parisian pumps, and a Turkish _fez_, tipped with acopious tassel. Our interpreters were clad in fresh Mandingo dressesadorned with extra embroidery. My body-servant was ordered to appearin a cast-off suit of my own; so that, when I gave one mydouble-barrelled gun to carry, and armed the others with my pistols, and a glittering regulation-sword, --designed as a gift for theAli-Mami, --I presented a very respectable and picturesque appearancefor a gentleman abroad on his travels in the East. The moment I issuedwith my train from the house, a crowd of Fullahs was ready to receiveme with exclamations of chattering surprise; still I was not annoyed, as elsewhere, by the unfailing concourse that followed my footsteps orclogged my pathway. 

The "palace" of the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon, like all Africanpalaces in this region, was an _adobe_ hovel, surrounded by itsportico shed, and protected by a wall from the intrusion of the commonherd. In front of the dwelling, beneath the shelter of the verandah, on a fleecy pile of sheepskin mats, reclined the veteran, whoseswollen and naked feet were undergoing a cooling process from thepalm-leaf fans of female slaves. I marched up boldly in front of himwith my military _suite_, and, making a profound _salaam_, waspresented by Ahmah-de-Bellah as his "white brother. " The Ali at onceextended both hands, and, grasping mine, drew me beside him on thesheepskin. Then, looking intently over my face and into the very depthof my eyes, he asked gently with a smile--"what was my name?"

"AHMAH-DE-BELLAH!" replied I, after the fashion of the country. As Iuttered the Mahometan appellation, for which I had exchanged my ownwith his son at Kambia, the old man, who still held my hands, put oneof his arms round my waist, and pressed me still closer to hisside;--then, lifting both arms extended to heaven, he repeated severaltimes, --"God is great! God is great! God is great!--and Mahomet is hisProphet!"

This was followed by a grand inquest in regard to myself and history. Who was my father? Who was my mother? How many brothers had I? Werethey warriors? Were they "book-men?" Why did I travel so far? Whatdelay would I make in Footha-Yallon? Was my dwelling comfortable? HadI been treated with honor, respect and attention on my journey? And, last of all, the prince sincerely hoped that I would find itconvenient to dwell with him during the whole of the "rainy season. "

Several times, in the midst of these interrogations, the patriarchgroaned, and I could perceive, from the pain that flitted like ashadow over the nerves and muscles of his face, that he was sufferingseverely, and, of course, I cut the interview as short as orientaletiquette would allow. He pressed me once more to his bosom, andspeaking to the interpreter, bade him tell his master, the Furtoo, that any thing I fancied in the realm was mine. Slaves, horses, cattle, stuffs, --all were at my disposal. Then, pointing to his son, he said: "Ahmah-de-Bellah, the white man is our guest; his brotherwill take heed for his wants, and redress every complaint. "

The prince was a man of sixty at least. His stature was noble andcommanding, if not absolutely gigantic, --_being several inches oversix feet_, --while his limbs and bulk were in perfect proportion. Hisoval head, of a rich mahogany color, was quite bald to the temples, and covered by a turban, whose ends depended in twin folds along hischeeks. The contour of his features was remarkably regular, though hislips were rather full, and his nose somewhat flat, yet free from thedisgusting depression and cavities of the negro race. His forehead washigh and perpendicular, while his mouth glistened with ivory when hespoke or smiled. I had frequent opportunities to talk with the kingafterwards, and was always delighted by the affectionate simplicity ofhis demeanor. As it was the country's custom to educate the first-bornof royalty for the throne, the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon had beenbrought up almost within the precincts of the mosque. I found theprince, therefore, more of a meditative "book-man" than warrior; whilethe rest of his family, and especially his younger brothers, had neverbeen exempt from military duties, at home or abroad. Like a goodMussulman, the sovereign was a quiet, temperate gentleman, neverindulging in "bitters" or any thing stronger than a drink fermentedfrom certain roots, and sweetened to resemble _mead_. His intercoursewith me was always affable and solicitous for my comfort; nor did heutter half a dozen sentences without interlarding them with fluentquotations from the Koran. Sometimes, in the midst of a pleasant chatin which he was wondering at my curiosity and taste for informationabout new lands, he would suddenly break off because it was his hourfor prayer; at others, he would end the interview quite asunceremoniously, because it was time for ablution. Thus, betweenpraying, washing, eating, sleeping, slave-dealing, and fanning hisdropsical feet, the life of the Ali-Mami passed monotonously enougheven for an oriental prince; but I doubt not, the same childishroutine is still religiously pursued, unless it has pleased Allah tosummon the faithful prince to the paradise of "true believers. " Icould never make him understand how a ship might be built large enoughto hold provisions for a six months' voyage; and, as to the _sea_, "itwas a mystery that none but God and a white man could solve!"

As I was to breakfast on the day of my arrival at the dwelling ofAhmah-de-Bellah's mother, after my presentation to the prince herhusband, I urged the footsteps of my companion with no littleimpatience as soon as I got out of the royal hearing. My fast had beenrather longer than comfortable, even in obedience to royal etiquette. However, we were soon within the court-yard of her sable ladyship, who, though a dame of fifty at least, persisted in hiding her charms of faceand bosom beneath a capacious cloth. Nevertheless, she welcomed mequite tenderly. She called me "Ahmah-de-Bellah-Theodoree, "--and, withher own hands, mixed the dainties on which we were to breakfast whilecosily squatted on the mats of her verandah. Our food was simple enoughfor the most dyspeptic homoeopathist. Milk and rice were alternatedwith bonney-clabber and honey, seasoned by frequent words of hospitableencouragement. The frugal repast was washed down by calabashes of coolwater, which were handed round by naked damsels, whose beautiful limbsmight have served as models for an artist. 

When the meal was finished, I hoped that the day's ceremonial wasover, but, to my dismay, I discovered that the most formal portion ofmy reception was yet to come. 

"We will now hasten, " said Ahmah-de-Bellah, as I _salaamed_ his mamma, "to the palaver-ground, where I am sure our chiefs are, by this time, impatient to see you. " Had I been a feeble instead of a robustcampaigner, I would not have resisted the intimation, or desired apostponement of the "palaver;" so I "took my brother's" arm, and, followed by my _cortège_, proceeded to the interview that was to takeplace beyond the walls, in an exquisite grove of cotton-wood andtamarind-trees, appropriated to this sort of town-meeting. Here Ifound a vast assemblage of burghers; and in their midst, squatted onsheepskins, was a select ring of _patres conscripti_, presided bySulimani-Ali, son of the king, and brother of my companion. 

As the Fullah presented me to his warrior-kinsman, he rose with aprofound salutation, and taking my hand, led me to a rock, coveredwith a white napkin, --the seat of honor for an eminent stranger. Themoment I was placed, the chiefs sprang up and each one grasped myhand, bidding me welcome _thrice_. Ahmah-de-Bellah stood patientlybeside me until this ceremony was over, and each noble resumed hissheepskin. Then, taking a long cane from the eldest of the group, hestepped forward, saluted the assembly three times, thrice invokedAllah, and introduced me to the chiefs and multitude as his "brother. "I came, he said, to Footha-Yallon on his invitation, and by theexpress consent of his beloved king and father, and of his belovedelder brother, Sulimani. He hoped, therefore, that every "head-man"present would see the rites of hospitality faithfully exercised to hiswhite brother while he dwelt in Footha. There were many reasons thathe could give why this should be done; but he would rest content withstating only three. First of all: I was nearly as good a Mussulman asmany Mandingoes, and he knew the fact, because _he had converted mehimself_! Secondly: I was entitled to every sort of courtesy fromFullahs, because I was a _rich_ trader from the Rio Pongo. And, thirdly: I had penetrated even to this very heart of Africa topurchase slaves for most liberal prices. 

It is the custom in African "palavers, " as well as among Africanreligionists, to give token of assent by a sigh, a groan, a slightexclamation, or a shout, when any thing affecting, agreeable, ortouching is uttered by a speaker. Now, when my Fullah brother informedhis friends of my arrival, my name, my demand for hospitality, and mywealth, the grunts and groans of the assembly augmented in number andvolume as he went on; but when they heard of my design "to purchase_slaves_" a climax was reached at once, and, as with one voice, theyshouted, "May the Lord of heaven be praised!"

I smothered a laugh and strangled a smile as well as I could, when myinterpreters expounded the "stump speech" of Ahmah-de-Bellah; and Ilost no time in directing them to display the presents which some ofmy retainers, in the meanwhile, had brought to the grove. Theyconsisted of several packages of blue and white calicoes, ten yards ofbrilliant scarlet cloth, six kegs of powder, three hundred pounds oftobacco, two strings of amber beads, and six muskets. On a beautifulrug, I set aside the gilded sword and _a package of cantharides_, designed for the king. 

When my arrangement was over, Sulimani took the cane from his brother, and stepping forward, said that the gifts to which he pointed provedthe truth of Ahmah-de-Bellah's words, and that a rich man, indeed, hadcome to Footha-Yallon. Nay, more;--the rich man wanted slaves! Was Inot generous? I was their guest, and owed them no tribute or duties;and yet, had I not _voluntarily_ lavished my presents upon the chiefs?Next day, his father would personally distribute my offering; but, whilst I dwelt in Footha, a bullock and ten baskets of rice shoulddaily be furnished for my caravan's support; and, as every chief wouldpartake my bounty, each one should contribute to my comfort. 

This speech, like the former, was hailed with grunts; but I could nothelp noticing that the vote of supplies was not cheered half aslustily as the announcement of my _largesse_. 

The formalities being over, the inquisitive head-men crowded round thepresents with as much eagerness as aspirants for office at apresidential inauguration. The merchandise was inspected, felt, smelled, counted, measured, and set aside. The rug and the sword, being royal gifts, were delicately handled. But when the vials ofcantharides were unpacked, and their contents announced, each of thechieftains insisted that his majesty should not monopolize the covetedstimulant. A sharp dispute on the subject arose between the princesand the councillors, so that I was forced to interfere through theinterpreters, who could only quiet the rebels by the promise of adozen additional flasks for their private account. 

In the midst of the wrangling, Sulimani and Ahmah ordered theirfather's slaves to carry the gifts to the Ali-Mami's palace; and, taking me between them, we marched, arm in arm, to my domicil. Here Ifound Abdulmomen-Ali, another son of the king, waiting for hisbrothers to present him to the Mongo of Kambia. Abdulmomen wasintroduced as "a learned divine, " and began at once to talk Koran inthe most _mufti_-like manner. I had made such sorry improvement inMahometanism since Ahmah-de-Bellah's departure from the Rio Pongo, that I thought it safest to sit silent, as if under the deepest fervorof Mussulman conviction. I soon found that Abdulmomen, like many moreclergymen, was willing enough to do all the preaching, whenever hefound an unresisting listener. I put on a look of very intelligentassent and thankfulness to all the arguments and commentaries of myblack brother, and in this way I avoided the detection of myignorance, as many a better man has probably done before me!

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Timbo lies on a rolling plain. North of it, a lofty mountain rangerises at the distance of ten or fifteen miles, and sweeps eastwardlyto the horizon. The landscape, which declines from these slopes to thesouth, is in many places bare; yet fields of plentiful cultivation, groves of cotton-wood, tamarind and oak, thickets of shrubbery andfrequent villages, stud its surface, and impart an air of ruralcomfort to the picturesque scene. 

I soon proposed a gallop with my African kindred over theneighborhood; and, one fine morning, after a plentiful breakfast ofstewed fowls, boiled to rags with rice, and seasoned with delicious"palavra sauce, " we cantered off to the distant villages. As weapproached the first brook, but before the fringe of screening busheswas passed, our cavalcade drew rein abruptly, while Ahmah-de-Bellahcried out: "Strangers are coming!" A few moments after, as we slowlycrossed the stream, I noticed several women crouched in the underwood, having fled from the bath. This warning is universally given, andenforced by law, to guard the modesty of the gentler sex. 

In half an hour we reached the first suburban village; but fame hadpreceded us with my character, and as the settlement was cultivatedeither by serfs or negroes liable to be made so, we found the housesbare. The poor wretches had learned, on the day of my reception, thatthe principal object of my journey was to obtain slaves, and, ofcourse, they imagined that the only object of my foray in theirneighborhood, was to seize the gang and bear it abroad in bondage. Accordingly, we tarried only a few minutes in Findo, and dashed off toFuro; but here, too, the blacks had been panic struck, and escaped sohurriedly that they left their pots of rice, vegetables, and meatboiling in their sheds. Furo was absolutely stripped of inhabitants;the veteran chief of the village did not even remain to do the honorsfor his affrighted brethren. Ahmah-de-Bellah laughed heartily at theterror I inspired; but I confess I could not help feeling sadlymortified when I found my presence shunned as a pestilence. 

The native villages through which I passed on this excursionmanifested the great comfort in which these Africans live throughouttheir prolific land, when unassailed by the desolating wars that arekept up for slave-trade. It was the height of the dry season, whenevery thing was parched by the sun, yet I could trace the outlines offine plantations, gardens, and rice-fields. Every where I foundabundance of peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, andcassava; while tasteful fences were garlanded with immense vines andflowers. Fowls, goats, sheep, and oxen, stalked about in innumerableflocks, and from every domicil depended a paper, inscribed with acharm from the Koran to keep off thieves and witches. 

My walks through Timbo were promoted by the constant efforts of myentertainers to shield me from intrusive curiosity. Whenever I salliedforth, two townsfolk in authority were sent forward to warn the publicthat the Furtoo desired to promenade without a mob at his heels. Theselusty criers stationed themselves at the corners with an irontriangle, which they rattled to call attention to the king's command;and, in a short time, the highways were so clear of people, who feareda _bastinado_, that I found my loneliness rather disagreeable thanotherwise. _Every person I saw, shunned me. _ When I called thechildren or little girls, --they fled from me. My reputation as aslaver in the villages, and the fear of a lash in the town, furnishedme much more solitude than is generally agreeable to a sensitivetraveller. 

Towards nightfall I left my companions, and wrapping myself closely ina Mandingo dress, stole away through bye-ways to a brook which runs bythe town-walls. Thither the females resort at sunset to draw water;and, choosing a screened situation, where I would not be easilyobserved, I watched, for more than an hour, the graceful children, girls, and women of Timbo, as they performed this domestic task ofeastern lands. 

I was particularly impressed by the general beauty of the sex, who, inmany respects, resembled the Moor rather than the negro. Unaware of astranger's presence, they came forth as usual in a simple dress whichcovers their body from waist to knee, and leaves the rest of thefigure entirely naked. Group after group gathered together on thebrink of the brook in the slanting sunlight and lengthening shadows ofthe plain. Some rested on their pitchers and water vessels; somechatted, or leaned on each other gracefully, listening to the chat offriends; some stooped to fill their jars; others lifted the brimmingvessels to their sisters' shoulders--while others strode homewardsinging, with their charged utensils poised on head or hand. Theirslow, stately, swinging movement under the burden, was grace thatmight be envied on a Spanish _paseo_. I do not think the forms ofthese Fullah girls, --with their complexions of freshest bronze, --areexceeded in symmetry by the women of any other country. There was aslender delicacy of limb, waist, neck, hand, foot, and bosom, whichseemed to be the type that moulded every one of them. I saw none ofthe hanging breast; the flat, expanded nostrils; the swollen lips, andfillet-like foreheads, that characterize the Soosoos and their sistersof the coast. None were deformed, nor were any marked by traces ofdisease. I may observe, moreover, that the male Fullahs of Timbo areimpressed on my memory by a beauty of form, which almost equals thatof the women; and, in fact, the only fault I found with them was theirminute resemblance to the feminine delicacy of the other sex. Theymade up, however, in courage what they lacked in form, for their manlyspirit has made them renowned among all the tribes they have so longcontrolled by distinguished bravery and perseverance. 

The patriarchal landscape by the brook, with the Oriental girls overtheir water-jars, and the lowing cattle in the pastures, broughtfreshly to my mind many a Bible scene I heard my mother read when Iwas a boy at home; and I do not know what revolution might have beenwrought on my spirit had I not suddenly become critical! A statelydame passed within twenty feet of my thicket, whose _coiffure_ excitedmy mirth so powerfully that I might have been detected as a spy, hadnot a bitten lip controlled my laughter. Her ladyship belonged, perhaps, to the "upper-ten" of Timbo, whose heads had hitherto beenhidden from my eyes by the jealous _yashmacks_ they constantly wear ina stranger's presence. In this instance, however, the woman's head, like that of the younger girls, was uncovered, so that I had a fullview of the stately preparation. Her lower limbs were clad in amplefolds of blue and white cotton, knotted in an immense mass at thewaist, while her long crisp hair had been combed out to its fullestdimensions and spliced with additional wool. The ebony fleece was thenseparated in strands half an inch in diameter, and plaited all overher skull in a countless number of distinct braids. This quill-likestructure was then adorned with amber beads, and copiously anointedwith vegetable butter, so that the points gleamed with fire in thesetting sunlight, and made her look as if she had donned for abewitching headdress a porcupine instead of a "bird of paradise. "

 * * * * *

My trip to Timbo, I confess, was one of business rather than pleasureor scientific exploration. I did not make a record, at the moment, ofmy "impressions de voyage, " and never thought that, a quarter of acentury afterwards, I would feel disposed to chronicle the journey ina book, as an interesting _souvenir_ of my early life. Had I supposedthat the day would come when I was to turn author, it is likely Imight have been more inquisitive; but, being only "a slaver, " I foundAhmah, Sulimani, Abdulmomen, the Ali-Mami, and all the quality andamusements of Timbo, dull enough, _when my object was achieved_. Still, while I was there, I thought I might as well see all that wasvisible. I strolled repeatedly through the town. I became excessivelyfamiliar with its narrow streets, low houses, mud walls, cul-de-sacs, and mosques. I saw no fine bazaars, market-places, or shops. The chiefwants of life were supplied by peddlers. Platters, jars, and basketsof fruit, vegetables, and meat, were borne around twice or thricedaily. Horsemen dashed about on beautiful steeds towards the fields inthe morning, or came home at nightfall at a slower pace. _I never sawman or woman bask lazily in the sun. _ Females were constantly busyover their cotton and spinning wheels when not engaged in householdoccupations; and often have I seen an elderly dame quietly crouched inher hovel at sunset reading the Koran. Nor are the men of Timbo lessthrifty. Their city wall is said to hem in about ten thousandindividuals, representing all the social industries. They weavecotton, work in leather, fabricate iron from the bar, engagediligently in agriculture, and, whenever not laboriously employed, devote themselves to reading and writing, of which they areexcessively fond. 

These are the faint sketches, which, on ransacking my brain, I findresting on its tablets. But I was tired of Timbo; I was perfectlyrefreshed from my journey; and I was anxious to return to my factoryon the beach. Two "moons" only had been originally set apart for theenterprise, and the third was already waxing towards its full. Ifeared the Ali-Mami was not yet prepared with _slaves_ for mydeparture, and I dreaded lest objections might be made if I approachedhis royal highness with the flat announcement. Accordingly, I schooledmy interpreters, and visited that important personage. I made a longspeech, as full of compliments and blarney as a Christmas pudding isof plums, and concluded by touching the soft part in African royalty'sheart--_slaves!_ I told the king that a vessel or two, with abundantfreights, would be waiting me on the river, and that I must hastenthither with his choicest gangs if he hoped to reap a profit. 

The king and the royal family were no doubt excessively grieved topart with the Furtoo Mongo, but they were discreet persons and"listened to reason. " War parties and scouts were forthwith despatchedto blockade the paths, while press-gangs made recruits among thevillages, and even in Timbo. Sulimani-Ali, himself, sallied forth, before daybreak, with a troop of horse, and at sundown, came back withforty-five splendid fellows, captured in Findo and Furo!

The personal dread of me in the town itself, was augmented. If I hadbeen a Pestilence before, I was Death now! When I took my usualmorning walk the children ran from me screaming. Since the arrival ofSulimani with his victims, all who were under the yoke thought theirhour of exile had come. The poor regarded me as the devil incarnate. Once or twice, I caught women throwing a handful of dust or ashestowards me, and uttering an invocation from the Koran to avert thedemon or save them from his clutches. Their curiosity was merged interror. _My popularity was over!_

It was not a little amusing that in the midst of the general dismay, caused by the court of Timbo and myself, my colored brotherAhmah-de-Bellah, and his kinsman Abdulmomen, lost no chance oflecturing me about my soul! We kidnapped the Africans all day andspouted Islamism all night! Our religion, however, was morespeculative than practical. It was much more important, they thought, that we should embrace the faith of their peculiar theology, than thatwe should trouble ourselves about human rights that interfered withprofits and pockets. We spared Mahometans and enslaved _only_ "_theheathen_;" so that, in fact, we were merely obedient to the behests ofMahomet when we subdued "the infidel!"

This process of proselytism, however, was not altogether successful. As I was already a rather poor Christian, I fear that the Fullah didnot succeed in making me a very good Mussulman. Still, I managed toamuse him with the hope of my _future_ improvement in his creed, sothat we were very good friends when the Ali-Mami summoned us for afinal interview. 

The parting of men is seldom a maudlin affair. The king's relationspresented me bullocks, cows, goats, and sheep. His majesty sent mefive slaves. Sulimani-Ali offered a splendid white charger. The king'swife supplied me with an African quilt ingeniously woven of red andyellow threads unravelled from Manchester cottons; whileAhmah-de-Bellah, like a gentleman of taste, despatched for myconsolation, the two prettiest handmaidens he could buy or steal inTimbo!

CHAPTER XXV. 

I shall not weary the reader with a narrative of my journey homewardover the track I had followed on my way to Timbo. A grand Mahometanservice was performed at my departure, and Ahmah-de-Bellah accompaniedme as far as Jallica, whence he was recalled by his father inconsequence of a serious family dispute that required his presence. Ali-Ninpha was prepared, in this place, to greet me with a welcome, and a copious supply of gold, wax, ivory, and slaves. At Tamisso, theworthy Mohamedoo had complied with his promise to furnish a similaraddition to the caravan; so that when we set out for Kya, our troopwas swelled to near a thousand strong, counting men, women, childrenand ragamuffins. 

At Kya I could not help tarrying four days with my jolly friendIbrahim, who received the tobacco, charged with "bitters, " during myabsence, and was delighted to furnish a nourishing drop after my longabstinence. As we approached the coast, another halt was called at afavorable encampment, where Ali-Ninpha divided the caravan in fourparts, reserving the best portion of slaves and merchandise for me. The division, before arrival, was absolutely necessary, in order toprevent disputes or disastrous quarrels in regard to the merchantablequality of negroes on the beach. 

I hoped to take my people by surprise at Kambia; but when the factorycame in sight from the hill-tops back of the settlement, I saw theSpanish flag floating from its summit, and heard the cannon boomingforth a welcome to the wanderer. Every thing had been admirablyconducted in my absence. The Fullah and my clerk preserved theirsocial relations and the public tranquillity unimpaired. My factoryand warehouse were as neat and orderly as when I left them, so that Ihad nothing to do but go to sleep as if I had made a day's excursionto a neighboring village. 

Within a week I paid for the caravan's produce, despatchedMami-de-Yong, and made arrangements with the captain of a slaver inthe river for the remainder of his merchandise. But the Fullah chiefhad not left me more than a day or two, when I was surprised by atraveller who dashed into my factory, with a message fromAhmah-de-Bellah at Timbo, whence he had posted in twenty-one days. 

Ahmah was in trouble. He had been recalled, as I said, from Jallica byfamily quarrels. When he reached the paternal mat, he found his sisterBeeljie bound hand and foot in prison, with orders for her prompttransportation to my factory as a slave. These were the irrevocablecommands of his royal father, and of her half-brother, Sulimani. Allhis appeals, seconded by those of his mother, were unheeded. She mustbe _shipped_ from the Rio Pongo; and no one could be trusted with thetask but the Ali-Mami's son and friend, the Mongo Téodor!

To resist this dire command, Ahmah charged the messenger to appeal tomy heart by our brotherly love _not_ to allow the maiden to be sentover sea; but, by force or stratagem, to retain her until he arrivedon the beach. 

The news amazed me. I knew that African Mahometans never sold theircaste or kindred into foreign slavery, unless their crime deserved apenalty severer than death. I reflected a while on the message, because I did not wish to complicate my relations with the leadingchiefs of the interior; but, in a few moments, natural sensibilitymastered every selfish impulse, and I told the envoy to hasten back onthe path of the suffering brother, and assure him I would shield hissister, even at the risk of his kindred's wrath. 

About a week afterwards I was aroused one morning by a runner from aneighboring village over the hill, who stated that a courier reachedhis town the night before from Sulimani-Ali, --a prince ofTimbo, --conducting a Fullah girl, who was to be sold by me_immediately_ to a Spanish slaver. The girl, he said, resisted withall her energy. She refused to walk. For the last four days she hadbeen borne along in a litter. She swore never to "see the ocean;" andthreatened to dash her skull against the first rock in her path, ifthey attempted to carry her further. The stanch refusal embarrassedher Mahometan conductor, inasmuch as his country's law forbade him touse extraordinary compulsion, or degrade the maiden with a whip. 

I saw at once that this delay and hesitation afforded an opportunityto interfere judiciously in behalf of the spirited girl, whose sins orfaults were still unknown to me. Accordingly, I imparted the tale toAli-Ninpha; and, with his consent, despatched a shrewd dame from theMandingo's _harem_, with directions for her conduct to the village. Woman's tact and woman's sympathy are the same throughout the world, and the proud ambassadress undertook her task with pleased alacrity. Iwarned her to be extremely cautious before the myrmidons of Sulimani, but to seize a secret moment when she might win the maiden'sconfidence, to inform her that I was the sworn friend ofAhmah-de-Bellah, and would save her _if she followed my commandsimplicitly_. She must cease resistance at once. She must come to theriver, which was fresh water, and not salt; and she must allow herjailers to fulfil all the orders they received from her tyrannicalkinsmen. Muffled in the messenger's garments, I sent the manuscriptKoran of Ahmah-de-Bellah as a token of my truth, and bade the dameassure Beeljie that her brother was already far on his journey toredeem her in Kambia. 

The mission was successful, and, early next day, the girl was broughtto my factory, _with a rope round her neck_. 

The preliminaries for her purchase were tedious and formal. As hersale was compulsory, there was not much question as to quality orprice. Still, I was obliged to promise a multitude of things I did notintend to perform. In order to disgrace the poor creature as much aspossible, her sentence declared she should be "sold for salt, "--themost contemptuous of all African exchanges, and used in the interiorfor the purchase of _cattle_ alone. 

Poor Beeljie stood naked and trembling before us while theseceremonies were performing. A scowl of indignation flitted like ashadow over her face, as she heard the disgusting commands. Tenderlybrought up among the princely brood of Timbo, she was a bright anddelicate type of the classes I described at the brook-side. Her limbsand features were stained by the dust of travel, and her expressionwas clouded with the grief of sensible degradation: still I would haverisked more than I did, when I beheld the mute appeal of her face andform, to save her from the doom of Cuban exile. 

When the last tub of salt was measured, I cut the rope from Beeljie'sneck, and, throwing over her shoulders a shawl, --in which sheinstantly shrank with a look of gratitude, --called the female who hadborne my cheering message, to take the girl to her house and treat heras the sister of my Fullah brother. 

As I expected, this humane command brought the emissary of Sulimani tohis feet with a bound. He insisted on the restitution of the woman! Heswore I had deceived him; and, in fact, went through a variety ofAfrican antics which are not unusual, even among the most civilized ofthe tribes, when excited to extraordinary passion. 

It was my habit, during these outbursts of native ire, to remainperfectly quiet, not only until the explosion was over, but while thesmoke was disappearing from the scene. I fastened my eye, therefore, silently, but intensely, on the tiger, following him in all hismovements about the apartment, till he sank subdued and panting, onthe mat. I then softly told him that this excitement was not onlyunbecoming a Mahometan gentleman, and fit for a savage alone, but thatit was altogether wasted on the present occasion, _inasmuch as thegirl should be put on board a slaver in his presence_. Nevertheless, Icontinued while the sister of Ahmah was under my roof, her blood mustbe respected, and she should be treated in every respect as a royalperson. 

I was quite as curious as the reader may be to know the crime ofBeeljie, for, up to that moment, I had not been informed of it. Dismissing the Fullah as speedily as possible, I hastened toAli-Ninpha's dwelling and heard the sufferer's story. 

The Mahometan princess, whose age surely did not exceed eighteen, hadbeen promised by the king and her half-brother, Sulimani, to an oldrelative, who was not only accused of cruelty to his harem's inmates, but was charged by Mussulmen with the heinous crime of eating "uncleanflesh. " The girl, who seemed to be a person of masculine courage anddetermination, resisted this disposal of her person; but, while herbrother Ahmah was away, she was forced from her mother's arms andgiven to the filthy dotard. 

It is commonly supposed that women are doomed to the basest obediencein oriental lands; yet, it seems there is a Mahometan law, --or, atleast, a Fullah custom, --which saves the purity of an unwilling bride. The delivery of Beeljie to her brutal lord kindled the fire of anardent temper. She furnished the old gentleman with specimens ofviolence to which his harem had been a stranger, save when the masterhimself chose to indulge in wrath. In fact, the Fullah damsel--halfacting, half in reality--played the virago so finely, that herhusband, after exhausting arguments, promises and supplications, senther back to her kindred _with an insulting message_. 

It was a sad day when she returned to the paternal roof in Timbo. Herresistance was regarded by the dropsical despot as rebelliousdisobedience to father and brother; and, as neither authority nor lovewould induce the outlaw to repent, her barbarous parent condemned herto be "_a slave to Christians_. "

Her story ended, I consoled the poor maiden with every assurance ofprotection and comfort; for, now that the excitement of sale andjourney was over, her nerves gave way, and she sank on her mat, completely exhausted. I commended her to the safeguard of my landlordand the especial kindness of his women. Esther, too, stole up at nightto comfort the sufferer with her fondling tenderness, for she couldnot speak the Fullah language;--and in a week, I had the damsel incapital condition ready for a daring enterprise that was to seal herfate. 

When the Spanish slaver, whose cargo I had just completed, was readyfor sea, I begged her captain to aid me in the shipment of "_aprincess_" who had been consigned to my wardship by her royalrelations in the interior, but whom I dared not put on board hisvessel _until she was beyond the Rio Pongo's bar_. The officerassented; and when the last boat-load of slaves was despatched from my_barracoon_, he lifted his anchor and floated down the stream till hegot beyond the furthest breakers. Here, with sails loosely furled, andevery thing ready for instant departure, he again laid to, awaitingthe royal _bonne-bouche_. 

In the mean time, I hurried Beeljie with her friends and Fullah jailerto the beach, so that when the slaver threw his sails aback andbrought his vessel to the wind, I lost not a moment in putting thegirl in a canoe, with five Kroomen to carry her through the boilingsurf. 

"Allah be praised!" sighed the Fullah, as the boat shot ahead into thesea; while the girls of the harem fell on the sand with wails ofsorrow. The Kroomen, with their usual skill, drove the buoyant skiffswiftly towards the slaver; but, as they approached the breakers southof the bar, a heavy roller struck it on the side, and instantly, itsfreight was struggling in the surge. 

In a twinkling, the Fullah was on the earth, his face buried in thesand; the girls screamed and tore their garments; Ali-Ninpha's wifeclung to me with the grasp of despair; while I, stamping with rage, cursed the barbarity of the maiden's parent, whose sentence hadbrought her to this wretched fate. 

I kicked the howling hypocrite beneath me, and bade him hasten withthe news to Timbo, and tell the wicked patriarch that the Prophethimself had destroyed the life of his wretched child, sooner thansuffer her to become a Christian's slave. 

The Spanish vessel was under full sail, sweeping rapidly out to sea, and the Kroomen swam ashore without their boat, as the grieving groupslowly and sadly retraced their way along the river's bank to Kambia. 

[Illustration: THE SHIPPING OF BEELJIE. ]

There was wailing that night in the village, and there was wailing inTimbo when the Fullah returned with the tragic story. In fact, suchwas the distracted excitement both on the sea-shore and in thesettlement, that none of my companions had eyes to observe an episodeof the drama which had been played that evening without rehearsal. 

Every body who has been on the coast of Africa, or read of its people, knows that Kroomen are altogether unaware of any difference between asmooth river and the angriest wave. They would as willingly be upsetin the surf as stumble against a rock. I took advantage of thisamphibious nature, to station a light canoe immediately on the edge ofthe breakers, and to order the daring swimmers it contained to graspthe girl the moment her canoe was _purposely upset_! I promised thedivers a liberal reward if they lodged her in their boat, or swam withher to the nearest point of the opposite beach; and so well did theyperform their secret task, that when they drew ashore her faintingbody, it was promptly received by a trusty Bager, who was in waitingon the beach. Before the girl recovered her senses she was safelyafloat in the fisherman's canoe. His home was in a village on thecoast below; and, perhaps, it still remains a secret to this day, howit was that, _for years after, a girl, the image of the lost Beeljie, followed the footsteps of Ahmah, the Fullah of Timbo_!

CHAPTER XXVI. 

After my toilsome journey to the interior, my despatch of a slaver, and my adventurous enterprise in behalf of a Fullah princess, Ithought myself entitled to a long _siesta_; but my comfortable desiresand anticipations were doomed to disappointment. I was suddenlystirred from this willing lethargy by a salute of twenty-one guns inthe offing. Our wonder was almost insupportable as to the character ofthe ceremonious stranger who wasted powder so profusely, while a boywas despatched to the top of the look-out tree to ascertain hischaracter. He reported a schooner anchored opposite Bangalang, sporting a long pendant at the main, and a white ensign at her peak. Itook it for granted that no man-of-war would _salute_ a native chief, and so concluded that it was some pretentious Frenchman, unacquaintedwith the prudent customs of our demure coast. 

The conjecture was right. At nightfall Mr. Ormond--whose humor hadsomewhat improved since my return--apprised me that a Gallic slaverhad arrived to his consignment with a rich cargo, and hoped I wouldjoin him at breakfast on board, by invitation of the commander. 

Next morning, at sunrise, the Mongo and myself met for the first timeafter our rupture with apparent cordiality on the deck of "LaPerouse, " where we were welcomed with all that cordiality of grimacefor which a half-bred Frenchman is so justly celebrated. CaptainBrulôt could not speak English, nor could Mr. Ormond express himselfin French; so we wasted the time till breakfast was served indiscussing his cargo and prospects, through my interpretation. Finesamples of gaudy calicoes, French guns, and superior brandy, wereexhibited and dwelt on with characteristic eloquence; but the Gaulclosed his bewitching catalogue with a shout of joy that made thecabin ring, as he announced the complement of his cargo to be _fivehundred doubloons_. The scent of gold has a peculiar charm to Africanslavers, and it will readily be supposed that our appetite for thepromised _déjeuner_ was not a little stimulated by the Spanish coin. As rapidly as we could, we summed up the doubloons and hismerchandise; and, estimating the entire cargo at about $17, 000, offered him three hundred and fifty negroes for the lot. The bid wasno sooner made than accepted. Our private boats were sent ashore insearch of canoes to discharge the goods, and, with a relish and spiritI never saw surpassed, we sat down to a piquant breakfast, spread ondeck beneath the awning. 

I will not attempt to remember the dishes which provoked our appetitesand teased our thirst. We were happy already on the delightful claretthat washed down the viands; but, after the substantials were gone, coffee was served, and succeeded by half a dozen various cordials, thewhole being appropriately capped by the foam of champagne. 

When the last bumper was quaffed in honor of "La Perouse" and "belleFrance, " Captain Brulôt called for his writing-desk; when, at theinstant, four men sprung up as if by enchantment behind the Mongo andmyself, and grasping our arms with the gripe of a vice, held us intheir clutches till the carpenter riveted a shackle on our feet. 

The scene passed so rapidly, --the transition from gayety to outragewas so sharp and violent, that my bewildered mind cannot now declarewith certainty, whether mirth or anger prevailed at the clap-traptrick of this dramatic _denouement_. I am quite sure, however, that ifI laughed at first, I very soon swore; for I have a distinctrecollection of dashing my fist in the poltroon's face before he couldextemporize an explanation. 

When our limbs were perfectly secure, the French scoundrelrecommenced his shrugs, bows, grins and congées; and approaching Mr. Ormond with a sarcastic simper, apprised him that the _petite comedie_in which he took part, had been enacted for the collection of atrifling debt which his excellency the Mongo owed a beloved brother, who, alas! was no longer on earth to collect it for himself!

_Monsieur le Mongo_, he said, would have the kindness to rememberthat, several years ago, his brother had left some _two hundredslaves_ in his hands until called for; and he would also please totake the trouble to recollect, that the said slaves had been twicesent for, and twice refused. _Monsieur le Mongo_ must know, hecontinued, that there was not much law on the coast of Africa; andthat, as he had Monsieur le Mongo's promissory note, or due-bill, forthe negroes, he thought this charming little _ruse_ would be the mostamiable and practical mode of enforcing it! Did his friend, _leMongo_, intend to honor this draft? It was properly endorsed, he wouldsee, in favor of the bearer; and if the _esclaves_ were quicklyforthcoming, the whole affair would pass off as agreeably and quicklyas the bubbles from a champagne glass. 

By this time Ormond was so perfectly stupefied by drink, as well asthe atrocity, that he simply burst into a maudlin laugh, when I lookedat him for an explanation of the charge. _I_, surely, was notimplicated in it; yet, when I demanded the cause of the assault upon_my_ person, in connection with the affair, Brulôt replied, with ashrug, that as I was Ormond's clerk when the note was signed, I _must_have had a finger in the pie; and, inasmuch as I now possessed afactory of my own, it would doubtless be delightful to aid my ancientpatron in the liquidation of a debt that I knew to be lawful. 

It was altogether useless to deny my presence in the factory, orknowledge of the transaction, which, in truth, had occurred longbefore my arrival on the Rio Pongo, during the clerkship of mypredecessor. Still, I insisted on immediate release. An hour flew byin useless parley. But the Frenchman was firm, and swore that nothingwould induce him to liberate either of us without payment of the bill. While we were talking, a crowd of canoes was seen shoving off fromBangalang, filled with armed men; whereupon the excited Gaul orderedhis men to quarters, and double-shotted his guns. 

As the first boat came within striking distance, a ball was firedacross her bows, which not only sent back the advance, but made theentire fleet tack ship and steer homeward in dismay. Soon after, however, I heard the war-drum beating in Bangalang, and could see thenatives mustering in great numbers along the river banks; yet, whatcould undisciplined savages effect against the skinned teeth of oursix-pounders? At sunset, however, my clerk came off, with a whiteflag, and the captain allowed him to row alongside to receive ourorders in his presence. Ormond was not yet in a state to consult as toour appropriate means of rescue from the trickster's clutches; so Idirected the young man to return in the morning with changes ofraiment; but, in the mean while, to desire the villagers of bothsettlements to refrain from interference in our behalf. An excellentmeal, with abundance of claret, was served for our entertainment, and, on a capital mattress, we passed a night of patient endurance in ouriron stockings. 

At daylight, water and towels were served for our refreshment. Aftercoffee and cigars were placed on the board, Brulôt put by hissarcasm, and, in an off-hand fashion, demanded whether we had come toour senses and intended to pay the debt? My Italian blood was in afever, and I said nothing. Ormond, however, --now entirely sober, andwho was enjoying a cigar with the habitual _insouciance_ of amulatto, --replied quietly that he could make no promises orarrangements whilst confined on board, but if allowed to go ashore, he would fulfil his obligation in two or three days. An hour wasspent by the Frenchman in pondering on the proposal; when it wasfinally agreed that the Mongo should be set at liberty, provided heleft, as hostages, four of his children and two of the black chiefswho visited him in my boat. The compact was sealed by the hoisting ofa flag under the discharge of a blank cartridge; and, in an hour, thepledges were in the cabin, under the eye of a sentry, while the Mongowas once more in Bangalang. 

These negotiations, it will be perceived, did not touch _my_ case, though I was in no manner guilty; yet I assented to the proposalbecause I thought that Ormond would be better able than myself to findthe requisite number of slaves at that moment. I ordered my clerk, however, to press all the indifferent and useless servants in myfactory, and to aid the Mongo with every slave at present in my_barracoon_. 

Before sunset of that day, this young man came aboard with fiftynegroes from my establishment, and demanded my release. It wasrefused. Next day forty more were despatched by the Mongo; but stillmy liberty was denied. I upbraided the scoundrel with his meanness, and bade him look out for the day of retribution. But he snapped hisfingers at my threat as he exclaimed: "_Cher ami, ce n'est que lafortune de guerre!_"

It was a task of difficulty to collect the remaining one hundred andten slaves among factories which had been recently drained by Cubanvessels. Many domestic menials escaped to the forest when the storybecame known, as they did not wish to take the place of their bettersin the "French service. "

Thrice had the sun risen and set since I was a prisoner. During allthe time, my blood tingled for revenge. I was tricked, humbled anddisgraced. Never did I cease to pray for the arrival of somewell-armed _Spanish slaver_; and, towards evening of the fourth day, lo! the boon was granted! That afternoon, a boat manned by negroes, passed with the Spanish flag; but, as there was no white man aboard, Brulôt took it for a _ruse_ of the Mongo, designed to alarm him intoan unconditional release of his captives. 

I must do the Gaul the justice to declare, that during my confinement, he behaved like a gentleman, in supplies from the pantry andspirit-room. Neither was he uncivil or unkind in his general demeanor. Indeed, he several times regretted that this was the only means in hispower "to collect a promissory note on the coast of Africa;" yet, Iwas not Christian enough to sympathize with the sheriff, or to returnhis compliments with any thing but a curse. But, now that a Spaniardwas within hail, I felt a sudden lifting of the weight that was on myheart. I shouted for champagne! The steward brought it with alacrity, and poured with trembling hand the bumpers I drained to Saint Jago andold Spain. The infection soon spread. They began to believe that arescue was at hand. The news was heard with dismay in the forecastle. Brulôt alone stood obstinate, but indecisive. 

Presently, I called him to join me in a glass, and, as we drank thefoaming liquid, I pledged him to another "within twenty-four hoursbeneath the Spanish flag. " The Gaul feigned a sort of hectic hilarityas he swallowed the wine and the toast, but he could not stand theflash of revenge in my eye and burning cheek, and retired to consultwith his officers. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

I slept soundly that night; but the sun was not clear of the forestwhen I hobbled on deck in my shackles, and was searching the seawardhorizon for my beloved Castilian. Presently the breeze began tofreshen, and the tall, raking masts of a schooner were seen glidingabove the tops of the mangroves that masked the Rio Pongo's mouth. Very soon the light wind and tide drifted her clear of the bends, andan anchor was let go within musket shot of my prison, while springswere run out to the bushes to give range to her broadside. I saw atonce, from her manoeuvres, that Ormond had communicated with thecraft during the night. 

Brulôt felt that his day was over. The Spaniard's decks were crowdedwith an alert, armed crew; four charming little bull-dogs showed theirmuzzles from port holes; while a large brass swivel, amidships, gavetoken of its readiness to fight or salute. For a minute or two thefoiled Frenchman surveyed the scene through his glass; then, throwingit over his shoulder, ordered the mate to strike off my "darbies. " Asthe officer obeyed, a voice was heard from the Spaniard, commanding aboat to be sent aboard, under penalty of a shot if not instantlyobeyed. The boat was lowered; but who would man her? The chief officerrefused; the second declined; the French sailors objected; theCreoles and mulattoes from St. Thomas went below; so that no one wasleft to fulfil the slaver's order but Brulôt or myself. 

"_Bien!_" said my crest-fallen cock, "it's your turn to crow, DonTéodore. Fortune seems on your side, and you are again free. Go to thedevil, if you please, _mon camarade_, and send your imps for theslaves as soon as you want them!"

By this time the Spaniard had lighted his matches, levelled his guns, and, under the aim of his musketry, repeated the order for a boat. Seeing the danger of our party, I leaped to the bulwarks, and hailingmy deliverer in Spanish, bade him desist. The request was obeyed as Ithrew myself into the yawl, cut the rope, and, alone, sculled theskiff to the slaver. 

A shout went up from the deck of my deliverer as I jumped aboard andreceived the cordial grasp of her commander. Ali-Ninpha, too, wasthere to greet and defend me with a chosen band of his people. While Iwas absorbed in the joy of welcome and liberation, the African stolewith his band to the Frenchman's boat, and was rapidly filling it toboard the foe, when my clerk apprised me of the impending danger. Iwas fortunate enough to control the enraged savage, else I know notwhat might have been the fate of Brulôt and the officers during thedesertion of his mongrel and cowardly crew. 

The captain desired his mates to keep an eye on the Gaul while weretired to the cabin for consultation; and here I learned that I wason board the "Esperanza, " consigned to me from Matanzas. In turn, Iconfirmed the account they had already heard of my mishap from theMongo's messengers; but hoped the Cuban captain would permit me totake pacific revenge after my own fashion, inasmuch as mycaptor--barring the irons--had behaved with uncommon civility. I hadno trouble, of course, in obtaining the commander's assent to thisrequest, though he yielded it under the evident displeasure of hiscrew, whose Spanish blood was up against the Frenchman, and wouldwillingly have inflicted a signal punishment on this neutral ground. 

After these preliminaries, Captain Escudero and myself returned tothe "La Perouse" with two boat-loads of armed followers, while ourapproach was covered by the cannons and small arms of the "Esperanza. "Brulôt received us in moody silence on the quarter-deck. His officerssat sulkily on a gun to leeward, while two or three French seamenwalked to and fro on the forecastle. 

My first command was to spike the vessel's guns. Next, I decreed andsuperintended the disembarkation of the stolen slaves; and, lastly, Iconcluded the morning call with a request that Brulôt would _producethe five hundred doubloons and his "promissory note" for two hundredslaves_!

The fatal document, duly indorsed, was quickly delivered, but nopersuasion or threat induced the angry Gaul to show his gold, or amanifest of the cargo. 

After ample indulgence, I despatched a man to seek his writing-desk, and discovered that six hundred doubloons had in reality been shippedin St. Thomas. Of course, their production was imperiously demanded;but Brulôt swore they had been landed, with his supercargo, in theneighboring Rio Nunez. I was near crediting the story, when a slightsneer I perceived flickering over the steward's face, put me on the_qui vive_ to request an inspection of the log-book, which, unfortunately for my captor, did not record the disembarkation of thecash. This demonstrated Brulôt's falsehood, and authorized a demandfor his trunk. The knave winced as the steward descended to bring it;and he leaped with rage as I split it with a hatchet, and counted twohundred and fifty Mexican doubloons on the deck. _His cargo, however, proved to be a sham of samples. _

Turning innocently to Escudero, I remarked that he must have been putto considerable trouble in rescuing me from this outlaw, and hoped hewould suffer his men to be recompensed for their extra toil under therays of an African sun. I would not venture to judge the value of suchdevoted services; but requested him to fix his own price and receivepayment on the spot. 

Escudero very naturally supposed that _about_ two hundred and fiftyMexican ounces would compensate him to a fraction, and, accordingly, the two hundred and fifty shiners, glistening on the deck, forthwithreturned to their bag and went overboard into his boat. 

"_Adieu! mon cher_, " said I, as I followed the gold; "_la fortune deguerre_ has many phases, you see; how do you like this one? The nextgame you play on the coast of Africa, my chicken, recollect thatthough a _knave_ can take a trick, yet the _knave may be trumpedbefore the hand is played out_!"

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

La Esperanza discharged her cargo rapidly, but, before I was ready tosend back a living freight, poor Escudero fell a victim to Africanfever. 

I had seen much of the country; I had made some money; my clerk was areliable fellow; I was growing somewhat anxious for a change of scene;and, in fact, I only wanted a decent excuse to find myself once moreaboard a "skimmer of the seas, " for a little relaxation after theoppressive monotony of a slaver's life. Escudero's death seemed tooffer the desired opportunity. His mate was an inexperienced seaman;his officers were unacquainted with the management of a slave cargo;and, upon a view of the whole field of interests, I thought it best totake charge of the schooner and pay a visit to my friends in Cuba. Inthe mean time, however, a Danish brig arrived for negroes, so that itbecame necessary for me, with my multiplied duties, to bestir myselfin the collection of slaves. 

Whilst I was dining one afternoon at Ormond's factory with the Danishcaptain of the trader, the boom of a gun, followed rapidly by two orthree more, announced the arrival of another craft. We drank a toastto his advent, and were beginning to condole a little over ourdifficulty in procuring blacks, when the look-out ran into our roomwith the report that my Spaniard was firing into the Dane. We rushedto the piazza whence the scene of action might be beheld, and anothershot from my vessel seemed to indicate that she was the aggressor. TheDane and myself hurried aboard our respective schooners, but when Ireached the Esperanza, my crew were weighing anchor, while thequarter-deck was strewn with fire-arms. The mate stood on the heel ofthe bowsprit, urging his men to alacrity; the sailors hove at thewindlass with mingled shouts of passion and oaths of revenge; on amattress lay the bleeding form of my second officer, while a seamangroaned beside him with a musket ball in his shoulder. 

My arrival was the signal for a pause. As quickly as possible, Iinquired into the affray, which had originated like many a sailor'sdispute, on a question of precedence at the watering place in aneighboring brook. The Danes were seven, and we but three. OurSpaniards had been driven off, and my second mate, in charge of theyawl, received a _trenchant_ blow from an oar-blade, which cut hisskull and felled him senseless on the sand. 

Of course, "the watering" was over for the day, and both boatsreturned to their vessels to tell their stories. The moment the Danesgot on board, they imprudently ran up their ensign; and, as this actof apparent defiance occurred just as the Esperanza was receiving thelifeless form of her officer, my excited crew discharged a broadsidein reply to the warlike token. Gun followed gun, and musketry rattledagainst musketry. The Dane miscalculated the range of the guns, andhis grape fell short of my schooner, while our snarling sixes made sadhavoc with his bulwarks and rigging. 

I had hardly learned the facts of the case and thought of a truce, when the passionate Northman sent a round-shot whistling over my head. Another and another followed in its wake, but they aimed too high fordamage. At twenty-four our blood is not so diplomatically pacific asin later years, and this second aggression rekindled the lava in myItalian veins. There was no longer question of a white flag or aparley. In a twinkling, I slipped my cable and ran up the jib andmainsail, so as to swing the schooner into a raking position at shortquarters; and before the Dane could counteract my manoeuvre, I gavehim a dose of grape and cannister which tore his ensign to ribbons andspoiled the looks of his hull materially. My second shot splinteredthe edge of his mast; but while I was making ready for a third, totickle him betwixt wind and water, down tumbled his impertinentpendant and the day was won. 

For a while there was a dead silence between the warriors. Neitherhailed nor sent a boat on board of the other. Ormond perceived thiscessation of hostilities from his piazza at Bangalang, and coming outin a canoe, rowed to the Dane after hearing my version of the battle. 

I waited anxiously either for his return or a message, but as I wasunadvised of the Mongo's views and temper in regard to the affray, Ithought it well, before dark, to avoid treachery by quitting the riverand placing my schooner in a creek with her broadside to the shore. Special charge was then given to the mate and men to be alert allnight long; after which, I went on shore to protect the rear byplacing my factory in a state of defence. 

But my precautions were needless. At daylight the guard brought usnews of the Dane's departure, and when I descended the river toBangalang, Ormond alleged that the slaver had sailed for Sierra Leoneto seek succor either from a man-of-war or the British government. 

It may be supposed that I was not so "green" in Africa as to believethis story. No vessel, equipped for a slave cargo, would dare to enterthe imperial colony. Yet the Northman had bitter cause for grief andanger. His vessel was seriously harmed by my grape-shot; his carpenterwas slain during the action; and three of his seaman were lingeringwith desperate wounds. In a few days, however, he returned to the RioPongo from his airing on the Atlantic, where his wrath had probablybeen somewhat cooled by the sea-breeze. His craft was anchored higherup the river than my Spaniard, and thus our crews avoided intercoursefor the future. 

But this was not the case with the captains. The Mongo's table was asort of neutral ground, at which we met with cold salutations butwithout conversation. Ormond and the Dane, however, became exceedinglyintimate. Indeed, the mulatto appeared to exhibit a degree offriendship for the Margaritan I had never seen him bestow on any oneelse. This singularity, together with his well-known insincerity, putme on my guard to watch his proceedings with increased caution. 

Personal observation is always a safe means of self-assurance; yet Ihave sometimes found it to be "a way of the world, "--not to bealtogether scorned or disregarded, --to _purchase_ the good will of"confidential" persons. Accordingly, I made it "worth the while" ofOrmond's body-servant to sift the secret of this sudden devotion; andin a few days the faithless slave, who spoke English remarkably well, told me that the Dane, by dint of extra pay and the secret delivery ofall his spare provisions and the balance of his cargo, had induced theMongo to promise the delivery of his slaves before mine. 

Now, Ormond, by a specific contract, --made and paid for before theDane's arrival, --owed me two hundred negroes on account of theEsperanza's cargo. The Dane knew this perfectly, but my severechastisement rankled in his heart, and made him seek revenge in themost effectual way on the coast of Africa. He was bent upon deprivingme of one hundred negroes, in the hands of Mr. Ormond. 

I said nothing of my discovery, nor did I make any remarks on theastonishing love that existed between these Siamese twins; still, Ikept my eye on Ormond's _barracoon_ until I found his stock hadgradually augmented to three hundred. Thereupon, I dropped in onemorning unceremoniously, and, in a gentle voice, told him of histreacherous design. My ancient patron was so degraded by debauchery, that he not only avoided a passionate outburst when I made the charge, but actually seemed to regard it as a sort of capital joke, orrecompense for the damage I had inflicted on the Dane! We did notdream of arguing the propriety or impropriety of his conduct; nor didI think of upbraiding him with baseness, as I would have done any onewho had dipped only his finger-tips in fraud. Still, ever and anon, Isaw a glimmer of former spirit in the wretch, and thought I wouldattempt a counter-mine of interest, which Ormond might probablyunderstand and grasp. I resolved, in fact, to _outbid_ the Dane, for Ithought I possessed a card that could take him. Accordingly, I offeredto surrender a bond for one hundred slaves he owed me on account ofthe Esperanza; I promised, moreover, one hundred and fifty negroes, tobe delivered that evening, --and I tendered _Brulôt's promissory notefor the missing two hundred darkies_, --if he would pledge himself _toload the Dane during the succeeding night_!

Ormond took the hint like tinder, and grasped my hand on the bargain. The Dane was ordered to prepare his vessel to receive cargo withoutdelay, and was specially desired _to drop down about fifteen milestowards the bar, so as to be off the moment his slaves were underhatches_!

For the next six hours there was not a busier bee on the Rio Pongothan Don Téodore. My schooner was put in ship-shape for cargo. Themate was ordered to have his small arms and cutlasses in perfectcondition. Our pivot gun was double-loaded with chain-shot. My factorywas set in order, and written directions given the clerk inanticipation of a four months' absence. Ali-Ninpha was put in chargeof the territorial domain, while my Spaniard was intrusted with themerchandise. 

It was encouraging to see, in the course of the afternoon, that mynorthern rival had swallowed the bait, for he borrowed a kedge to aidhim, as he said, in descending the river against the tide, in order to"_get a better berth_. " He found the trees and air uncomfortablesixteen miles from the bar, and wanted to approach it to be "nearerthe sea-breeze!" The adroitness of his excuse made me laugh in mysleeve, as the clumsy trickster shot past me with his sails unbent. 

Well, --night came on, with as much darkness as ever robes the star-litskies of Africa when the moon is obscured. My long boat was quicklyfilled with ten men, armed with pistol and cutlass; and in a shorttime, the canoes from Bangalang hove in sight with their sable burden. I boarded the first one myself, commanding the rowers to pull for mySpaniard. The second was seized by the mate, who followed in my wake. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth, shared the same fate in rapidsuccession; so that, in an hour, three hundred and seventy-fivenegroes were, safe beneath the Esperanza's deck. Thereupon, Ipresented the head-man of each canoe a document acknowledging thereceipt of his slaves, _and wrote an order on the Mongo in favor ofthe Dane, for the full amount of the darkies I had borrowed_!

The land wind sprang up and the tide turned when daylight warned me itwas time to be off; and, as I passed the Dane snugly at anchor justinside the bar, I called all hands to give three cheers, and to wishhim happiness in the "enjoyment of his sea-breeze. "

CHAPTER XXIX. 

When the land-breeze died away, it fell entirely calm, and the seacontinued an unruffled mirror for three days, during which thehighlands remained in sight, like a faint cloud in the east. Theglaring sky and the reflecting ocean acted and reacted on each otheruntil the air glowed like a furnace. During night a dense fogenveloped the vessel with its clammy folds. When the vapor lifted onthe fourth morning, our look-out announced a sail from the mast-head, and every eye was quickly sweeping the landward horizon in search ofthe stranger. Our spies along the beach had reported the coast clearof cruisers when I sailed, so that I hardly anticipated danger frommen-of-war; nevertheless, we held it discreet to avoid intercourse, and accordingly, our double-manned sweeps were rigged out to impel usslowly towards the open ocean. Presently, the mate went aloft with hisglass, and, after a deliberate gaze, exclaimed: "It is only theDane, --I see his flag. " At this my crew swore they would sooner fightthan sweep in such a latitude; and, with three cheers, came aft torequest that I would remain quietly where I was until the Northmanoverhauled us. 

We made so little headway with oars that I thought the differencetrifling, whether we pulled or were becalmed. Perhaps, it might bebetter to keep the hands fresh, if a conflict proved inevitable. Ipassed quickly among the men, with separate inquiries as to theirreadiness for battle, and found all--from the boy to themate--anxious, at every hazard, to do their duty. Our breakfast was ascold as could be served in such a climate, but I made it palatablewith a case of claret. 

When a sail on the coast of Africa heaves in sight of _a slaver_, itis always best for the imperilled craft, especially if gifted withswift hull and spreading wings, to take flight without the courtesiesthat are usual in mercantile sea-life. At the present day, fightingis, of course, out of the question, and the valuable prize isabandoned by its valueless owners. At all times, however, --and as aguard against every risk, whether the cue be to fight or fly, --theprudent slaver, as soon as he finds himself in the neighborhood ofunwholesome canvas, puts out his fire, nails his forecastle, sends hisnegroes below, and secures the gratings over his hatches. 

All these preparations were quietly made on board the Esperanza; and, in addition, I ordered a supply of small arms and ammunition on deck, where they were instantly covered with blankets. Every man was nextstationed at his post, or where he might be most serviceable. Thecannons were sponged and loaded with care; and, as I desired todeceive our new acquaintance, I ran up the Portuguese flag. The calmstill continued as the day advanced;--indeed, I could not perceive abreath of air by our dog-vane, which veered from side to side as theschooner rolled slowly on the lazy swell. The stranger did notapproach, nor did we advance. There we hung--

 "A painted ship upon a painted ocean!"

I cannot describe the fretful anxiety which vexes a mind under suchcircumstances. Slaves below; a blazing sun above; the boiling seabeneath; a withering air around; decks piled with materials of death;escape unlikely; a phantom in chase behind; the ocean like anunreachable eternity before; uncertainty every where; and, within yourskull, a feverish mind, harassed by doubt and responsibility, yetalmost craving for any act of desperation that will remove the spell. It is a living nightmare, from which the soul pants to be free. 

With torments like these, I paced the deck for half an hour beneaththe awning, when, seizing a telescope and mounting the rigging, I tookdeliberate aim at the annoyer. He was full seven or eight miles awayfrom us, but very soon I saw, or fancied I saw, a row of ports, whichthe Dane had not: then sweeping the horizon a little astern of thecraft, I distinctly made out three boats, fully manned, making for uswith ensigns flying. 

Anxious to avoid a panic, I descended leisurely, and ordered thesweeps to be spread once more in aid of the breeze, which, within thelast ten minutes, had freshened enough to fan us along about a knot anhour. Next, I imparted my discovery to the officers; and, passing oncemore among the men to test their nerves, I said it was likely theywould have to encounter an angrier customer than the Dane. In fact, Ifrankly told them our antagonist was unquestionably a British cruiserof ten or twelve guns, from whose clutches there was no escape, unlesswe repulsed the boats. 

I found my crew as confident in the face of augmented risk as they hadbeen when we expected the less perilous Dane. Collecting their votesfor fight or surrender, I learned that all _but two_ were in favor ofresistance. I had no doubt in regard _to the mates_, in ourapproaching trials. 

By this time the breeze had again died away to utter calmness, whilethe air was so still and fervent that our sweltering men almost sankat the sweeps. I ordered them in, threw overboard several water-casksthat encumbered the deck, and hoisted our boat to the stern-davits toprevent boarding in that quarter. Things were perfectly ship-shape allover the schooner, and I congratulated myself that her power had beenincreased by two twelve pound carronades, the ammunition, and part ofthe crew of a Spanish slaver, abandoned on the bar of Rio Pongo a weekbefore my departure. We had in all seven guns, and abundance ofmusketry, pistols and cutlasses, to be wielded and managed bythirty-seven hands. 

By this time the British boats, impelled by oars alone, approachedwithin half a mile, while the breeze sprang up in cat's-paws all roundthe eastern horizon, but without fanning us with a single breath. Taking advantage of one of these slants, the cruiser had followed herboats, but now, about five miles off, was again as perfectly becalmedas _we_ had been all day. Presently, I observed the boats convergewithin the range of my swivel, and lay on their oars as if forconsultation. I seized this opportunity, while the enemy was huddledtogether, to give him the first welcome; and, slewing the schoonerround with my sweeps, I sent him a shot from my swivel. But the ballpassed over their heads, while, with three cheers, theyseparated, --the largest boat making directly for our waist, while theothers steered to cross our bow and attack our stern. 

During the chase my weapons, with the exception of the pivot gun, werealtogether useless, but I kept a couple of sweeps ahead and a coupleastern to play the schooner, and employed that loud-tongued instrumentas the foe approached. The larger boat, bearing a small carronade, wasmy best target, yet we contrived to miss each other completely untilmy sixth discharge, when a double-headed shot raked the whole bank ofstarboard oar-blades, and disabled the rowers by the severeconcussion. This paralyzed the launch's advance, and allowed me todevote my exclusive attention to the other boats; yet, before I couldbring the schooner in a suitable position, a signal summoned theassailants aboard the cruiser to repair damages. I did not reflectuntil this moment of reprieve, that, early in the day, I had hoistedthe Portuguese ensign _to deceive the Dane_, and imprudently left italoft in the presence of _John Bull_! I struck the false flag at once, unfurled the Spanish, and refreshing the men with a double allowanceof grog and grub, put them again to the sweeps. When the cruisersreached their vessels, the men instantly re-embarked, while the boatswere allowed to swing alongside, which convinced me that the assaultwould be renewed as soon as the rum and roast-beef of Old England hadstrengthened the heart of the adversary. Accordingly, noon had notlong passed when our pursuers again embarked. Once more theyapproached, divided as before, and again we exchanged ineffectualshots. I kept them at bay with grape and musketry until I hear threeo'clock, when a second signal of retreat was hoisted on the cruiser, and answered by exultant _vivas_ from my crew. It grieved me, Iconfess, not to mingle my voice with these shouts, for I was sure thatthe lion retreated to make a better spring, nor was I lessdisheartened when the mate reported that nearly all the ammunition forour cannons was exhausted. Seven kegs of powder were still in themagazine, though not more than a dozen rounds of grape, cannister, orballs, remained in the locker. There was still an abundance ofcartridges for pistols and musketry, but these were poor defencesagainst resolute Englishmen whose blood was up and who wouldunquestionably renew the charge with reinforcements of vigorous men. Fore and aft, high and low, we searched for missiles. Musket ballswere crammed in bags; bolts and nails were packed in cartridge paper;slave shackles were formed with rope-yarns into chain-shot; and, in anhour, we were once more tolerably prepared to pepper the foe. 

When these labors terminated, I turned my attention to the relaxedcrew, portions of whom refused wine, and began to sulk about thedecks. As yet only two had been slightly scratched by spent musketballs; but so much discontent began to appear among thepassenger-sailors of the wrecked slaver, that my own hands could withdifficulty restrain them from revolt. I felt much difficulty indetermining how to act, but I had no time for deliberation. Violencewas clearly not my _rôle_, but persuasion was a delicate game in suchstraits among men whom I did not command with the absolute authorityof a master. I cast my eye over the taffrail, and seeing that theBritish boats were still afar, I followed my first impulse, andcalling the whole gang to the quarter-deck, tried the effect ofAfrican palaver and Spanish gold. I spoke of the perils of capture andof the folly of surrendering _a slaver_ while there was the slightest_hope_ of escape. I painted the unquestionable result of being takenafter such resistance as had already been made. I drew an accuratepicture of a tall and dangerous instrument on which piraticalgentlemen have sometimes been known to terminate their lives; andfinally, I attempted to improve the rhythm of my oratory by a coupleof golden ounces to each combatant, and the promise of a slave apieceat the end of our _successful_ voyage. 

My suspense was terrible, as there, --on the deck of a slaver, amidcalm, heat, battle, and mutiny, with a volcano of three hundred andseventy-five imprisoned devils below me, --I awaited a reply, which, favorable or unfavorable, I must hear without emotion. Presently, three or four came forward and accepted my offer. I shrugged myshoulders, and took half a dozen turns up and down the deck. Then, turning to the crowd, I _doubled my bounty_, and offering a boat totake the recusants on board the enemy, swore that I would stand by theEsperanza with my unaided crew in spite of the _dastards_!

The offensive word with which I closed the harangue seemed to touchthe right string of the Spanish guitar, and in an instant I saw thedogged heads spring up with a jerk of mortified pride, while thesteward and cabin-boy poured in a fresh supply of wine, and a shout ofunion went up from both divisions. I lost no time in confirming myconverts; and, ramming down my eloquence with a wad of doubloons, ordered every man to his post, for the enemy was again in motion. 

But he did not come alone. New actors had appeared on the scene duringmy engagement with the crew. The sound of the cannonade had been heard, it seems, by a consort of his Britannic Majesty's brig * * * *;[E]and, although the battle was not within her field of vision, shedespatched another squadron of boats under the guidance of the reportsthat boomed through the silent air. 

The first division of my old assailants was considerably in advance ofthe reinforcement; and, in perfect order, approached us in a solidbody, with the apparent determination of boarding on the same side. Accordingly, I brought all my weapons and hands to that quarter, andtold both gunners and musketeers not to fire without orders. Waitingtheir discharge I allowed them to get close; but the commander of thelaunch seemed to anticipate my plan by the reservation of his firetill he could draw mine, in order to throw his other boat-loads onboard under the smoke of his swivel and small arms. It was odd towitness our mutual forbearance, nor could I help laughing, even in themidst of danger, at the mutual checkmate we were trying to prepare. However, my Britons did not avoid pulling, though they omitted firing, so that they were already rather perilously close when I thought itbest to give them the contents of my pivot, which I had crammed almostto the muzzle with bolts and bullets. The discharge paralyzed theadvance, while my carronades flung a quantity of grape into thecompanion boats. In turn, however, they plied us so deftly with ballsfrom swivels and musketry, that five of our most valuable defenderswrithed in death on the deck. 

The rage of battle at closer quarters than heretofore, and the screamsof bleeding comrades beneath their feet, roused to its fullest extentthe ardent nature of my Spanish crew. They tore their garments;stripped to their waists; called for rum; and swore they would dierather than yield!

By this time the consort's reinforcement was rapidly approaching; and, with hurrah after hurrah, the five fresh boats came on in doublecolumn. As they drew within shot, each cheer was followed with a fatalvolley, under which several more of our combatants were prostrated, while a glancing musket ball lacerated my knee with a painful wound. For five minutes we met this onset with cannon, muskets, pistols, andenthusiastic shouts; but in the despairing confusion of the hour, thecaptain of our long gun rammed home his ball before the powder, sothat when the priming burnt, the most reliable of our weapons wassilent forever! At this moment a round shot from the launch dismounteda carronade;--our ammunition was wasted;--and in this disabled state, the Britons prepared to board our crippled craft. Muskets, bayonets, pistols, swords, and knives, for a space kept them at bay, even atshort quarters; but the crowded boats tumbled their enraged fightersover our forecastle like surges from the sea, and, cutlass in hand, the victorious furies swept every thing before them. The cry was to"spare no one!" Down went sailor after sailor, struggling with thefrenzied passion of despair. Presently an order went forth to splitthe gratings and release the slaves. I clung to my post and cheeredthe battle to the last; but when I heard this fatal command, which, ifobeyed, might bury assailant and defender in common ruin, I orderedthe remnant to throw down their arms, while I struck the flag andwarned the rash and testy Englishman to beware. 

The senior officer of the boarding party belonged to the division fromthe cruiser's consort. As he reached the deck, his element eye fellsadly on the scene of blood, and he commanded "quarter" immediately. It was time. The excited boarders from the repulsed boats had mountedour deck brimming with revenge. Every one that opposed was cut downwithout mercy; and in another moment, it is likely I would have joinedthe throng of the departed. 

All was over! There was a hushed and panting crowd of victors andvanquished on the bloody deck, when the red ball of the setting sunglared through a crimson haze and filled the motionless sea withliquid fire. For the first time that day I became sensible of personalsufferings. A stifling sensation made me gasp for air as I sat down onthe taffrail of my captured schooner, and felt that I was--a prisoner!

FOOTNOTE:

[E] It will be understood by the reader, hereafter, why I omit thecruiser's name. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

After a brief pause, the commanding officers of both divisionsdemanded my papers, which, while I acknowledged myself _his_ prisoner, I yielded to the _senior_ personage who had humanely stopped themassacre. I saw that this annoyed the other, whom I had so frequentlyrepulsed; yet I thought the act fair as well as agreeable to myfeelings, for I considered my crew competent to resist the _firstdivision successfully_, had it not been succored by the consort'sboats. 

But my decision was not submitted to by the defeated leader without adispute, which was conducted with infinite harshness, until the seniorended the quarrel by ordering his junior to tow the prize within reachof the corvette * * * *. My boat, though somewhat riddled with balls, was lowered, and I was commanded to go on board the captor, with mypapers and servant under the escort of a midshipman. The captain stoodat the gangway as I approached, and, seeing my bloody knee, ordered menot to climb the ladder, but to be hoisted on deck and sent below forthe immediate care of my wound. It was hardly more than a severelaceration of flesh, yet was quite enough to prevent me from bendingmy knee, though it did not deny locomotion with a stiff leg. 

The dressing over, --during which I had quite a pleasant chat with theamiable surgeon, --I was summoned to the cabin, where numerousquestions were put, all of which I answered frankly and _truly_. Thirteen of my crew were slain, and nearly all the rest wounded. Mypapers were next inspected, and found to be Spanish. "How was it, then, " exclaimed the commander, "that you fought under the Portugueseflag?"

Here was the question I always expected, and for which I had in vaintaxed my wit and ingenuity to supply a reasonable excuse! I hadnothing to say for the daring violation of nationality; so I resolvedto tell the truth boldly about my dispute with the Dane, and my desireto deceive him early in the day, but I cautiously omitted theadroitness with which I had deprived him of his darkies. I confessedthat I forgot the flag when I found I had a different foe from theDane to contend with, and I flattered myself with the hope that, had Irepulsed the first unaided onset, I would have been able to escapewith the usual sea-breeze. 

The captain looked at me in silence a while, and, in a sorrowfulvoice, asked if I was aware that my defence under the Portugueseensign, no matter what tempted its use, could only be construed as anact of _piracy_!

A change of color, an earnest gaze at the floor, compressed lips andclenched teeth, were my only replies. 

This painful scrutiny took place before the surgeon, whose looks andexpressions strongly denoted his cordial sympathy with my situation. "Yes, " said Captain * * * *, "it is a pity for a sailor who fights asbravely as you have done, in defence of what he considers hisproperty, to be condemned for a combination of mistakes andforgetfulness. However, let us not hasten matters; you are hungry andwant rest, and, though we are navy-men, and on the coast of Africa, weare not savages. " I was then directed to remain where I was tillfurther orders, while my servant came below with an abundant supply ofprovisions. The captain went on deck, but the doctor remained. Presently, I saw the surgeon and the commander's steward busy over abasket of biscuits, meat and bottles, to the handle of which a cord, several yards in length, was carefully knotted. After this wasarranged, the doctor called for a lamp, and unrolling a chart, askedwhether I knew the position of the vessel. I replied affirmatively, and, at his request, measured the distance, and noted the course tothe nearest land, which was Cape Verga, about thirty-seven miles off. 

"Now, Don Téodore, if I were in your place, with the prospect of anoose and tight-rope dancing before me, I have not the slightesthesitation in saying that I would make an attempt to know what CapeVerga is made of before twenty-four hours were over my head! And see, my good fellow, how Providence, accident, or fortune favors you! Firstof all, your own boat _happens_ to be towing astern beneath these verycabin windows; secondly, a basket of provisions, water and brandy, stands packed on the transom, almost ready to slip into the boat byitself; next, your boy is in the neighborhood to help you with theskiff; and, finally, it is pitch dark, perfectly calm, and there isn'ta sentry to be seen aft the cabin door. Now, good night, my cleverfighter, and let me never have the happiness of seeing your faceagain!"

As he said this, he rose, shaking my hand with the hearty grasp of asailor, and, as he passed my servant, slipped something into hispocket, which proved to be a couple of sovereigns. Meanwhile, thesteward appeared with blankets, which he spread on the locker; and, blowing out the lamp, went on deck with a "good night. "

It was very still, and unusually dark. There was dead silence in thecorvette. Presently, I crawled softly to the stern window, and lyingflat on my stomach over the transom, peered out into night. There, in reality, was my boat towing astern by a slack line! As I gazed, some one on deck above me drew in the rope with softest motion, until the skiff lay close under the windows. Patiently, slowly, cautiously, --fearing the sound of his fall, and dreading almost therush of my breath in the profound silence, --I lowered my boy intothe boat. The basket followed. The negro fastened the boat-hook tothe cabin window, and on this, lame as I was, I followed thebasket. Fortunately, not a plash, a crack, or a footfall disturbedthe silence. I looked aloft, and no one was visible on thequarter-deck. A slight jerk brought the boat-rope softly into thewater, and I drifted away into the darkness. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

I drifted without a word or motion, and almost without breathing, until the corvette was perfectly obliterated against the hazy horizon. When every thing was dark around me, save the guiding stars, I put outthe oars and pulled quietly towards the east. At day-dawn I wasapparently alone on the ocean. 

My appetite had improved so hugely by the night's exercise, that myfirst devotion was to the basket, which I found crammed with bologñasausages, a piece of salt junk, part of a ham, abundance of biscuit, four bottles of water, two of brandy, a pocket compass, a jack-knife, and a large table-cloth or sheet, which the generous doctor had nodoubt inserted to serve as a sail. 

The humbled _slaver_ and the _slave_, for the first time in theirlives, broke bread from the same basket, and drank from the samebottle! Misfortune had strangely and suddenly levelled us on the basisof common humanity. The day before, he was the most servile ofmenials; to-day he was my equal, and, probably, my superior in certainphysical powers, without which I would have perished!

As the sun ascended in the sky, my wound became irritated by exercise, and the inflammation produced a feverish torment in which I groaned asI lay extended in the stern-sheets. By noon a breeze sprang up fromthe south-west, so that the oars and table-cloth supplied a squaresail which wafted us about three miles an hour, while my boy riggedan awning with the blankets and boat-hooks. Thus, half reclining, Isteered landward till midnight, when I took in the sail and lay-to onthe calm ocean till morning. Next day the breeze again favored us;and, by sundown, I came up with the coasting canoe of a friendlyMandingo, into which I at once exchanged my quarters, and fallingasleep, never stirred till he landed me on the Islands de Loss. 

My wound kept me a close and suffering prisoner in a hut on the islesfor ten days during which I despatched a native canoe some thirty fiveor forty miles to the Rio Pongo with news of my disaster, and ordersfor a boat with an equipment of comforts. As my clerk neglected tosend a suit of clothes, I was obliged to wear the Mandingo habilimentstill I reached my factory, so that during my transit, this dressbecame the means of an odd encounter. As I entered the Rio Pongo, aFrench brigantine near the bar was the first welcome of civilizationthat cheered my heart for near a fortnight. Passing her closely, Idrifted alongside, and begged the commander for a bottle of claret. Mybrown skin, African raiment, and savage companions satisfied theskipper that I was a native, so that, with a sneer, he, of course, became very solicitous to know "where I drank claret _last_?" andpointing to the sea, desired me to quench my thirst with brine!

It was rather hard for a suffering Italian to be treated so cavalierlyby a Gaul; but I thanked the fellow for his civility in such excellentFrench, that his tone instantly changed, and he asked--"_au nom deDieu_, where I had learned the language!" It is likely I would haverowed off without detection, had I not just then been recognized byone of his officers who visited my factory the year before. 

In a moment the captain was in my boat with a bound, and grasping myhands with a thousand pardons, insisted I should not ascend the rivertill I had dined with him. He promised a plate of capital soup;--andwhere, I should like to know, is the son of France or Italy who isready to withstand the seduction of such a provocative? Besides this, he insisted on dressing me from his scanty wardrobe; but as hedeclined all subsequent remuneration, I confined my bodily improvementto a clean shirt and his wiry razors. 

While the _bouillon_ was bubbling in the coppers, I got an insightinto the condition of Rio Pongo concerns since my departure. The Danewas off after a quarrel with Ormond, who gave him but a hundrednegroes for his cargo; and a Spanish brig was waiting my arrival, --forthe boy I sent home from the Isles de Loss had reported my engagement, capture, and escape. 

_La soupe sur la table_, we attacked a smoking tureen of _bouillongras_, while a heaping dish of toasted bread stood in the middle. Thecaptain loaded my plate with two slices of this sunburnt material, which he deluged with a couple of ladles of savory broth. A long fastis a good sauce, and I need not assert that I began _sans façon_. Myappetite was sharp, and the vapor of the liquid inviting. For a whilethere was a dead silence, save when broken by smacking and relishinglips. Spoonful after spoonful was sucked in as rapidly as the heatallowed; and, indeed, I hardly took time to bestow a blessing on thecook. Being the guest of the day, my plate had been the first oneserved, and of course, was the first one finished. Perhaps I ratherhurried myself, for lenten diet made me greedy and I was somewhatanxious to anticipate the calls of my companions on the tureen. Accordingly, I once more ballasted my plate with toast, and, with acharming bow and a civil "_s'il vous plait_, " applied, like OliverTwist, "for more. "

As the captain was helping me to the second ladle, he politelydemanded whether I was "fond of the thick;" and as I replied in theaffirmative, he made another dive to the bottom and brought up theinstrument with a heaping mass in whose centre was a diminutiveAfrican skull, face upwards, gaping at the guests with an infernalgrin!

My plate fell from my hand at the tureen's edge. The boiling liquidsplashed over the table. I stood fascinated by the horrible apparitionas the captain continued to hold its dreadful bones in view. Presentlymy head swam; a painful oppression weighed at my heart; I was ill;and, in a jiffy, the appalling spectre was laid beneath the calmwaters of the Rio Pongo. 

Before sundown I made a speedy retreat from among the _anthropophagi_;but all their assurances, oaths, and protestations, could not satisfyme that the broth did not owe its substance to something more humanthan an African _baboon_. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

There was rejoicing that night in Kambia among my people, for it isnot necessary that a despised slaver should always be a cruel master. I had many a friend among the villagers, both there and at Bangalang, and when the "barker" came from the Isles _de Loss_ with the news ofmy capture and misery, the settlement had been keenly astir until itwas known that Mongo Téodore was safe and sound among his protectors. 

I had a deep, refreshing sleep after a glorious bath. Poor Estherstole over the palisades of Bangalang to hear the story from my ownlips; and, in recompense for the narrative, gave me an account of theriver gossip during my adventure. Next morning, bright and early, Iwas again in my boat, sweeping along towards the "FELIZ" fromMatanzas, which was anchored within a bowshot of Bangalang. As Irounded a point in sight of her, the Spanish flag was run up, and as Itouched the deck, a dozen cheers and a gun gave token of a gallantreception in consequence of my battle with the British, which had beenmagnified into a perfect Trafalgar. 

The Feliz was originally consigned to me from Cuba, but in my absencefrom the river her commander thought it best not to intrust soimportant a charge to my clerk, and addressed her to Ormond. When myarrival at the Isles _de Loss_ was announced on the river, hisengagement with the Mongo had neither been entirely completed, norhad any cargo been delivered. Accordingly, the skipper at once taxedhis wit for a contrivance by which he could escape the bargain. InAfrica such things are sometimes done with ease on small pretexts, sothat when I reached Kambia my one-hundred-and-forty-ton brig was readyfor her original consignee. 

I found that remittances in money and merchandise covered the value ofthree hundred and fifty slaves, whom I quickly ordered from differenttraders;--but when I applied to the Mongo to furnish his share, thegentleman indignantly refused under the affront of his recalledassignment. I tried to pacify and persuade him; yet all my effortswere unavailing. Still, the results of this denial did not affect theMongo personally and alone. When a factor either declines or is unableto procure trade at an African station, the multitude of hangers-on, ragamuffins, servants and villagers around him suffer, at least, for atime. They cannot understand and are always disgusted when "trade isrefused. " In this case the people of Bangalang seemed peculiarlydissatisfied with their Mongo's obstinacy. They accused him ofindolent disregard of their interests. They charged him with culpableneglect. Several free families departed forthwith to Kambia. Hisbrothers, who were always material sufferers in such cases, upbraidedhim with arrogant conceit. His women, headed by Fatimah, --who suppliedherself and her companions with abundant presents out of every freshcargo, --rose in open mutiny, and declared they would run off unless heaccepted a share of the contract. Fatimah was the orator of the haremon this as well as on all other occasions of display or grievance, andof course she did not spare poor Ormond. Age and drunkenness had madesad inroads on his constitution and looks during the last half year. His fretful irritability sometimes amounted almost to madness, whenthirty female tongues joined in the chorus of their leader's assault. They boldly charged him, singly and in pairs, with every vice andfault that injured matrimony habitually denounces; and as each item ofthis abusive litany was screamed in his ears, the chorus respondedwith a deep "amen!" They boasted of their infidelities, lauded theirlovers, and producing their children, with laughs of derision, badehim note the astounding resemblance!

The poor Mongo was sorely beset by these African witches, andsummoned his villagers to subdue the revolt; but many of thetown-folks were pets of the girls, so that no one came forth to obeyhis bidding. 

I visited Ormond at his request on the evening of this rebellion, andfound him not only smarting with the morning's insult, but so drunk asto be incapable of business. His revengeful eye and nervous movementsdenoted a troubled mind. When our hands met, I found the Mongo's coldand clammy. I refused wine under a plea of illness; and when, withincoherent phrases and distracted gestures, he declared hiswillingness to retract his refusal and accept a share of the Felix'scargo, I thought it best to adjourn the discussion until the followingday. Whilst on the point of embarking, I was joined by the faithlessservant, whom I bribed to aid me in my affair with the Dane, and wastold that Ormond _had drugged the wine in anticipation of my arrival_!He bade me be wary of the Mongo, who in his presence had threatened mylife. That morning, he said, while the women were upbraiding him, myname had been mentioned by one with peculiar favor, --when Ormond burstforth with a torrent of passion, and accusing me as the cause of allhis troubles, felled the girl to the earth with his fist. 

That night I was roused by my watchman to see a stranger, and foundEsther at my gate with three of her companions. Their tale was brief. Soon after dark, Ormond entered the harem with loaded pistol, insearch of Fatimah and Esther; but the wretch was so stupefied byliquor and rage, that the women had little trouble to elude his graspand escape from Bangalang. Hardly had I bestowed them for the night, when another alarm brought the watchman once more to my chamber, withthe news of Ormond's death. He had shot himself through the heart!

I was in no mood for sleep after this, and the first streak of dawnfound me at Bangalang. There lay the Mongo as he fell. No onedisturbed his limbs or approached him till I arrived. He never stirredafter the death-wound. 

It seems he must have forgotten that the bottle had been speciallymedicated for me, as it was found nearly drained; but the last thingdistinctly known of him by the people, was his murderous entrance intothe harem to despatch Esther and Fatimah. Soon after this the crack ofa pistol was heard in the garden; and there, stretched among thecassava plants, with a loaded pistol grasped in his left, and adischarged one at a short distance from his right hand, laid JackOrmond, the mulatto! His left breast was pierced by a ball, the wad ofwhich still clung to the bloody orifice. 

Bad as this man was, I could not avoid a sigh for his death. He hadbeen my first friend in Africa, and I had forfeited his regard throughno fault of mine. Besides this, there are so few on the coast ofAfrica in these lonely settlements among the mangrove swamps, who havetasted European civilization, and can converse like human beings, thatthe loss even of the worst is a dire calamity. Ormond and myself hadheld each other for a long time at a wary distance; yet businessforced us together now and then, and during the truce, we had many apleasant chat and joyous hour that would henceforth be lost for ever. 

It is customary in this part of Africa to make the burial of a _Mongo_the occasion of a _colungee_, or festival, when all the neighboringchiefs and relations send gifts of food and beverage for the orgies ofdeath. Messengers had been despatched for Ormond's brothers andkinsfolk, so that the native ceremony of interment was postponed tillthe third day; and, in the interval, I was desired to make all thepreparations in a style befitting the suicide's station. Accordingly, I issued the needful orders; directed a deep grave to be dug under anoble cotton-wood tree, aloof from the village; gave the body incharge to women, who were to watch it until burial, with cries ofsorrow, --and then retired to Kambia. 

On the day of obsequies I came back. At noon a salute was fired by theguns of the village, which was answered by minute guns from the Felizand my factory. Seldom have I heard a sadder sound than the boom ofthose cannons through the silent forest and over the waveless water. 

Presently, all the neighboring chiefs, princes and kings came in withtheir retainers, when the body was brought out into the shade of agrove, so that all might behold it. Then the procession took up itsline of march, while the thirty wives of the Mongo followed thecoffin, clad in rags, their heads shaven, their bodies lacerated withburning iron, and filling the air with yells and shrieks until thesenseless clay was laid in the grave. 

I could find no English prayer-book or Bible in the village, fromwhich I might read the service of his church over Ormond's remains, but I had never forgotten the _Ave Maria_ and _Pater Noster_ I learnedwhen an infant, and, while I recited them devoutly over the selfmurderer, I could not help thinking they were even more thansufficient for the savage surroundings. 

The brief prayer was uttered; but it could not be too brief for theimpatient crowd. Its _amen_ was a signal for _pandemonium_. In atwinkling, every foot rushed back to the dwelling in Bangalang. Thegrove was alive with revelry. Stakes and rocks reeked with roastingbullocks. Here and there, kettles steamed with boiling rice. Demijohnafter demijohn of _rum_, was served out. Very soon a sham battle wasproposed, and parties were formed. The divisions took their grounds;and, presently, the scouts appeared, crawling like reptiles on theearth till they ascertained each other's position, when the armiesrallied forth with guns, bows, arrows, or lances, and, after firing, shrieking and shouting till they were deaf, retired with captives, andthe war was done. Then came a reinforcement of rum, and then a dance, so that the bewildering revel continued in all its delirium till rumand humanity gave out together, and reeled to the earth in drunkensleep! Such was the requiem of

 THE MONGO OF BANGALANG!

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Slaves dropped in slowly at Kambia and Bangalang, though I still hadhalf the cargo of the Feliz to make up. Time was precious, and therewas no foreigner on the river to aid me. In this strait, I suddenlyresolved on a foray among the natives on my own account; and equippinga couple of my largest canoes with an ample armament, as well as asubstantial store of provisions and merchandise, I departed for theMatacan river, a short stream, unsuitable for vessels of considerabledraft. I was prepared for the purchase of fifty slaves. 

I reached my destination without risk or adventure, but had theopportunity of seeing some new phases of Africanism on my arrival. Most of the coast negroes are wretchedly degraded by theirsuperstitions and _sauvagerie_, and it is best to go among them withpower to resist as well as presents to purchase. Their towns did notvary from the river and bush settlements generally. A house was givenme for my companions and merchandise; yet such was the curiosity tosee the "white man, " that the luckless mansion swarmed with sable beesboth inside and out, till I was obliged to send for his majesty torelieve my sufferings. 

After a proper delay, the king made his appearance in all theparaphernalia of African court-dress. A few fathoms of check girdedhis loins, while a blue shirt and red waistcoat were surmounted by adragoon's cap with brass ornaments. His countenance was characteristicof Ethiopia and royalty. A narrow forehead retreated rapidly till itwas lost in the crisp wool, while his eyes were wide apart, and hisprominent cheek-bones formed the base of an inverted cone, the apex ofwhich was his braided beard, coiled up under his chin. When earnest intalk, his gestures were mostly made with his head, by straining hiseyes to the rim of their sockets, stretching his mouth from ear toear, grinning like a baboon, and throwing out his chin horizontallywith a sudden jerk. Notwithstanding these personal oddities, thesovereign was kind, courteous, hospitable, and disposed for trade. Accordingly, I "dashed, " or presented him and his head-men a fewpieces of cottons, with some pipes, beads, and looking-glasses, by wayof whet for the appetite of to-morrow. 

But the division of this gift was no sportive matter. "The spoils"were not regulated upon principles of superiority, or even ofequality; but fell to the lot of the stoutest scramblers. As soon asthe goods were deposited, the various gangs seized my snowy cottons, dragging them right and left to their several huts, while theyshrieked, yelled, disputed, and fought in true African fashion. Somelucky dog would now and then leap between two combatants who hadpossession of the ends of a piece, and whirling himself rapidly aroundthe middle, slashed the sides with his jack-knife and was off to thebush. The pipes, beads, and looking-glasses, were not bestowed moretenderly, while the tobacco was grabbed and appropriated by leaves orhandfuls. 

Next day we proceeded to formal business. His majesty called a regular"palaver" of his chiefs and head-men, before whom I stated my_dantica_ and announced the terms. Very soon several young folks werebrought for sale, who, I am sure, never dreamed at rising from lastnight's sleep, that they were destined for Cuban slavery! Mymerchandise revived the memory of peccadilloes that had been longforgotten, and sentences that were forgiven. Jealous husbands, whenthey tasted my rum, suddenly remembered their wives' infidelities, andsold their better halves for more of the oblivious fluid. In truth Iwas exalted into a magician, unroofing the village, and baring itscrime and wickedness to the eye of _justice_. Law became profitable, and virtue had never reached so high a price! Before night the townwas in a turmoil, for every man cudgelled his brain for an excuse tokidnap his neighbor, so as to share my commerce. As the village wastoo small to supply the entire gang of fifty, I had recourse to theneighboring settlements, where my "barkers, " or agents, did their workin a masterly manner. Traps were adroitly baited with goods to leadthe unwary into temptation, when the unconscious pilferer was caughtby his ambushed foe, and an hour served to hurry him to the beach as aslave for ever. In fact, five days were sufficient to stamp my imagepermanently on the Matacan settlements, and to associate my memorywith any thing but blessings in at least fifty of their families!

 * * * * *

I had heard, on the Rio Pongo, of a wonderful wizard who dwelt in thisregion, and took advantage of the last day of my detention to inquirehis whereabouts. The impostor was renowned for his wonderful tricks oflegerdemain, as well as for cures, necromancy, and fortune-telling. The ill came to him by scores; credulous warriors approached him withvaluable gifts for _fetiches_ against musket balls and arrows; whilethe humbler classes bought his charms against snakes, alligators, sharks, evil spirits, or sought his protection for their unbornchildren. 

My interpreter had already visited this fellow, and gave such charmingaccounts of his skill, that all my people wanted their fates divined, for which I was, of course, obliged to advance merchandise to purchaseat least a gratified curiosity. When they came back I found every onesatisfied with his future lot, and so happy was the chief of myKroomen that he danced around his new _fetiche_ of cock's feathers andsticks, and snapped his fingers at all the sharks, alligators, andswordfish that swam in the sea. 

By degrees these reports tickled my own curiosity to such a degree, that, incontinently, I armed myself with a quantity of cotton cloth, abrilliant bandanna, and a lot of tobacco, wherewith I resolved toattack the soothsayer's den. My credulity was not involved to theexpedition, but I was sincerely anxious to comprehend the ingenuity orintelligence by which a negro could control the imagination of Africanmultitudes. 

The wizard chose his abode with skilful and romantic taste. Quittingthe town by a path which ascended abruptly from the river, thetraveller was forced to climb the steep by a series of dangerouszig-zags among rocks and bushes, until he reached a deep cave in anelevated cliff that bent over the stream. As we approached, myconductor warned the inmate of our coming by several whoops. When wereached the entrance I was directed to halt until the demon announcedhis willingness to receive us. At length, after as much delay as isrequired in the antechamber of a secretary of state, a growl, like thecry of a hungry crocodile, gave token of the wizard's coming. 

As he emerged from the deep interior, I descried an uncommonly tallfigure, bearing in his arms a young and living leopard. I could notdetect a single lineament of his face or figure, for he was coveredfrom head to foot in a complete dress of monkey skins, while his facewas hidden by a grotesque white mask. Behind him groped a delicateblind boy. 

We seated ourselves on hides along the floor, when, at my bidding, theinterpreter, unrolling my gifts, announced that I came with full handsto his wizardship, for the purpose of learning my fortune. 

The impostor had trained his tame leopard to fetch and carry like adog, so that, without a word, the docile beast bore the variouspresents to his master. Every thing was duly measured, examined, orbalanced in his hands to ascertain its quality and weight. Then, placing a bamboo between his lips and the blind boy's ear, hewhispered the words which the child repeated aloud. First of all, heinquired what I wished to know? As one of his follower's boasts wasthe extraordinary power he possessed of speaking various languages, Iaddressed him in Spanish, but as his reply displayed an evidentignorance of what I said, I took the liberty to reprimand him sharplyin his native tongue. He waved me off with an imperious flourish ofhis hand, and ordered me to wait, as he perfectly comprehended mySpanish, but the magic power would not suffer him to answer save inregular rotation, word by word. 

I saw his trick at once, which was only one of prompt and adroit_repetition_. Accordingly, I addressed him in his native dialect, andrequested a translation of my sentence into Spanish. But this was apuzzler; though it required but a moment for him to assure me that aforeign language could only be spoken by wizards of his degree _at thefull of the moon_!

I thought it time to shift the scene to fortune-telling, and begged mydemon to begin the task by relating the past, in order to confirm mybelief in his mastery over the future. But the nonsense he uttered wasso insufferable, that I dropped the curtain with a run, and commanded"the hereafter" to appear. This, at least, was more romantic. Asusual, I was to be immensely rich. I was to become a great prince. Iwas to have a hundred wives; but alas! before six months elapsed, myfactory would be burnt and I should lose a vessel!

Presently, the interpreter proposed an exhibition of legerdemain, andin this I found considerable amusement to make up for the precedingbuffoonery. He knotted a rope, and untied it with a jerk. He sank aknife deep in his throat, and poured in a vessel of water. Otherdeceptions followed this skilful trick, but the cleverest of all wasthe handling of red hot iron, which, after covering his hands with aglutinous paste, was touched in the most fearless manner. I have seenthis trick performed by other natives, and whenever ignited coals orardent metal was used, the hands of the operator were copiouslyanointed with the pasty unguent. 

A valedictory growl, and a resumption of the leopard, gave token ofthe wizard's departure, and closed the evening's entertainments. 

If the ease with which a man is amused, surprised, or deluded, is afair measure of intellectual grade, I fear that African minds willtake a very moderate rank in the scale of humanity. The task ofself-civilization, which resembles the self-filtering of water, hasdone but little for Ethiopia in the ages that have passedsimultaneously over her people and the progressive races of otherlands. It remains to be seen what the _infused_ civilization ofChristianity and Islamism will effect among these benighted nations. JESUS, MAHOMET, and the FETICHE, will, perhaps, long continue to betheir types of distinctive separation. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

The Esperanza's capture made it absolutely necessary that I shouldvisit Cuba, so that, when the Feliz was preparing to depart, I beganto put my factory and affairs in such order as would enable me toembark in her and leave me master of myself for a considerable time. Imay as well record the fact here that the unlucky Esperanza was sentto Sierra Leone, where she was, of course, condemned as a slaver, while the officers and crew were despatched by order of the Admiralty, in irons, to _Lisbon_, where a tribunal condemned them to the galleysfor five years. I understand they were subsequently released by theclemency of Don Pedro de Braganza when he arrived from Brazil. 

Every thing was ready for our departure. My rice was stored and aboutto be sent on board; when, about three o'clock in the morning of the25th of May, 1828, the voice of my servant roused me from pleasantdreams, to fly for life! I sprang from the cot with a bound to thedoor, where the flickering of a bright flame, reflected through thethick, misty air, gave token of fire. The roof of my house was in ablaze, and one hundred and fifty kegs of powder were close at handbeneath a thatch! They could not be removed, and a single spark fromthe frail and tinder-like materials might send the whole in an instantto the skies. 

A rapid discharge from a double-barrelled gun brought my people tothe spot with alacrity, and enabled me to rescue the two hundred andtwenty slaves stowed in the _barracoon_, and march them to aneighboring wood, where they would be secure under a guard. In myhaste to rescue the slaves I forgot to warn my body-servant of hisperil from the powder. The faithful boy made several trips to thedwelling to save my personal effects, and after removing every thinghe had strength to carry, returned to unchain the bloodhound thatalways slept beside my couch in Africa. But the dog was as ignorant ofhis danger as the youth. _He knew no friend but myself_, and tearingthe hand that was exposed to save him, he forced his rescuer to fly. And well was it he did so. Within a minute, a tremendous blast shookthe earth, _and the prediction of the Matacan wizard wasaccomplished_! Not even the red coals of my dwelling smouldered on theearth. Every thing was swept as by the breath of a whirlwind. Myterrified boy, bleeding at nose and ears, was rescued from the ruinsof a shallow well in which he fortunately fell. The bamboo sheds, barracoons, and hovels, --the _adobe_ dwelling and the comfortablegarden--could all spring up again in a short time, as if byenchantment, --but my rich stuffs, my cottons, my provisions, my arms, my ammunition, my capital, were dust. 

In a few hours, friends crowded round me, according to African custom, with proffered services to rebuild my establishment; but the heaviestloss I experienced was that of the rice designed for the voyage, whichI could not replace in consequence of the destruction of mymerchandise. In my difficulty, I was finally obliged to swap some ofmy two hundred and twenty negroes for the desired commodity, whichenabled me to despatch the Feliz, though I was, of course, obliged toabandon the voyage in her. 

My mind was greatly exercised for some time in endeavors to discoverthe origin of this conflagration. The blaze was first observed at thetop of one of the gable ends, which satisfied Ali-Ninpha as well asmyself that it was the work of a malicious incendiary. We adopted avariety of methods to trace or trap the scoundrel, but our effortswere fruitless, until a strange negro exhibited one of mydouble-barrelled guns for sale at a neighboring village, whose chiefhappened to recognize it. When the seller was questioned about hispossession of the weapon, he alleged that it was purchased from inlandnegroes in a distant town. His replies were so unsatisfactory to theinquisitive chief, that he arrested the suspected felon and sent himto Kambia. 

I had but little remorse in adopting any means in my power to extort aconfession from the negro, who very soon admitted that my gun wasstolen by a runner from the wizard of Matacan, who was still hangingabout the outskirts of our settlement. I offered a liberal reward andhandsome bribes to get possession of the necromancer himself, but suchwas the superstitious awe surrounding his haunt, that no one daredventure to seize him in his sanctuary, or seduce him within reach ofmy revenge. This, however, was not the case in regard to his emissary. I was soon in possession of the actual thief, and had littledifficulty in securing his execution on the ruins he had made. Beforewe launched him into eternity, I obtained his confession after anobstinate resistance, and found with considerable pain that a brotherof Ormond, the suicide, was a principal mover in the affair. The lastwords of the Mongo had been reported to this fellow as an injunctionof revenge against me, and he very soon learned from personalexperience that Kambia was a serious rival, if not antagonist, toBangalang. His African simplicity made him believe that the "red cock"on my roof-tree would expel me from the river. I was not in a positionto pay him back at the moment, yet I made a vow to give the new Mongoa free passage in irons to Cuba before many moons. But this, likeother rash promises, I never kept. 

Sad as was the wreck of my property, the conflagration was fraughtwith a misfortune that affected my heart far more deeply than the lossof merchandise. Ever since the day of my landing at Ormond's factory, a gentle form had flitted like a fairy among my fortunes, and alwaysas the minister of kindness and hope. Skilled in the ways of herdouble blood, she was my discreet counsellor in many a peril; and, tender as a well-bred dame of civilized lands, she was ever disposedto promote my happiness by disinterested offices. But, when we cameto number the survivors of the ruin, ESTHER was nowhere to be found, nor could I ever trace, among the scattered fragments, the slightestrelic of the Pariah's form!

 * * * * *

Of course, I had very little beside my domestics to leave in charge ofany one at Kambia, and intrusting them to the care of Ali-Ninpha, Iwent in my launch to Sierra Leone, where I purchased a schooner thathad been condemned by the Mixed Commission. 

In 1829, vessels were publicly sold, and, with very little trouble, equipped for the coast of Africa. The captures in that region weresomewhat like playing a hand, --taking the tricks, reshuffling the samecards, and dealing again to take more tricks! Accordingly, I fittedthe schooner to receive a cargo of negroes immediately on quittingport. My crew was made up of men from all nations, captured in prizes;but I guardedly selected my officers from Spaniards exclusively. 

We were slowly wafting along the sea, a day or two out of the Britishcolony, when the mate fell into chat with a clever lad, who washanging lazily over the helm. They spoke of voyages and mishaps, andthis led the sailor to declare his recent escape from a vessel, thenin the Rio Nunez, whose mate had poisoned the commander to getpossession of the craft. She had been fitted, he said, at St. Thomaswith the feigned design of coasting; but, when she sailed for Africa, her register was sent back to the island in a boat to serve some othervessel, while she ventured to the continent _without_ papers. 

I have cause to believe that the slave-trade was rarely conducted uponthe honorable principles between man and man, which, of course, arethe only security betwixt owners, commanders and consignees whosecommerce is exclusively contraband. There were men, it is true, engaged in it, with whom the "point of honor" was more omnipotent thanthe dread of law in regular trade. But innumerable cases have occurredin which the spendthrifts who appropriated their owners' property onthe coast of Africa, availed themselves of such superior force asthey happened to control, in order to escape detection, or assure afavorable reception in the West Indies. In fact, the slaver sometimesripened into something very like a pirate!

In 1828 and 1829, severe engagements took place between Spanishslavers and this class of contrabandists. Spaniards would assailPortuguese when the occasion was tempting and propitious. Many avessel has been fitted in Cuba for these adventures, and returned toport with a living cargo, purchased by cannon-balls and boarding-pikesexclusively. 

Now, I confess that my notions had become at this epoch somewhatrelaxed by my traffic on the coast, so that I grew to be no betterthan folks of my cloth. I was fond of excitement; my craft was sadlyin want of a cargo; and, as the mate narrated the helmsman's story, the Quixotic idea naturally got control of my brain that I wasdestined to become the _avenger_ of the poisoned captain. I will notsay that I was altogether stimulated by the noble spirit of justice;for it is quite possible I would never have thought of the dead manhad not the sailor apprised us that his vessel was half full ofnegroes!

As we drifted slowly by the mouth of my old river, I slipped over thebar, and, while I fitted the schooner with a splendid nine-pounderamidships, I despatched a spy to the Rio Nunez to report the factsabout the poisoning, as well as the armament of the unregisteredslaver. In ten days the runner verified the tale. She was still in thestream, with one hundred and eighty-five human beings in her hold, butwould soon be off with an entire cargo of two hundred and twenty-five. 

The time was extraordinarily propitious. Every thing favored myenterprise. The number of slaves would exactly fit my schooner. Such awindfall could not be neglected; and, on the fourth day, I wasentering the Rio Nunez under the Portuguese flag, which I unfurled byvirtue of a pass from Sierra Leone to the Cape de Verd Islands. 

I cannot tell whether my spy had been faithless, but when I reachedFurcaria, I perceived that my game had taken wing from her anchorage. Here was a sad disappointment. The schooner drew too much water toallow a further ascent, and, moreover, I was unacquainted with theriver. 

As it was important that I should keep aloof from strangers, Ianchored in a quiet spot, and seizing the first canoe that passed, learned, for a small reward, that the object of my search was hiddenin a bend of the river at the king's town of Kakundy, which I couldnot reach without the pilotage of a certain mulatto, who was alone fitfor the enterprise. 

I knew this half-breed as soon as his person was described, but I hadlittle hope of securing his services, either by fair means or promisedrecompense. He owed me five slaves for dealings that took placebetween us at Kambia, and had always refused so strenuously to pay, that I felt sure he would be off to the woods as soon as he knew mypresence on the river. Accordingly, I kept my canoemen on the schoonerby an abundant supply of "bitters, " and at midnight landed half adozen, who proceeded to the mulatto's cabin, where he was seized _sansceremonie_. The terror of this ruffian was indescribable when he foundhimself in my presence, --a captive, as he supposed, for the debt offlesh. But I soon relieved him, and offered a liberal reward for hisprompt, secret and safe pilotage, to Kakundy. The mulatto was willing, but the stream was too shallow for my keel. He argued the point soconvincingly, that in half an hour, I relinquished the attempt, andresolved to make "Mahomet come to the mountain. "

The two boats were quickly manned, armed, and supplied with lanterns;and, with muffled oars, guided by our pilot, --whose skull was keptconstantly under the lee of my pistols--we fell like vampyres on ourprey in the darkness. 

With a wild hurrah and a blaze of our pistols in the air, we leaped onboard, driving every soul under hatches without striking a blow!Sentries were placed at the cabin door, forecastle and hatchway. Thecable was slipped, my launch took her in tow, the pilot and myselftook charge of the helm, and, before daylight, the prize was alongsidemy schooner, transhipping one hundred and ninety-seven of her slaves, with their necessary supplies. 

Great was the surprise of the captured crew when they saw their fate;and great was the agony of the poisoner, when he returned next morningto the vacant anchorage, after a night of debauch with the king ofKakundy. First of all, he imagined we were regular cruisers, and thatthe captain's death was about to be avenged. But when it wasdiscovered that they had fallen into the grasp of _friendly slavers_, five of his seamen abandoned their craft and shipped with me. 

We had capital stomachs for breakfast after the night's romance. Hardly was it swallowed, however, when three canoes came blusteringdown the stream, filled with negroes and headed by his majesty. I didnot wait for a salutation, but, giving the warriors a dose ofbellicose grape, tripped my anchor, sheeted home my sails, and was offlike an albatross!

The feat was cleverly achieved; but, since then, I have very oftenbeen taxed by my conscience with doubts as to its strict morality! TheAfrican slave-trade produces singular notions of _meum and tuum_ inthe minds and hearts of those who dwell for any length of time on thatblighting coast; and it is not unlikely that I was quite as prone tothe infection as better men, who perished under the malady, while Iescaped!

CHAPTER XXXV. 

It was a sweltering July, and the "rainy season" proved its tremendouspower by almost incessant deluges. In the breathless calms that heldme spell-bound on the coast, the rain came down in such torrents thatI often thought the solid water would bury and submerge our schooner. Now and then, a south-wester and the current would fan and drift usalong; yet the tenth day found us rolling from side to side in thelongitude of the Cape de Verds. 

Day broke with one of its customary squalls and showers. As the cloudlifted, my look-out from the cross-trees announced a sail under ourlee. It was invisible from deck, in the folds of the retreatingmain, but, in the dead calm that followed, the distant whistle of aboatswain was distinctly audible. Before I could deliberate all mydoubts were solved by a shot in our mainsail, and the crack of acannon. There could be no question that the unwelcome visitor was aman-of-war. 

It was fortunate that the breeze sprang up after the lull, and enabledus to carry every thing that could be crowded on our spars. We dashedaway before the freshening wind, like a deer with the unleashed houndspursuing. The slaves were shifted from side to side--forward oraft--to aid our sailing. Head-stays were slackened, wedges knocked offthe masts, and every incumbrance cast from the decks into the sea. Now and then, a fruitless shot from his bow-chasers, reminded thefugitive that the foe was still on his scent. At last, the cruiser gotthe range of his guns so perfectly, that a well-aimed ball ripped awayour rail and tore a dangerous splinter from the foremast, three feetfrom deck. It was now perilous to carry a press of sail on the sametack with the weakened spar, whereupon I put the schooner about, and, to my delight, found we ranged ahead a knot faster on this course thanthe former. The enemy "went about" as quickly as we did, but her ballssoon fell short of us, and, before noon, we had crawled so nimbly towindward, that her top-gallants alone were visible above the horizon. 

 * * * * *

Our voyage was uncheckered by any occurrence worthy of recollection, save the accidental loss of the mate in a dark and stormy night, untilwe approached the Antilles. Here, where every thing on a slaverassumes the guise of pleasure and relief, I remarked not only thesullenness of my crew, but a disposition to disobey or neglect. Thesecond mate, --shipped in the Rio Nunez, and who replaced my lostofficer, --was noticed occasionally in close intercourse with thewatch, while his deportment indicated dissatisfaction, if not mutiny. 

A slaver's life on shore, as well as at sea, makes him wary whenanother would not be circumspect, or even apprehensive. The sight ofland is commonly the signal for merriment, for a well-behaved cargo isinvariably released from shackles, and allowed free intercoursebetween the sexes during daytime on deck. Water tanks are thrown openfor unrestricted use. "The cat" is cast into the sea. Strictdiscipline is relaxed. The day of danger or revolt is considered over, and the captain enjoys a new and refreshing life till the hour oflanding. Sailors, with proverbial generosity, share their biscuits andclothing with the blacks. The women, who are generally withoutgarments, appear in costume from the wardrobes of tars, pettyofficers, mates, and even captains. Sheets, table-cloths, and sparesails, are torn to pieces for raiment, while shoes, boots, caps, oilcloths, and monkey-jackets, contribute to the gay masquerade of the"emigrants. "

It was my sincere hope that the first glimpse of the Antilles wouldhave converted my schooner into a theatre for such a display; but themoodiness of my companions was so manifest, that I thought it best tomeet rebellion half way, by breaking the suspected officer, andsending him forward, at the same time that I threw his "dog-house"overboard. [4]

I was now without a reliable officer, and was obliged to call two ofthe youngest sailors to my assistance in navigating the schooner. Iknew the cook and steward--both of whom messed aft--to be trustworthy;so that, with four men at my back, and the blacks below, I feltcompetent to control my vessel. From that moment, I suffered no one toapproach the quarter-deck nearer than the mainmast. 

It was a sweet afternoon when we were floating along the shores ofPorto Rico, tracking our course upon the chart. Suddenly, one of mynew assistants approached, with the sociability common amongSpaniards, and, in a quiet tone, asked whether I would take a_cigarillo_. As I never smoked, I rejected the offer with thanks, whenthe youth immediately dropped the twisted paper on my map. In aninstant, I perceived the _ruse_, and discovered that the _cigarillo_was, in fact, a _billet_ rolled to resemble one. I put it in my mouth, and walked aft until I could throw myself on the deck, with my headover the stern, so as to open the paper unseen. It disclosed theorganization of a mutiny, under the lead of the broken mate. Ourarrival in sight of St. Domingo was to be the signal of its rupture, and for my immediate landing on the island. Six of the crew wereimplicated with the villain, and the boatswain, who was ill in theslave-hospital, was to share my fate. 

My resolution was promptly made. In a few minutes, I had cast a hastyglance into the arm-chest, and seen that our weapons were in order. Then, mustering ten of the stoutest and cleverest of my negroes on thequarter-deck, I took the liberty to invent a little strategic fib, andtold them, in the Soosoo dialect, that there were bad men on board, who wanted to run the schooner ashore among rocks and drown the slaveswhile below. At the same time, I gave each a cutlass from thearm-chest, and supplying my trusty whites with a couple of pistols anda knife apiece, without saying a word, I seized the ringleader and hiscolleagues! Irons and double-irons secured the party to the mainmastor deck, while a drum-head court-martial, composed of the officers, and presided over by myself, arraigned and tried the scoundrels inmuch less time than regular boards ordinarily spend in suchinvestigations. During the inquiry, we ascertained beyond doubt thatthe death of the mate was due to false play. He had been wilfullymurdered, as a preliminary to the assault on me, for his colossalstature and powerful muscles would have made him a dangerous adversaryin the seizure of the craft. 

There was, perhaps, a touch of the old-fashioned Inquisition in themode of our judicial researches concerning this projected mutiny. Weproceeded very much by way of "confession, " and, whenever the culpritmanifested reluctance or hesitation, his memory was stimulated by a"cat. " Accordingly, at the end of the trial, the mutineers werealready pretty well punished; so that we sentenced the six accomplicesto receive an additional flagellation, and continue ironed till wereached Cuba. But the fate of the ringleader was not decided soeasily. Some were in favor of dropping him overboard, as he had donewith the mate; others proposed to set him adrift on a raft, ballastedwith chains; but I considered both these punishments too cruel, notwithstanding his treachery, and kept his head beneath the pistol ofa sentry till I landed him in shackles on Turtle Island, with threedays food and abundance of water. 

FOOTNOTE:

[4] The forecastle and cabin of a slaver are given up to the livingfreight, while officers sleep on deck in kennels, technically known as"dog-houses. "

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

After all these adventures, I was very near losing the schooner beforeI got to land, by one of the perils of the sea, for which I blamemyself that I was not better prepared. 

It was the afternoon of a fine day. For some time, I had noticed onthe horizon a low bank of white cloud, which rapidly spread itselfover the sky and water, surrounding us with an impenetrable fog. Iapprehended danger; yet, before I could make the schooner snug to meetthe squall, a blast--as sudden and loud as a thunderbolt--prostratedher nearly on her beam. The shock was so violent and unforeseen, thatthe unrestrained slaves, who were enjoying the fine weather on deck, rolled to leeward till they floundered in the sea that inundated thescuppers. There was no power in the tiller to "keep her away" beforethe blast, for the rudder was almost out of water; but, fortunately, our mainsail burst in shreds from the bolt-ropes, and, relieving usfrom its pressure, allowed the schooner to right under control of thehelm. The West Indian squall abandoned us as rapidly as it assailed, and I was happy to find that our entire loss did not exceed twoslave-children, who had been carelessly suffered to sit on the rail. 

 * * * * *

The reader knows that my voyage was an _impromptu_ speculation, without papers, manifest, register, consignees, or destination. Itbecame necessary, therefore, that I should exercise a very unusualdegree of circumspection, not only in landing my human cargo, but inselecting a spot from which I might communicate with proper persons. Ihad never been in Cuba, save on the occasion already described, norwere my business transactions extended beyond the Regla association, by which I was originally sent to Africa. 

The day after the "white squall" I found our schooner drifting with aleading breeze along the southern coast of Cuba, and as the timeseemed favorable, I thought I might as well cut the Gordian knot ofdilemma by landing my cargo in a secluded cove that indented the beachabout nine miles east of Sant' Iago. If I had been consigned to thespot, I could not have been more fortunate in my reception. Some sixtyyards from the landing I found the comfortable home of a _ranchero_who proffered the hospitality usual in such cases, and devoted aspacious barn to the reception of my slaves while his family preparedan abundant meal. 

As soon as the cargo was safe from the grasp of cruisers, I resolvedto disregard the flagless and paperless craft that bore it safely fromAfrica, and being unacquainted in Sant' Iago, to cross the islandtowards the capital, in search of a consignee. Accordingly I mounted aspirited little horse, and with a _montero_ guide, turned my face oncemore towards the "ever faithful city of Havana. "

My companion had a thousand questions for "the captain, " all of whichI answered with so much _bonhommie_, that we soon became the bestfriends imaginable, and chatted over all the scandal of Cuba. Ilearned from this man that a cargo had recently been "run" in theneighborhood of Matanzas, and that its disposal was most successfullymanaged by a Señor * * *, from Catalonia. 

I slapped my thigh and shouted _eureka_! It flashed through my mind totrust this man without further inquiry, and I confess that my decisionwas based exclusively upon his _sectional_ nationality. I am partialto the Catalans. 

Accordingly, I presented myself at the counting-room of my futureconsignee in due time, and "made a clean breast" of the wholetransaction, disclosing the destitute state of my vessel. In a veryshort period, his Excellency the Captain-General was made aware of myarrival and furnished a list of "the Africans, "--by which name theBosal slaves are commonly known in Cuba. Nor was the captain of theport neglected. A convenient blank page of his register was inscribedwith the name of my vessel as having sailed from the port six monthsbefore, and this was backed by a register and muster-roll, in order tosecure my unquestionable entry into a harbor. 

Before nightfall every thing was in order with Spanish despatch whenstimulated either by doubloons or the smell of African blood;--andtwenty-four hours afterwards, I was again at the landing with a suitof clothes and blanket for each of my "domestics. " The schooner wasimmediately put in charge of a clever pilot, who undertook the formalduty and _name_ of her commander, in order to elude the vigilance ofall the minor officials whose conscience had not been lulled by thegolden anodyne. 

In the meanwhile every attention had been given to the slaves by myhospitable _ranchero_. The "head-money" once paid, no body, --civil, military, foreign, or Spanish--dared interfere with them. Forty-eighthours of rest, ablution, exercise and feeding, served to recruit thegang and steady their gait. Nor had the sailors in charge of the partyomitted the performance of their duty as "_valets_" to the gentlemenand "_ladies' maids_" to the females; so that when the march towardsSant' Iago began, the procession might have been considered as"respectable as it was numerous. "

The brokers of the southern emporium made very little delay in findingpurchasers at retail for the entire venture. The returns were, ofcourse, in cash; and so well did the enterprise turn out, that Iforgot the rebellion of our mutineers, and allowed them to share mybounty with the rest of the crew. In fact, so pleased was I with theresult on inspecting the balance-sheet, that I resolved to divertmyself with the _dolce far niente_ of Cuban country life for a monthat least. 

But while I was making ready for this delightful repose, a slightbreeze passed over the calmness of my mirror. I had given, perhapsimprudently, but certainly with generous motives, a double pay to mymen in recompense of their perilous service on the Rio Nunez. With theusual recklessness of their craft, they lounged about Havana, boastingof their success, while a Frenchman of the party, --who had beenswindled of his wages at cards, --appealed to his Consul for relief. Bydint of cross questions the Gallic official extracted the tale of ourvoyage from his countryman, and took advantage of the fellow'sdestitution to make him a witness against a certain Don Téodore Canot, who _was alleged to be a native of France_! Besides this, thepunishment of my mate was exaggerated by the recreant Frenchman into amost unjustifiable as well as cruel act. 

Of course the story was promptly detailed to the Captain-General, whoissued an order for my arrest. But I was too wary and flush to becaught so easily by the guardian of France's lilies. No person bearingmy name could be found in the island; and as the schooner had enteredport with Spanish papers, Spanish crew, and was regularly sold, itbecame manifest to the stupefied Consul that the sailor's "yarn" wasan entire fabrication. That night a convenient press-gang, in want ofrecruits for the royal marine, seized the braggadocio crew, and asthere were no witnesses to corroborate the Consul's complaint, it wasforthwith dismissed. 

Things are managed very cleverly in Havana--_when you know how_!

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Before I went to sea again, I took a long holiday with full pockets, among my old friends at Regla and Havana. I thought it possible that aresidence in Cuba for a season, aloof from traders and theirtransactions, might wean me from Africa; but three months had hardlyelapsed, before I found myself sailing out of the harbor of St. Jagode Cuba to take, in Jamaica, a cargo of merchandise for the coast, andthen to return and refit for slaves in Cuba. 

My voyage began with a gale, which for three days swept us along on atolerably good course, but on the night of the third, after snappingmy mainmast on a lee shore, I was forced to beach the schooner inorder to save our lives and cargo from destruction. Fortunately, weeffected our landing with complete success, and at dawn I found mygallant little craft a total wreck on an uninhabited key. A large tentor pavilion was quickly built from our sails, sweeps, and remainingspars, beneath which every thing valuable and undamaged was storedbefore nightfall. Parties were sent forth to reconnoitre, while ourremaining foremast was unshipped, and planted on the highest part ofthe sandbank with a signal of distress. The scouts returned withoutconsolation. Nothing had been seen except a large dog, whose neck wasencircled with a collar; but as he could not be made to approach bykindness, I forbade his execution. Neither smoke nor tobacco freed usof the cloudy swarms of mosquitoes that filled the air after sunset, and so violent was the irritation of their innumerable stings, that adelicate boy among the crew became utterly insane, and was notrestored till long after his return to Cuba. 

Several sad and weary days passed over us on this desolate key, whereour mode of life brought to my recollection many a similar hour spentby me in company with Don Rafael and his companions. Vessel aftervessel passed the reef, but none took notice of our signal. At last, on the tenth day of our imprisonment, a couple of small schoonersfanned their way in a nonchalant manner towards our island, andknowing that we were quite at their mercy, refused our rescue unlesswe assented to the most extravagant terms of compensation. After agood deal of chaffering, it was agreed that the salvors should land usand our effects at Nassau, New Providence, where the average should bedetermined by the lawful tribunal. The voyage was soon accomplished, and our amiable liberators from the mosquitoes of our island prisonobtained a judicial award of seventy per cent. For their extraordinarytrouble!

The wreck and the wreckers made so formidable an inroad upon myfinances, that I was very happy when I reached Cuba once more, toaccept the berth of sailing-master in a slave brig which was fittingout at St. Thomas's, under an experienced Frenchman. 

My new craft, the SAN PABLO, was a trim Brazil-built brig, of rathermore than 300 tons. Her hold contained sixteen twenty-four carronades, while her magazine was stocked with abundance of ammunition, and herkelson lined, fore and aft, with round shot and grape. Captain * * *, who had been described as a Tartar and martinet, received me with muchaffability, and seemed charmed when I told him that I conversedfluently not only in French but in English. 

I had hardly arrived and begun to take the dimensions of my newequipage, when a report ran through the harbor that a Danish cruiserwas about to touch at the island. Of course, every thing was instantlyafloat, and in a bustle to be off. Stores and provisions were tumbledin pell-mell, tanks were filled with water during the night; and, before dawn, fifty-five ragamuffins of all castes, colors, andcountries, were shipped as crew. By "six bells, " with a coasting flagat our peak, we were two miles at sea with our main-topsail aback, receiving six kegs of specie and several chests of clothing from alugger. 

When we were fairly on "blue water" I discovered that our voyage, though a slaver's, was not of an ordinary character. On the secondday, the mariners were provided with two setts of uniform, to be wornon Sundays or when called to quarters. Gold-laced caps, blue coatswith anchor buttons, single epaulettes, and side arms were distributedto the officers, while a brief address from the captain on thequarter-deck, apprised all hands that if the enterprise resulted well, _a bounty_ of one hundred dollars would be paid to each adventurer. 

That night our skipper took me into council and developed his plan, which was to load in a port in the Mozambique channel. To effect hispurpose with more security, he had provided the brig with an armamentsufficient to repel a man-of-war of equal size--(a fancy I never gaveway to)--and on all occasions, except in presence of a French cruiser, he intended to hoist the Bourbon lilies, wear the Bourbon uniform, andconduct the vessel in every way as if she belonged to the royal navy. Nor were the officers to be less favored than the sailors in regard todouble salary, certificates of which were handed to me for myself andmy two subordinates. A memorandum book was then supplied, containingminute instructions for each day of the ensuing week, and I wasspecially charged, as second in command, to be cautiously punctual inall my duties, and severely just towards my inferiors. 

I took some pride in acquitting myself creditably in this new militaryphase of a slaver's life. Very few days sufficed to put the riggingand sails in perfect condition; to mount my sixteen guns; to drill themen with small arms as well as artillery; and by paint and sea-craft, to disguise the Saint Paul as a very respectable cruiser. 

In twenty-seven days we touched at the Cape de Verds for provisions, and shaped our way southward without speaking a single vessel of themultitude we met, until off the Cape of Good Hope we encountered astranger who was evidently bent upon being sociable. Nevertheless, ourinhospitable spirit forced us to hold our course unswervingly, tillfrom peak and main we saw the white flag and pennant of Franceunfurled to the wind. 

Our drum immediately beat to quarters, while the flag chest wasbrought on deck. Presently, the French _transport_ demanded ourprivate signal; which out of our ample supply, was promptly answered, and the royal ensign of Portugal set at our peak. 

As we approached the Frenchman every thing was made ready for allhazards;--our guns were double-shotted, our matches lighted, our smallarms distributed. The moment we came within hail, our captain, --whoclaimed precedence of the lieutenant of a transport, --spoke theFrenchman; and, for a while, carried on quite an amiable chat inPortuguese. At last the stranger requested leave to send his boataboard with letters for the Isle of France; to which we consented withthe greatest pleasure, though our captain thought it fair to informhim that we dared not prudently invite his officers on deck, inasmuchas there were "several cases of small-pox among our crew, contracted, in all likelihood, at Angola!"

The discharge of an unexpected broadside could not have struck ourvisitor with more dismay or horror. The words were hardly spoken whenher decks were in a bustle, --her yards braced sharply to thewind, --and her prow boiling through the sea, without so much as thecompliment of a "_bon voyage_!"

Ten days after this _ruse d'esclave_ we anchored at Quillimane, amonga lot of Portuguese and Brazilian slavers, whose sails were eitherclewed up or unbent as if for a long delay. We fired a salute oftwenty guns and ran up the French flag. The salvo was quicklyanswered, while our captain, in the full uniform of a naval commander, paid his respects to the Governor. Meantime orders were given me toremain carefully in charge of the ship; to avoid all intercourse withothers; to go through the complete routine and show of a man-of-war;to strike the yards, haul down signal, and fire a gun at sunset; butespecially to get underway and meet the captain at a small beach offthe port, the instant I saw a certain flag flying from the fort. 

I have rarely seen matters conducted more skilfully than they were bythis daring Gaul. Next morning early the Governor's boat was sent forthe specie; the fourth day disclosed the signal that called us to thebeach; the fifth, sixth, and seventh, supplied us with _eight hundrednegroes_; and, on the ninth, we were underway for our destination. 

The success of this enterprise was more remarkable because fourteenvessels, waiting cargoes, were at anchor when we arrived, some ofwhich had been detained in port over fifteen months. To such a pitchhad their impatience risen, that the masters made common cause againstall new-comers, and agreed that each vessel should take its turn forsupply according to date of arrival. But the astuteness of my veterancircumvented all these plans. His anchorage and non-intercourse as _aFrench man-of-war_ lulled every suspicion or intrigue against him, andhe adroitly took advantage of his kegs of specie to win the heart ofthe authorities and factors who supplied the slaves. 

But wit and cleverness are not all in this world. Our captain returnedin high spirits to his vessel; but we hardly reached the open seabefore he was prostrated with an ague which refused to yield toordinary remedies, and finally ripened into fever, that deprived himof reason. Other dangers thickened around us. We had been several daysoff the Cape of Good Hope, buffeting a series of adverse gales, whenword was brought me after a night of weary watching, that severalslaves were ill of small-pox. Of all calamities that occur in thevoyage of a slaver, this is the most dreaded and unmanageable. Thenews appalled me. Impetuous with anxiety I rushed to the captain, andregardless of fever or insanity, disclosed the dreadful fact. Hestared at me for a minute as if in doubt; then opening his bureau andpointing to a long coil of combustible material, said that itcommunicated through the decks with the powder magazine, and orderedme to--"_blow up the brig!_"

The master's madness sobered his mate. I lost no time in securingboth the dangerous implement and its perilous owner, while I calledthe officers into the cabin for inquiry and consultation as to ourdesperate state. 

The gale had lasted nine days without intermission, and during allthis time with so much violence that it was impossible to take off thegratings, release the slaves, purify the decks, or rig the wind-sails. When the first lull occurred, a thorough inspection of the eighthundred was made, and _a death announced_. As life had departed duringthe tempest, a careful inspection of the body was made, and it wasthis that first disclosed the pestilence in our midst. The corpse wassilently thrown into the sea, and the malady kept secret from crew andnegroes. 

When breakfast was over on that fatal morning, I determined to visitthe slave deck myself, and ordering an abundant supply of lanterns, descended to the cavern, which still reeked horribly with human vapor, even after ventilation. But here, alas! I found nine of the negroesinfected by the disease. We took counsel as to the use of laudanum inridding ourselves speedily of the sufferers, --a remedy that is seldomand secretly used in _desperate_ cases to preserve the living fromcontagion. But it was quickly resolved that it had already gone toofar, when nine were prostrated, to save the rest by depriving them oflife. Accordingly, these wretched beings were at once sent to theforecastle as a hospital, and given in charge to the vaccinated orinnoculated as nurses. The hold was then ventilated and limed; yetbefore the gale abated, our sick list was increased to thirty. Thehospital could hold no more. Twelve of the sailors took the infection, and fifteen corpses had been cast in the sea!

All reserve was now at an end. Body after body fed the deep, and stillthe gale held on. At last, when the wind and waves had lulled so muchas to allow the gratings to be removed from our hatches, ourconsternation knew no bounds when we found that nearly all the slaveswere dead or dying with the distemper. I will not dwell on the sceneor our sensations. It is a picture that must gape with all its horrorsbefore the least vivid imagination. Yet there was no time for languoror sentimental sorrow. Twelve of the stoutest survivors were orderedto drag out the dead from among the ill, and though they wereconstantly drenched with rum to brutalize them, still we were forcedto aid the gang by reckless volunteers from our crew, who, armingtheir hands with tarred mittens, flung the foetid masses ofputrefaction into the sea!

One day was a counterpart of another; and yet the love of life, or, perhaps, the love of gold, made us fight the monster with a couragethat became a better cause. At length death was satisfied, but notuntil the eight hundred beings we had shipped in high health haddwindled to four hundred and ninety-seven skeletons!

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

The San Pablo might have been considered entitled to a "clean bill ofhealth" by the time she reached the equator. The dead left space, food, and water for the living, and very little restraint was imposedon the squalid remnant. None were shackled after the outbreak of thefatal plague, so that in a short time the survivors began to fattenfor the market to which they were hastening. But such was not the fateof our captain. The fever and delirium had long left him, yet adysenteric tendency, --the result of a former malady, --suddenlysupervened, and the worthy gentleman rapidly declined. His nerves gaveway so thoroughly, that from fanciful weakness he lapsed into helplesshypochondria. One of his pet ideas was that a copious dose of calomelwould ensure his restoration to perfect health. Unfortunately, however, during the prevalence of the plague, our medicine chest hadone day been accidentally left exposed, and our mercury wasabstracted. Still there was no use to attempt calming him with theassurance that his _nostrum_ could not be had. The more we argued theimpossibility of supplying him, the more was he urgent and imperativefor the sanative mineral. 

In this dilemma I ordered a bright look-out to be kept for merchantmenfrom whom I hoped to obtain the desirable drug. At last a sail wasreported two points under our lee, and as her canvas was both patchedand dark, I considered her a harmless Briton who might be approachedwith impunity. 

It proved to be a brig from Belfast, in Ireland; but when I overhauledthe skipper and desired him to send a boat on board, he declined theinvitation and kept his course. A second and third command shared thesame fate. I was somewhat nettled by this disregard of my flag, pennant, and starboard epaulette, and ordering the brig to be runalongside, I made her fast to the recusant, and boarded with ten men. 

Our reception was, of course, not very amicable, though no show ofresistance was made by officers or crew. I informed the captain thatmy object in stopping him was entirely one of mercy, and repeated therequest I had previously made through the speaking trumpet. Still, thestubborn Scotchman persisted in denying the medicine, though I offeredhim payment in silver or gold. Thereupon, I commanded the mate toproduce his log-book, and, under my dictation, to note the visit ofthe San Pablo, my request, and its churlish denial. This being done tomy satisfaction, I ordered two of my hands to search for the medicinechest, which turned out to be a sorry receptacle of stale drugs, though fortunately containing an abundance of calomel. I did notparley about appropriating a third of the mineral, for which I countedfive silver dollars on the cabin table. But the metal was no soonerexhibited than my Scotchman refused it with disdain. I handed it, however, to the mate, and exacted a receipt, which was noted in thelog-book. 

As I put my leg over the taffrail, I tried once more to smooth thebristles of the terrier, but a snarl and a snap repaid me for my goodhumor. Nevertheless, I resolved "to heap coals of fire on the head" ofthe ingrate; and, before I cast off our lashings, threw on his deck adozen yams, a bag of frijoles, a barrel of pork, a couple of sacks ofwhite Spanish biscuits, --and, with a cheer, bade him adieu. 

But there was no balm in calomel for the captain. Scotch physic couldnot save him. He declined day by day; yet the energy of his hardnature kept him alive when other men would have sunk, and enabled himto command even from his sick bed. 

It was always our Sabbath service to drum the men to quarters andexercise them with cannons and small arms. One Sunday, after theroutine was over, the dying man desired to inspect his crew, and wascarried to the quarter-deck on a mattress. Each sailor marched infront of him and was allowed to take his hand; after which he calledthem around in a body, and announced his apprehension that death wouldclaim him before our destination was reached. Then, without previouslyapprising us of his design, he proceeded to make a verbal testament, and enjoined it upon all as a duty to his memory to obey implicitly. If the San Pablo arrived safely in port, he desired that every officerand mariner should be paid the promised bounty, and that the proceedsof cargo should be sent to his family in Nantz. But, if it happenedthat we were attacked by a cruiser, and the brig was saved by the riskand valor of a defence, --then, he directed that one half the voyage'savails should be shared between officers and crew, while one quarterwas sent to his friends in France, and the other given to me. Hissailing-master and Cuban consignees were to be the executors of thissalt water document. 

We were now well advanced north-westwardly on our voyage, and in everycloud could see a promise of the continuing trade-wind, which wasshortly to end a luckless voyage. From deck to royal, --from flying-jibto ring-tail, every stitch of canvas that would draw was packed andcrowded on the brig. Vessels were daily seen in numbers, but noneappeared suspicious till we got far to the westward, when my glassdetected a cruising schooner, jogging along under easy sail. I orderedthe helmsman to keep his course; and taughtening sheets, braces, andhalyards, went into the cabin to receive the final orders of ourcommander. 

He received my story with his usual bravery, nor was he startled whena boom from the cruiser's gun announced her in chase. He pointed toone of his drawers and told me to take out its contents. I handed himthree flags, which he carefully unrolled, and displayed the ensigns ofSpain, Denmark, and Portugal, in each of which I found a set of paperssuitable for the San Pablo. In a feeble voice he desired me to selecta nationality; and, when I chose the Spanish, he grasped my hand, pointed to the door, and bade me not to surrender. 

When I reached the deck, I found our pursuer gaining on us with theutmost speed. She outsailed us--two to one. Escape was altogether outof the question; yet I resolved to show the inquisitive stranger ourmettle, by keeping my course, firing a gun, and hoisting my Spanishsignals at peak and main. 

At this time the San Pablo was spinning along finely at the rate ofabout six knots an hour, when a shot from the schooner fell close toour stern. In a moment I ordered in studding-sails alow and aloft, andas my men had been trained to their duty in man-of-war fashion, Ihoped to impose on the cruiser by the style and perfection of themanoeuvre. Still, however, she kept her way, and, in four hoursafter discovery, was within half gun-shot of the brig. 

Hitherto I had not touched my armament, but I selected this moment toload under the enemy's eyes, and, at the word of command, to flingopen the ports and run out my barkers. The act was performed to acharm by my well-drilled gunners; yet all our belligerent display hadnot the least effect on the schooner, which still pursued us. At last, within hail, her commander leaped on a gun, and ordered me to "heaveto, or take a ball!"

Now, I was prepared for this arrogant command, and, for half an hour, had made up my mind how to avoid an engagement. A single discharge ofmy broadside might have sunk or seriously damaged our antagonist, butthe consequences would have been terrible if he boarded me, which Ibelieved to be his aim. 

Accordingly, I paid no attention to the threat, but taughtened myropes and surged ahead. Presently, my racing chaser came up _under mylee_ within pistol-shot, when a reiterated command to heave to or befired on, was answered for the first time by a faint "_nointiendo_, "--"I don't understand you, "--while the man-of-war shotahead of me. 

_Then I had him!_ Quick as thought, I gave the order to "square away, "and putting the helm up, struck the cruiser near the bow, carryingaway her foremast and bowsprit. Such was the stranger's surprise at mydaring trick that not a musket was fired or boarder stirred, till wewere clear of the wreck. It was then too late. The loss of my jib-boomand a few rope-yarns did not prevent me from cracking on mystudding-sails, and leaving the lubber to digest his stupid_forbearance_!

This adventure was a fitting epitaph for the stormy life of our poorcommander, who died on the following night, and was buried under achoice selection of the flags he had honored with his variousnationalities. A few days after the blue water had closed over him forever, our cargo was safely ensconced in the _hacienda_ nine miles eastof St. Jago de Cuba, while the San Pablo was sent adrift and burnt tothe water's edge. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

The beneficent disposition of my late commander, though not a regulartestament, was carried out in Cuba, and put me in possession of twelvethousand dollars as my share of the enterprise. Yet my restless spiritdid not allow me to remain idle. Our successful voyage had secured mescores of friends among the Spanish slavers, and I received dailyapplications for a fresh command. 

But the plans of my French friend had so bewitched me with a desirefor imitation, that I declined subordinate posts and aspired toownership. Accordingly, I proposed to the proprietor of a largeAmerican clipper-brig, that we should fit her on the same system asthe San Pablo; yet, wishing to surpass my late captain in commercialsuccess, I suggested the idea of fighting for our cargo, or, inplainer language, of relieving another slaver of her living freight, aproject which promptly found favor with the owner of "LA CONCHITA. "The vessel in question originally cost twelve thousand dollars, and Iproposed to cover this value by expending an equal sum on her outfit, in order to constitute me half owner. 

The bargain was struck, and the armament, sails, additional spars, rigging, and provisions went on board, with prudential secrecy. Inasmuch as we could not leave port without some show of a cargo, merchandise _in bond_ was taken from the public warehouses, and, after being loaded in our hold during day, was smuggled ashore againat night. As the manoeuvre was a trick of my accomplice, whoprivately gained by the operation, I took no notice of what wasdelivered or taken away. 

Finally, all was ready. Forty-five men were shipped, and the Conchitacleared. Next day, at daybreak, I was to sail with the land-breeze. 

A sailor's last night ashore is proverbial, and none of the customaryceremonies were omitted on this occasion. There was a parting supperwith plenty of champagne; there was a visit to the _café_; a farewellcall here, another there, and a bumper every where. In fact, till twoin the morning, I was busy with my adieus; but when I got home atlast, with a thumping headache, I was met at the door by a note frommy partner, stating that our vessel was seized, and an order issuedfor my arrest. He counselled me to keep aloof from the _alguaziles_, till he could arrange the matter with the custom-house and police. 

I will not enlarge this chapter of disasters. Next day, my accomplicewas lodged in prison for his fraud, the vessel confiscated, her outfitsold, and my purse cropped to the extent of twelve thousand dollars. Ihad barely time to escape before the officers were in my lodgings; andI finally saved myself from an acquaintance with the interior of aCuban prison, by taking another name, and playing _ranchero_ among thehills for several weeks. 

 * * * * *

My finances were at low-water mark, when I strolled one fine morninginto Matanzas, and, after some delay, again obtained command of aslaver, through the secret influence of my old and trusty friends. Thenew craft was a dashing schooner, of one hundred and twenty tons, fresh from the United States, and intended for Ayudah on the GoldCoast. It was calculated that we might bring home at least fourhundred and fifty slaves, for whose purchase, I was suppliedplentifully with rum, powder, English muskets, and rich cottons fromManchester. 

In due time we sailed for the Cape de Verds, the usual "port ofdespatch" on such excursions; and at Praya, exchanged our flag for thePortuguese, before we put up our helm for the coast. A British cruiserchased us fruitlessly for two days off Sierra Leone, and enabled menot only to test the sailing qualities, but to get the _sailing trim_of the "Estrella, " in perfection. So confident did I become of thespeed and bottom of my gallant clipper, that I ventured, with aleading wind, to chase the first vessel I descried on the horizon, andwas altogether deceived by the tri-color displayed at her peak. Indeed, I could not divine this novel nationality, till the speakingtrumpet apprised us that the lilies of France had taken triple hues inthe hands of Louis Philippe! Accordingly, before I squared away forAyudah, I saluted the _royal republican_, by lowering my flag thriceto the new divinity. 

 * * * * *

I consigned the Estrella to one of the most remarkable traders thatever expanded the African traffic by his genius. 

Señor Da Souza, --better known on the coast and interior asCha-cha, --was said to be a native mulatto of Rio Janeiro, whence heemigrated to Dahomey, after deserting the arms of his imperial master. I do not know how he reached Africa, but it is probable the fugitivemade part of some slaver's crew, and fled from his vessel, as he hadpreviously abandoned the military service in the delicious clime ofBrazil. His parents were poor, indolent, and careless, so that Cha-chagrew up an illiterate, headstrong youth. Yet, when he touched the soilof Africa, a new life seemed infused into his veins. For a while, hisdays are said to have been full of misery and trouble, but theBrazilian slave-trade happened to receive an extraordinary impetusabout that period; and, gradually, the adventurous refugee managed toprofit by his skill in dealing with the natives, or by acting asbroker among his countrymen. Beginning in the humblest way, he stuckto trade with the utmost tenacity till he ripened into an opulentfactor. The tinge of native blood that dyed his complexion, perhapsqualified him peculiarly for this enterprise. He loved the customs ofthe people. He spoke their language with the fluency of a native. Hewon the favor of chief after chief. He strove to be considered aperfect African among Africans; though, among whites, he stillaffected the graceful address and manners of his country. In this way, little by little, Cha-cha advanced in the regard of all he dealt with, and secured the commissions of Brazil and Cuba, while he was regardedand protected as a prime favorite by the warlike king of Dahomey. Indeed, it is alleged that this noted sovereign formed a sort ofdevilish compact with the Portuguese factor, and supplied him withevery thing he desired during life, in consideration of inheriting hiswealth when dead. 

But Cha-cha was resolved, while the power of enjoyment was stillvouchsafed him, that all the pleasures of human life, accessible tomoney, should not be wanting in Ayudah. He built a large andcommodious dwelling for his residence on a beautiful spot, near thesite of an abandoned Portuguese fort. He filled his establishment withevery luxury and comfort that could please the fancy, or gratify thebody. Wines, food, delicacies and raiment, were brought from Paris, London, and Havana. The finest women along the coast were lured to hissettlement. Billiard tables and gambling halls spread their wiles, orafforded distraction for detained navigators. In fine, the mongrelSybarite surrounded himself with all that could corrupt virtue, gratify passion, tempt avarice, betray weakness, satisfy sensuality, and complete a picture of incarnate slavery in Dahomey. 

When he sallied forth, his walk was always accompanied by considerableceremony. An officer preceded him to clear the path; a fool or buffoonhopped beside him; a band of native musicians sounded their discordantinstruments, and a couple of singers screamed, at the top of theirvoices, the most fulsome adulation of the mulatto. 

Numbers of vessels were, of course, required to feed this Africannabob with doubloons and merchandise. Sometimes, commanders from Cubaor Brazil would be kept months in his perilous nest, while their craftcruised along the coast, in expectation of human cargoes. At suchseasons, no expedient was left untried for the entertainment andpillage of wealthy or trusted idlers. If Cha-cha's board and winesmade them drunkards, it was no fault of his. If _rouge et noir_, or_monte_, won their doubloons and freight at his saloon, he regretted, but dared not interfere with the amusements of his guests. If thesirens of his harem betrayed a cargo for their favor over cards, aconvenient fire destroyed the frail warehouse after its merchandisewas secretly removed!

Cha-cha was exceedingly desirous that I should accept his hospitality. As soon as I read my invoice to him, --for he could not do ithimself, --he became almost irresistible in his _empressement_. Yet Ideclined the invitation with firm politeness, and took up my quarterson shore, at the residence of a native _manfuca_, or broker. I waswarned of his allurements before I left Matanzas, and resolved to keepmyself and property so clear of his clutches, that our contract wouldeither be fulfilled or remain within my control. Thus, by avoiding histable, his "hells, " and the society of his dissipated sons, Imaintained my business relations with the slaver, and secured hispersonal respect so effectually, that, at the end of two months, fourhundred and eighty prime negroes were in the bowels of La Estrella. [5]

FOOTNOTE:

[5] Da Souza died in May, 1849. Commander Forbes, R. N. , in his bookon Dahomey, says that a boy and girl were decapitated and buried withhim, and that three men were sacrificed on the beach at Whydah. Healleges that, although this notorious slaver died in May, the funeralhonors to his memory were not yet closed in October. "The town, " hesays, "is still in a ferment. Three hundred of the Amazons are dailyin the square, firing and dancing; bands of Fetiche people parade thestreets, headed by guinea-fowls, fowls, ducks, goats, pigeons, andpigs, on poles, alive, for sacrifice. Much rum is distributed, and allnight there is shouting, firing and dancing. "--_Dahomey and theDahomans_, vol. I, 49. 

CHAPTER XL. 

If I had dreamed that these recollections of my African career wouldever be made public, it is probable I should have taxed my memory withmany events and characteristic anecdotes, of interest to those whostudy the progress of mankind, and the singular manifestations ofhuman intellect in various portions of Ethiopia. 

During my travels on that continent, I always found the negro abeliever in some superior creative and controlling power, except amongthe marshes at the mouth of the Rio Pongo, where the Bagers, as Ialready stated, imagine that death is total annihilation. TheMandingoes and Fullahs have their Islamism and its Koran; the Soosoohas his good spirits and bad; another nation has its "pray-men" and"book-men, " with their special creeds; another relies on theomnipotence of _juju_ priests and _fetiche_ worship;[6] some believein the immortality of spirit; while others confide in the absolutetranslation of body. The Mahometan tribes adore the Creator, with aninfinitude of ablutions, genuflexions, prayers, fasts, and by strictlyadhering to the laws of the Prophet; while the heathen nations resortto their adroit priests, who shield them from the devil by charms ofvarious degree, which are exclusively in their gift, and mayconsequently be imposed on the credulous for enormous prices. 

At Ayudah I found the natives addicted to a very grovelling speciesof idolatry. It was their belief that the Good as well as the Evilspirit existed in living Iguanas. In the home of the _manfuca_, withwhom I dwelt, several of these animals were constantly fed andcherished as _dii penates_, nor was any one allowed to interfere withtheir freedom, or to harm them when they grew insufferably offensive. The death of one of these crawling deities is considered a calamity inthe household, and grief for the reptile becomes as great as for adeparted parent. 

Whilst I tarried at Ayudah, an invitation came from the King ofDahomey, soliciting the presence of Cha-cha and his guests at theyearly sacrifice of human beings, whose blood is shed not only toappease an irritated god but to satiate the appetite of departedkings. I regret that I did not accompany the party that was present atthis dreadful festival. Cha-cha despatched several of the captains whowere waiting cargoes, under the charge of his own interpreters and theroyal _manfucas_; and from one of these eye-witnesses, whose curiositywas painfully satiated, I received a faithful account of the horridspectacle. 

For three days our travellers passed through a populous region, fedwith abundant repasts prepared in the native villages by Cha-cha'scooks, and resting at night in hammocks suspended among the trees. Onthe fourth day the party reached the great capital of Abomey, to whichthe king had come for the bloody festival from his residence atCannah. My friends were comfortably lodged for repose, and nextmorning presented to the sovereign. He was a well-built negro, dressedin the petticoat-trowsers of a Turk, with yellow morocco boots, whilea profusion of silk shawls encircled his shoulders and waist, and alofty _chapeau_, with trailing plumes, surmounted his wool. A vastbody-guard of _female_ soldiers or amazons, armed with lances andmuskets, surrounded his majesty. Presently, the _manfucas_ andinterpreters, crawling abjectly on their hands and knees to the royalfeet, deposited Cha-cha's tribute and the white men's offering. Thefirst consisted of several pieces of crape, silks, and taffeta, with alarge pitcher and basin of silver; while the latter was a triflinggift of twenty muskets and one hundred pieces of blue _dungeree_. Thepresent was gracefully accepted, and the donors welcomed to thesacrifice, which was delayed on account of the scarcity of victims, though orders had been given to storm a neighboring tribe to make upthree hundred slaves for the festival. In the mean while, a spacioushouse, furnished in European style, and altogether better than theordinary dwellings of Africa, was assigned to the strangers. Libertywas also given them to enter wherever they pleased, and take what theywished, inasmuch as all his subjects, male and female, were slaveswhom he placed at the white men's disposal. 

The sixth of May was announced as the beginning of the sacrificialrites, which were to last five days. Early in the morning, two hundredfemales of the amazonian guard, naked to the waist, but richlyornamented with beads and rings at every joint of their oiled andglistening limbs, appeared in the area before the king's palace, armedwith blunt cutlasses. Very soon the sovereign made his appearance, when the band of warriors began their manoeuvres, keeping pace, withrude but not unmartial skill, to the native drum and flute. 

A short distance from the palace, within sight of the square, a fortor inclosure, about nine feet high, had been built of _adobe_, andsurrounded by a pile of tall, prickly briers. Within this barrier, secured to stakes, stood fifty captives who were to be immolated atthe opening of the festival. When the drill of the amazons and theroyal review were over, there was, for a considerable time, perfectsilence in the ranks and throughout the vast multitude of spectators. Presently, at a signal from the king, one hundred of the womendeparted at a run, brandishing their weapons and yelling theirwar-cry, till, heedless of the thorny barricade, they leaped thewalls, lacerating their flesh in crossing the prickly impediment. Thedelay was short. Fifty of these female demons, with torn limbs andbleeding faces, quickly returned, and offered their howling victims tothe king. It was now the duty of this personage to begin the sacrificewith his royal hand. Calling the female whose impetuous daring had ledher foremost across the thorns, he took a glittering sword from hergrasp, and in an instant the head of the first victim fell to thedust. The weapon was then returned to the woman, who, handing it tothe white men, desired them to unite in the brutal deed! Thestrangers, however, not only refused, but, sick at heart, abandonedthe scene of butchery, which lasted, they understood, till noon, whenthe amazons were dismissed to their barracks, reeking with rum andblood. 

I have limited the details of this barbarity to the initial cruelties, leaving the reader's imagination to fancy the atrocities that followedthe second blow. It has always been noticed that the sight of blood, which appals a civilized man, serves to excite and enrage the savage, till his frantic passions induce him to mutilate his victims, even asa tiger becomes furious after it has torn the first wound in its prey. For five days the strangers were doomed to hear the yells of thestorming amazons as they assailed the fort for fresh victims. On thesixth the sacrifice was over:--the divinity was appeased, and quietreigned again in the streets of Abomey. 

Our travellers were naturally anxious to quit a court where suchabominations were regarded as national and religious duties; butbefore they departed, his majesty proposed to accord them a partinginterview. He received the strangers with ceremonious politeness, andcalled their attention to the throne or royal seat upon which he hadcoiled his limbs. The chair is said to have been an heir-loom of atleast twenty generations. Each leg of the article rests on the skullof some native king or chief, and such is the fanatical respect forthe brutal usages of antiquity, that every three years the people ofDahomey are obliged to renew the steadiness of the stool by the freshskulls of some noted princes!

 * * * * *

I was not long enough at Ayudah to observe the manners and customs ofthe natives with much care, still, as well as I now remember, therewas great similarity to the habits of other tribes. The male lords itover the weaker sex, and as a man is valued according to the quantityof his wives; polygamy, even among civilized residents, is carried toa greater excess than elsewhere. Female chastity is not insisted on asin the Mandingo and Soosoo districts, but the husband contents himselfwith the seeming continence of his mistresses. Sixty or seventy milessouth of Ayudah, the adulterous wife of a chief is stabbed in thepresence of her relations. Here, also, superstition has set up thealtar of human sacrifice, but the divinity considers the offering of asingle virgin sufficient for all its requirements. 

Some years after my visit to Ayudah, it happened that my trafficcalled me to Lagos at the season of this annual festival, so that Ibecame an unwilling witness of the horrid scene. 

When the slender crescent of the November moon is first observed, anedict goes forth from the king that his _Juju-man_, or high-priest, will go his annual round through the town, and during his progress itis strictly forbidden for any of his subjects to remain out of doorsafter sunset. Such is the terror with which the priests affect toregard the sacred demon, that even the fires are extinguished in theirhouses. 

Towards midnight the _Juju-man_ issued from a sacred _gree-gree_ bushor grove, the entrance to which is inhibited to all negroes who do notbelong to the religious brotherhood. The costume of the impostor iscalculated to inspire his countrymen with fear. He was clad in agarment that descended from his waist to his heels like a petticoat orskirt, made of long black fur; a cape of the same material was claspedround his neck and covered his elbows; a gigantic hood which bristledwith all the ferocity of a grenadier's cap, covered his head; hishands were disguised in tiger's paws, while a frightful mask, withsharp nose, thin lips, and white color, concealed his face. He wasaccompanied by ten stout barbarians, dressed and masked like himself, each sounding some discordant instrument. Every door, by law, isrequired to be left ajar for the free access of the _Juju_, but assoon as the horrid noise is heard approaching from the _tabooedgrove_, each inhabitant falls to the ground, with eyes in the dust, toavoid even a look from the irritated spirit. 

A victim is always agreed upon by the priests and the authoritiesbefore they leave the _gree-gree bush_, yet to instil a greaterdegree of superstitious terror, the frightful _Juju_, as if in doubt, promenades the town till daylight, entering a house now and then, andsometimes committing a murder or two to augment the panic. At dawn thehome of the victim, --who, of course, is always the handsomest virginin the settlement, --is reached, and the _Juju_ immediately seizes andcarries her to a place of concealment. Under pain of death her parentsand friends are denied the privilege of uttering a complaint, or evenof lifting their heads from the dust. Next day the unfortunate mothermust seem ignorant of her daughter's doom, or profess herself proud ofthe _Juju's_ choice. Two days pass without notice of the victim. Onthe third, at the river side, the king meets his fanatical subjects, clad in their choicest raiment, and wearing their sweetest smiles. Ahand of music salutes the sovereign, and suddenly the poor victim, _nolonger a virgin and perfectly denuded_, is brought forward by awizard, who is to act the part of executioner. The living sacrificemoves slowly with measured steps, but is no more to be recognized evenby her nearest relatives, for face, body, and limbs, are coveredthickly with chalk. As soon as she halts before the king, her handsand feet are bound to a bench near the trunk of a tree. Theexecutioner then takes his stand, and with uplifted eyes and arms, seems to invoke a blessing on the people, while with a single blow ofhis blade, her head is rolled into the river. The bleeding trunk, laidcarefully on a mat, is placed beneath a large tree to remain till aspirit shall bear it to the land of rest, and at night it is secretlyremoved by the priesthood. 

It is gratifying to know that these _Jujus_, who in Africa assume theprerogatives of divinity, are only the principals of a religiousfraternity who from time immemorial have constituted a secret societyin this part of Ethiopia, for the purpose of sustaining their kingsand ruling the people through their superstition. By fear andfanaticism these brutal priests exact confessions from ignorantnegroes, which, in due time, are announced to the public asdivinations of the oracle. The members of the society are thedepositories of many secrets, tricks, and medical preparations, bywhich they are enabled to paralyze the body as well as affect the mindof their victim. The king and his chiefs are generally supreme in thisbrotherhood of heathen superstition, and the purity of the sacrificedvirgin, in the ceremony just described was unquestionably yielded toher brutal prince. 

FOOTNOTE:

[6] From the Portuguese _feitiço_--witchcraft. 

CHAPTER XLI. 

I have always regretted that I left Ayudah on my homeward voyagewithout interpreters to aid in the necessary intercourse with ourslaves. There was no one on board who understood a word of theirdialect. Many complaints from the negroes that would have beendismissed or satisfactorily adjusted, had we comprehended theirvivacious tongues and grievances, were passed over in silence orhushed with the lash. Indeed, the whip alone was the emblem of LaEstrella's discipline; and in the end it taught me the saddest oflessons. 

From the beginning there was manifest discontent among the slaves. Iendeavored at first to please and accommodate them by a graciousmanner; but manner alone is not appreciated by untamed Africans. A fewdays after our departure, a slave leaped overboard in a fit ofpassion, and another choked himself during the night. These twosuicides, in twenty-four hours, caused much uneasiness among theofficers, and induced me to make every preparation for a revolt. 

We had been at sea about three weeks without further disturbance, andthere was so much merriment among the gangs that were allowed to comeon deck, that my apprehensions of danger began gradually to wear away. Suddenly, however, one fair afternoon, a squall broke forth from analmost cloudless sky; and as the boatswain's whistle piped all handsto take in sail, a simultaneous rush was made by the confined slavesat all the after-gratings, and amid the confusion of the rising gale, they knocked down the guard and poured upon deck. The sentry at the_fore-hatch_ seized the cook's axe, and sweeping it round him like ascythe, kept at bay the band that sought to emerge from below him. Meantime, the women in the cabin were not idle. Seconding the males, they rose in a body, and the helmsman was forced to stab several withhis knife before he could drive them below again. 

About forty stalwart devils, yelling and grinning with all the savageferocity of their wilderness, were now on deck, armed with staves ofbroken water-casks, or billets of wood, found in the hold. Thesuddenness of this outbreak did not appal me, for, in the dangerouslife of Africa, a trader must be always admonished and never off hisguard. The blow that prostrated the first white man was the earliestsymptom I detected of the revolt; but, in an instant, I had thearm-chest open on the quarter-deck, and the mate and steward beside meto protect it. Matters, however, did not stand so well forward of themainmast. Four of the hands were disabled by clubs, while the restdefended themselves and the wounded as well as they could withhandspikes, or whatever could suddenly be clutched. I had alwayscharged the cook, on such an emergency, to distribute from his coppersa liberal supply of scalding water upon the belligerents; and, at thefirst sign of revolt, he endeavored to baptize the heathen with hissteaming slush. But dinner had been over for some time, so that thelukewarm liquid only irritated the savages, one of whom laid theunfortunate "doctor" bleeding in the scuppers. 

All this occurred in perhaps less time than I have taken to tell it;yet, rapid as was the transaction, I saw that, between the squall withits flying sails, and the revolt with its raving blacks, we would soonbe in a desperate plight, unless I gave the order _to shoot_. Accordingly, I told my comrades _to aim low and fire at once_. 

Our carabines had been purposely loaded with buck-shot, to suit suchan occasion, so that the first two discharges brought several of therebels to their knees. Still, the unharmed neither fled or ceasedbrandishing their weapons. Two more discharges drove them forwardamongst the mass of my crew, who had retreated towards the bowsprit;but, being reinforced by the boatswain and carpenter, we took commandof the hatches so effectually, that a dozen additional dischargesamong the ebony legs, drove the refractory to their quarters below. 

It was time; for sails, ropes, tacks, sheets, and blocks, wereflapping, dashing, and rolling about the masts and decks, threateningus with imminent danger from the squall. In a short time, every thingwas made snug, the vessel put on our course, and attention paid to themutineers, who had begun to fight among themselves in the hold!

I perceived at once, by the infuriate sounds proceeding from below, that it would not answer to venture in their midst by descendingthrough the hatches. Accordingly, we discharged the women from theirquarters under a guard on deck, and sent several resolute andwell-armed hands to remove a couple of boards from the bulk-head, thatseparated the cabin from the hold. When this was accomplished, a partyentered, on hands and knees, through the aperture, and began to pressthe mutineers forward towards the bulk-head of the forecastle. Still, the rebels were hot for fight to the last, and boldly defendedthemselves with their staves against our weapons. 

By this time, our lamed cook had rekindled his fires, and the waterwas once more boiling. The hatches were kept open but guarded, and allwho did not fight were suffered to come singly on deck, where theywere tied. As only about sixty remained below engaged in conflict, ordefying my party of sappers and miners, I ordered a number ofauger-holes to be bored in the deck, as the scoundrels were forcedforward near the forecastle, when a few buckets of boiling water, rained on them through the fresh apertures, brought the majority tosubmission. Still, however, two of the most savage held out againstwater as well as fire. I strove as long as possible to save theirlives, but their resistance was so prolonged and perilous, that wewere obliged to disarm them _for ever_ by a couple of pistol shots. 

So ended the sad revolt of "La Estrella, " in which two of my men wereseriously wounded, while twenty-eight balls and buck-shot wereextracted, with sailors' skill, from the lower limbs of the slaves. One woman and three men perished of blows received in the conflict;but none were deliberately slain except the two men, who resisted untodeath. 

I could never account for this mutiny, especially as the blacks fromAyudah and its neighborhood are distinguished for their humble mannersand docility. There can be no doubt that the entire gang was notunited or concerned in the original outbreak, else we should have hadharder work in subduing them, amid the risk and turmoil of a WestIndian squall. 

CHAPTER XLII. 

There was very little comfort on board La Estrella, after thesuppression of this revolt. We lived with a pent-up volcano beneathus, and, day and night, we were ceaselessly vigilant. Terror reignedsupreme, and the lash was its sceptre. 

At last, we made land at Porto Rico, and were swiftly passing itsbeautiful shores, when the inspector called my attention to theappearance of one of our attendant slaves, whom we had drilled as asort of cabin-boy. He was a gentle, intelligent child, and had won thehearts of all the officers. 

His pulse was high, quick and hard; his face and eyes red and swollen;while, on his neck, I detected half a dozen rosy pimples. He was sentimmediately to the forecastle, free from contact with any one else, and left there, cut off from the crew, till I could guard againstpestilence. It was small-pox!

The boy passed a wretched night of fever and pain, developing themalady with all its horrors. It is very likely that I slept as badlyas the sufferer, for my mind was busy with his _doom_. Daylight foundme on deck in consultation with our veteran boatswain, whoseexperience in the trade authorized the highest respect for hisopinion. Hardened as he was, the old man's eyes filled, his lipstrembled, and his voice was husky, as he whispered the verdict in myear. I guessed it before he said a word; yet I hoped he would havecounselled against the dread alternative. As we went aft to thequarter-deck, all eyes were bent upon us, for every one conjecturedthe malady and feared the result, yet none dared ask a question. 

I ordered a general inspection of the slaves, yet when a _favorable_report was made, I did not rest content, and descended to examine eachone personally. It was true; the child was _alone_ infected!

For half an hour, I trod the deck to and fro restlessly, and causedthe crew to subject themselves to inspection. But my sailors were ashealthy as the slaves. There was no symptom that indicated approachingdanger. I was disappointed again. A single case--a single sign ofperil in any quarter, would have spared the poison!

That evening, in the stillness of night, a trembling hand stoleforward to the afflicted boy with a potion that knows no waking. In afew hours, all was over. Life and the pestilence were crushedtogether; for a necessary murder had been committed, and the poorvictim was beneath the blue water!

 * * * * *

I am not superstitious, but a voyage attended with such calamitiescould not end happily. Incessant gales and head winds, unusual in thisseason and latitude, beset us so obstinately, that it became doubtfulwhether our food and water would last till we reached Matanzas. To addto our risks and misfortunes, a British corvette espied our craft, andgave chase off Cape Maize. All day long she dogged us slowly, but, atnight, I tacked off shore, with the expectation of eluding my pursuer. Day-dawn, however, revealed her again on our track, though this timewe had unfortunately fallen to leeward. Accordingly, I put La Estrelladirectly before the wind, and ran till dark with a fresh breeze, whenI again dodged the cruiser, and made for the Cuban coast. But theBriton seemed to scent my track, for sunrise revealed him once more inchase. 

The wind lulled that night to a light breeze, yet the red clouds andhaze in the east betokened a gale from that quarter before meridian. Alonger pursuit must have given considerable advantage to the enemy, sothat my best reliance, I calculated, was in making the small harbornear St. Jago, now about twenty miles distant, where I had alreadylanded two cargoes. The corvette was then full ten miles astern. 

My resolution to save the cargo and lose the vessel was promptlymade;--orders were issued to strike from the slaves the irons they hadconstantly worn since the mutiny; the boats were made ready; and everyman prepared his bag for a rapid launch. 

On dashed the cruiser, foaming at the bows, under the impetus of therising gale, which struck him some time before it reached us. We werenot more than seven miles apart when the first increased pressure onour sails was felt, and every thing was set and braced to give it theearliest welcome. Then came the tug and race for the beach, threemiles ahead. But, under such circumstances, it was hardly to beexpected that St. George could carry the day. Still, every nerve wasstrained to effect the purpose. Regardless of the gale, reef afterreef was let out while force pumps moistened his sails; yet nothingwas gained. Three miles against seven were too much odds;--and, with aslight move of the helm, and "letting all fly, " as we neared the lineof surf, to break her headway, La Estrella was fairly and safely_beached_. 

The sudden shock snapped her mainmast like a pipe-stem, but, as no onewas injured, in a twinkling the boats were overboard, crammed withwomen and children, while a stage was rigged from the bows to thestrand, so that the males, the crew and the luggage were soon incharge of my old _haciendado_. 

Prompt as we were, we were not sufficiently so for the cruiser. Halfour cargo was ashore when she backed her topsails off the mouth of thelittle bay, lowered her boats, filled them with boarders, and steeredtowards our craft. The delay of half a mile's row gave us time tocling still longer to the wreck, so that, when the boats and corvettebegan to fire, we wished them joy of their bargain over the remnant ofour least valuable negroes. The rescued blacks are now, in alllikelihood, citizens of Jamaica; but, under the influence of the gale, La Estrella made a very picturesque bonfire, as we saw it that nightfrom the _azotéa_ of our landlord's domicile. 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

Disastrous as was this enterprise, both on the sea and in thecounting-house, a couple of months found me on board a splendidclipper, --born of the famous waters of the Chesapeake, --delighting inthe name of "AGUILA DE ORO, " or "Golden Eagle, " and spinning out ofthe Cape de Verds on a race with a famous West Indian privateer. 

The "Montesquieu" was the pride of Jamaica for pluck and sailing, whenfolks of her character were not so unpopular as of late among theBritish Islands; and many a banter passed between her commander andmyself, while I was unsuccessfully waiting till the governor resolvedhis conscientious difficulties about the _exchange of flags_. At lastI offered a bet of five hundred dollars against an equal sum; and nextday a bag with the tempting thousand was tied to the end of mymainboom, with an invitation for the boaster to "follow and take. " Itwas understood that, once clear of the harbor, the "Aguila" shouldhave five minutes' start of the Montesquieu, after which we were tocrowd sail and begin the race. 

The contest was quickly noised throughout the port, and the captainssmacked their lips over the _déjeuner_ promised by the boaster out ofthe five hundred dollars won from the "Yankee nutshell. " Accordingly, when all was ready and the breeze favored, the eastern cliffs of theIsle were crowded with spectators to witness the regatta. 

As we were first at sea and clear of the harbor, we delayed for ourantagonist; and without claiming the conceded start of five minutes, did not shoot ahead till our rival was within musket shot. But _then_the tug began with a will; and as the Aguila led, I selected her mostfavorable trim and kept her two points free. The Montesquieu did thesame, but confident of her speed, did not spread all her canvas thatwould draw. The error, however, was soon seen. Our Chesapeake clippercrawled off as if her opponent was at anchor; and in a jiffy everything that could be carried was sheeted home and braced to a hair. Thebreeze was steady and strong. Soon the island was cleared entirely;and by keeping away another point, I got out of the Aguila her utmostcapacity as a racer. As she led off, the Montesquieu followed, --butglass by glass, and hour by hour, the distance between us increased, till at sunset the boaster's hull was below the horizon, and my bagtaken in as a lawful prize. 

I did not return to Praya after this adventure, but keeping on towardsthe coast, in four days entered the Rio Salum, an independent riverbetween the French island of Goree and the British possessions on theGambia. No slaver had haunted this stream for many a year, so that Iwas obliged to steer my mosquito pilot-boat full forty miles in theinterior, through mangroves and forests, till I struck the tradingground of "the king. "

After three days' parley I had just concluded my bargain with hisbreechless majesty, when a "barker" greeted me with the cheerlessmessage that the "Aguila" was surrounded by man-of-war boats! It wastrue; but the mate refused an inspection of his craft _on neutralground_, and the naval folks departed. Nevertheless, a week after, when I had just completed my traffic, I was seized by a gang of thetreacherous king's own people; delivered to the second lieutenant of aFrench corvette--"La Bayonnaise;"--and my lovely little Eagle caged asher lawful prey!

I confess I have never been able to understand the legal merits ofthis seizure, so far as the act of the French officers was concerned, as no treaty existed between France and Spain for the suppression ofslavery. The reader will not be surprised to learn, therefore, thatthere was a very loud explosion of wrath among my men when they foundthemselves prisoners; nor was their fury diminished when our wholeband was forced into a dungeon at Goree, which, for size, gloom, andcloseness, vied with the celebrated black hole of Calcutta. 

For three days were we kept in this filthy receptacle, in a burningclimate, without communication with friends or inhabitants, and onscanty fare, till it suited the local authorities to transfer us toSan Luis, on the Senegal, in charge of a file of marines, _on boardour own vessel_!

San Luis is the residence of the governor and the seat of the colonialtribunal, and here again we were incarcerated in a military _cachôt_, till several merchants who knew me on the Rio Pongo, interfered, andhad us removed to better quarters in the military hospital. I soonlearned that there was trouble among the natives. A war had broken outamong some of the Moorish tribes, some two hundred miles up theSenegal, and my Aguila was a godsend to the Frenchmen, who needed justsuch a light craft to guard their returning flotilla with merchandisefrom Gatam. Accordingly, the craft was armed, manned, and despatchedon this expedition _without waiting the decree of a court as to thelawfulness of her seizure_!

Meanwhile, the sisters of charity--those angels of devoted mercy, whodo not shun even the heats and pestilence of Africa, --made our prisonlife as comfortable as possible; and had we not seen gratings at thewindows, or met a sentinel when we attempted to go out, we might haveconsidered ourselves valetudinarians instead of convicts. 

A month oozed slowly away in these headquarters of suffering, before amilitary sergeant apprised us that he had been elevated to the dignityof the long-robe, and appointed our counsel in the approaching trial. No other lawyer was to be had in the colony for love or money, and, perhaps, our military man might have acquitted himself as well as thebest, had not his superiors often imposed silence on him during theargument. 

By this time the nimble Aguila had made two most serviceable tripsunder the French officers, and proved so valuable to the Gallicgovernment that no one dreamed of recovering her. The colonialauthorities had two alternatives under the circumstances, --either topay for or condemn her, --and as they knew I would not be willing totake the craft again after the destruction of my voyage, the formalityof a trial was determined to legalize the condemnation. It wasnecessary, however, even in Africa, to show that I had violated theterritory of the French colony by trading in slaves, and that theAguila had been caught in the act. 

I will not attempt a description of the court scene, in which mymilitary friend was browbeaten by the prosecutor, the prosecutor bythe judge, and the judge by myself. After various outrages andabsurdities, a Mahometan _slave_ was allowed to be sworn as a witnessagainst me; whereupon I burst forth with a torrent of argument, defence, abuse, and scorn, till a couple of soldiers were called tokeep my limbs and tongue in forensic order. 

But the deed was done. The foregone conclusion was formally announced. The Aguila de Oro became King Louis Philippe's property, while my menwere condemned to two, my officers to five, and Don Téodor himself, toten years' confinement in the central prisons of _la belle France_!

Such was the style of colonial justice in the reign of _le roibourgeois_!

My sentence aroused the indignation of many respectable merchants atSan Luis; and, of course, I did not lack kindly visits in thestronghold to which I was reconducted. It was found to be entirelyuseless to attack the sympathy of the tribunal, either to procure arehearing of the cause or mitigation of the judgment. Presently, agenerous friend introduced _a saw_ suitable to discuss the toughnessof iron bars, and hinted that on the night when my window gratingswere severed, a boat might be found waiting to transport me to theopposite shore of the river, whence an independent chief would conveyme on camels to Gambia. 

I know not how it was that the government got wind of my projectedflight, but it certainly did, and we were sent on board a station shiplying in the stream. Still my friends did not abandon me. I wasapprised that a party, --bound on a shooting frolic down the river onthe first _foggy_ morning, --would visit the commander of the hulk, --anoted _bon vivant_, --and while the vessel was surrounded by a crowd ofboats, I might slip overboard amid the confusion. Under cover of thedense mist that shrouds the surface of an African river at dawn, Icould easily elude even a ball if sent after me, and when I reachedthe shore, a canoe would be ready to convey me to a friendly ship. 

The scheme was peculiarly feasible, as the captain happened to be agood fellow, and allowed me unlimited liberty about his vessel. Accordingly, when the note had been duly digested, I called myofficers apart, and proposed their participation in my escape. Theproject was fully discussed by the fellows; but the risk of swimming, even in a fog, under the muzzles of muskets, was a danger they fearedencountering. I perceived at once that it would be best to free myselfentirely from the encumbrance of such chicken-hearted lubbers, so Ibade them take their own course, but divided three thousand francs ingovernment bills among the gang, and presented my gold pocketchronometer to the mate. 

Next morning an impervious fog laid low on the bosom of the Senegal, but through its heavy folds I detected the measured beat ofapproaching oars, till five boats, with a sudden rush, dashedalongside us with their noisy and clamorous crews. 

Just at this very moment a friendly hand passed through my arm, and agentle tone invited me to a quarter-deck promenade. It was ourcaptain!

There was, of course, no possibility of declining the profferedcivility, for during the whole of my detention on board, the commanderhad treated me with the most assiduous politeness. 

"_Mon cher Canot_, " said he, as soon as we got aft, --"you seem to takeconsiderable interest in these visitors of ours, and I wish from thebottom of my heart that you could join the sport; _but, unfortunatelyfor you, these gentlemen will not effect their purpose_!"

As I did not entirely comprehend, --though I rather guessed, --hisprecise meaning, I made an evasive answer; and, arm in arm I was ledfrom the deck to the cabin. When we were perfectly alone, he pointedto a seat, and frankly declared that I had been betrayed by a Judas tohis sergeant of marines! I was taken perfectly aback, as I imaginedmyself almost free, yet the loss of liberty did not paralyze me asmuch as the perfidy of my men. Like a stupid booby, I stood gazingwith a fixed stare at the captain, when the cabin door burst open, andwith a shout of joyous merriment the hunters rushed in to greet theircomrade. 

My dress that morning was a very elaborate _negligé_. I had purposelyomitted coat, braces, stockings and shoes, so that my privateercostume of trowsers and shirt was not calculated for the reception ofstrangers. It was natural, therefore, that the first sally of myfriendly liberators should be directed against my toilette; I parriedit, however, as adroitly as my temper would allow, by reproaching themwith their "unseasonable visit, before I could complete the _bath_which they saw I was prepared for!"

The hint was understood; but the captain thought proper to tell theentire tale. No man, he said, would have been happier than he, had Iescaped before the treachery. My friends were entreated not to riskfurther attempts, which might subject me to severe restraints; and mybase comrades were forthwith summoned to the cabin, where, in presenceof the merchants, they were forced to disgorge the three thousandfrancs and the chronometer. 

"But this, " said Captain Z----, "is not to be the end of thecomedy, --_en avant, messieurs_!" as he led the way to the mess-room, where a sumptuous _déjeuner_ was spread for officers and huntsmen, andover its fragrant fumes my disappointment was, for a while, forgotten. 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

For fifteen days more the angry captive bit his thumbs on the taffrailof the guard-ship, and gazed either at vacancy or the waters of theSenegal. At the end of that period, a gunboat transferred our convictparty to the frigate Flora, whose first lieutenant, to whom I had beenprivately recommended, separated me immediately from my men. Thescoundrels were kept close prisoners during the whole voyage toFrance, while my lot was made as light as possible, under the severesentence awarded at San Luis. 

The passage was short. At Brest, they landed me privately, while mymen and officers were paraded through the streets at mid-day, under afile of _gens d'armes_. I am especially grateful to the commander ofthis frigate, who alleviated my sufferings by his generous demeanor inevery respect, and whose representations to the government of Francecaused my sentence to be subsequently modified to simple imprisonment. 

I have so many pleasant recollections of this voyage as a convict inthe Flora, that I am loth to recount the following anecdote; yet Ihardly think it ought to be omitted, for it is characteristic in adouble aspect. It exhibits at once the chivalric courtesy and thecoarse boorishness of some classes in the naval service of France, atthe period I am describing. 

On board our frigate there were two Sisters of Charity, who werereturning to their parent convent in France, after five years ofcolonial self-sacrifice in the pestilential marshes of Africa. Thesenoble women lodged in a large state-room, built expressly for theiruse and comfort on the lower battery-deck, and, according to theship's rule, were entitled to mess with the lieutenants in theirwardroom. It so happened, that among the officers, there was one ofthose vulgar dolts, whose happiness consists in making others asuncomfortable as possible, both by bullying manners and lewdconversation. He seemed to delight in losing no opportunity to offendthe ladies while at table, by ridiculing their calling and piety; yet, not content with these insults, which the nuns received with silentcontempt, he grew so bold on one occasion, in the midst of dinner, asto burst forth with a song so gross, that it would have disgraced theorgies of a _cabaret_. The Sisters instantly arose, and, next morning, refused their meals in the wardroom, soliciting the steward to supplythem a sailor's ration in their cabin, where they might be free fromdishonor. 

But the charitable women were soon missed from mess, and when thesteward's report brought the dangerous idea of a court-martial beforethe terrified imagination of the vulgarians, a prompt resolve was madeto implore pardon for the indecent officer, before the frigate'scaptain could learn the outrage. It is needless to add that thesurgeon--who was appointed ambassador--easily obtained the mercy ofthese charitable women, and that, henceforth, our lieutenants'wardroom was a model of social propriety. 

THE PRISON OF BREST. 

I was not very curious in studying the architecture of the strongstone lock-up, to which they conducted me in the stern and ugly oldrendezvous of Brest. I was sick as soon as I beheld it from our deck. The entrance to the harbor, through the long, narrow, rocky strait, defended towards the sea by a frowning castle, and strongly fortifiedtowards the land, looked to me like passing through the throat of amonster, who was to swallow me for ever. But I had little time forobservation or reflection on external objects, --my business was with_interiors_: and when the polite midshipman with whom I landed badefarewell, it was only to transfer me to the _concièrge_ of a prisonwithin the royal arsenal. Here I was soon joined by the crew andofficers. For a while, I rejected their penitence; but a man who issuddenly swept from the wild liberty of Africa, and doomed for tenyears to penitential seclusion, becomes wonderfully forgiving whenloneliness eats into his heart, and eternal silence makes the sound ofhis own voice almost insupportable. One by one, therefore, wasrestored at least to sociability; so that, when I embraced thepermission of our keeper to quit my cell, and move about the prisonbounds, I found myself surrounded by seventy or eighty marines andseamen, who were undergoing the penalties of various crimes. The wholeestablishment was under the _surveillance_ of a naval commissary, subject to strict regulations. In due time, two spacious rooms wereassigned for my gang, while the jailer, who turned out to be anamphibious scamp, --half sailor, half soldier, --assured us, "on thehonor of a _vieux militaire_, " that his entire jurisdiction should beour limits so long as we behaved with propriety. 

Next day I descended to take exercise in a broad court-yard, overwhose lofty walls the fresh blue sky looked temptingly; and wasdiligently chewing the cud of bitter fancies, when a stout elderlyman, in shabby uniform, came to a military halt before me, and, abruptly saluting in regulation style, desired the favor of a word. 

"_Pardon, mon brâve!_" said the intruder, "but I should be charmed if_Monsieur le capitaine_ will honor me by the information whether ithas been his lot to enjoy the accommodations of a French prison, priorto the unlucky mischance which gives us the delight of his society!"

"No, " said I, sulkily. 

"_Encore_, " continued the questioner, "will it be disagreeable, if Iimprove this opportunity, by apprising Monsieur _le capitaine_, onthe part of our companions and comrades, of the regulations of thisroyal institution?"

"By no means, " returned I, somewhat softer. 

"Then, _mon cher_, the sooner you are initiated into the mysteries ofthe craft the better, and no one will go through the ceremony moreexplicitly, briefly and satisfactorily, than myself--_le CaporalBlon_. First of all, _mon brâve_, and most indispensable, as your goodsense will teach you, it is necessary that every new comer is bound topay his footing among the '_government boarders_;' and as you, Monsieur le capitaine, seem to be the honored _chef_ of this charminglittle squadron, I will make bold to thank you for a _Louis d'or_, ora _Napoleon_, to insure your welcome. "

The request was no sooner out than complied with. 

"_Bien!_" continued the corporal, "_c'est un bon enfant, parbleu!_Now, I have but one more _mystère_ to impart, and that is a regulationwhich no clever chap disregards. We are companions in misery; we sleepbeneath one roof; we eat out of one kettle;--in fact, _nous sommesfrères_, and the _secrets of brothers are sacred, within these walls, from jailers and turnkeys_!"

As he said these words, he pursed up his mouth, bent his eyesscrutinizingly into mine, and laying his finger on his lip, broughthis right hand once more, with a salute, to the oily remnant of amilitary cap. 

I was initiated. I gave the required pledge for my party, and, inreturn, was assured that, in any enterprise undertaken for ourescape, --which seemed to be the great object and concern of everybody's prison-life, --we should be assisted and protected by ourfellow-sufferers. 

Most of this day was passed in our rooms, and, at dark, after beingmustered and counted, we were locked up for the night. For some timewe moped and sulked, according to the fashion of all _new_ convicts, but, at length, we sallied forth in a body to the court-yard, determined to take the world as it went, and make the best of a badbargain. 

I soon fell into a pleasant habit of chatting familiarly with oldCorporal Blon, who was grand chamberlain, or master of ceremonies, toour penal household, and turned out to be a good fellow, though afrequent offender against "_le coq de France_. " Blon drew me to a seatin the sunshine, which I enjoyed, after shivering in the coldapartments of the prison; and, stepping off among the prisoners, beganto bring them up for introduction to Don Téodor, separately. First ofall, I had the honor of receiving Monsieur Laramie, a stout, stanch, well-built marine, who professed to be _maître d'armes_ of our "royalboarding-house, " and tendered his services in teaching me the use ofrapier and broadsword, at the rate of a _franc_ per week. Next came aburly, beef-eating bully, half sailor, half lubber, who approachedwith a swinging gait, and was presented as _frère_ Zouche, teacher ofsingle stick, who was also willing to make me skilful in my encounterswith footpads for a reasonable salary. Then followed a dancing-master, a tailor, a violin-teacher, a shoemaker, a letter-writer, a barber, aclothes-washer, and various other useful and reputable tradespeople orprofessors, all of whom expressed anxiety to inform my mind, cultivatemy taste, expedite nay correspondence, delight my ear, and improve myappearance, for weekly stipends. 

I did not, at first, understand precisely the object of all theirceremonious appeals to my purse, but I soon discovered from CorporalBlon, --_who desired an early discount of his note_, --that I was lookedon as a sort of Don Magnifico from Africa, who had saved an immensequantity of gold from ancient traffic, all of which I could command, in spite of imprisonment. 

So I thought it best not to undeceive the industrious wretches, and, accordingly, dismissed each of them with a few kind words, andpromised to accept their offers when I became a little more familiarwith my quarters. 

After breakfast, I made a tour of the corridors, to see whether therepresentations of my morning courtiers were true; and found theshoemakers and tailors busy over toeless boots and patchwork garments. One alcove contained the violinist and dancing-master, giving lessonsto several scapegraces in the _terpsichorean_ art; in another was theletter-writer, laboriously adorning a sheet with cupids, hearts, flames, and arrows, while a love-lorn booby knelt beside him, dictating a message to his mistress; in a hall I found two pupils ofMonsieur Laramie at _quart_ and _tièrce_; in the corridors I came upona string of tables, filled with cigars, snuff, writing-paper, ink, pens, wax, wafers, needles and thread; while, in the remotest cell, Idiscovered a pawnbroker and gambling-table. Who can doubt that a realGaul knows how to kill time, when he is unwillingly converted into a"government boarder, " and transfers the occupations, amusements, andvices of life, to the recesses of a prison!

 * * * * *

Very soon after my incarceration at Brest, I addressed a memorial tothe Spanish consul, setting forth the afflictions of twenty-two of hismaster's subjects, and soliciting the interference of our ambassadorat Paris. We were promptly visited by the consul and an eminentlawyer, who asserted his ability to stay proceedings against theratification of our sentence; but, as the Spanish minister neverthought fit to notice our misfortunes, the efforts of the lawyer andthe good will of our consul were ineffectual. Three months glided by, while I lingered at Brest; yet my heart did not sink with hopedelayed, for the natural buoyancy of my spirit sustained me, and Ientered with avidity upon all the schemes and diversions of ourstronghold. 

Blon kept me busy discounting his twenty _sous_ notes, which Iafterwards always took care to lose to him at cards. Then I patronizedthe dancing-master; took two months' lessons with Laramie and Zouche;caused my shoes to be thoroughly mended; had my clothes repaired andscoured; and, finally, patronized all the various industries of mycomrades, to the extent of two hundred francs. 

Suddenly, in the midst of these diversions, an order came for ourimmediate transfer to the _civil prison_ of Brest, a gloomy tower inthe walled _chateau_ of that detestable town. 

CHAPTER XLV. 

I was taken from one prison to the other in a boat, and once morespared the mortification of a parade through the streets, under aguard of soldiers. 

A receipt was given for the whole squad to the _brigadier_ whochaperoned us. My men were summarily distributed by the jailer amongthe cells already filled with common malefactors; but, as theappearance of the _officers_ indicated the possession of cash, theturnkey offered "_la salle de distinction_" for our use, provided wewere satisfied with a monthly rent of ten _francs_. I thought theFrench government was bound to find suitable accommodations for aninvoluntary guest, and that it was rather hard to imprison me first, and make me pay board afterwards; but, on reflection, I concluded toaccept the offer, hard as it was, and, accordingly, we took possessionof a large apartment, with two grated windows looking upon a narrowand sombre court-yard. 

We had hardly entered the room, when a buxom woman followed with thedeepest curtseys, and declared herself "most happy to have it in herpower to supply us with beds and bedding, at ten sous per day. " Sheapprised us, moreover, that the daily prison fare consisted of twopounds and a half of black bread, with water _à discretion_, but if wewished, she might introduce the _vivandière_ of the regiment, stationed in the chateau, who would supply our meals twice a day fromthe mess of the petty officers. 

My money had not been seriously moth-eaten during our previousconfinement, so that I did not hesitate to strike a bargain withMadame Sorret, and to request that _la vivandière_ might make herappearance on the theatre of action as soon as possible. Presently, the door opened again, and the dame reappeared accompanied by twoSpanish women, wives of musicians in the corps, who had heard thatseveral of their countrymen had that morning been incarcerated, andavailed themselves of the earliest chance to visit and succor them. 

For the thousandth time I blessed the noble heart that ever beats inthe breast of a Spanish woman when distress or calamity appeals, andat once proceeded to arrange the diet of our future prison life. Wewere to have two meals a day of three dishes, for each of which wewere to pay fifteen _sous in advance_. The bargain made, we sat downon the floor for a chat. 

My brace of Catalan visitors had married in this regiment when theDuke d'Angoulême marched his troops into Spain; and like faithfulgirls, followed their husbands in all their meanderings about Francesince the regiment's return. As two of my officers were Catalonians bybirth, a friendship sprang up like wildfire between us, and from thathour, these excellent women not only visited us daily, but ran ourerrands, attended to our health, watched us like sisters, and procuredall those little comforts which the tender soul of the sex can alonedevise. 

I hope that few of my readers have personal knowledge of the treatmentor fare of civil prisons in the provinces of France during therepublican era of which I am writing. I think it well to set down arecord of its barbarity. 

As I before said, the _regular ration_ consisted exclusively of blackbread and water. Nine pounds of straw were allowed weekly to eachprisoner for his _lair_. Neither blankets nor covering were furnished, even in the winter, and as the cells are built without stoves orchimneys, the wretched convicts were compelled to huddle together inheaps to keep from perishing. Besides this, the government denied allsupplies of fresh raiment, so that the wretches who were destitute offriends or means, were alive and hideous with vermin in a few daysafter incarceration. No amusement was allowed in the fresh air savetwice a week, when the prisoners were turned out on the flat roof ofthe tower, where they might sun themselves for an hour or two underthe muzzle of a guard. 

Such was the treatment endured by twelve of my men during the yearthey continued in France. There are some folks who may be charitableenough to remark--_that slavers deserved no better!_

I believe that convicts in the central prisons of France, where theywere either made or allowed to work, fared better in every respectthan in the provincial lock-ups on the coast. There is no doubt, however, that the above description at the epoch of my incarceration, was entirely true of all the smaller jurisdictions, whose culpritswere simply doomed to confinement without labor. 

Often did my heart bleed for the poor sailors, whom I aided to theextent of prudence from my slender means, when I knew not how long itmight be my fate to remain an inmate of the chateau. After theseunfortunate men had disposed of all their spare garments to obtain nowand then a meagre soup to moisten their stony loaves, they were nearlya year without tasting either meat or broth! Once only, --on theanniversary of ST. PHILIPPE, --the Sisters of Charity gave them a pairof bullock's heads to make a _festival_ in honor of the Good King ofthe French!

CHAPTER XLVI. 

As the apartment rented by us from the jailer was the only one in theprison he had a right to dispose of for his own benefit, several otherculprits, able to pay for comfortable lodgings, were from time to timelocked up in it. These occasional visitors afforded considerableentertainment for our seclusion, as they were often persons of qualityarrested for petty misdemeanors or political opinions, and sometimes_chevaliers d'industrie_, whose professional careers were rich withanecdote and adventure. 

It was probably a month after we began our intimacy with this"government boarding-house" that our number was increased by agentleman of cultivated manners and foppish costume. He was, perhaps, a little too much over-dressed with chains, trinkets, and perfumedlocks, to be perfectly _comme il faut_, yet there was an intellectualpower about his forehead and eyes, and a bewitching smile on his lips, that insinuated themselves into my heart the moment I beheld him. Hewas precisely the sort of man who is considered by nine tenths of theworld as a very "fascinating individual. "

Accordingly, I welcomed the stranger most cordially in French, and wasstill more bewitched by the retiring shyness of his modest demeanor. As the jailer retired, a wink signified his desire to commune with meapart in his office, where I learned that the new comer had beenarrested under a charge of _counterfeiting_, but on account of hisgenteel appearance and blood, was placed in our apartment. I had nodoubt that neither appearance nor blood had been the springs ofsympathy in the jailer's heart, but that the artificial money-makerhad judiciously used certain lawful coins to insure better quarters. Nevertheless, I did not hesitate to approve the turnkey's disposal ofthe suspected felon, and begged him to make no apologies or givehimself concern as to the quality of the article that could afford usa moment's amusement in our dreary den. 

I next proceeded to initiate my gentleman into the mysteries of the_chateau_; and as dinner was about serving, I suggested that the mostimportant of our domestic rites on such occasions, imperativelyrequired three or four bottles of first-rate claret. 

By this time we had acquired a tolerable knack of "slaughtering theevening. " Our Spanish girls supplied us with guitars and violins, which my comrades touched with some skill. We were thus enabled togive an occasional _soirée dansante_, assisted by la Vivandière, hercompanions Dolorescita, Concha, Madame Sorret, and an old maid whopassed for her sister. The arrival of the counterfeiter enabled us tomake up a full cotillon without the musicians. Our _soirées_, enlivened by private contributions and a bottle or two of wine, tookplace on Thursdays and Sundays, while the rest of the week was passedin playing cards, reading romances, writing petitions, flirting withthe girls, and cursing our fate and the French government. Fits ofwrath against the majesty of Gaul were more frequent in the earlymorning, when the pleasant sleeper would be suddenly roused from happydreams by the tramp of soldiers and grating bolts, which announced theunceremonious entrance of our inspector to count his cattle and soundour window gratings. 

But time wastes one's cash as well as one's patience in prison. Themore we grumbled, danced, drank, and eat, the more we spent orlavished, so that my funds looked very like a thin sediment at thebottom of the purse, when I began to reflect upon means ofreplenishing. I could not beg; I was master of no handicraft; nor wasI willing to descend among the vermin of the common chain-gang. Shameprevented an application to my relatives in France or Italy; and whenI addressed my old partner or former friends in Cuba, I was not evenfavored with a reply. At last, my little trinkets and gold chronometerwere sacrificed to pay the lawyer for a _final memorial_ and toliquidate a week's lodging in advance. 

"Now, _mon enfant_, " said Madame Sorret, as she took mymoney, --trimming her cap, and looking at me with that thrifty interestthat a Frenchwoman always knows how to turn to the bestaccount;--"now, mon enfant, --this is your last _franc_ and your lastweek in my apartment, you say;--your last week in a room where you andI, and Babette, Dolorescita, and Concha, and _Monsieur_, have had suchgood times! _Mais pourquoi, mon cher?_ why shall it be your last week?Come let us think a bit. Won't it be a thousand times better; won't itdo you a vast deal more good, --if instead of _sacré-ing le bon LouisPhilippe_, --paying lawyers for memorials that are never read, --hopingfor letters from the Spanish envoy which never come, and eating yourheart up in spite and bitterness--you look the matter plump in theface like a man, and not like a _polisson_, and turn to account thosetalents which it has pleased _le bon Dieu_ to give you? Voyez vous, _Capitaine Téodore_, --you speak foreign languages like a native; andit was no longer than yesterday that Monsieur Randanne, your advocate, as he came down from the last interview with you, stopped at mybureau, and--'Ah! Madame Sorret, ' said he, 'what a linguist poor Canotis, --how delightfully he speaks English, and how glad I should be ifhe had any place in which he could teach my sons the noble tongue ofthe great SKATSPEER!'

"Now, _mon capitaine_, " continued she, "what the good Randanne said, has been growing in my mind ever since, like the salad seed in the boxthat is sunned in our prison yard. In fact, I have fixed the matterperfectly. You shall have my bed-room for a schoolhouse; and, if youwill, you may begin to-morrow with my two sons for pupils, at fifteen_francs_ a month!"

Did I not bless the wit and heart of woman again and again in my joyof industrial deliverance! The heart of woman--that noble heart! burnit in the fire of Africa; steep it in the snow of Sweden; lap it inthe listless elysium of Indian tropics; cage it in the centre ofdungeons, as the palpitating core of that stony rind, --yet every whereand always, throughout my wild career, has it been the lastsought--but surest, sweetest, and truest of devoted friends!

_Aide toi, et Dieu t'aidera!_--was my motto from that moment. Foryears it was the first lesson of intellectual power and self-reliancethat had checkered a life of outlawry, in which adventurous impatiencepreferred the gambling risks of fortune to the slow accretions ofregular toil. I was a schoolmaster!

Madame Sorret's plan was perfectly successful. In less than a week Iwas installed in her chamber, with a class formed of my lady's lads, ason and friend of my lawyer, and a couple of sons of officers in thechateau; the whole producing a monthly income of fifty francs. As Iassumed my vocation with the spirit of a needy professor, I gained thegood will of all the parents by assiduous instruction of theirchildren. Gradually I extended the sphere of my usefulness, by addingpenmanship to my other branches of tuition; and so well did I pleasethe parents, that they volunteered a stipend of eighteen _francs_more. 

I would not dare affirm, that my pupils made extraordinary progress;yet I am sure the children not only acquired cleverly, but loved me asa companion. My scheme of instruction was not modelled upon that ofother pedagogues; for I simply contented myself, in the small class, with reasoning out each lesson thoroughly, and never allowing the boysto depart till they comprehended every part of their task. After this, it was my habit to engage their interest _in language_, by familiardialogues, which taught them the names of furniture, apparel, instruments, implements, animals, occupations, trades; and thus I ledthem insensibly from the most simple nomenclature to the mostabstract. I deprived the interview, as much as I could, of task-likeformality; and invariably closed the school with a story from mytravels or adventures. I may not have ripened my scholars intoclassical Anglo-Saxons, but I have the happiness to know that I earnedan honest living, supported my companions, and obtained the regard ofmy pupils to such a degree, that the little band accompanied me withtears to the ship, when, long afterwards, I was sent a happy exilefrom France. 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

I have said that our genteel felon was not only refined in manners butshy towards his new companions; nor, for several weeks, could all ourefforts rub off his reserve. I was not surprised that he kept alooffrom the coarser inmates, but I was not prepared to find that all myown advances to confidence and companionship, were repulsed with evenmore decision than those of my officers. At last, some passing eventdisclosed my _true_ character to him, when I learned for the firsttime that he had mistaken me for _a government spy_; inasmuch as hecould not otherwise account for my intimacy with Madame Sorret and herspouse. 

Our first move towards confidence was owing to the followingcircumstance. I had been engaged one forenoon in writing a letter tomy mother, when Madame Sorret sent for me to see the Sisters ofCharity, who were making their rounds with a few comforts for theconvicts. I made my toilette and repaired to the parlor, where thecharitable women, who heard many kind things of me from the landlady, bestowed a liberal donation of books. Returning quickly to my letter, which I had left open on the table, confident that no one in the roomread Italian, I again took up my pen to finish a paragraph. But, as Iobserved the page, it seemed that I had not written so much, yet thesheet was nearly full of words, and all in my handwriting. Ireperused the document and found several lines, which, though inperfect keeping with the sense and context of the composition, werecertainly not in my natural style. I was sure I had not used thecomplimentary language, to which I am always so averse. Still I readthe page again--again--and again! I got up; walked about the room;took the paper to the window; put it down; walked about again, andthen reperused the letter. For my life, I could not detect the precisedifficulty that puzzled me. The paper was, perhaps, bewitched! It wasmine, and yet it was not! In my dilemma, I rolled out a round Spanish_carramba_ or two; and, with an _Ave Maria_ of utter bewilderment, begun to put up my writing materials. 

My companions, who had been huddled in a corner, watching my actions, could stand it no longer, but bursting into peals of hearty laughter, announced that Monsieur Germaine had taken the liberty to add apostscript, while I was deep in literature with the Sisters ofCharity!

The ice was broken! Monsieur Germaine was not yet convicted, so wegave him the benefit of the British law, and resolving to "considerthe fellow innocent till proved to be guilty, " we raised him to thedignity of companionship. His education was far superior to mine, andhis conversational powers were wonderful. He seemed perfectly familiarwith Latin and Greek, and had a commanding knowledge of history, theology, mathematics, and astronomy. I never met his equal inpenmanship, drawing, and designing. 

A few days of sociability sufficed to win a mutual confidence, and todemand the mutual stories of our lives. 

Germaine was born so high up on those picturesque borders of Piedmont, that it was difficult to say whether the Swiss or Italian predominatedin his blood. The troubles and wars of the region impoverished hisparents, who had been gentlefolks in better times; yet they managed tobestow the culture that made him the accomplished person I havedescribed. No opportunity offered, however, for his advancement as hereached maturity, and it was thought best that he should go abroad insearch of fortune. For a while the quiet and modest youth wassuccessful in the humbler employments to which he stooped for bread;but his address and talents, and especially his skill in designing andpenmanship, attracted the notice of a sharper, with whom heaccidentally became intimate; so that, before he knew it, the adroitscrivener was both _used_ and _compromised_ by the knave. In truth, Ido not suppose that Germaine's will was made of stern and toughmaterials. Those soft and gentle beings are generally disposed tograsp the pleasures of life without labor; and whenever a relaxedconscience has once allowed its possessor to tamper with crime, itssuccess is not only a stimulant but a motive for farther enterprise. Germaine was soon a successful forger. He amassed twenty or thirtythousand _francs_ by practices so perfect in their execution, that henever dreamed of detection. But, at last, a daring speculation madehim our companion in the tower. 

Three days before his introduction to the _chateau_ of Brest, and afew hours before the regular departure of the Paris mail, Germainecalled on an exchange broker with seventeen thousand _francs_ in gold, with which he purchased a sight draft on the capital. Soon after hecalled a second time on the broker, and exhibiting a letter of orders, bearing a regular post-mark, from his principals, who were alleged tobe oil merchants at Marseilles, desired to countermand thetransaction, and receive back his gold for the bill of exchange whichhe tendered. The principal partner of the brokers did not happen to bewithin at the moment, and the junior declined complying till hisreturn. _En attendant_, Monsieur Germaine sallied forth, and offered aneighboring broker an additional half per cent, on the current valueof gold for the cash. He expressed, as the cause of this sacrifice, extreme anxiety to depart by the four o'clock _diligence_, but theurgency aroused the broker's suspicion, and led him to requestGermaine's return in half an hour, which he required to collect thespecie. 

The incautious forger went off to his hotel with the promise in hisear, while the wary broker dropped in on the drawers of the draft tocompare notes. The result of the interview was a visit to the _bureaude police_, whence a couple of officers were despatched to Germaine'shotel. They entered the dandy's room in disguise, but they were notquick enough to save from destruction several _proof impressions_ ofblank drafts, which the counterfeiter cast into the fire the moment heheard a knock at his door. In his trunks, they found engraving tools, a small press, various acids and a variety of inks; all of which wereduly noted and preserved, while Monsieur Germaine was committed to the_chateau_. 

In those days there were no electric wires, and as the weather becamethick and cloudy, the old-fashioned semaphore or telegraph was uselessin giving notice to the Parisian police to stop the payment of asuspected draft, and arrest the forger's accomplice in the capital. 

Soon after the mail _of that day_ from Brest reached the metropolis, alady of most respectable appearance, clad in mourning, presentedherself at the counter of the broker's Parisian correspondent, andexhibiting an unquestionable draft, drew seventeen thousand francs. From the rapidity with which the whole of this adroit scheme wasaccomplished in Brest and Paris, it seems that Germaine required butfour hours to copy, engrave, print and fill up the forged bill; andyet, so perfectly did he succeed, that when the discharged draft cameback to Brest, neither drawers, brokers, nor police could distinguishbetween the true one and the false! No one had seen Germaine at work, or could prove complicity with the lady. The mourning dame was nowhereto be found in Paris, Brest or Marseilles; so that when I finallyquitted the _chateau_, the adroit _chevalier_ was still an inmate, butdetained only _on suspicion_!

CHAPTER XLVIII. 

This charming young soldier of fortune was our room-mate for ninemonths, and engaged in several of our enterprises for escape. ButGermaine was more a man of _finesse_ than action, and his imprisonmentwas the first mishap of that nature in his felonious career; so that Icannot say I derived much advantage, either from his contrivances orsuggestions. 

 * * * * *

I always cultivated a sneaking fondness for the sex, and was, perhaps, especially devoted to those who _might_ aid me if they pleased, when Igot into difficulties. Into this category, under existingcircumstances, fell that very worthy person, Mademoiselle Babette, whom I have heretofore rather ungallantly reported as an "antiquevirgin. " It is true that Babette was, perhaps, not as young as she hadbeen; but an unmarried Frenchwoman is unquestionably possessed of anelixir against age, --some _eau restoratif_, --with which she defiestime, preserves her outlines, and keeps up that elastic gayety ofheart, which renders her always the most delightful of companions. Now, I do not pretend, when I flirted with Babette, and sometimes madedownright love to the damsel, that I ever intended leading her to anyof the altars of Brest, when it should please the "king of thebarricades" to release me from prison. No such design ever possessedmy mind, at the age of twenty-seven, towards a maid of thirty. Yet, Iconfess that Babette bewitched the sting and memory from many an hourof prison-life, and played the comedy of love _à la Francaise_ to suchperfection, that I doubt not her heart rebounded from the encounter asscarless as my own. 

Germaine joked me very often about the tender passion, the danger oftrifling with youthful hearts, and the risk I ran from encounters withsuch glittering eyes; till, one day, he suggested that we should takeadvantage of the flirtation, by turning it to our benefit in flight. Sorret and his wife often went out in the afternoon, and left the gateand the keys solely in charge of Babette, who improved their absenceby spending half the time in our apartment. Now, Germaine proposedthat, during one of these absences, I should, in my capacity asteacher, feign some excuse to leave our room, and, if I found thelieutenant porteress unwilling to yield the keys to my passionateentreaty, we would unhesitatingly seize, gag, and muffle the damsel sosecurely, that, with the keys in our possession, we might open thegates, and pass without question the only sentinels who guarded theexterior corridor. Germaine was eloquent upon the merit of his scheme, while, to my mind, it indicated the bungling project of a beginner, and was promptly rejected, because I would not injure with violencethe innocent girl I had trifled with, and because I would not dishonorthe kindness of Sorret and his wife, by compromising their _personal_vigilance. 

Next morning, Germaine turned over to me long before daylight, andwhispered his delight that I had discarded his scheme, for it "nevercould have been perfected without passports to quit the town!" Thisdeficiency, he said, had absorbed his mind the livelong night, and, atlast, a bright thought suggested the supply. 

"Babette, " continued the forger, "is _not_ to be molested in any way, so you may make your mind easy about your sweetheart, though I amafraid she will not be able to accompany us in our enterprise. Firstand foremost, we must have a visit from our Spanish girls to-morrow, and, as you enjoy more influence than I, it will be best for you toprepare them. Dolores, who is by far the cleverest of the party, is togo with Concha boldly to the prefecture of police, and demandpassports for Paris. These, in all likelihood, will be furnishedwithout question. The passports once in hand, our _demoiselles_ mustbe off to an apothecary's for such acids as I shall prescribe; andthen, _mon capitaine_, leave the rest to me!"

I turned the matter over in my mind, pretending to finish a morningnap, and, while we were dressing, assented. The Spanish women, whonever refused their countrymen a favor, daringly obtained thepassports, and smuggled them into prison with the required acids. Before night the deed was done; the gender of the documents waschanged; Germaine was metamorphosed into "_Pietro Nazzolini_" atailor, and I was turned into a certain "_Dominico Antonetti_, " bytrade a carpenter!

How to escape was our next concern. This could not be effected withoutbreaking prison, --a task of some enterprise, as our apartment wasabove a store-room, always closed, barred, and locked. The door of ourroom opened on a long passage, broken at intervals by several irongates before the main portal was reached; so that our only hope wasthe single window, that illuminated our apartment and looked into asmall yard, guarded after sunset by a sentinel. This court, moreover, was entirely hemmed in by a wall, which, if successfully escaladed, would lead us to the parade ground of the _chateau_. 

Days passed, while my dull brain and the kindled fancy of the newNazzolini were inventing plans. Pietro had schemes enough, for hisimagination was both vivid and ceaseless; but whenever he came toreduce them to words, it was always found that they required a littlemore "_polishing_ in certain links, " which he forthwith retired toperform. 

One of our greatest difficulties was, how to deal with my officers, who had proved so false on the Senegal. We debated the matter for along time; but, considering that they were sick of long confinementand bereft of future comfort without my labor we resolved to let thempartake our flight, though, once outside the chateau, we wouldabandon them to their own resources. 

Accordingly, we imparted our scheme, which was eagerly embraced; and, through the kindness of our Spanish girls, we secretly despatched allour spare garments, so that we might not issue bare into thecensorious world. 

All being prepared, it was proposed by _Signore Pietro_ that New Year, which was at hand, should be signalized by our enterprise. As I hadcarefully kept and secreted the saw received from my Goree friends, wepossessed a most valuable implement; so that it was resolved to attacka bar the moment we had been mustered and locked up on that auspiciousnight. At eleven, a descent into the court beneath the window was tobe commenced, and, if this proved successful, there was no doubt wecould reach the beach across the parade. But the sentinel stillrequired "polishing" out of the court-yard! This was a tremendousobstacle; still, Germaine once more put on his fancy-wings, andrecommended that our fair Catalans, whose occupation made themfamiliar with the whole regiment, should ascertain the sentinels forthe night in question, and, as it was a festival, they might easilyinsinuate a few bottles of brandy into the guard-house, and preparethe soldiery for sleep instead of vigilance. But the success and meritof this plan were considered so doubtful, that another scheme was keptin reserve to silence the soldier whose duty required a continualmarch beneath our window. If the women failed to accomplish our wisheswith liquor, and if the sentry persisted in a vigilant promenade, itwas proposed, as soon as the bar parted, to drop the noose of a _lazo_quietly over his head, and dragging him with a run to the window-sill, knock out his brains, if necessary, with the iron. 

The last days of December were at hand; every body was busy with hopeor preparation; the women carried off our garments; then they broughtus an abundance of fishing lines, hidden beneath their petticoats;and, finally, a rope, strong enough to hang a man, was spun indarkness by the whole detachment. 

The wished-for day at length came, with the jollity, merriment, anddrunkenness, that attend it almost universally throughout _la belleFrance_. But there was not so sober a party in the kingdom as thatwhich was anxiously gathered together over a wineless meal in thechateau of Brest. We trembled lest a word, a traitor, or an accident, should frustrate our hope of life and freedom. 

In the afternoon, our Spanish women, gay with fresh apparel, dashingribbons, and abundant claret, visited their fluttering birds in thecage, and _assured_ success. The sergeant of the guard was married toone of their intimate friends, and, _in her_ company, they wereconfident, on such a night, of reaching the guard-room. A longembrace, perhaps a kiss, and a most affectionate farewell!

Supper was over. Muster passed. Oh! how slowly was drawn the curtainof darkness over that shortest of days. Would night _never_ come? Itdid. By eight o'clock the severed bar hung by threads, while thewell-greased _lazo_ lay coiled on the sill. Nine o'clock brought thesentinel, who began his customary tramp with great regularity, butbroke forth in a drinking song as soon as the sergeant was out ofhearing. 

So impatient were my comrades for escape, that they declined waitingtill the appointed hour of eleven, and, at ten, ranged themselvesalong the floor, with the end of the rope firmly grasped, ready for astrong and sudden pull, while the intrepid Germaine stood by, bar inhand, ready to strike, if necessary. At a signal from me, after I haddropped the _lazo_, they were to haul up, make fast, and follow usthrough the aperture by a longer rope, which was already fastened forour descent. 

Softly the sash was opened, and, stretching my neck into the darkness, I distinctly saw, by a bright star-light, the form of the sentinel, pacing, with staggering strides, beneath the casement. Presently, hecame to a dead halt, at the termination of a _roulade_ in his song, and, in a wink, the _lazo_ was over him. A kick with my heel servedfor signal to the halliards, and up flew the pendant against thewindow-sill. But, alas! it was not the sentinel. The noose had notslipped or caught with sufficient rapidity, and escaping the soldier'sneck, it only grasped and secured his _chako_ and musket. In aninstant, I saw the fatal misfortune, and, clearing the weapon, droppedit, _plumb_, on the head of the tipsy and terrified guardsman. Itsfall must have stunned and prostrated the poor fellow, for not a wordor groan escaped from the court-yard. 

CHAPTER XLIX. 

Silent as was the sentinel after the restoration of his musket, itwas, nevertheless, unanimously voted that our enterprise was afailure. Accordingly, the bar was replaced, the window closed, ourimplements stowed in the mattresses, and ourselves packed beneath theblankets, in momentary expectation of a visit from the jailer andmilitary commander. We passed the night in feverish expectation, butour bolts remained undrawn. 

Bright and early, with a plenteous breakfast, appeared our spiritedSpaniards, and, as the turnkey admitted and locked them in, they burstinto a fit of uproarious laughter at our maladroit adventure. The poorsentinel, they said, was found, at the end of his watch, stretched onthe ground in a sort of fainting fit and half frozen. He swore, inaccounting for a bleeding skull, that an invisible hand from thestore-room beneath us, had dealt him a blow that felled him to theearth! His story was so silly and maudlin, that the captain of theguard, who remembered the festival and knew the tipsiness of theentire watch, gave no heed to the tale, but charged it to the accountof New Year and _eau de vie_. We were sadly jeered by the lasses forour want of pluck, in forsaking the advantage fortune had thrown inour way, and I was specially charged to practise my hand morecarefully with the _lazo_, when I next got a chance on theplantations of Cuba, or among the _vaqueros_ of Mexico. 

As we expected the daily visit from the punctual inspector, to try ourbars with his iron rod, we hastened to secure our window, and stuffingall the fissures with straw and rags, so as almost to exclude light, we complained bitterly to the official of the cold wind to which theapertures exposed us, and thus prevented him from touching the sash. Besides this precaution, we thought it best to get rid of our toolsand cord in the same way we received them; and thus terminated ourproject of escape. 

Soon after, I heard from a relative in Paris, that my petition hadbeen presented to Louis Philippe, whose reception of it encouraged ahope for my pardon. The news somewhat restored us to the good humorthat used to prevail in our party, but which had been sadly dashedsince our failure. Even Monsieur Germaine, saw in our anticipatedliberation, a phantom of encouragement for himself, and began to talkconfidentially of his plans. He fancied that I had been graduallyschooled _into a taste for misdemeanor_, so that he favored me withinnumerable anecdotes of swindling, and countless schemes of futurerobbery. By making me an incipient accomplice, he thought to secure myaid either for his escape or release. 

I will take the liberty to record a single specimen of Germaine'sprolific fancy in regard to the higher grades of elegant felony, andwill leave him to the tender mercy of the French government, whichallows no _bail_ for such _chevaliers_ but chastises their crime withan iron hand. 

We had scarcely recovered from our trepidation, when the forger got upone morning, with a radiant face, and whispered that the past nightwas fruitful to his brain, for he had planned an enterprise whichwould yield a fortune for _any two_ who were wise and bold enough toundertake it. 

Germaine was a philosophic felon. It was perhaps the trick of anintellect naturally astute, and of a spirit originally refined, toreject the vulgar baseness of common pilfering. Germaine never stoleor defrauded;--he only outwitted and outgeneralled. If he spoke of theworld, either in politics or trade, he insisted that shams, forgeries, and counterfeits were quite as much played off in thelanguage, address and dealings of statesmen, merchants, parsons, doctors, and lawyers, as they were by himself and his accomplices. Theonly difference between the felon and the jury, he alleged, existed inthe fact that the jury was in the majority and the felon in thevocative. He advocated the worst forms of liberty and equality; he wasdecidedly in favor of a division of property, which he was sure wouldend what _the law called_ crime, because all would be supplied on thebasis of a common balance. Whenever he told his ancient exploits orsuggested new ones, he glossed them invariably with a rhetoricalvarnish about the laws of nature, social contracts, human rights, _meum and tuum_; and concluded, to his perfect satisfaction, with afavorite axiom, that "he had quite as much _right_ to the world'sgoods as they who possessed them. "

A hypocritical farrago of this character always prefaced one ofGermaine's tales, so that I hardly ever interrupted the rogue when hebecame fluent about social theories, but waited patiently, inconfidence that I was shortly to be entertained with an adventure orenterprise. 

The forger began his story on this occasion with a most fantasticaland exaggerated account of the celebrated _Santissima Casa_ ofLoretto, which he imagined was still endowed with all the treasures itpossessed anterior to its losses during the pontificate of Pius VI. Heasserted that it was the richest tabernacle in Europe, and that theadornments of the altar were valued at several millions ofcrowns, --the votive offerings and legacies of devotees during a longperiod of time. 

This holy and opulent shrine, the professor ofpolitico-economico-equality proposed to rob at some convenient period;and, to effect it, he had "polished" the following plan during thewatches of the night. 

On some stormy day of winter, he proposed to leave Ancona, as atraveller from South America, and approaching the convent attached tothe church of the Madonna of Loretto, demand hospitality for apenitent who had made the tiresome pilgrimage on a vow to the Virgin. There could be no doubt of his admission. For three days he wouldmost devoutly attend _matins_ and vespers, and crave permission toserve as an _acolyte_ at the altar, the duties of which he perfectlyunderstood. When the period of his departure arrived, he would beseized with sudden illness, and, in all likelihood, the brethren wouldlodge him in their infirmary. As his malady increased, he would call aconfessor, and, pouring into the father's credulous ear a tale ofwoes, sorrows, superstition and humbug, he would make the convent adonation of _all his estates in South America_, and pray for aremission of his sins!

When this comedy was over, convalescence should supervene; but hewould adhere with conscientious obstinacy to his dying gift, andproduce documents showing the immense value of the bequeathedproperty. Presently, he would be suddenly smitten with a love formonastic life; and, on his knees, the Prior was to be interceded foradmission to the brotherhood. All this, probably, would require time, as well as playacting of the adroitest character; yet he feltconfident he could perform the drama. 

At last, when a vow had sealed his novitiate, no one of the fraternityshould exceed him in fervent piety and bodily mortification. Everyhour would find him at the altar before the Virgin, missal in hand, _and eyes intent on the glittering image_. This incessant andunwatched devotion, he calculated, would enable him in two months totake an impression of all the locks in the _sacristy_; and, as hisconfederate would call every market-day at the convent gate, in theguise of a pedler, he could easily cause the keys to be fabricated indifferent villages by common locksmiths. 

Germaine considered it indispensable that his colleague in thisenterprise should be _a sailor_; for the flight with booty was to bemade over sea from Ancona. As soon, therefore, as the keys wereperfected, and in the hands of the impostor, the mariner was to causea _felucca_, to cruise off shore, in readiness for immediatedeparture. Then, at a fixed time, the pedler should lurk near theconvent, with a couple of mules; and, in the dead of night, thesacrilege would be accomplished. 

When he finished his story, the pleasant villain, rubbed his handswith glee, and skipping about the floor like a dancing-master, beganto whistle "_La Marsellaise_. " That night, he retired earlier thanusual, "to polish, " as he said; but before dawn he again aroused me, with a pull, and whispered a sudden fear that his "Lorettomasterpiece" would prove an abortion!

"I have considered, " said he, "that the Virgin's jewels are probablynothing but false stones and waxen pearls in pinchbeck gold! Surely, those cunning monks would never leave such an amount of property idle, simply to adorn a picture or statue! No, I am positive they must havesold the gems, substituted imitations, and bought property for theiropulent convents!"--As I felt convinced of this fact, and had someinkling of a recollection about losses during a former reign, I washappy to hear that the swindler's fancy had "polished" the crime toabsolute annihilation. 

And now that I am about to leave this forging philosopher in prison, to mature, doubtless, some greater act of villany, I will merely add, that when I departed, he was constructing a new scheme, in which theEmperor of Russia was to be victim and paymaster. As my liberationoccurred before the finishing touches were given by the artist, I amunable to say how it fared with Nicholas; but I doubt, exceedingly, whether the galleys of Brest contained a greater scoundrel, both indeeds and imaginings, than the metaphysical dandy--MonsieurGermaine. [7]

At length, my pardon and freedom came; but this was the solereparation I received at the hands of Louis Philippe, for the unjustseizure and appropriation of my vessel in the neutral waters ofAfrica. When Sorret rushed in, followed by his wife, Babette, and thechildren, to announce the glorious news, the good fellow's emotionwas so great, that he stood staring at me like a booby, and for a longwhile could not articulate. Then came La Vivandière Dolores, and mypretty Concha. Next arrived Monsieur Randanne, with the rest of mypupils; so that, in an hour, I was overwhelmed with sunshine andtears. I can still feel the grasp of Sorret's hand, as he led mebeyond the bolts and bars, to read the act of royal grace. May we notfeel a _spasm_ of regret at leaving even a prison?

Next day, an affectionate crowd of friends and pupils followed theemancipated slaver to a vessel, which, by order of the king, was tobear me, a willing exile, from France for ever. 

FOOTNOTE:

[7] I know not what was his fate; but he has probably long sincerealized his dream of equality, though, in all likelihood, it was theequality described by old Patris of Caen:

 "Ici tous sont egaux; je ne te dois plus rien: Je suis sur mon _fumier_ comme toi sur le tien!"

CHAPTER L. 

I said, at the end of the last chapter, that my friends bade adieu onthe quay of Brest to an "emancipated _slaver_;" for _slaver_ I wasdetermined to continue, notwithstanding the capture of my vessel, andthe tedious incarceration of my body. Had the seizure and sentencebeen justly inflicted for a violation of local or international law, Imight, perhaps, have become penitent for early sins, during the longhours of reflection afforded me in the _chateau_. But, with all thefervor of an ardent and thwarted nature, I was much more disposed torebel and revenge myself when opportunity occurred, than to confess mysins with a lowly and obedient heart. Indeed, most of my time inprison had been spent in cursing the court and king, or in reflectinghow I should get back to Africa in the speediest manner, if I was everlucky enough to elude the grasp of the model monarch. 

The vessel that bore me into perpetual banishment from France, wasbound to Lisbon; but, delaying in Portugal only long enough to procurea new passport, under an assumed name, I spat upon Louis Philippe's"eternal exile, " and took shipping for his loyal port of Marseilles!Here I found two vessels fitting for the coast of Africa; but, inconsequence of the frightful prevalence of cholera, all mercantileadventures were temporarily suspended. In fact, such was the panic, that no one dreamed of despatching the vessel in which I was promiseda passage, until the pestilence subsided. Till this occurred, as mymeans were of the scantiest character, I took lodgings in an humblehotel. 

The dreadful malady was then apparently at its height, and nearly allthe hotels were deserted, for most of the regular inhabitants hadfled; while the city was unfrequented by strangers except underpressing duty. It is altogether probable that the lodging-houses andhotels would have been closed entirely, so slight was their patronage, had not the prefect issued an order, depriving of their licenses, forthe space of two years, all who shut their doors on strangers. Accordingly, even when the scourge swept many hundred victims daily totheir graves, every hotel, café, grocery, butcher shop, and bakery, was regularly opened in Marseilles; so that a dread of famine was notadded to the fear of cholera. 

Of course, the lowly establishment where I dwelt was not thronged atthis epoch; most of its inmates or frequenters had departed for thecountry before my arrival, and I found the house tenanted alone bythree boarders and a surly landlord, who cursed the authorities fortheir compulsory edict. My reception, therefore, was by no meanscordial. I was told that the proclamation had not prevented the _cook_from departing; and that I must be content with whatever the master ofthe house could toss up for my fare. 

A sailor--especially one fresh from the _chateau_ of Brest, --is notapt to be over nice in the article of cookery, and I readilyaccompanied my knight of the rueful countenance to his _table d'hôte_, which I found to be a long oval board, three fourths bare of cloth andguests, while five human visages clustered around its end. 

I took my seat opposite a trim dashing brunette, with the brightesteyes and rosiest cheeks imaginable. Her face was so healthilyrefreshing in the midst of malady and death, that I altogether forgotthe cholera under the charm of her ardent gaze. Next me sat a comicalsort of fellow, who did not delay in scraping an acquaintance, andjocularly insisted on introducing all the company. 

"It's a case of emergency, " said the droll, "we have no time to loseor to stand on the ceremony of fashionable etiquette. Here to-day, gone to-morrow--is the motto of Marseilles! _Hola!_ _Messieurs_, shallwe not make the most of new acquaintances when they may be so brief?"

I thanked him for his hospitality. I had so little to lose in thisworld, either of property or friends, that I feared the cholera quiteas slightly as any of the company. "A thousand thanks, " said I, "Monsieur, for your politeness; I'll bury you to-morrow, if it is thecholera's pleasure, with ten times more pleasure now that I have hadthe honor of an introduction. A fashionable man hardly cares to becivil to a stranger--even if he happens to be a corpse!"

There was so hearty a cheer at this sally, that, in spite of theshallow soundings of my purse, I called for a fresh bottle, andpledged the party in a bumper all round. 

"And now, " continued my neighbor, "as it may be necessary for some oneof us to write your epitaph in a day or two, or, at least, to send amessage of condolence and sympathy to your friends; pray let us know abit of your history, and what the devil brings you to Marseilles whenthe cholera thermometer is up to 1000 degrees per diem?"

Very few words were necessary to impart such a name and tale as Ichose to invent for the company's edification. "Santiago Ximenes, " andmy tawny skin betokened my nationality and profession, while mythreadbare garments spoke louder than words that I was at suit withFortune. 

Presently, after a lull in the chat, a dapper little prig of a dandy, who sat on my left, volunteered to inform me that he was no less apersonage than _le Docteur_ Du Jean, a medical practitioner fresh fromMetropolitan hospitals, who, in a spirit of the loftiest philanthropy, visited this provincial town at his own expense to succor the poor. 

"_C'est une belle dame, notre vis à vis, n'est elle pas mon cher?_"said he pointing to our patron saint opposite. 

I admitted without argument that she was the most charming woman Iever saw out of Cuba. 

"_C'est ma chère amie_, " whispered he confidentially in my ear, strongly emphasizing the word "friend" and nodding very knowinglytowards the lady herself. "At the present moment the dear littlecreature is exclusively under my charge and protection, for she is _enroute_ to join her husband, a captain in the army at Algiers; but, alas! _grâce à Dieu_, there's no chance of a transport so long as thiscursed pestilence blockades Marseilles! Do you know the man on yourright?--No! _Bien!_ that's the celebrated S----, the oratoricaladvocate about whom the papers rang when Louis Philippe began hisassault on the press. He's on his way to Algiers too, and will be moresuccessful in liberalizing the Arabs than the French. That old chapover yonder with the snuffy nose, the snuffy wig, and snuffy coat, isa grand speculator in horses, on his way to the richest cavalry corpsof the army; and, as for our _maître d'hotel_ at the head of thissegment, _pauvre diable_, you see what he is without a revelation. Thepestilence has nearly used him up. He sits half the day in his bureauon the stairs looking for guests who never come, reading the recordwhich adds no name, cursing the cholera, counting a penitential _ave_and _pater_ on his rosary, and flying from the despair of silence anddesertion to his pans to stew our wretched fare. _Voila mon cher, lacarte de la table! le Cholera et ses Convives!_"

If there is a creature I detest in the world it is a flippant, intrusive, voluntary youth who thrusts his conversation and affairsupon strangers, and makes bold to monopolize their time with hisunasked confidence. Such persons are always silly and vulgarpretenders; and before Doctor Du Jean got through his description ofthe lady, I had already classified him among my particular aversions. 

When the doctor nodded so patronizingly to the dame, and spoke of hisfriendly protectorate, I thought I saw that the quick-witted woman notonly comprehended his intimation, but denied it by the sudden glanceshe gave me from beneath her thin and arching eyebrows. So, whendinner was over, without saying a word to the doctor, I made a slightinclination of the head to Madame Duprez, and rising before the otherguests, passed to her side and tendered my arm for a promenade on thebalcony. 

"_Mon docteur_, " said I as we left the room, "life, you know, is tooshort and precarious to suffer a monopoly of such blessings, "--lookingintently into the lady's eyes, --"besides which, we sailors, indefiance of you landsmen, go in for the most 'perfect freedom of theseas. '"

Madame Duprez declared I was entirely right; that I was nopirate. --"Mais, mon capitaine, " said the fair one, as she leaned witha fond pressure on my arm, "I'd have no objection if you were, so thatyou'd capture me from that frightful gallipot! Besides, you sailorsare always so gallant towards the ladies, and tell us such delightfulstories, and bring us such charming presents when you come home, andlove us so much while you're in port, because you see so few when youare away! Now isn't that a delightful _catalogue raisonné_ ofarguments why women should love _les mâtelots_?"

"Pity then, madame, " said I, "that you married a _soldier_. "

"Ah!" returned the ready dame, "_I_ didn't;--that was my mother'smatch. In France, you know, the old folks marry us; but we take theliberty to _love_ whomsoever we please!"

"But, what of _Monsieur le capitaine_, in the present instance?"interrupted I inquiringly. 

"Ah! _fi donc!_" said Madame, "what bad taste to speak of an _absent_, husband when you have the liberty to talk with a _present_ wife!"

In fact, the lovely Helen of this tavern-Troy was the dearest ofcoquettes, whose fence of tongue was as beautiful a game of thrust andparry as I ever saw played with Parisian foils. Du Jean had beenhorribly mortified by the contemptuous manner in which the threadbareSpaniard bore off his imaginary prize; and would probably haveassailed me on the spot, before he knew my temper or quality, had notthe lawyer drawn him aside on a plea of medical advice and given hisinflamed honor time to cool. 

But the wit of Madame Duprez was not so satisfied by a single specimenof our mutual folly, as to allow the surgeon to resume the undisputedpost of _cavaliere serviente_ which he occupied before my arrival. Itwas her delight to see us at loggerheads for her favor, and though wewere both aware of her arrant coquetry, neither had moral courageenough, in that dismal time, to desist from offering the most servilecourtesies. We mined and counter-mined, marched and counter-marched, deceived and re-deceived, for several days, without material advantageto either, till, at last, the affair ended in a battle. 

The prefecture's bulletin announced at dinner-time twelve hundreddeaths! but, in spite of the horror, or perhaps to drown its memory, our undiminished party called for several more bottles, and becameuproariously gay. 

The conversation took a physiological turn; and gradually the modernscience of phrenology, which was just then becoming fashionable, cameon the carpet. Doctor Du Jean professed familiarity with itsmysteries. Spurzheim, he said, had been his professor in Paris. Hecould read our characters on our skulls as if they were written in abook. Powers, passions, propensities, and even thoughts, could not behidden from him;--and, "who dared try his skill?"

"_C'est moi!_" said Madame Duprez, as she drew her chair to the centreof the room, and accepting the challenge, cast loose her beautifulhair, which fell in a raven torrent over snowy neck and shoulders, heightening tenfold every charm of face and figure. 

Du Jean was nothing loth to commence his tender manipulation of thecharming head, whose wicked mouth and teasing eyes shot glances ofdefiance at me. Several organs were disclosed and explained to thecompany; but then came others which he ventured to whisper in her earsalone, and, as he did so, I noticed that his mouth was pressed ratherdeeper than I thought needful among the folds of her heavy locks. Itook the liberty to hint rather jestingly that the doctor "_cut quitetoo deep_ with his lips;" but the coquette at once saw my annoyance, and persisted with malicious delight in making Du Jean whisper--heavenknows what--in her ear. In fact, she insisted that some of the organsshould be repeated to her three or four times over, while, at eachrehearsal, the doctor grew bolder in his dives among the curls, andthe lady louder and redder in her merriment. 

At last, propriety required that the scene should be closed, and noone knew better than this arch coquette the precise limit of decency'sbounds. Next came the lawyer's cranium; then followed the horse-jockeyand tavern-keeper; and finally, it was _my_ turn to take the stool. 

I made every objection I could think of against submitting toinspection, for I was sure the surgeon had wit enough not to lose sogood a chance of quizzing or ridiculing me; but a whispered word fromMadame forced an assent, with the stipulation that Du Jean shouldallow _me_ to examine his skull afterwards, pretending that if he hadstudied with Spurzheim, I had learned the science from Gall. 

The doctor accepted the terms and began his lecture. First of all myJealousy was enormous, and only equalled by my Conceit and Envy. I wasaltogether destitute of Love, Friendship, or the Moral sentiments. Iwas an immoderate wine-bibber; extremely avaricious; passionate, revengeful, and blood-thirsty; in fine, I was a monstrous conglomerateof every thing devilish and dreadful. The first two or three essays ofthe doctor amused the company and brought down a round of laughter;but as he grew coarser and coarser, I saw the increasing disgust ofour comrades by their silence, though I preserved my temper mostadmirably till he was done. Then I rose slowly from the seat, andpointing the doctor silently to the vacant chair, --for I could notspeak with rage, --I took my stand immediately in front of him, gazingintently into his eyes. The company gathered eagerly round, expectingI would retaliate wittily, or pay him back in his coin of abuse. 

After a minute's pause I regained my power of speech, and inquiredwhether the phrenologist was ready. He replied affirmatively;whereupon my right hand discovered the bump of impudence with atremendous slap on his left cheek, while my left hand detected theorgan of blackguardism with equal prominence on his right!

It was natural that this new mode of scientific investigation was asnovel and surprising as it was disagreeable to poor Du Jean; for, inan instant, we were exchanging blows with intense zeal, and wouldprobably have borrowed a couple of graves from the cholera, had notthe boarders interfered. All hands, however, were unanimous in myfavor, asserting that Du Jean had provoked me beyond endurance; and, as _la belle Duprez_ joined heartily in the verdict, the doctor gaveup the contest, and, ever after, "cut" the lady. 

CHAPTER LI. 

In the first lull of the pestilence, the French merchantman wasdespatched from Marseilles, and, in twenty-seven days, I had thepleasure to shake hands with the generous friends, who, two yearsbefore, labored so hard for my escape. The colonial government soongot wind of my presence notwithstanding my disguise, and warning mefrom Goree, cut short the joys of an African welcome. 

I reached Sierra Leone in time to witness the arbitrary proceeding ofthe British government towards Spanish traders and coasters, by virtueof the treaty for the suppression of the slave-trade. _Six months_after this compact was signed and ratified in London and Madrid, itwas made known with the proverbial despatch of Spain, in the Islandsof Cuba and Porto Rico. Its stipulations were such as to allow veryconsiderable latitude of judgment in captures; and when prizes wereonce within the grasp of the British lion, that amiable animal wasneither prompt to release nor anxious to acquit. Accordingly, when Ireached Sierra Leone, I beheld at anchor under government guns, somethirty or forty vessels seized by cruisers, several of which I havereason to believe were captured in the "Middle Passage, " bound fromHavana to Spain, but entirely free from the taint or design ofslavery. 

I was not so inquisitive or patriotic in regard to treaty rights andviolations, as to dally from mere curiosity in Sierra Leone. My chiefobject was employment. At twenty-eight, after trials, hazards, andchances enough to have won half a dozen fortunes, I was utterlypenniless. The Mongo of Kambia, --the Mahometan convert ofAhmah-de-Bellah, --the pet of the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon, --theleader of slave caravans, --the owner of barracoons, --and the boldmaster of clippers that defied the British flag, was reduced to thehumble situation of coast-pilot and interpreter on board an Americanbrig bound to the celebrated slave mart of Gallinas! We reached ourdestination safely; but I doubt exceedingly whether the "Reaper's"captain knows to this day that his brig was guided by a marineadventurer, who knew nothing of the coast or port save the little hegleaned in half a dozen chats with a Spaniard, who was familiar withthis notorious resort and its surroundings. 

In the history of African servitude, no theatre of Spanish, Portuguese, British, or American action has been the scene of moretouching, tragic, and _profitable_ incidents than the one to whichfortune had now directed my feet. 

Before the generous heart and far-seeing mind of America perceived _inColonization_, the true secret of Africa's hope, the whole of itscoast, from the Rio Gambia to Cape Palmas, without a break except atSierra Leone, was the secure haunt of daring slavers. The firstimpression on this lawless disposal of full fifteen hundred miles ofbeach and continent, was made by the bold establishment of Liberia;and, little by little has its power extended, until treaty, purchase, negotiation, and influence, drove the trade from the entire region. After the firm establishment of this colony, the slave-trade on thewindward coast, north and west of Cape Palmas, was mainly confined toPortuguese settlements at Bissaos, on the Rios Grande, Nunez, andPongo, at Grand and Little Bassa, New Sestros and Trade-town; but thelordly establishment at Gallinas was the heart of the slave marts, towhich, in fact, Cape Mesurado was only second in importance. 

Our concern is now with Gallinas. Nearly one hundred miles north-westof Monrovia, a short and sluggish river, hearing this well-known name, oozes lazily into the Atlantic; and, carrying down in the rainy seasona rich alluvion from the interior, sinks the deposit where the tidemeets the Atlantic, and forms an interminable mesh of spongy islands. To one who approaches from sea, they loom up from its surface, coveredwith reeds and mangroves, like an immense field of _fungi_, betokeningthe damp and dismal field which death and slavery have selected fortheir grand metropolis. A spot like this, possessed, of course, nopeculiar advantages for agriculture or commerce; but its dangerousbar, and its extreme desolation, fitted it for the haunt of the outlawand slaver. 

Such, in all likelihood, were the reasons that induced Don PedroBlanco, a well-educated mariner from Malaga, to select Gallinas as thefield of his operations. Don Pedro visited this place originally incommand of a slaver; but failing to complete his cargo, sent hisvessel back with one hundred negroes, whose value was barelysufficient to pay the mates and crew. Blanco, however, remained on thecoast with a portion of the Conquistador's cargo, and, on its basis, began a trade with the natives and slaver-captains, till, four yearsafter, he remitted his owners the product of their merchandise, andbegan to flourish on his own account. The honest return of aninvestment long given over as lost, was perhaps the most activestimulant of his success, and for many years he monopolized thetraffic of the Vey country, reaping enormous profits from hisenterprise. 

Gallinas was not in its prime when I came thither, yet enough of itsancient power and influence remained to show the comprehensive mindof Pedro Blanco. As I entered the river, and wound along through thelabyrinth of islands, I was struck, first of all, with the vigilancethat made this Spaniard stud the field with look-out seats, protectedfrom sun and rain, erected some seventy-five or hundred feet abovethe ground, either on poles or on isolated trees, from which thehorizon was constantly swept by telescopes, to announce the approachof cruisers or slavers. These telegraphic operators were the keenestmen on the islands, who were never at fault, in discriminatingbetween friend and foe. About a mile from the river's mouth we founda group of islets, on each of which was erected the factory of someparticular slave-merchant belonging to the grand confederacy. Blanco's establishments were on several of these marshy flats. Onone, near the mouth, he had his place of business or trade withforeign vessels, presided over by his principal clerk, an astute andclever gentleman. On another island, more remote, was his residence, where the only white person was a sister, who, for a while, sharedwith Don Pedro his solitary and penitential domain. Here this man ofeducation and refined address surrounded himself with every luxurythat could be purchased in Europe or the Indies, and dwelt in a sortof oriental but semi-barbarous splendor, that suited an Africanprince rather than a Spanish grandee. Further inland was anotherislet, devoted to his seraglio, within whose recesses each of hisfavorites inhabited her separate establishment, after the fashion ofthe natives. Independent of all these were other islands, devoted tothe barracoons or slave-prisons, ten or twelve of which containedfrom one hundred to five hundred slaves in each. These barracoonswere made of rough staves or poles of the hardest trees, four or sixinches in diameter, driven five feet in the ground, and clampedtogether by double rows of iron bars. Their roofs were constructed ofsimilar wood, strongly secured, and overlaid with a thick thatch oflong and wiry grass, rendering the interior both dry and cool. At theends, watch-houses--built near the entrance--were tenanted bysentinels, with loaded muskets. Each barracoon was tended by two orfour Spaniards or Portuguese; but I have rarely met a more wretchedclass of human beings, upon whom fever and dropsy seemed to haveemptied their vials. 

Such were the surroundings of Don Pedro in 1836, when I first saw hisslender figure, swarthy face, and received the graceful welcome, whichI hardly expected from one who had passed fifteen years withoutcrossing the bar of Gallinas! Three years after this interview, heleft the coast for ever, with a fortune of near a million. For awhile, he dwelt in Havana, engaged in commerce; but I understood thatfamily difficulties induced him to retire altogether from trade; sothat, if still alive, he is probably a resident of "Geneva laSuperba, " whither he went from the island of Cuba. 

The power of this man among the natives is well-known; it far exceededthat of Cha-cha, of whom I have already spoken. Resolved as he was tobe successful in traffic, he left no means untried, with blacks aswell as whites, to secure prosperity. I have often been asked what wasthe character of a mind which could voluntarily isolate itself fornear a lifetime amid the pestilential swamps of a burning climate, trafficking in human flesh, exciting wars, bribing and corruptingignorant negroes; totally without society, amusement, excitement, orchange; living, from year to year, the same dull round of seasons andfaces; without companionship, save that of men at war with law; cutloose from all ties except those which avarice formed among Europeanoutcasts who were willing to become satellites to such a luminary asDon Pedro? I have always replied to the question, that this Africanenigma puzzled _me_ as well as those orderly and systematic persons, who would naturally be more shocked at the tastes and prolonged careerof a resident slave-factor in the marshes of Gallinas. 

I heard many tales on the coast of Blanco's cruelty, but I doubt themquite as much as I do the stories of his pride and arrogance. I haveheard it said that he shot a sailor for daring to ask him forpermission to light his cigar at the _puro_ of the Don. Upon anotheroccasion, it is said that he was travelling the beach some distancefrom Gallinas, near the island of Sherbro, where he was unknown, whenhe approached a native hut for rest and refreshment. The owner wassquatted at the door, and, on being requested by Don Pedro to hand himfire to light his cigar, deliberately refused. In an instant Blancodrew back, seized a carabine from one of his attendants, and slew thenegro on the spot. It is true that the narrator apologized for DonPedro, by saying, that to deny a Castilian _fire for his tobacco_ wasthe gravest insult that can be offered him; yet, from my knowledge ofthe person in question, I cannot believe that he carried etiquette toso frightful a pitch, even among a class whose lives are considered oftrifling value _except in market_. On several occasions, during oursubsequent intimacy, I knew him to chastise with rods, even to thebrink of death, servants who ventured to infringe the sacred limits ofhis _seraglio_. But, on the other hand, his generosity wasproverbially ostentatious, not only among the natives, whom it was hisinterest to suborn, but to the whites who were in his employ, orneeded his kindly succor. I have already alluded to his mentalculture, which was decidedly _soigné_ for a Spaniard of his originalgrade and time. His memory was remarkable. I remember one night, whileseveral of his _employés_ were striving unsuccessfully to repeat theLord's prayer in Latin, upon which they had made a bet, that Don Pedrojoined the party, and taking up the wager, went through the petitionwithout faltering. It was, indeed, a sad parody on prayer to hear itsblessed accents fall perfectly from such lips on a bet; but when itwas won, the slaver insisted on receiving _the slave which was thestake_, and immediately bestowed him in charity on a captain, who hadfallen into the clutches of a British cruiser!

Such is a rude sketch of the great man merchant of Africa, theRothschild of slavery, whose bills on England, France, or the UnitedStates, were as good as gold in Sierra Leone and Monrovia!

CHAPTER LII. 

The day after our arrival within the realm of this great spider, --who, throned in the centre of his mesh, was able to catch almost every flythat flew athwart the web, --I landed at one of the minor factories, and sold a thousand quarter-kegs of powder to Don José Ramon. But, next day, when I proceeded in my capacity of interpreter to theestablishment of Don Pedro, I found his Castilian plumage ruffled, and, though we were received with formal politeness, he declined topurchase, because we had failed to address _him_ in advance of anyother factor on the river. 

The folks at Sierra Leone dwelt so tenderly on the generous side ofBlanco's character, that I was still not without hope that I mightinduce him to purchase a good deal of our rum and tobacco, which wouldbe drugs on our hands unless he consented to relieve us. I did notthink it altogether wrong, therefore, to concoct a little _ruse_whereby I hoped to touch the pocket through the breast of the Don. Infact, I addressed him a note, in which I truly related my recentmishaps, adventures, and imprisonments; but I concluded the narrativewith a hope that he would succor one so destitute and unhappy, byallowing him to win an honest _commission_ allowed by the Americancaptain on any sales I could effect. The bait took; a prompt, laconicanswer returned; I was bidden to come ashore with the invoice of ourcargo; and, _for my sake_, Don Pedro purchased from the Yankee brig$5000 worth of rum and tobacco, all of which was paid by drafts onLondon, _of which slaves were, of course, the original basis_! Myimaginary commissions, however, remained in the purse of the owners. 

An accident occurred in landing our merchandise, which will serve toillustrate the character of Blanco. While the hogsheads of tobaccowere discharging, our second mate, who suffered from _strabismus_ morepainfully than almost any cross-eyed man I ever saw, becameexcessively provoked with one of the native boatmen who had beenemployed in the service. It is probable that the negro was insolent, which the mate thought proper to chastise by throwing staves at theKrooman's head. The negro fled, seeking refuge on the other side ofhis canoe; but the enraged officer continued the pursuit, and, in hisdouble-sighted blundering, ran against an oar which the persecutedblack suddenly lifted in self-defence. I know not whether it was rageor blindness, or both combined, that prevented the American fromseeing the blade, but on he dashed, rushing impetuously against theimplement, severing his lip with a frightful gash, and knocking fourteeth from his upper jaw. 

Of course, the luckless negro instantly fled to "the bush;" and, thatnight, in the agony of delirium, caused by fever and dreadeddeformity, the mate terminated his existence by laudanum. 

The African law condemns the man who _draws blood_ to a severe fine inslaves, proportioned to the harm that may have been inflicted. Accordingly, the culprit Krooman, innocent as he was of premeditatedevil, now lay heavily loaded with irons in Don Pedro's barracoon, awaiting the sentence which the whites in his service already declared_should be death_. "He struck a white!" they said, and the wound heinflicted was reported to have caused that white man's ruin. But, luckily, before the sentence was executed, _I_ came ashore, and, asthe transaction occurred in my presence, I ventured to appeal from theverdict of public opinion to Don Pedro, with the hope that I mightexculpate the Krooman. My simple and truthful story was sufficient. An order was instantly given for the black's release, and, in spite ofnative chiefs and grumbling whites, who were savagely greedy for thefellow's blood, Don Pedro persisted in his judgment and sent him backon board the "Reaper. "

The character manifested by Blanco on this occasion, and the admirablemanagement of his factory, induced me to seize a favorable moment tooffer my services to the mighty trader. They were promptly accepted, and in a short time I was employed as _principal_ in one of DonPedro's branches. 

The Vey natives on this river and its neighborhood were not numerousbefore the establishment of Spanish factories, but since 1813, theepoch of the arrival of several Cuban vessels with rich, merchandise, the neighboring tribes flocked to the swampy flats, and as there wasmuch similarity in the language and habits of the natives andemigrants, they soon intermarried and mingled in ownership of thesoil. 

In proportion as these upstarts were educated in slave-trade under theinfluence of opulent factors, they greedily acquired the habit ofhunting their own kind and abandoned all other occupations but war andkidnapping. As the country was prolific and the trade profitable, thethousands and tens of thousands annually sent abroad from Gallinas, soon began to exhaust the neighborhood; but the appetite for plunderwas neither satiated nor stopped by distance, when it became necessaryfor the neighboring natives to extend their forays and hunts far intothe interior. In a few years war raged wherever the influence of thisriver extended. The slave factories supplied the huntsmen with powder, weapons, and enticing merchandise, so that they fearlessly advancedagainst ignorant multitudes, who, too silly to comprehend the benefitof alliance, fought the aggressors singly, and, of course, becametheir prey. 

Still, however, the demand increased. Don Pedro and his satellites hadstruck a vein richer than the gold coast. His flush barracoons becameproverbial throughout the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and hislook-outs were ceaseless in their signals of approaching vessels. Newfactories were established, as branches, north and south of theparent den. Mana Rock, Sherbro, Sugarei, Cape Mount, Little CapeMount, and even Digby, at the door of Monrovia, all had depots andbarracoons of slaves belonging to the whites of Gallinas. 

But this prosperity did not endure. The torch of discord, in a civilwar which was designed for revengeful murder rather than slavery, waskindled by a black Paris, who had deprived his uncle of an EthiopianHelen. Every bush and hamlet contained its Achilles and Ulysses, andevery town rose to the dignity of a Troy. 

The geographical configuration of the country, as I have describedit, isolated almost every family of note on various branches of theriver, so that nearly all were enabled to fortify themselves withintheir islands or marshy flats. The principal parties in this familyfeud were the Amarars and Shiakars. Amarar was a native of Shebar, and, through several generations, had Mandingo blood in hisveins;--Shiakar, born on the river, considered himself a noble of theland, and being aggressor in this conflict, disputed his prize withthe wildest ferocity of a savage. The whites, who are ever on thewatch for native quarrels, wisely refrained from partisanship witheither of the combatants, but continued to purchase the prisonersbrought to their factories by both parties. Many a vessel bore acrossthe Atlantic two inveterate enemies shackled to the same bolt, whileothers met on the same deck a long-lost child or brother who had beencaptured in the civil war. 

I might fill a volume with the narrative of this horrid conflictbefore it was terminated by the death of Amarar. For several monthsthis savage had been blockaded in his stockade by Shiakar's warriors. At length a sortie became indispensable to obtain provisions, but theenemy were too numerous to justify the risk. Upon this, Amarar calledhis soothsayer, and required him to name a propitious moment for thesally. The oracle retired to his den, and, after suitableincantations, declared that the effort should be made as soon as thehands of Amarar were stained in the blood of his own son. It is saidthat the prophet intended the victim to be a youthful son of Amarar, who had joined his mother's family, and was then distant; but theimpatient and superstitious savage, seeing a child of his own, twoyears old, at hand, when the oracle announced the decree, snatched theinfant from his mother's arms, threw it into a rice mortar, and, witha pestle, mashed it to death!

The sacrifice over, a sortie was ordered. The infuriate and starvingsavages, roused by the oracle and inflamed by the bloody scene, rushedforth tumultuously. Amarar, armed with the pestle, still warm andreeking with his infant's blood, was foremost in the onset. Thebesiegers gave way and fled; the town was re-provisioned; thefortifications of the enemy demolished, and the soothsayer rewardedwith a slave for his barbarous prediction!

At another time, Amarar was on the point of attacking a stronglyfortified town, when doubts were intimated of success. Again thewizard was consulted, when the mysterious oracle declared that thechief "_could not conquer till he returned once more to his mother'swomb_!" That night Amarar committed the blackest of incests; but hisparty was repulsed, and the false prophet stoned to death!

These are faint incidents of a savage drama which lasted severalyears, until Amarar, in his native town, became the prisoner ofShiakar's soldiery. Mana, his captor, caused him to be decapitated;and while the blood still streamed from the severed neck, themonster's head was thrust into the fresh-torn bowels of his mother!

CHAPTER LIII. 

The first expedition upon which Don Pedro Blanco despatched merevealed a new phase of Africa to my astonished eyes. I was sent in asmall Portuguese schooner to Liberia for tobacco; and here the traderwho had never contemplated the negro on the shores of his parentcountry except as a slave or a catcher of slaves, first beheld therudiments of an infant state, which in time may become the wedge ofEthiopian civilization. The comfortable government house, neat publicwarerooms, large emigration home, designed for the accommodation ofthe houseless; clean and spacious streets, with brick stores anddwellings; the twin churches with their bells and comfortablesurroundings; the genial welcome from well dressed negroes; theregular wharves and trim craft on the stocks, and last of all, a visitfrom a colored collector with a _printed_ bill for twelve dollars"anchor dues, " all convinced me that there was, in truth, somethingmore in these ebony frames than an article of commerce and labor. Ipaid the bill eagerly, --considering that a document _printed in Africaby Negroes_, under North American influence, would be a curiosityamong the infidels of Gallinas!

My engagements with Blanco had been made on the basis of familiaritywith the slave-trade in all its branches, but my independent spiritand impatient temper forbade, from the first, the acceptance of anysubordinate position at Gallinas. Accordingly, as soon as I returnedfrom the new Republic, Don Pedro desired me to prepare for theestablishment of a branch factory, under my exclusive control, at NewSestros, an independent principality in the hands of a Bassa chief. 

I lost no time in setting forth on this career of comparativeindependence, and landed with the trading cargo provided for me, atthe Kroomen's town, where I thought it best to dwell till a factorycould be built. 

An African, as well as a white man, must be drilled into the traffic. It is one of those things that do not "come by nature:" yet itsmysteries are acquired, like the mysteries of commerce generally, withmuch more facility by some tribes than others. I found this signallyillustrated by the prince and people of New Sestros, and very soondetected their great inferiority to the Soosoos, Mandingoes, and Veys. For a time their conduct was so silly, arrogant, and trifling, that Iclosed my chests and broke off communication. Besides this, the slavesthey offered were of an inferior character and held at exorbitantprices. Still, as I was commanded to purchase rapidly, I managed tocollect about seventy-five negroes of medium grades, all of whom Idesigned sending to Gallinas in the schooner that was tugging at heranchor off the beach. 

At the proper time I sent for the black prince _to assist me inshipping the slaves_, and to receive the head-money which was hisexport duty on my cargo. The answer to my message was an illustrationof the character and insolence of the ragamuffins with whom I had todeal. "The prince, " returned my messenger, "don't like your sauciness, Don Téodore, _and won't come till you beg his pardon by a present_!"

It is very true that after my visit to their republic, I began toentertain a greater degree of respect than was my wont, for black men, yet my contempt for the original, unmodified race was so great, thatwhen the prince's son, a boy of sixteen, delivered this reply onbehalf of his father, I did not hesitate to cram it down his throat bya back-handed blow, which sent the sprig of royalty bleeding andhowling home. 

It may be easily imagined what was the condition of the native townwhen the boy got back to the "palace, " and told his tale of Spanishboxing. In less than ten minutes, another messenger arrived with anorder for my departure from the country "before next day at noon;"--anorder which, the envoy declared, would be _enforced_ by the outragedtownsfolk unless I willingly complied. 

Now, I had been too long in Africa to tremble before a negro prince, and though I really hated the region, I determined to disobey in orderto teach the upstart a lesson of civilized manners. Accordingly, Imade suitable preparations for resistance, and, when my hired servantsand _barracooniers_ fled in terror at the prince's command, I landedsome whites from my schooner, to aid in protecting our slaves. 

By this time, my house had been constructed of the frail bamboos andmatting which are exclusively used in the buildings of the Bassacountry. I had added a cane verandah or piazza to mine, and protectedit from the pilfering natives, by a high palisade, that effectuallyexcluded all intruders. Within the area of this inclosure was slung myhammock, and here I ate my meals, read, wrote, and received "Princes"as well as the mob. 

At nightfall, I loaded twenty-five muskets, and placed them _inside mysofa_, which was a long trade-chest. I covered the deal table with ablanket, beneath whose pendent folds I concealed a keg of powder _withthe head out_. Hard by, under a broad-brimmed _sombrero_, lay a pairof double-barrelled pistols. With these dispositions of my volcanicarmory, I swung myself asleep in the hammock, and leaving the threewhites to take turns in watching, never stirred till an hour aftersunrise, when I was roused by the war-drum and bells from the village, announcing the prince's approach. 

In a few minutes my small inclosure of palisades was filled with armedand gibbering savages, while his majesty, in the red coat of a Britishdrummer, but without any trowsers, strutted pompously into mypresence. Of course, I assumed an air of humble civility, and leadingthe potentate to one end of the guarded piazza, where he wascompletely isolated from his people, I stationed myself between thetable and the _sombrero_. Some of the prince's relations attempted tofollow him within my inclosure, but, according to established rules, they dared not advance beyond an assigned limit. 

When the formalities were over, a dead silence prevailed for someminutes. I looked calmly and firmly into the prince's eyes, and waitedfor him to speak. Still he was silent. At last, getting tired ofdumb-show, I asked the negro if he had "come to assist me in shippingmy slaves; the sun is getting rather high, " said I, "and we had betterbegin without delay!"

"Did you get my message?" was his reply, "and why haven't you gone?"

"Of course I received your message, " returned I, "but as I came to NewSestros at my leisure, I intend to go away when it suits me. Besidesthis, Prince Freeman, I have no fear that you will do me the leastharm, especially as I shall be _before_ you in any capers of thatsort. "

Then, by a sudden jerk, I threw off the blanket that hid the exposedpowder, and, with pistols in hand, one aimed at the keg and the otherat the king, I dared him to give an order for my expulsion. 

It is inconceivable how _moving_ this process proved, not only toFreeman, but to the crowd comprising his body-guard. The poorblusterer, entirely cut off from big companions, was in a laughablepanic. His tawny skin became ashen, as he bounded from his seat andrushed to the extremity of the piazza; and, to make a long storyshort, in a few minutes he was as penitent and humble as a dog. 

I was, of course, not unforgiving, when Freeman advanced to the rail, and warning the blacks that he had "changed his mind, " ordered theodorous crowd out of my inclosure. Before the negroes departed, however, I made him swear eternal fidelity and friendship in theirpresence, after which I sealed the compact with a couple of demijohnsof New England rum. 

Before sunset, seventy-five slaves were shipped for me in his canoes, and ever after, Prince Freeman was a model monument of the virtues ofgunpowder physic!

CHAPTER LIV. 

The summary treatment of this ebony potentate convinced the Kroo andFishmen of New Sestros that they would find my breakfast parties nochild's play. Bold _bravado_ had the best effect on the adjacentinland as well as the immediate coast. The free blacks not onlytreated my person and people with more respect, but began to supply mewith better grades of negroes; so that when Don Pedro found my successincreasing, he not only resolved to establish a permanent factory, butenlarged my commission to ten slaves for every hundred I procured. Thereupon, I at once commenced the erection of buildings suitable formy personal comfort and the security of slaves. I selected a prettysite closer to the beach. A commodious two-story house, surrounded bydouble verandahs, was topped by a look-out which commanded anocean-view of vast extent, and flanked by houses for all thenecessities of a first-rate factory. There were stores, a privatekitchen, a rice house, houses for domestic servants, a publicworkshop, a depot for water, a slave-kitchen, huts for single men, andsheds under which gangs were allowed to recreate from time to timeduring daylight. The whole was surrounded by a tall hedge-fence, thickly planted, and entered by a double gate, on either side of whichwere long and separate _barracoons_ for males and females. Theentrance of each slave-pen was commanded by a cannon, while in thecentre of the square, I left a vacant space, whereon I have oftenseen seven hundred slaves, guarded by half a dozen musketeers, singing, drumming and dancing, after their frugal meals. 

It is a pleasant fancy of the natives, who find our surnames ratherdifficult of pronunciation, while they know very little of theChristian calendar, to baptize a new comer with some title, for which, any chattel or merchandise that strikes their fancy, is apt to standgodfather. My exploit with the prince christened me "Powder" on thespot; but when they saw my magnificent establishment, beheld thewealth of my warehouse, and heard the name of "store, " I was forthwithwhitewashed into "_Storee_. "

And "_Storee_, " without occupying a legislative seat in Africa, wasdestined to effect a rapid change in the motives and prospects of thatquarter. In a few months, New Sestros was alive. The isolated beach, which before my arrival was dotted with half a dozen Kroo hovels, nowcounted a couple of flourishing towns, whose inhabitants were suppliedwith merchandise and labor in my factory. The neighboring princes andchiefs, confident of selling their captives, struggled to thesea-shore through the trackless forest; and in a very brief period, Prince Freeman, who "no likee war" over my powder-keg, sent expeditionafter expedition against adjacent tribes, to redress imaginarygrievances, or to settle old bills with his great-grandfather'sdebtors. There was no absolute idea of "extending the area of freedom, or of territorial annexation, " but it was wonderful to behold how keenbecame the sovereign's sensibility to national wrongs, and howpatriotically he labored to vindicate his country's rights. It istrue, this African metamorphosis was not brought about without somesacrifice of humanity; still I am confident that during my stay, greater strides were made towards modern civilization than during thevisit of any other factor. When I landed among the handful of savagesI found them given up to the basest superstition. All classes of malesas well as females, were liable to be accused upon any pretext by the_juju-men_ or priests, and the dangerous _saucy-wood_ potion wasinvariably administered to test their guilt or innocence. Itfrequently happened that accusations of witchcraft or evil practiceswere purchased from these wretches in order to get rid of a sick wife, an imbecile parent, or an opulent relative; and, as the poisonousdraught was mixed and graduated by the _juju-man_, it rarely failed toprove fatal when the drinker's death was necessary. [F] Ordeals of thischaracter occurred almost daily in the neighboring country, of coursedestroying numbers of innocent victims of cupidity or malice. I verysoon observed the frequency of this abominable crime, and when it wasnext attempted in the little settlement that clustered around myfactory, I respectfully requested that the accused might be locked up_for safety in my barracoon_, till the fatal liquid was prepared andthe hour for its administration arrived. 

It will be readily understood that the saucy-wood beverage, like anyother, may be prepared in various degrees of strength, so that theoperator has entire control of its noxious qualities. If the accusedhas friends, either to pay or tamper with the medicator, the draft iscommonly made weak enough to insure its harmless rejection from theculprit's stomach; but when the victim is friendless, time is allowedfor the entire venom to exude, and the drinker dies ere he can drinkthe second bowl. 

Very soon after the offer of my _barracoon_ as a prison for theaccused, a Krooman was brought to it, accused of causing his nephew'sdeath by fatal incantations. The _juju_ had been consulted andconfirmed the suspicion; whereupon the luckless negro was seized, ironed, and delivered to my custody. 

Next day early the _juju-man_ ground his bark, mixed it with water, and simmered the potion over a slow fire to extract the poison'sstrength. As I had reason to believe that especial enmity wasentertained against the imprisoned uncle, I called at the _juju's_hovel while the medication was proceeding, and, with the bribe of abottle, requested him to impart triple power to the noxious draught. My own _juju_, I said, had nullified his by pronouncing the accusedinnocent, and I was exceedingly anxious to test the relative truth ofour soothsayers. 

The rascal promised implicit compliance, and I hastened back to the_barracoon_ to await the fatal hour. Up to the very moment of thedraught's administration, I remained alone with the culprit, andadministering a double dose of tartar-emetic just before the gate wasopened, I led him forth loaded with irons. The daring negro, strong inhis truth, and confident of the white man's superior witchcraft, swallowed the draught without a wink, and in less than a minute, therejected venom established his innocence, and covered the Africanwizard with confusion. 

This important trial and its results were of course noised abroadthroughout so superstitious and credulous a community. The releasedKrooman told his companions of the "white-man-saucy-wood, "administered by me in the _barracoon_; and, ever afterwards, theaccused were brought to my sanctuary where the conflicting charm of myemetic soon conquered the native poison and saved many a useful life. In a short time the malicious practice was discontinued altogether. 

 * * * * *

During the favorable season, I had been deprived of three vessels byBritish cruisers, and, for as many months, had not shipped a singleslave, --five hundred of whom were now crowded in my _barracoons_, anddemanded our utmost vigilance for safe keeping. In the gang, I found afamily consisting of a man, his wife, three children and a sister, allsold under an express obligation of exile and slavery amongChristians. The luckless father was captured by my blackguard friendPrince Freeman in person, and the family had been secured when theparents' village was subsequently stormed. Barrah was an outlaw and anespecial offender in the eyes of an African, though his faults werehardly greater than the deeds that bestowed honor and knighthood inthe palmy days of our ancestral feudalism. Barrah was the discardedson of a chief in the interior, and had presumed to blockade thepublic path towards the beach, and collect duties from transientpassengers or caravans. This interfered with Freeman and his revenues;but, in addition to the pecuniary damage, the alleged robber venturedon several occasions to defeat and plunder the prince's vagabonds, sothat, in time, he became rich and strong enough to build a town andfortify it with a regular stockade, _directly on the highway_! Allthese offences were so heinous in the sight of my beach prince, thatno foot was suffered to cool till Barrah was captured. Once within hispower, Freeman would not have hesitated to kill his implacable enemyas soon as delivered at New Sestros; but the interference of friends, and, perhaps, the laudable conviction that a live negro was worth morethan a dead one, induced his highness to sell him under pledge ofCuban banishment. 

Barrah made several ineffectual attempts to break my _barracoon_ andelude the watchfulness of my guards, so that they were frequentlyobliged to restrict his liberty, deprive him of comforts, or add tohis shackles. In fact, he was one of the most formidable savages Iever encountered, even among the thousands who passed in terribleprocession before me in Africa. One day he set fire to thebamboo-matting with which a portion of the _barracoon_ was shelteredfrom the sun, for which he was severely lashed; but next day, whenallowed, under pretence of ague, to crawl with his heavy irons to thekitchen fire, he suddenly dashed a brand into the thatch, and, seizinganother, sprang towards the powder-house, which his heavy shackles didnot allow him to reach before he was felled to the earth. 

Freeman visited me soon afterwards, and, in spite of profit andliquor, insisted on taking the brutal savage back; but, in the meantime, the Bassa chief, to whom my prince was subordinate, heard ofBarrah's attempt on my magazine, and demanded the felon to expiate hiscrime, according to the law of his country, at the stake. No argumentcould appease the infuriate judges, who declared that a cruel deathwould alone satisfy the people whose lives had been endangered by therobber. Nevertheless, I declined delivering the victim for such afate, so that, in the end, we compromised the sentence by shootingBarrah in the presence of all the slaves and townsfolk, --the mostunconcerned spectators among whom were his wife and sister!

FOOTNOTE:

[F] _Saucy-wood_ is the reddish bark of the _gedu_ tree, which whenground and mixed with water, makes a poisonous draught, believed to beinfallible in the detection of crime. It is, in fact, "a trial byordeal;" if the drinker survives he is innocent, if he perishes, guilty. 

CHAPTER LV. 

There is no river at the New Sestros settlement, though geographers, with their usual accuracy in African outlines, have often projectedone on charts and maps. Two miles from the short and perilous beachwhere I built my _barracoons_, there was a slender stream, which, inconsequence of its shallow bed, and narrow, rock-bound entrance, thenatives call "Poor River;" but my factory was at New Sestros _proper_;and there, as I have said, there was no water outlet from theinterior; in fact, nothing but an embayed strand of two hundred yards, flanked by dangerous cliffs. Such a beach, open to the broad ocean andfor ever exposed to the fall rage of its storms, is of course more orless dangerous at all times for landing; and, even when the air isperfectly calm, the common surf of the sea pours inward withtremendous and combing waves, which threaten the boats of all whoventure among them without experienced skill. Indeed, the landing atNew Sestros would be impracticable were it not for the dexterousKroomen, whose canoes sever and surmount the billows in spite of theirterrific power. 

Kroomen and Fishmen are different people from the Bushmen. The twoformer classes inhabit the sea-shore exclusively, and living apartfrom other African tribes, are governed by their elders under asomewhat democratic system. The Bushmen do not suffer the Kroos andFishes to trade with the interior; but, in recompense for themonopoly of traffic with the strongholds of Africa's heart, theseexpert boatmen maintain despotic sway along the beach in trade withthe shipping. As European or Yankee boats cannot live in the surf Ihave described, the Kroo and Fishmen have an advantage over theirbrothers of the Bush, as well as over the whites, which they are notbackward in using to their profit. In fact, the Bushmen fight, travel, steal and trade, while the Kroos and Fishes, who for ages have fringedat least seven hundred miles of African coast, constitute themariners, without whose skill and boldness slaves would be drugs incaravans or _barracoons_. And this is especially the case sinceBritish, French, and American cruisers have driven the traffic fromevery nook and corner of the west coast that even resembled _aharbor_, and forced the slavers to lay in wait in open roadsteads fortheir prey. 

The Kroo canoe, wedge-like at both ends, is hollowed from the solidtrunk of a tree to the thickness of an inch. Of course they are solight and buoyant that they not only lie like a feather on the surfaceof the sea, so as to require nothing but freedom from water for theirsafety, but a canoe, capable of containing four people, may be borneon the shoulders of one or two to any reasonable distance. Accordingly, Kroomen and Fishmen are the prime pets of all slavers, traders, and men-of-war that frequent the west coast of Africa; whileno one dwelling on the shore, engaged in commerce, is particularlyanxious to merit or receive their displeasure. 

When I landed at New Sestros, I promptly supplied myself with a littlefleet of these amphibious natives; and, as the news of my liberalityspread north and south along the shore, the number of my retainersincreased with rapidity. Indeed, in six months a couple of rivaltowns, --one of Kroos and the other of Fishes, --hailed me severally astheir "Commodore" and "Consul. " With such auxiliaries constantly athand, I rarely feared the surf when the shipment of slaves wasnecessary. At Gallinas, under the immediate eye of Don Pedro, the mostelaborate care was taken to secure an ample supply of these people andtheir boats, and I doubt not that the multitude employed in theestablishment's prime, could, at a favorable moment, despatch at leasta thousand slaves within the space of four hours. Yet I have heardfrom Kroomen at Gallinas the most harrowing tales of disasterconnected with the shipment of negroes from that perilous bar. Even inthe dry season, the mouth of this river is frequently dangerous, and, with all the adroitness they could display, the Kroos could not saveboat-load after boat-load from becoming food for the ravenous sharks!

 * * * * *

I was quite afloat at New Sestros on the tide of success, when thecruiser that for a while had annoyed me with a blockade, became shortof food, and was obliged to bear away for Sierra Leone. My well paidspy--a Krooman who had been employed by the cruiser--soon apprised meof the brig's departure and its cause; so that in an hour the beachwas in a bustle, despatching a swift canoe to Gallinas with a messageto Don Pedro:--"The coast is clear:--send me a vessel:--relieve myplethora!"

Forty-eight hours were hardly over when the twin masts of a clipperbrig were seen scraping along the edge of the horizon, with thewell-known signal for "embarkation. " I was undoubtedly prepared towelcome my guest, for Kroos, Fishes, Bushmen, Bassas and all, had beenalert since daybreak, ready to hail the craft and receive their fees. There had been a general embargo on all sea-going folks for a daybefore, so that there was not a fish to be had for love or money inthe settlement. Minute precautions like these are absolutely necessaryfor all prudent slavers, for it was likely that the cruiser kept a spyin her pay among _my_ people, as well as I did among _hers_!

All, therefore, was exceedingly comfortable, so far as ordinaryjudgment could foresee; but alas! the moon was full, and the Africansurf at such periods is fearfully terrific. As I listened from mypiazza or gazed from my _bellevue_, it roared on the strand like thecharge of interminable cavalry. My watchful enemy had been severaldays absent, and I expected her return from hour to hour. Theshipment, though extremely perilous, was, therefore indispensable; andfour short hours of daylight alone remained to complete it. I saw therisk, yet, taking counsel with the head Kroo and Fishmen, I persuadedthem, under the provocation of triple reward, to attempt theenterprise with the smallest skiffs and stoutest rowers, while a bandof lusty youths stood by to plunge in whenever the breakers capsized acanoe. 

We began with females, as the most difficult cargo for embarkation, and seventy reached the brig safely. Then followed the stronger sex;but by this time a sea-breeze set in from the south-west like a younggale, and driving the rollers with greater rapidity, upset almostevery alternate cockleshell set adrift with its living freight. It wasfortunate that our sharks happened that evening to be on a frolicelsewhere, so that negro after negro was rescued from the brine, though the sun was rapidly sinking when but two thirds of my slaveswere safely shipped. 

I ran up and down the beach, in a fever of anxiety, shouting, encouraging, coaxing, appealing, and _refreshing_ the boatmen andswimmers; but as the gangs came ashore, they sank exhausted on thebeach, refusing to stir. Rum, which hitherto roused them likeelectricity, was now powerless. Powder they did not want, nor muskets, nor ordinary trade stuff, for they never engaged in kidnapping orslave wars. 

As night approached the wind increased. _There_ was the brig withtopsails aback, signalling impatiently for despatch; but never wasluckless factor more at fault! I was on the eve of giving up indespair, when a bright flash brought to recollection a quantity ofVenetian beads of mock coral which I had stowed in my chest. Theyhappened, at that moment, to be the rage among the girls of our beach, and were of course irresistible keys to the heart of every belle. Nowthe smile of a lip has the same magical power in Africa as elsewhere;and the offer of a coral bunch for each head embarked, brought all thedames and damsels of Sestros to my aid. Such a shower of chatter wasnever heard out of a canary cage. Mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, sweethearts, took charge of the embarkation by coaxing or commandingtheir respective gentlemen; and, before the sun's rim dipped below thehorizon, a few strands of false coral, or the kiss of a negro wench, sent one hundred more of the Africans into Spanish slavery. 

But this effort exhausted my people. The charm of beads and beautywas over: Three slaves found a tomb in the sharks, or a grave in thedeep, while the brig took flight in the darkness without the remainingone hundred and twenty I had designed for her hold. 

Next morning the cruiser loomed once more in the offing, and, in a fitof impetuous benevolence, I hurried a Krooman aboard, with the offerof my compliments, and a _sincere_ hope that I could render someservice!

CHAPTER LVI. 

About this time, a Spanish vessel from the Canaries, laden with fruit, the greater part of which had been sold at Goree, Sierra Leone, Gallinas, and Cape Mesurado, dropped anchor opposite my littleroadstead with a letter from Blanco. The Spaniard had been charteredby the Don to bring from the Grain Coast a cargo of rice, which he wasto collect under my instructions. 

My _barracoons_ happened to be just then pretty bare, and as theseason did not require my presence in the factory for trade, it struckme that I could not pass a few weeks more agreeably, and ventilate myjaded faculties more satisfactorily, than by throwing my carpet-bag onthe Brilliant, and purchasing the cargo myself. 

In the prosecution of this little adventure, I called along the coastwith cash at several English factories, where I obtained rice; and onmy return anchored off the river to purchase sea-stores. Here I foundGovernor Findley, chief of the colony, laboring under a protractedillness which refused yielding to medicine, but might, probably, berelieved by a voyage, even of a few days, in the pure air of oldNeptune. Slaver as I was, I contrived never to omit a civility togentlemen on the coast of Africa; and I confess I was proud of thehonorable service, when Governor Findley accepted the Brilliant for atrip along the coast. He proposed visiting Monrovia and Bassa; andafter landing at some port in that quarter to await the captain'sreturn from windward. 

I fanned along the coast as slowly as I could, to give the Governorevery possible chance to recruit his enervated frame by change of air;but, as I looked in at New Sestros in passing, I found three tradingvessels with cargoes of merchandise to my consignment, so that I wasobliged to abandon my trip and return to business. I left theGovernor, however, in excellent hands, and directed the captain toland him at Bassa, await his pleasure three days, and finally, to bearhim to Monrovia, the last place he desired visiting. 

The Rio San Juan or Grand Bassa, is only fourteen miles north-west ofNew Sestros, yet it was near nightfall when the Brilliant approachedthe river landing. The Spaniard advised his guest not to disembarktill next morning, but the Governor was so restless and anxious aboutdelay, that he declined our captain's counsel, and went ashore at anative town, with the design of crossing on foot the two miles ofbeach to the American settlement. 

As Findley went over the Brilliant's side into the Krooman's canoe, the jingle of silver was heard in his pocket; and warning was givenhim either to hide his money or leave it on board. But the Governorsmiled at the caution, and disregarding it entirely, threw himselfinto the African skiff. 

Night fell. The curtain of darkness dropped over the coast and sea. Twice the sun rose and set without word from the Governor. At last, mydelayed mariner became impatient if not anxious, and despatched one ofmy servants who spoke English, in search of Mr. Findley at theAmerican Settlement. _No one had seen or heard of him!_ But, hurryinghomeward from his fruitless errand, my boy followed the winding beach, and half way to the vessel found a human body, its head gashed with adeep wound, floating and beating against the rocks. He could notrecognize the features of the battered face; but the well-rememberedgarments left no doubt on the servant's mind that the corpse wasFindley's. 

The frightful story was received with dismay on the Brilliant, whosecaptain, unfamiliar with the coast and its people, hesitated to land, with the risk of treachery or ambush, even to give a grave to the dustof his wretched passenger. In this dilemma he thought best to run thefourteen miles to New Sestros, where he might counsel with me beforeventuring ashore. 

Whatever personal anxiety may have flashed athwart my mind when Iheard of the death of a colonial governor while enjoying thehospitality of myself, --a slaver, --the thought vanished as quickly asit was conceived. In an instant I was busy with detection and revenge. 

It happened that the three captains had already landed the cargoes tomy consignment, so that their empty vessels were lying at anchor inthe roads, and the officers ready to aid me in any enterprise I deemedfeasible. My colleagues were from three nations:--one was a Spaniard, another a Portuguese, and the last American. 

Next morning I was early aboard the Spaniard, and sending for thePortuguese skipper, we assembled the crew. I dwelt earnestly andheartily on the insult the Castilian flag had received by the murderof an important personage while protected by its folds. I demonstratedthe necessity there was for prompt chastisement of the brutal crime, and concluded by informing the crowd, that their captains had resolvedto aid me in vindicating our banner. When I ventured to hope that _themen_ would not hesitate to back their officers, a general shout wentup that they were ready to land and punish the negroes. 

As soon as the enterprise was known on board the American, her captaininsisted on volunteering in the expedition; and by noon, our littlesquadron was under way, with fifty muskets in the cabins. 

The plan I roughly proposed, was, under the menacing appearance ofthis force, to demand the murderer or murderers of Governor Findley, and to execute them, either on his grave, or the spot where his corpsewas found. Failing in this, I intended to land portions of the crews, and destroy the towns nearest the theatre of the tragedy. 

The sun was still an hour or more high, when we sailed in line pastthe native towns along the fatal beach, and displayed our flags andpennants. Off the Rio San Joan, we tacked in man-of-war fashion, andreturning southward, each vessel took post opposite a different townas if to command it. 

While I had been planning and executing these manoeuvres, thecolonial settlers had heard of the catastrophe, and found poorFindley's mangled corpse. At the moment of our arrival off the river'smouth, an anxious council of resolute men was discussing the bestmeans of chastising the savages. When my servant inquired for thegovernor he had spoken of him as a passenger in the Spanish craft, sothat the parade of our vessels alongshore and in front of the nativetowns, betokened, they thought, co-operation on the part of the Mongoof New Sestros. 

Accordingly, we had not been long at anchor before Governor Johnsondespatched a Krooman to know whether I was aboard a friendly squadron;and, if so, he trusted I would land at once, and unite with his forcesin the intended punishment. 

In the interval, however, the cunning savages who soon found out thatwe had no cannons, flocked to the beach, and as they were beyondmusket shot, insulted us by gestures, and defied a battle. 

Of course no movement was made against the blacks that night, but itwas agreed in council at the American settlement, that the expedition, supported by a field piece, should advance next day by the beach, where I could reinforce it with my seamen a short distance from thetowns. 

Punctual to the moment, the colonial flag, with drum and fife, appeared on the sea-shore at nine in the morning, followed by someforty armed men, dragging their cannon. Five boats, filled withsailors instantly left our vessels to support the attack, and, by thistime, the colonists had reached a massive rock which blocked the beachlike a bulwark, and was already possessed by the natives. My position, in flank, made my force most valuable in dislodging the foe, and ofcourse I hastened my oars to open the passage. As I was altogetherignorant of the numbers that might be hidden and lurking in the densejungle that was not more than fifty feet from the water's edge, I keptmy men afloat within musket shot, and, with a few rounds of ballcartridge purged the rock of its defenders, though but a single savagewas mortally wounded. 

Upon this, the colonists advanced to the vacant bulwark, and werejoined by our reinforcement. Wheeler, who commanded the Americans, proposed that we should march in a compact body to the towns, and givebattle to the blacks if they held out in their dwellings. But his planwas not executed, for, before we reached the negro huts, we wereassailed from the bushes and jungle. Their object was to keep hiddenwithin the dense underwood; to shoot and run; while we, entirelyexposed on the ocean shore, were obliged to remain altogether on thedefensive by dodging the balls, or to fire at the smoke of an unseenenemy. Occasionally, large numbers of the savages would appear at adistance beyond musket range, and tossing their guns and lances, orbrandishing their cutlasses, would present their naked limbs to ourgaze, slap their shining flanks, and disappear! But this divertingexercise was not repeated very often. A sturdy colonist, named Bear, who carried a long and heavy old-fashioned _rifle_, took rest on myshoulder, and, when the next party of annoying jokers displayed theirpersonal charms, laid its leader in the dust by a Yankee ball. Ourcannon and blunderbusses were next brought into play to scour thejungle and expel the marksmen, who, confident in the security of theirimpervious screen, began to fire among us with more precision than wasdesirable. A Krooman of our party was killed, and a colonist severelywounded. Small sections of our two commands advanced at a run, andfired a volley into the bushes, while the main body of the expeditionhastened along the beach towards the towns. By repeating this processseveral times, we were enabled, without further loss, to reach thefirst settlement. 

Here, of course, we expected to find the savages arrayed in force todefend their roof-trees, but when we entered the place cautiously, andcrept to the first dwelling in the outskirt, it was empty. So with thesecond, third, fourth, --until we overran the whole settlement andfound it utterly deserted;--its furniture, stock, implements, and even_doors_ carried off by the deliberate fugitives. The guardian_fetiche_ was alone left to protect their abandoned hovels. But thesuperstitious charm did not save them. The brand was lighted; and, inan hour, five of these bamboo confederacies were given to the flames. 

We discovered while approaching the towns, that our assault had madeso serious an inroad on the slim supply of ammunition, that it wasdeemed advisable to send a messenger to the colony for areinforcement. By neglect or mishap, the powder and ball never reachedus; so that when the towns were destroyed, no one dreamed ofpenetrating the forest to unearth its vermin with the remnant ofcartridges in our chest and boxes. I never was able to discover thecause of this unpardonable neglect, or the officer who permitted it tooccur in such an exigency; but it was forthwith deemed advisable towaste no time in retreating after our partial revenge. 

Till now, the Africans had kept strictly on the defensive, but whenthey saw our faces turned towards the beach, or colony, every bush andthicket became alive again with aggressive foes. For a while, thecannon kept them at bay, but its grape soon gave out; and, while I wasin the act of superintending a fair division of the remaining ballcartridges, I was shot in the right foot with an iron slug. At themoment of injury I scarcely felt the wound, and did not halt, but, asI trudged along in the sand and salt water, my wound grew painful, andthe loss of blood which tracked my steps, soon obliged me to seekrefuge in the canoe of my Kroomen. 

The sight of my bleeding body borne to the skiff, was hailed withshouts and gestures of joy and contempt by the savages. As I crossedthe last breaker and dropped into smooth water, my eyes reverted tothe beach, where I heard the exultant war-drum and war bells, whilethe colonists were beheld in full flight, leaving their artillery inthe hands of our foe! It was subsequently reported that the commanderof the party had been panic struck by the perilous aspect of affairs, and ordered the precipitate and fatal retreat, which that very nightemboldened the negroes to revenge the loss of their towns by theconflagration of Bassa-Cove. 

Next day, my own men, and the volunteers from our Spanish, Portugueseand American vessels, were sent on board, eight of them bearing marksof the fray, which fortunately proved neither fatal nor dangerous. Theshameful flight of my comrades not only gave heart to the blacks, butspread its cowardly panic among the resident colonists. Thesettlement, they told me, was in danger of attack, and although mywound and the disaster both contributed to excite me against thefugitives, I did not quit the San Juan without reinforcing GovernorJohnson with twenty muskets and some kegs of powder. 

I have dwelt rather tediously perhaps on this sad occurrence--but Ihave a reason. Governor Findley's memory was, at this time, muchvilified on the coast, because that functionary had accepted the boonof a passage in the Brilliant, which was falsely declared to be "aSpanish slaver. " There were some among the overrighteous who even wentso far as to proclaim his death "a judgment for venturing on the deckof such a vessel!"

As no one took the trouble to investigate the facts and contradict themalicious lie, I have thought it but justice to tell the entire story, and exculpate a gentleman who met a terrible death in the boldprosecution of his duty. 

CHAPTER LVII. 

I took the earliest opportunity to apprise Don Pedro Blanco of themishap that had befallen his factor's limb, so that I might receivethe prompt aid of an additional clerk to attend the more active partof our business. Don Pedro's answer was extremely characteristic. Theletter opened with a draft for five hundred dollars, which heauthorized me to bestow on the widow and orphans of Governor Findley, if he left a family. The slaver of Gallinas then proceeded to commentupon my Quixotic expedition; and, in gentle terms, intimated a decidedcensure for my immature attempt to chastise the negroes. He did notdisapprove my _motives_; but considered any revengeful assault on thenatives unwise, unless every precaution had previously been taken toinsure complete success. Don Pedro hoped that, henceforth, I wouldtake things more coolly, so as not to hazard either my life or hisproperty; and concluded the epistle by superscribing it:

 "To "_Señor_ POWDER, "_at his Magazine_, "NEW SESTROS. "

 * * * * *

The slug that struck the upper part of my foot, near the ankle joint, tore my flesh and tendons with a painfully dangerous wound, which, fornine months, kept me a prisoner on crutches. During the long andwearying confinement which almost broke my restless heart, I hadlittle to do save to superintend the general fortunes of our factory. Now and then, an incident occurred to relieve the monotony of my sickchair, and make me forget, for a moment, the pangs of my crippledlimb. One of these events flashes across my memory as I write, in theshape of a letter which was mysteriously delivered at my landing by acoaster, and came from poor Joseph, my ancient partner on the RioPongo. Coomba's spouse was in trouble! and the ungrateful scamp, though forgetful of my own appeals from the _Chateau of Brest_, didnot hesitate to claim my brotherly aid. Captured in a Spanish slaver, and compromised beyond salvation, Joseph had been taken into SierraLeone, where he was now under sentence of transportation. The letterhinted that a liberal sum might purchase his escape, even from thetenacious jaws of the British lion; and when I thought of old times, the laughable marriage ceremony, and the merry hours we enjoyed atKambia, I forgave his neglect. A draft on Don Pedro was readily cashedat Sierra Leone, notwithstanding the paymaster was a slaver and thejurisdiction that of St. George and his Cross. The transaction, ofcourse, was "purely commercial, " and, therefore, sinless; so that, inless than a month, Joseph and the bribed turnkey were on their way tothe Rio Pongo. 

By this time the sub-factory of New Sestros was somewhat renowned inCuba and Porto Rico. Our dealings with commanders, the character of mycargoes, and the rapidity with which I despatched a customer and hiscraft were proverbial in the islands. Indeed, the third year of mylodgment had not rolled over, before the slave-demand was so great, that in spite of rum, cottons, muskets, powder, kidnapping and PrinceFreeman's wars, the country could not supply our demand. 

To aid New Sestros, I had established several _nurseries_, or juniorfactories, at Little Bassa and Digby; points a few miles from thelimits of Liberia. These "chapels of ease" furnished my parent_barracoons_ with young and small negroes, mostly kidnapped, Isuppose, in the neighborhood of the beach. 

When I was perfectly cured of the injury I sustained in my firstphilanthropic fight, I loaded my spacious cutter with a choicecollection of trade-goods, and set sail one fine morning for thisoutpost at Digby. I designed, also, if advisable, to erect anotherreceiving _barracoon_ under the lee of Cape Mount. 

But my call at Digby was unsatisfactory. The pens were vacant, and ourmerchandise squandered _on credit_. This put me in a veryuncomfortable passion, which would have rendered an interview between"Mr. Powder" and his agent any thing but pleasant or profitable, hadthat personage been at his post. Fortunately, however, for both of us, he was abroad carousing with "a _king_;" so that I refused landing asingle yard of merchandise, and hoisted sail for the next village. 

There I transacted business in regular "ship-shape. " Our rum wasplenteously distributed and established an _entente cordiale_ whichwould have charmed a diplomatist at his first dinner in a new capital. The naked blackguards flocked round me like crows, and I clothed theirloins in parti-colored calicoes that enriched them with a plumageworthy of parrots. I was the prince of good fellows in "every body's"opinion; and, in five days, nineteen newly-"_conveyed_" darkies wereexchanged for London muskets, Yankee grog, and Manchester cottons!

My cutter, though but twenty-seven feet long, was large enough to stowmy gang, considering that the voyage was short, and the slaves butboys and girls; so I turned my prow homeward with contented spirit andpromising skies. Yet, before night, all was changed. Wind and sea rosetogether. The sun sank in a long streak of blood. After a while, itrained in terrible squalls; till, finally, darkness caught me in aperfect gale. So high was the surf and so shelterless the coast, thatit became utterly impossible to make a lee of any headland where wemight ride out the storm in safety. Our best hope was in the cutter'sability to keep the open sea without swamping; and, accordingly, underthe merest patch of sail, I coasted the perilous breakers, guided bytheir roar, till day-dawn. But, when the sun lifted over thehorizon, --peering for an instant through a rent in the storm-cloud, and then disappearing behind the gray vapor, --I saw at once that thecoast offered no chance of landing our blacks at some friendly town. Every where the bellowing shore was lashed by surf, impracticable evenfor the boats and skill of Kroomen. On I dashed, therefore, drivingand almost burying the cutter, with loosened reef, till we cameopposite Monrovia; where, safe in the absence of cruisers, I crept atdark under the lee of the cape, veiling my cargo with our uselesssails. 

Sunset "killed the wind, " enabling us to be off again at dawn; yethardly were we clear of the cape, when both gale and current freshenedfrom the old quarter, holding us completely in check. Nevertheless, Ikept at sea till evening, and then sneaked back to my protectinganchorage. 

By this time, my people and slaves were well-nigh famished, for theirsole food had been a scant allowance of raw _cassava_. Anxiety, toil, rain, and drenching spray, broke their spirits. The blacks, from thehot interior, and now for the first time off their mother earth, suffered not only from the inclement weather, but groaned with theterrible pangs of sea-sickness. I resolved, therefore, if possible, torefresh the drooping gang by a hot meal; and, beneath the shelter of atarpaulin, contrived to cook a mess of rice. Warm food comforted usastonishingly; but, alas! the next day was a picture of the past! Aslave--cramped and smothered amid the crowd that soaked so long in thesalt water at our boat's bottom--died during the darkness. Nextmorning, the same low, leaden, coffin-lid sky, hung like a pall oversea and shore. Wind in terrific blasts, and rain in deluging squalls, howled and beat on us. Come what might, I resolved not to stir! Allday I kept my people beneath the sails, with orders to move theirlimbs as much as possible, in order to overcome the benumbing effectof moisture and packed confinement. The incessant drenching from seaand sky to which they had been so long subjected, chilled theirslackened circulation to such a degree, that death from torpor seemedrapidly supervening. Motion, motion, motion, was my constant command;but I hoarded my alcohol for the last resource. 

I saw that no time was to be lost, and that nothing but a boldencounter of hazard would save either lives or property. Before darkmy mind was made up as to the enterprise. I would land in theneighborhood of the colony, and cross its territory during the shadowof night!

I do not suppose that the process by which I threw my stiffened crewon the beach, and revived them with copious draughts of brandy, wouldinterest the reader; _but midnight did not strike before my cargo, under the escort of Kroo guides, was boldly marched through thecolonial town, and safe on its way to New Sestros!_ Fortunately for mydare-devil adventure, the tropical rain poured down in ceaselesstorrents, compelling the unsuspicious colonists to keep beneath theirroofs. Indeed, no one dreamed of a forced march by human beings onthat dreadful night of tempest, else it might have gone hard had Ibeen detected in the desecration of colonial soil. Still I wasprepared for all emergencies. I never went abroad without the twogreat keys of Africa--gold and fire-arms; and had it been my lot toencounter a colonist, he would either have learned the value ofsilence, or have been carried along, under the muzzle of a pistol, till the gang was in safety. 

While it was still dark, I left the caravan advancing by an interiorpath to Little Bassa, where one of my branches could furnish it withnecessaries to cross the other colony of Bassa San Juan, so as toreach my homestead in the course of three days. Meanwhile I retracedmy way to Monrovia, and, reaching it by sunrise, satisfied the amiablecolonists that I had just taken shelter in their harbor, and was freshfrom my dripping cutter. It is very likely that no one in the colonyto the present day knows the true story of this adventure, or wouldbelieve it unless _confessed_ by me. 

It was often my fate in Africa, and elsewhere, to hear gossips declarethat colonists were no better than others who dwelt amid coasttemptations, and that they were sometimes even willing to back acertain Don Theodore Canot, if not absolutely to share hisslave-trade! I never thought it prudent to exculpate those honorableemigrants who were consolidating the first colonial lodgments from theUnited States; for I believed that _my_ denial would only addsarcastic venom to the scandal of vilifiers. But now that my Africancareer is over, and the slave-trade a mere tradition in theneighborhood of Liberia, I may assure the friends of colonization, that, in all my negro traffic, no American settler gave assistance orfurnished merchandise which I could not have obtained at the mostloyal establishments of Britain or France. I think it will be grantedby unprejudiced people, that the colonist who sold me a few pieces ofcloth, lodged me in travelling, or gave me his labor for myflesh-colored gold, participated no more in the African slave-tradethan the European or American supercargo who sold assorted cargoes, selected with the most deliberate judgment in London, Paris, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, expressly to suit the well-knowncupidity of my warriors, kidnappers, and slave merchants. 

Commerce is sometimes an adroit metaphysican--but a bad moralist!

CHAPTER LVIII. 

It was my invariable custom whenever a vessel made her appearance inthe roadstead of New Sestros, to despatch my canoe with "CaptainCanot's compliments;" nor did I omit this graceful courtesy when hisBritannic Majesty's cruisers did me the honor of halting in myneighborhood to watch or destroy my operations. At such times Icommonly increased the politeness by an offer of my services, and atender of provisions, or of any commodity the country could supply!

I remember an interesting rencounter of this sort with the officers ofthe brig of war Bonito. My note was forwarded by a trusty Krooman, even before her sails were furled, but the courteous offer wasrespectfully declined "_for the present_. " The captain availedhimself, however, of my messenger's return, to announce that the"commodore in command of the African squadron had specially deputedthe Bonito _to blockade_ New Sestros, for which purpose she wasprovisioned for _six months_, and ordered not to budge from heranchorage till relieved by a cruiser!"

This formidable announcement was, of course, intended to strike mewith awe. The captain hoped in conclusion, that I would see the follyof prosecuting my abominable traffic in the face of such a disastrous_vis à vis_; nor could he refrain from intimating his surprise that aman of my reputed character and ability, would consent to manacle andstarve the unfortunate negroes who were now suffering in my_barracoons_. 

I saw at once from this combined attack of fear and flattery, backedby blockade, that his majesty's officer had either been grosslymisinformed, or believed that a scarcity of rice prevailed in myestablishment as well as elsewhere along the coast. 

The suspicion of _starving blacks in chains_, was not only patheticbut mortifying! It was part of the sentimental drapery of Britishreports and despatches, to which I became accustomed in Africa. I didnot retort upon my dashing captain with a sneer at his ancestors whohad taught the traffic to Spaniards, yet I resolved not to let hisofficial communications reach the British admiralty with a fancifultale about _my_ barracoons and starvation. Accordingly, without moreado, I sent a second _billet_ to the Bonito, desiring her captain orany of her officers to visit New Sestros, and ascertain personally thecondition of my establishment. 

Strange to tell, my invitation was accepted; and at noon a boat with awhite flag, appeared on the edge of the surf, conveying two officersto my beach. The surgeon and first lieutenant were my visitors. Iwelcomed them most cordially to my cottage, and as soon as thecustomary refreshments were despatched, proposed a glance at thedreadful _barracoons_. 

As well as I now remember, there must have been at least five hundredslaves in my two pens, sleek in flesh, happy in looks, and ready forthe first customer who could outwit the cruiser. I quietly despatcheda notice of our advent to the _barracooniers_, with directions as totheir conduct, so that the moment my naval friends entered the stanchinclosures, full two hundred and fifty human beings, in each, rose totheir feet and saluted the strangers with long and reiteratedclapping. This sudden and surprising demonstration somewhat alarmed myguests at its outburst, and made them retreat a pace towards thedoor, --perhaps in fear of treachery;--but when they saw the smilingfaces and heard the pleased chatter of my people, they soon cameforward to learn that the compliment was worth a customary _demijohnof rum_. 

The adventure was a fortunate one for the reputation of New Sestros, Don Pedro my employer, and Don Téodor, his clerk. Our establishmenthappened just then to be at a summit of material comfort rarelyexceeded or even reached by others. My pens were full of slaves; mygranary, of rice; my stores, of merchandise. 

From house to house, --from hut to hut, --the sailor and saw-boneswandered with expressions of perfect admiration, till the hour fordinner approached. I ordered the meal to be administered with minuteattention to all our usual ceremonies. The washing, singing, distribution of food, beating time, and all the prandial _etceteras_of comfort, were performed with the utmost precision and cleanliness. They could not believe that such was the ordinary routine of slavelife in _barracoons_, but ventured to hint that I must have got up thedrama for their special diversion, and that it was impossible forsuch to be the ordinary drill and demeanor of Africans. Our dapperlittle surgeon, with almost dissective inquisitiveness, pried intoevery nook and corner; and at length reached the slave kitchen, wherea caldron was full and bubbling with the most delicious rice. Hard bystood a pot, simmering with meat and soup, and in an instant thedoctor had a morsel between his fingers and brought his companion tofollow his example. 

Now, in sober truth, this was no casual display got up for effect, butthe common routine of an establishment conducted with prudentforesight, for the profit of its owners as well as the comfort of ourpeople. And yet, such was the fanatical prepossession of theseEnglishmen, whose idea of Spanish _factories_ and _barracoons_ wasformed exclusively from exaggerated reports, that I could not satisfythem of my truth till I produced our journal, in which I notedminutely every item of daily expenditure. It must be understood, however, that it was not my habit to give the slaves _meat_ every dayof the week. Such a diet would not be prudent, because it is nothabitual with the majority of negroes. Two bullocks were slaughteredeach week for the use of my _factory_, while the hide, head, blood, feet, neck, tail, and entrails, were appropriated for broth in the_barracoons_. It happened that my visitors arrived on the customaryday of our butchering. 

 * * * * *

A stinging appetite was the natural result of our review, and whilethe naval guests were whetting it still more, I took the opportunityto slip out of my verandah with orders for our harbor-pilot to reportthe beach "impracticable for boats, "--a report which no prudent sailoron the coast ever disregards. Meanwhile, I despatched a Krooman with anote to the Bonito's captain, notifying that personage of the marinehazard that prevented his officers' immediate return, and fearing theymight even find it necessary to tarry over night. This little _ruse_was an _impromptu_ device to detain my inspectors, and make us betteracquainted over the African _cuisine_, which, by this time was smokingin tureens and dishes flanked by spirited sentinels, in black uniform, of claret and eau de vie. 

Our dinner-chat was African all over: slavery, cruisers, prize-money, captures, war, negro-trade, and philanthropy! The surgeon meltedenough under the blaze of the bottle to admit, _as a philosopher_, that Cuffee was happier in the hands of white men than of black, andthat he would even support the institution if it could be carried onwith a little more humanity and less bloodshed. The lieutenant sawnothing, even through the "Spiritual Medium" of our flagons, saveprize-money and obedience to the Admiral; while Don Téodor becamerather tart on the service, and confessed that his incredulity ofBritish philanthropy would never cease till England abandoned herIndian wars, her opium smuggling, and her persecution of the Irish!

In truth, these loyal subjects of the King, and the Spanish slaverbecame most excellent friends before bed-time, and ended the eveningby a visit to Prince Freeman, who forthwith got up a negro dance andjollification for our special entertainment. 

I have not much recollection after the end of this savage frolic tillmy "look-out" knocked at the door with the news that our brig wasfiring for her officers, while a suspicious sail flitted along thehorizon. 

All good sailors sleep with one eye and ear open, so that in atwinkling the lieutenant was afoot making for the beach, and callingfor the surgeon to follow. "A canoe! a canoe! a canoe!" shouted thegallant blade, while he ran to and fro on the edge of the surf, beholding signal after signal from his vessel. But alas! for theBritish navy, --out of all the Kroo spectators not one stirred hand orfoot for the royal officer. Next came the jingle of dollars, and theoffer of twenty to the boatmen who would launch their skiff and putthem on board. "No savez! No savez! ax Commodore! ax Consul!"

"Curse your Commodore and Consul!" yelled the Lieutenant, as thesurgeon came up with the vociferous group: "put us aboard and be paid, or I'll----?"

"Stop, stop!" interposed my pacific saw-bones, "no swearing and nothreats, lieutenant. One's just as useless as the other. First of all, the Bonito's off about her business;--and next, my dear fellow, thechase she's after is one of Canot's squadron, and, of course, there'san embargo on every canoe along this beach! The Commodore's altogether_too cute_, as the Yankees say, to reinforce his enemy with officers!"

During this charming little episode of my _blockade_, I was aloft inmy bellevieu, watching the progress of the chase; and as both vesselskept steadily northward they soon disappeared behind the land. 

By this time it was near breakfast, and, with a good appetite, Idescended to the verandah, with as unconcerned an air as if nothinghad occurred beyond the ordinary routine of factory life. But, not so, alas! my knight of the single epaulette. 

"This is a pretty business, sir;" said the lieutenant, fixing a lookon me which was designed to annihilate; striding up and down thepiazza, "a _very_ pretty business, I repeat! Pray, Commodore, Consul, Don, Señor, Mister, Monsieur, Theodore Canot, or whatever the devilelse you please to call yourself, how long do you intend to keepBritish officers prisoners in your infernal slave den?"

Now it is very likely that some years before, or if I had notcontrived the plot of this little naval _contre temps_, I might haveburst forth in a beautiful rage, and given my petulant and foiledvisitor a specimen of my Spanish vocabulary, which would not haverested pleasantly in the memory of either party. But as _he_ warmed_I_ cooled. His rage, in fact, was a fragment of my practical satire, and I took special delight in beholding the contortions caused by myphysic. 

"Sit down, sit down, lieutenant!" returned I very composedly, "we'reabout to have coffee, and you are my _guest_. Nothing, lieutenant, ever permits me to neglect the duties of hospitality in such anout-of-the-way and solitary place as Africa. Sit down, doctor! Calmyourselves, gentlemen. Take example by _me_! Your Bonito is probablyplaying the devil with one of Don Pedro's craft by this time; but thatdon't put me out of temper, or _make me unmannerly_ to gentlemen whohonor my bamboo hut with their presence!" I laid peculiar stress, byway of accent, on the word "unmannerly, " and in a moment I saw thefield was in my hands. 

"Yes, gentlemen, " continued I, "I comprehend very well both your dutyand responsibility; but, now that I see you are calmer, have thekindness to say _in what_ I am to blame? Did you not come here to'blockade' New Sestros, with a brig and provisions for half a year?And do I prevent your embarkation, if you can find any Krooman willingto take you on board? Nay, did either of you apprise me, as iscustomary when folks go visiting, that you designed leaving myquarters at so early an hour as to afford me the pleasure of seeingevery thing in order for your accommodation? Come now, my goodfellows, New Sestros is _my_ flagship, as the Bonito is _yours_! Nobody stirs from this beach without the wink from its Commodore; and Ishall be much surprised to hear such excellent disciplinarians disputethe propriety of my rule. Nevertheless, as you feel anxious to be goneon an independent cruise, you shall be furnished with a canoe_instanter_!"

"An offer, " interjected the surgeon, "which it would be d----dnonsense to accept! Have done with your infernal sneering, Don Téodor;strike your flag, Mr. Lieutenant; and let the darkies bring in thebreakfast!"

I have narrated this little anecdote to show that Spanish slaverssometimes ventured to have a little fun with the British lion, andthat when we got him on his haunches, his month full of beef and hisfore paws in air, he was by no means the unamiable beast he isdescribed to be, when, in company with the _unicorn_, he goes

 "a-fighting for the crown!"

CHAPTER LIX. 

The balance of life vibrated considerably on the African coast. Sometimes Mr. Bull's scale ascended and sometimes the Slaver's. It wasnow the turn of the former to be exalted for a while by way of revengefor my forced hospitality. 

Our friends of the Bonito held on with provoking pertinacity in frontof my factory, so that I was troubled but little with company fromCuba for several months. At last, however, it became necessary that Ishould visit a neighboring colony for supplies, and I took advantageof a Russian trader along the coast to effect my purpose. But when wewere within sight of our destination, a British cruiser brought us toand visited the "Galopsik. " As her papers were in order, and thevessel altogether untainted, I took it for granted that LieutenantHill would make a short stay and be off to his "Saracen. " Yet, acertain "slave deck, " and an unusual quantity of water-casks, arousedthe officer's suspicions, so that instead of heading for our port, wewere unceremoniously favored with a prize crew, and ordered to SierraLeone!

I did not venture to protest against these movements, inasmuch as Ihad no interest whatever in the craft, but I ventured to suggest that"as I was only a _passenger_, there could be no objection to mylanding before the new voyage was commenced. "

"By no means, sir, " was the prompt reply, "_your presence is amaterial fact for the condemnation of the vessel_!" Indeed, I soonfound out that I was recognized by some of the Kroomen on the cruiser, and my unlucky reputation was a hole in the bottom of our Russiancraft!

At Sierra Leone matters became worse. The Court did not venture tocondemn the Russian, but resolved on ordering her to England; and whenI re-stated my reasonable appeal for release, I was told that I mustaccompany the vessel on her visit to Great Britain. 

This arbitrary decision of our captors sadly disconcerted my plans. Avoyage to England would ruin New Sestros. My _barracoons_ were alivewith blacks, but I had not a month's provisions in my stores. Theclerk, temporarily in charge, was altogether unfit to conduct afactory during a prolonged absence, --and all my personal property, aswell as Don Pedro's, was at the hazard of his judgment during a periodof considerable difficulty. 

I resolved to take "French leave. "

Three men-of-war were anchored astern and on our bows. No boats wereallowed to approach us from shore; at night two marines and foursailors paraded the deck, so that it was a thing of some peril todream of escape in the face of such Arguses. Yet there was no help forit. I could not afford an Admiralty or Chancery suit in England, whilemy _barracoons_ were foodless in Africa. 

No one had been removed from the Russian since her seizure, nor werewe denied liberty of motion and intercourse so long as suspicion hadnot ripened into legal condemnation. The captain, by birth a Spaniard, was an old acquaintance, while the steward and boatswain were goodfellows who professed willingness to aid me in any exploit I mightdevise for my liberty. 

I hit upon the plan of a regular carouse; and at once decided that mySpanish skipper was bound to keep his birthday with commendablemerriment and abundant grog. There was to be no delay; one day was asgood as another for his festival, while all that we needed, was timeenough to obtain the requisite supplies of food and fluid. 

This was soon accomplished, and the "fatted pig" slaughtered for thefeast. As I never left home unprovided with gold, means were notwanting to stock our pantry with champagne as well as brandy. 

Every thing went off to a charm. We fed like gluttons and drank likeold-fashioned squires. Bumper after bumper was quaffed to the captain. Little by little, the infection spread, as it always does, from thewardroom to the cabin, and "goodfellowship" was the watchword of thenight. Invitations were given and accepted by our prize crew. Bull andthe Lion again relaxed under the spell of beef and brandy, so that bysundown every lip had tasted our _eau de vie_, and watered for more. The "first watch" found every soul on board, with the exception of ourcorporal of marines, as happy as lords. 

This corporal was a regular "character;" and, from the first, had beenfeared as our stumbling-block. He was a perfect martinet; a prim, precise, black-stock'd, military, Miss Nancy. He neither ate nordrank, neither talked nor smiled, but paraded the deck with a grim airof iron severity, as if resolved to preserve his own "discipline" ifhe could not control that of any one else. I doubt very much whetherher Majesty has in her service a more dutiful loyalist than CorporalBlunt, if that excellent functionary has not succumbed to Africanmalaria. 

I hoped that something would occur to melt the corporal's heart duringthe evening, and had prepared a little vial in my pocket, which, atleast, would have given him a stirless nap of twenty-four hours. Butnothing broke the charm of his spell-bound sobriety. There he marched, to and fro, regular as a drum tap, hour after hour, stiff andinexorable as a ramrod!

But who, after the fall of Corporal Blunt, shall declare that there isa living man free from the lures of betrayal? And yet, he onlysurrendered to an enemy in disguise!

"God bless me, corporal, " said our prize lieutenant, "in the name ofall that's damnable, why don't you let out a reef or two from thosesolemn cheeks of yours, and drink a bumper to Captain Gaspard and DonTéodor? You ain't afraid of _cider_, are you?"

"_Cider_, captain?" said the corporal, advancing to the front andthrowing up his hand with a military salute. 

"Cider and be d----d to you!" returned the lieutenant. "Cider--ofcourse, corporal; what other sort of pop can starving wretches like usdrink in Sary-loney?"

"Well, lieutenant, " said the corporal, "if so be as how them fizzingbottles which yonder Spanish gentleman is a-pourin' down is _onlycider_; and if cider ain't agin rules after 'eight bells;' and if you, lieutenant, orders me to handle my glass, --I don't see what right Ihave to disobey the orders of my superior!"

"Oh! blast your sermon and provisos, " interjected the lieutenant, filling a tumbler and handing it to the corporal, who drained it at adraught. In a moment the empty glass was returned to the lieutenant, who, instead of receiving it from the subaltern, refilled the tumbler. 

"Oh, I'm sure I'm a thousand times obliged, lieutenant, " said Blunt, with his left hand to his cap, "a thousand, thousand times, lieutenant, --but I'd rather take no more, if it's all the same to yourhonor. "

"But it ain't, Blunt, by any means; the rule is universal amonggentlemen on ship and ashore, that whenever a fellow's glass isfilled, he must drink it to the dregs, though he may leave a drop inthe bottom to pour out on the table in honor of his sweetheart;--so, down with the cider! And now Blunt, my boy, that you've calked your_first_ nail-head, I insist upon a bumper all round to that sweetheartyou were just talking of!"

"_Me_, lieutenant?"

"_You_, corporal!"

"I wasn't talking about any sweetheart, as I remembers, lieutenant;--'pon the honor of a soldier, I haven't had no such athing this twenty years, since one warm summer's afternoon, whenJane----"

"Now, corporal, you don't pretend to contradict your superior officer, I hope. You don't intend to be the first man on this ship to show amutinous example!"

"Oh! God bless me, lieutenant, the thought never entered my brain!"

But the third tumbler of champagne _did_, in the apple-blossomdisguise of "_cider_;" and, in half an hour, there wasn't an odderfigure on deck than the poor corporal, whose vice-like stock steadiedhis neck, though there was nothing that could make him toe the plankwhich he pertinaciously insisted on promenading. Blunt the immaculate, was undeniably drunk!

In fact, --though I say it with all possible respect for her Majesty'snaval officers, _while on duty_, --there was, by this time, hardly asober man on deck or in the cabin except myself and the Spanishcaptain, who left me to engage the prize-officer in a game ofbackgammon or dominoes. The crew was dozing about the decks, ornodding over the taffrail, while my colleague, the boatswain, preparedan oar on the forecastle to assist me in reaching the beach. 

It was near midnight when I stripped in my state-room, leaving mygarments in the berth, and hanging my watch over its pillow. In asmall bundle I tied a flannel shirt and a pair of duck pantaloons, which I fastened behind my neck as I stood on the forecastle; andthen, placing the oar beneath my arm, I glided from the bows into thequiet water. 

The night was not only very dark, but a heavy squall of wind and rain, accompanied by thunder, helped to conceal my escape; and free thestream from sharks. I was not long in reaching a native town, where aKrooman from below, who had known me at Gallinas, was prepared for myreception and concealment. 

Next morning, the cabin-boy, who did not find me as usual on deck, took my coffee to the state-room, where, it was supposed, I stillrested in comfortable oblivion of last night's carouse. But the birdhad flown! There were my trunk, my garments, my watch, --undisturbed asI left them when preparing for bed. There was the linen of my couchturned down and tumbled during repose. The inquest had no doubt of myfate:--_I had fallen overboard during the night_, and was doubtless, by this time, well digested in the bowels of African sharks! Folksshook their heads with surprise when it was reported that thenotorious slaver, Canot, had fallen a victim to _mania à potu_!

The _report_ of my death soon reached shore; the British townsfolkbelieved it, but I never imagined for a moment that the warm-heartedtar who commanded the prize had been deceived by such false signals. 

During eight days I remained hidden among the friendly negroes, andfrom my loophole, saw the Russian vessel sail under the Saracen'sescort. I was not, however, neglected in my concealment by the worthytradesmen of the British colony, who knew I possessed money as well ascredit. This permitted me to receive visits and make purchases for thefactory, so that I was enabled, on the eighth day, with a fullequipment of all I desired, to quit the British jurisdiction in aPortuguese vessel. 

On our way to New Sestros, I made the skipper heave his main-yardaback at Digby, while I embarked thirty-one "darkies, " and a couple ofstanch canoes with their Kroomen, to land my human freight in case ofencountering a cruiser. 

And well was it for me that I took this precaution. Night fell aroundus, dark and rainy, --the wind blowing in squalls, and sometimes dyingaway altogether. It was near one o'clock when the watch announced twovessels on our weather bow; and, of course, the canoes were launched, manned, filled with twenty of the gang, and set adrift for the coast, ere our new acquaintances could honor us with their personalattention. Ten of the slaves still remained on board, and as it wasperilous to risk them in our own launch, we capsized it over thesquad, burying the fellows in its bowels under the lee of a sailor'spistol to keep them quiet if we were searched. 

Our lights had hardly been extinguished in cabin and binnacle, when weheard the measured stroke of a man-of-war oar. In a few moments morethe boat was alongside, the officer on deck, and a fruitlessexamination concluded. The blacks beneath the launch were as silent asdeath; nothing was found to render the "Maria" suspicious; and we weredismissed with a left-handed blessing for rousing gentlemen from theirbunks on so comfortless a night. Next morning at dawn we reached NewSestros, where my ten lubbers were landed without delay. 

But our little comedy was not yet over. Noon had not struck before the"Dolphin" cast anchor within hail of the "Maria, " and made so free asto claim her for a prize! In the darkness and confusion of shippingthe twenty slaves who were first of all despatched in canoes, one ofthem slipped overboard with a paddle, and sustained himself tilldaylight, when he was picked up by the cruiser whose jaws we hadescaped during the night! The negro's story of our trick aroused theire of her commander, and the poor "Maria" was obliged to pay theforfeit by revisiting Sierra Leone in custody of an officer. 

There were great rejoicings on my return to New Sestros. The coast wasfull of odd and contradictory stories about our capture. When the taleof my death at Sierra Leone by drowning, in a fit of drunkenness, wastold to my patron Don Pedro, that intelligent gentleman denied itwithout hesitation, because, in the language of the law, "_it provedtoo much_. " It was _possible_, he said, that I might have beendrowned; but when they told him I had come to my death by strongdrink, they declared what was not only improbable, but altogether outof the question. Accordingly, he would take the liberty to discreditthe entire story, being sure that I would turn up before long. 

But poor Prince Freeman was not so clever a judge of nature as DonPedro. Freeman had heard of my death; and, imbued as he was with thesuperstitions of his country, nobody could make him credit myexistence till he despatched a committee to my factory, headed by hisson, to report the facts. But then, on the instant, the valiant princepaid me a visit of congratulation. As I held out both hands to welcomehim, I saw the fellow shrink with distrust. 

"Count your fingers!" said Freeman. 

"Well, " said I, "what for?--here they are--one--two--three--four--five--six--seven--eight--nine--ten!"

"Good--good!" shouted the prince, as he clasped my digits. "White mentell too many lies 'bout the commodore! White man say, John Bull catchcommodore, and cut him fingers all off, so commodore no more can'makee book' for makee fool of John Bull!" Which, being translatedinto English, signifies that it was reported my fingers had been cutoff by my British captors to prevent me from writing letters by whichthe innocent natives believed I so often bamboozled and deceived thecruisers of her Majesty. 

During my absence, a French captain, who was one of our mostattentive friends, had left a donkey which he brought from the Cape deVerds for my especial delectation, by way of an occasional _promenadeà cheval_! I at once resolved to bestow the "long-eared convenience"on Freeman, not only as a type, but a testimonial; yet, before a weekwas over, the unlucky quadruped reappeared at my quarters, with amessage from the prince that it might do well enough for a bachelorlike me, but its infernal voice was enough to cause the miscarriage ofan entire harem, if not of every honest woman throughout hisjurisdiction! The superstition spread like wildfire. The women were upin arms against the beast; and I had no rest till I got rid of itsserenades by despatching it to Monrovia, where the dames and damselswere not afraid of donkeys of any dimensions. 

CHAPTER LX. 

It was my habit to employ at New Sestros a clerk, store-keeper, andfour seamen, all of whom were whites of reliable character, competentto aid me efficiently in the control of my _barracoons_. 

One of these sailors died of dropsy while in my service; and, as Iwrite, the memory of his death flashes across my mind so vividly, thatI cannot help recording it among the characteristic events of Africancoast-life. 

Sanchez, I think, was by birth a Spaniard; at least his perfectfamiliarity with the language, as well as name and appearance, inducedme to believe that the greater part of his life must have been spentunder the shield of Saint Iago. The poor fellow was ill for a longtime, but in Africa, existence is so much a long-drawn malady, that wehardly heeded his bloated flesh or cadaverous skin, as he sat, dayafter day, musket in hand, at the gate of our barracoon. At last, however, his confinement to bed was announced, and every remedy withinour knowledge applied for relief. This time, however, the summons wasperemptory; the sentence was final; there was no reprieve. 

On the morning of his death, the sufferer desired me to be called, and, sending away the African nurse and the two old comrades whowatched faithfully at his bedside, explained that he felt his endapproaching, yet could not depart without easing his soul by_confession_!

"Here, Don Téodor, " said he, "are five ounces of gold--all I havesaved in this world, --the lees of my life, --which I want you to takecare of, and when I am dead send to my sister, who is married to ----, in Matanzas. Will you promise?"

I promised. 

"And now, Don Téodor, " continued he, "I must _confess_!"

I could not repress a smile as I replied, --"But, José, I am no_padre_, you know; a _clerigo_ in no part of a slave factory; I cannotabsolve your sins; and, as for my _prayers_, poor fellow, alas! whatcan they do for your sins when I fear they will hardly avail for myown!"

"It's all one, _mi capitan_" answered the dying man; "it makes not theleast difference, Don Téodor, if you are a clergyman or any thingelse; it is the law of our church; and when confession is over, aman's soul is easier under canvas, even if there's no regular _padre_at hand to loosen the ropes, and let one's sins fly to the four windsof heaven. Listen, --it will be short. 

"It is many years since I sailed from Havana with that notoriousslaver, Miguel ----, whose murder you may have heard of on the coast. Our vessel was in capital order for speed as well as cargo, and wereached Cape Mount after a quick voyage. The place, however, was sobare of slaves, that we coasted the reefs till we learned from aMesurado Krooman that, in less than a month, the supply at LittleBassa would be abundant. We shipped the savage with his boatman, andnext day reached our destination. 

"Miguel was welcomed warmly by the chiefs, who offered a choice lot ofnegroes for a portion of our cargo, inviting the captain to tarry withthe rest of his merchandise and establish a factory. He assented; ourbrig was sent home with a short cargo, while I and two others landedwith the captain, to aid in the erection and defence of the requisitebuildings. 

"It did not take long to set up our bamboo houses and open a trade, for whose supply Miguel began an intercourse with Cape Mesurado, paying in doubloons and receiving his merchandise in vessels manned byAmerican blacks. 

"Our captain was no niggard in housekeeping. Bountiful meals everyday supplied his friends and factory. No man went from his door hungryor dissatisfied. When the colonists came up in their boats with goods, or walked the beach from the Cape to our settlement, Miguel was alwaysalert with a welcome. A great intimacy, of course, ensued; and, amongthe whole crowd of traffickers, none were higher in our chief'sestimation than a certain T----, who rarely visited the _barracoons_without a gift from Miguel, in addition to his stipulated pay. 

"In due time the brig returned from Havana, with a cargo of rum, tobacco, powder, and _a box of doubloons_; but she was ordered to theCape de Verds to change her flag. In the interval, the Mesuradocolonists picked a quarrel with the Trade-Town chiefs, and, aided byan American vessel, under Colombian colors, landed a division ofcolonial troops and destroyed the Spanish barracoons. [G]

"The ruin of a Spanish factory could not be regarded by our captainwith any other feeling than that of resentment. Still, he manifestedhis sensibility by coolness towards the colonists, or by refrainingfrom that _profitable_ welcome to which they had hitherto beenaccustomed. But the Monrovians were not to be rebuffed by disdain. They had heard, I suppose, of the box of doubloons, and Miguel was 'agood fellow, ' in spite of his frigidity. They were _his_ friends forever, and all the harm that had been done his countrymen wasattributable alone to their Colombian foes, and not to the colonists. Such were the constant declarations of the Monrovians, as they came, singly and in squads, to visit us after the Trade-Town plunder. T----, in particular, was loud in his protestations of regard; and such wasthe earnestness of his manner, that Miguel, by degrees, restored himto confidence. 

"Thus, for a while, all things went smoothly, till T---- reached ouranchorage, with several passengers in his craft, bound, as they said, to Grand Bassa. As usual on such visits, the whole party dined withMiguel at four in the afternoon, and, at six, retired towards theirvessel, with a gift of provisions and liquor for their voyage. 

"About eight o'clock, a knocking at our gates--closed invariably atdark, according to custom--gave notice that our recent guests hadreturned. They craved hospitality for the night. They had dallied acouple of hours on the beach, with the hope of getting off, but thesurf was so perilous that no Kroomen would venture to convey themthrough the breakers. 

"Such an appeal was, of course, enough for the heart of a courteousSpaniard, --and, on the coast, you know, it is imperative. Miguelopened the door, and, in an instant, fell dead on the threshold, witha ball in his skull. Several guns were discharged, and the housefilled with colonists. At the moment of attack I was busy in the_barracoon_; but, as soon as I came forth, the assailants approachedin such numbers that I leaped the barriers and hid myself in theforest till discovered by some friendly natives. 

"I remained with these Africans several weeks, while a canoe wassummoned from Gallinas for my rescue. From thence I sailed to Cuba, and was the first to apprise our owners of the piratical onslaught bywhich the factory had been destroyed. 

"After this, I made several successful voyages to the coast; and, atlast, sauntering one evening along the _paseo_ at Havana, I met DonMiguel's brother, who, after a sorrowful chat about the tragedy, offered me a quarter-master's berth in a brig he was fitting out forAfrica. It was accepted on the spot. 

"In a month we were off Mesurado, and cruised for several days fromthe cape to Grand Bassa, avoiding every square-rigged vessel thatloomed above the horizon. At length, we espied a small craft beatingdown the coast. We bore the stranger company for several hours, till, suddenly taking advantage of her long tack out to sea, we gave chaseand cut off her return towards land. 

"It was a fine afternoon, and the sun was yet an hour in the sky whenwe intercepted the schooner. As we ran alongside, I thought Irecognized the faces of several who, in days of old, wore familiar inour factory, --but what was my surprise, when T---- himself came tothe gangway, and hailed us in Spanish!

"I pointed out the miscreant to my comrade, and, in an instant, he wasin our clutches. We let the sun go down before we contrived a properdeath for the felon. His five companions, double-ironed, were nailedbeneath the hatches in the hold. After this, we riveted the murderer, in chains, to the mainmast, and, for better security, fastened hisspread arms to the deck by spikes through his hands. Every sail wasthen set on the craft, two barrels of tar were poured over the planks, and a brand was thrown in the midst of the combustible materials. Fora while, the schooner was held by a hawser till we saw the flamesspread from stern to cut-water, and then, with a cheer, _adios_! Itwas a beautiful sight, --that _auto-da-fé_, on the sea, in thedarkness!

"My confession, Don Téodor, is over. From that day, I have never beenwithin a church or alongside a _padre_; but I could not die withoutsending the gold to my sister, and begging a mass in some parish forthe rest of my soul!"

I felt very conscious that I was by no means the person to affordghostly consolation to a dying man under such circumstances, but whileI promised to fulfil his request carefully, I could not help inquiringwhether he sincerely repented these atrocious deeds?

"Ah! yes, Don Téodor, a thousand times! Many a night, when alone on mywatch at sea, or in yonder stockade, marching up and down before the_barracoon_, I have wept like a child for the innocent crew of thatlittle schooner; but, as for the murderer of _Don Miguel_--!" Hestared wildly for a minute into my eyes--shuddered--fell back--wasdead!

I have no doubt the outlaw's story contained exaggerations, or fellfrom a wrecked mind that was drifting into eternity on the current ofdelirium. I cannot credit his charge against the Monrovian colonists;yet I recount the narrative as an illustration of many a bloody scenethat has stained the borders of Africa. 

FOOTNOTE:

[G] The reader will recollect this is not CANOT'S story, but thesailor's. 

CHAPTER LXI. 

During my first visit to Digby, I promised my trading friends--perhapsrather rashly--that I would either return to their settlement, or, atleast, send merchandise and a clerk to establish a factory. This wasjoyous news for the traffickers, and, accordingly, I embraced an earlyoccasion to despatch, in charge of a clever young sailor, such stuffsas would be likely to tickle the negro taste. 

There were two towns at Digby, governed by cousins who had alwayslived in harmony. My mercantile venture, however, was unhappilydestined to be the apple of discord between these relatives. Theestablishment of so important an institution as a slave-factory withinthe jurisdiction of the younger savage, gave umbrage to the elder. Histown could boast neither of "merchandise" nor a "white man;" there wasno profitable tax to be levied from foreign traffic; and, in a veryshort time, this unlucky partiality ripened the noble kinsmen intobitter enemies. 

It is not the habit in Africa for negroes to expend their wrath inharmless words, so that preparations were soon made in each settlementfor defence as well as hostility. Both towns were stockaded andcarefully watched by sentinels, day and night. At times, forays weremade into each other's suburbs, but as the chiefs were equallyvigilant and alert, the extent of harm was the occasional capture ofwomen or children, as they wandered to the forest and stream for woodand water. 

This dalliance, however, did not suit the ardor of my angry favorite. After wasting a couple of months, he purchased the aid of certain_bushmen_, headed by a notorious scoundrel named Jen-ken, who hadacquired renown for his barbarous ferocity throughout theneighborhood. Jen-ken and his chiefs were _cannibals_, and never trodthe war-path without a pledge to return laden with human flesh togorge their households. 

Several assaults were made by this savage and his _bushmen_ on thedissatisfied cousin, but as they produced no significant results, thebarbarians withdrew to the interior. A truce ensued. Friendlyproposals were made by the younger to the elder, and again, a coupleof months glided by in seeming peace. 

Just at this time business called me to Gallinas. On my way thither Ilooked in at Digby, intending to supply the displeased chieftain withgoods and an agent if I found the establishment profitable. 

It was sunset when I reached the beach; too late, of course, to landmy merchandise, so that I postponed furnishing both places until themorning. As might fairly be expected, there was abundant joy at myadvent. The neglected rival was wild with satisfaction at the reportthat he, too, at length was favored with a "white-man. " His "town"immediately became a scene of unbounded merriment. Powder was burntwithout stint. Gallons of rum were distributed to both sexes; anddancing, smoking and carousing continued till long after midnight, when all stole off to maudlin sleep. 

About three in the morning, the sudden screams of women and childrenaroused me from profound torpor! Shrieks were followed by volleys ofmusketry. Then came a loud tattoo of knocks at my door, and appealsfrom the negro chief to rise and fly. "The town was besieged:--thehead-men were on the point of escaping:--resistance was vain:--theyhad been betrayed--there were no fighters to defend the stockade!"

I was opening the door to comply with this advice, when my Kroomen, who knew the country's ways even better than I, dissuaded me fromdeparting, with the confident assurance that our assailants wereunquestionably composed of the rival townsfolk, who had onlytemporarily discharged the bushmen to deceive my entertainer. The Krooinsisted that I had nothing to fear. We might, they said, be seizedand even imprisoned; but after a brief detention, the captors would beglad enough to accept our ransom. If we fled, we might be slaughteredby mistake. 

I had so much confidence in the sense and fidelity of the band thatalways accompanied me, --partly as boatmen and partly asbody-guard, --that I experienced very little personal alarm when Iheard the shouts as the savages rushed through the town murderingevery one they encountered. In a few moments our own door was battereddown by the barbarians, and Jen-ken, torch in hand, made hisappearance, claiming us as prisoners. 

Of course, we submitted without resistance, for although fully armed, the odds were so great in those ante-revolver days, that we would havebeen overwhelmed by a single wave of the infuriated crowd. Thebarbarian chief instantly selected our house for his headquarters, anddespatched his followers to complete their task. Prisoner afterprisoner was thrust in. At times the heavy mash of a war club and thecry of strangling women, gave notice that the work of death was notyet ended. But the night of horror wore away. The gray dawn creptthrough our hovel's bars, and all was still save the groans of woundedcaptives, and the wailing of women and children. 

By degrees, the warriors dropped in around their chieftain. A_palaver-house_, immediately in front of my quarters, was the generalrendezvous; and scarcely a _bushman_ appeared without the body ofsome maimed and bleeding victim. The mangled but living captives weretumbled on a heap in the centre, and soon, every avenue to the squarewas crowded with exulting savages. Rum was brought forth in abundancefor the chiefs. Presently, slowly approaching from a distance, Iheard the drums, horns, and war-bells; and, in less than fifteenminutes, a procession of women, whose naked limbs were smeared withchalk and ochre, poured into the palaver-house to join the beastlyrites. Each of these devils was armed with a knife, and bore in herhand some cannibal trophy. Jen-ken's wife, a corpulent wench offorty-five, --dragged along the ground, by a single limb, the slimycorpse of an infant ripped alive from its mother's womb. As her eyesmet those of her husband the two fiends yelled forth a shout ofmutual joy, while the lifeless babe was tossed in the air and caughtas it descended on the point of a spear. Then came the _refreshment_, in the shape of rum, powder, and blood, which was quaffed by thebrutes till they reeled off, with linked hands, in a wild dancearound the pile of victims. As the women leaped and sang, the menapplauded and encouraged. Soon, the ring was broken, and, with ayell, each female leaped on the body of a wounded prisoner andcommenced the final sacrifice with the mockery of lasciviousembraces!

In my wanderings in African forests I have often seen the tiger pounceupon its prey, and, with instinctive thirst, satiate its appetite forblood and abandon the drained corpse; but these African negresses wereneither as decent nor as merciful as the beast of the wilderness. Their malignant pleasure seemed to consist in the invention oftortures, that would agonize but not slay. There was a devilish spellin the tragic scene that fascinated my eyes to the spot. A slow, lingering, tormenting mutilation was practised on the living, as wellas on the dead; and, in every instance, the brutality of the womenexceeded that of the men. I cannot picture the hellish joy with whichthey passed from body to body, digging out eyes, wrenching off lips, tearing the ears, and slicing the flesh from the quivering bones;while the queen of the harpies crept amid the butchery gathering thebrains from each severed skull as a _bonne-bouche_ for the approachingfeast!

After the last victim yielded his life, it did not require long tokindle a fire, produce the requisite utensils, and fill the air withthe odor of _human flesh_. Yet, before the various messes were halfbroiled, every mouth was tearing the dainty morsels with shouts ofjoy, denoting the combined satisfaction of revenge and appetite! Inthe midst of this appalling scene, I heard a fresh cry of exultation, as a pole was borne into the apartment, on which was impaled theliving body of the conquered chieftain's wife. A hole was quickly dug, the stave planted and fagots supplied; but before a fire could bekindled the wretched woman was dead, so that the barbarians weredefeated in their hellish scheme of burning her alive. 

 * * * * *

I do not know how long these brutalities lasted, for I remember verylittle after this last attempt, except that the bush men packed inplantain leaves whatever flesh was left from the orgie, to be conveyedto their friends in the forest. This was the first time it had been mylot _to behold the most savage development of African nature under thestimulus of war_. The butchery made me sick, dizzy, paralyzed. I sankon the earth benumbed with stupor; nor was I aroused till nightfall, when my Kroomen bore me to the conqueror's town, and negotiated ourredemption for the value of twenty slaves. 

CHAPTER LXII. 

I hope that no one will believe I lingered a moment in Digby, or everdealt again with its miscreants, after the dreadful catastrophe I havedescribed in the last chapter. It is true that this tragedy mightnever have happened within the territory of the rival kinsmen had notthe temptations of slave-trade been offered to their passionatenatures; yet the event was so characteristic, not only of slave-warbut of indigenous barbarity, that I dared not withhold it in thesesketches of my life. 

Light was not gleaming over the tops of the forest next morning beforeI was on the beach ready to embark for Gallinas. But the moon wasfull, and the surf so high that my boat could not be launched. Still, so great were my sufferings and disgust that I resolved to depart atall hazards; and divesting myself of my outer garments, I stepped intoa native canoe with one man only to manage it, and dashed through thebreakers. Our provisions consisted of three bottles of gin, a jug ofwater, and a basket of raw cassava, while a change of raiment and myaccounts were packed in an air-tight keg. Rough as was the sea, wesucceeded in reaching the neighborhood of Gallinas early next morning. My Spanish friends on shore soon detected me with their excellenttelescopes, by my well-known cruising dress of red flannel shirt andPanama hat; but, instead of running to the beach with a welcome, theyhoisted the black flag, which is ever a signal of warning to slavers. 

My Krooman at once construed the telegraphic despatch as an intimationthat the surf was impassable. Indeed, the fact was visible enough evento an uninstructed eye, as we approached the coast. For miles alongthe bar at the river's mouth, the breakers towered up in tall masses, whitening the whole extent of beach with foam. As our little canoerose on the top of the swell, outside the rollers, I could see myfriends waving their hats towards the southward, as if directing mymovements towards Cape Mount. 

In my best days on the coast I often swam in perilous seasons a fargreater distance than that which intervened betwixt my boat and theshore. My companions at Gallinas well knew my dexterity in the water, and I could not comprehend, therefore, why they forbade my landing, with so much earnestness. In fact, their zeal somewhat nettled me, andI began to feel that dare-devil resistance which often goads us toacts of madness which make us heroes if successful, but fools if wefail. 

It was precisely this temper that determined me to hazard the bar;yet, as I rose on my knees to have a better view of the approachingperil, I saw the black flag thrice lowered in token of adieu. Immediately afterward it was again hoisted _over the effigy of anenormous shark_!

In a twinkling, I understood the _real_ cause of danger, which noalacrity or courage in the water could avoid, and comprehended that myonly hope was in the open sea. A retreat to Cape Mount was a toilsometask for my weary _Krooman_, who had been incessantly at work fortwenty-four hours. Yet, there were but two alternatives, --either toawait the subsidence of the surf, or the arrival of some friendlyvessel. In the mean time, I eat my last morsel of cassava, while the_Krooman_ stretched himself in the bottom of the canoe, --half in thewater and half in the glaring sun, --and went comfortably to sleep. 

I steered the boat with a paddle, as it drifted along with tide andcurrent, till the afternoon, when a massive pile of clouds in thesouth-east gave warning of one of those tornadoes which deluge thecoast of Africa in the months of March and April. A stout punch in theKrooman's ribs restored him to consciousness from his hydropathicsleep; but he shivered as he looked at the sky and beheld a token ofthat greatest misfortune that can befall a negro, --a wet skin at seafrom a shower of rain. 

We broached our last bottle to battle the chilling element. Had webeen in company with other canoes, our first duty would have been tolash the skiffs together so as to breast the gusts and chopping seawith more security; but as I was entirely alone, our sole reliance wason the expert arm and incessant vigilance of my companion. 

I will not detain the reader by explaining the simple process thatcarried us happily through the deluge. By keeping the canoe bow on, wenobly resisted the shock of every wave, and gradually fell back underthe impulse of each undulation. Thus we held on till the heavy cloudsdischarged their loads, beating down the sea and half filling thecanoe with rain water. While the Krooman paddled and steered, Iconducted the bailing, and as the African dipper was not sufficient tokeep us free, I pressed my Panama hat into service as an extra hand. 

These savage squalls on the African coast, at the beginning of therainy season, are of short duration, so that our anxiety quickly leftus to the enjoyment of soaking skins. A twist at my red flannelrelieved it of superabundant moisture, but as the negro delighted inno covering except his flesh, an additional kiss of the bottle was theonly comfort I could bestow on his shivering limbs. 

This last dram was our forlorn hope, but it only created a passingcomfort, which soon went off leaving our bodies more chill anddejected than before. My head swam with feverish emptiness. I seemedsuddenly possessed by a feeling of wild independence--seeing nothing, fearing nothing. Presently, this died away, and I fell back in utterhelplessness, wholly benumbed. 

I do not remember how long this stupor lasted, but I was aroused bythe Krooman with the report of a land-breeze, and a sail which hedeclared to be a cruiser. It cost me considerable effort to shake offmy lethargy, nor do I know whether I would have succeeded had therenot been a medical magic in the idea of a man-of-war, which flashedathwart my mind a recollection of the slave accounts in our keg!

I had hardly time to throw the implement overboard before the craftwas within hail; but instead of a cruiser she turned out to be aslaver, destined, like myself, for Gallinas. A warm welcome awaited mein the cabin, and a comfortable bed with plenty of blankets restoredme for a while to health, though in all likelihood my perilous flightfrom Digby and its horrors, will ache rheumatically in my limbs tillthe hour of my death. 

It was well that I did not venture through the breakers on the daythat the dead shark was hoisted _in terrorem_ as a telegraph. Such wasthe swarm of these monsters in the surf of Gallinas, that more than ahundred slaves had been devoured by them in attempting a shipment afew nights before!

CHAPTER LXIII. 

"Don Pedro Blanco had left Gallinas, --a retired _millionnaire_!" WhenI heard this announcement at the factory, I could with difficultyrestrain the open expression of my sorrow. It confirmed me in a desirethat for some time had been strengthening in my mind. Years rolledover my head since, first of all, I plunged accidentally into theslave-trade. My passion for a roving life and daring adventure wasdecidedly cooled. The late barbarities inflicted on the conquered in awar of which I was the involuntary cause, appalled me with thetraffic; and humanity called louder and louder than ever for thedevotion of my remaining days to honest industry. 

As I sailed down the coast to restore a child to his father, --the Kingof Cape Mount, --I was particularly charmed with the bold promontory, the beautiful lake, and the lovely islands, that are comprised in thisenchanting region. When I delivered the boy to his parent, the oldman's gratitude knew no bounds for his offspring's redemption fromslavery. Every thing was tendered for my recompense; and, as I seemedespecially to enjoy the delicious scenery of his realm, he offered meits best location as a gift, if I desired to abandon the slave-tradeand establish a _lawful_ factory. 

I made up my mind on the spot that the day should come when I would belord and master of Cape Mount; and, nestling under the lee of itssplendid headland, might snap my fingers at the cruisers. Still Icould not, at once, retreat from my establishment at New Sestros. DonPedro's departure was a sore disappointment, because it left myaccounts unliquidated and my release from the trade dependent oncircumstances. Nevertheless, I resolved to risk his displeasure byquitting the factory for a time, and visiting him at Havana after atrip to England. 

 * * * * *

It was in the summer of 1839 that I arranged my affairs for a longabsence, and sailed for London in the schooner Gil Blas. We had a dullpassage till we reached the chops of the British Channel, whence asmart south-wester drove us rapidly towards our destination. 

Nine at night was just striking from the clocks of Dover when a bustleon deck, a tramping of feet, a confused sound of alarm, orders, obedience and anxiety, was followed by a tremendous crash whichprostrated me on the cabin floor, whence I bounded, with a singlespring, to the deck. "A steamer had run us down!" Aloft, towered ahuge black wall, while the intruder's cut-water pressed our tiny craftalmost beneath the tide. There was no time for deliberation. Thesteamer's headway was stopped. The Gil Blas, like her scapegracegodfather, was in peril of sinking; and as the wheels began to revolveand clear the steamer from our wreck, every one scrambled in the bestway he could on board the destroyer. 

Our reception on this occasion by the British lion was not the mostrespectful or hospitable that might be imagined. In fact, no noticewas taken of us by these "hearts of oak, " till a clever Irish soldier, who happened to be journeying to Dublin, invited us to the forwardcabin. Our mate, however, would not listen to the proposal, andhastening to the quarter-deck, coarsely upbraided the steamer'scaptain with his misconduct, and demanded suitable accommodations forhis wounded commander and passengers. 

In a short time the captain of the Gil Blas and I were conducted tothe "gentlemen's cabin, " and as I was still clad in the thin cottonundress in which I was embarking for the land of dreams when theaccident occurred, a shirt and trowsers were handed me fresh from theslop-shop. When my native servant appeared in the cabin, a shower ofcoppers greeted him from the passengers. 

Next morning we were landed at Cowes, and as the steward claimed therestitution of a pair of slippers in which I had encased my toes, Iwas forced to greet the loyal earth of England with bare feet as wellas uncovered head. Our sailors, however, were better off. In theforecastle they had fallen into the hands of Samaritans. A profusionof garments was furnished for all their wants, while a subscription, made up among the soldiers and women, supplied them with abundance ofcoin for their journey to London. 

 * * * * *

An economical life in Africa, and a series of rather profitablevoyages, enabled me to enjoy my wish to see London, "above stairs aswell as below. "

I brought with me from Africa a body-servant named Lunes, an activeyouth, whose idea of city-life and civilization had been derivedexclusively from glimpses of New Sestros and Gallinas. I fitted himout on my arrival in London as a fashionable "tiger, " with redwaistcoat, corduroy smalls, blue jacket and gold band; and trotted himafter me wherever I went in search of diversion. It may be imaginedthat I was vastly amused by the odd remarks and the completeamazement, with which this savage greeted every object of novelty orinterest. After he became somewhat acquainted with the streets ofLondon, Lunes occasionally made explorations on his own account, yethe seldom came back without a tale that showed the African to havebeen quite as much a curiosity to the cockneys as the cockneys were tothe darkey. 

It happened just at this time that "Jim Crow" was the rage at one ofthe minor theatres, and as I felt interested to know how thepersonification would strike the boy, I sent him one night to thegallery with orders to return as soon as the piece was concluded. Butthe whole night passed without the appearance of my valet. Nextmorning I became anxious about his fate, and, after waiting in vaintill noon, I employed a reliable officer to search for the negro, without disclosing the fact of his servitude. 

In the course of a few hours poor Lunes was brought to me in a mostdesolate condition. His clothes were in rags, and his gold-lace gone. It appeared that "Jim Crow" had outraged his sense of Africancharacter so greatly that he could not restrain his passion; butvented it in the choicest _billingsgate_ with which his vocabulary hadbeen furnished in the forecastle of the "Gil Blas. " His criticism ofthe real Jim was by no means agreeable to the patrons of thefictitious one. In a moment there was a row; and the result was, thatLunes after a thorough dilapidation of his finery departed in custodyof the police, more, however, for the negro's protection than hischastisement. 

The loss of his dashing waistcoat, and the sound thrashing he receivedat the hands of a London mob while asserting the dignity of hiscountry, and a night in the station house, spoiled my boy's opinion ofGreat Britain. I could not induce him afterwards to stir from thehouse without an escort, nor would he believe that every policeman wasnot specially on the watch to apprehend him. I was so much attached tothe fellow, and his sufferings became so painful, that I resolved tosend him back to Africa; nor shall I ever forget his delight when mydecision was announced. The negro's joy, however, was incomprehensibleto my fellow-lodgers, and especially to the gentle dames, who couldnot believe that an African, whose liberty was assured in England, would _voluntarily_ return to Africa and slavery!

One evening, just before his departure, Lunes was sternly tried onthis subject in my presence in the parlor, yet nothing could make himrevoke his trip to the land of palm-trees and _malaria_. London wastoo cold for him;--he hated stockings;--shoes were an abomination!

"Yet, tell me, Lunes, " said one of the most bewitching of my fairfriends, --"how is it that you go home to be a slave, when you mayremain in London as a freeman?"

I will repeat his answer--divested of its native gibberish:

"Yes, Madam, I go--because I like my country best; if I am to be aslave or work, I want to do so for a true _Spaniard_. I don't likethis thing, Miss, "--pointing to his shirt collar, --"it cuts myears;--I don't like this thing"--pointing to his trowsers; "I like mycountry's fashion better than yours;"--and, taking out a largehandkerchief, he gave the inquisitive dame a rapid demonstration ofAfrican economy in concealing nakedness, by twisting it round thoseportions of the human frame which modesty is commonly in the habit ofhiding!

There was a round of applause and a blaze of blushes at thisextemporaneous pantomime, which Lunes concluded with the assurancethat he especially loved his master, because, --"when he grew to be aproper man, I would give him plenty of wives!"

I confess that my valet's philanthropic audience was not exactlyprepared for this edifying culmination in favor of Africa; but, whilemy friends were busy in obliterating the red and the wrinkles fromtheir cheeks, I took the liberty to enjoy, from behind the shadow ofmy tea cup, the manifest disgust they felt for the bad taste of poorLunes!

CHAPTER LXIV. 

By this time my curiosity was not only satiated by the diversions ofthe great metropolis, but I had wandered off to the country andvisited the most beautiful parts of the islands. Two months thusslipped by delightfully in Great Britain when a sense of duty calledme to Havana; yet, before my departure, I resolved, if possible, tosecure the alliance of some opulent Englishman to aid me in thefoundation and maintenance of lawful commerce at Cape Mount. Such aperson I found in Mr. George Clavering Redman, of London, who ownedthe Gil Blas, which, with two other vessels, he employed in tradebetween England and Africa. 

I had been introduced to this worthy gentleman as "a lawful trader onthe coast, " still, as I did not think that business relations ought toexist between us while he was under so erroneous an impression, Iseized an early opportunity to unmask myself. At the same time, Iannounced my unalterable resolution to abandon a slaver's life forever; to establish a trading post at some fortunate location; and, while I recounted the friendship and peculiar bonds between the kingand myself, offered to purchase Cape Mount from its Africanproprietor, if such an enterprise should be deemed advisable. 

Redman was an enterprising merchant. He heard my proposal withinterest, and, after a few days' consideration, assented to anegotiation, as soon as I gave proofs of having abandoned the slavetraffic for ever. It was understood that no contract was to be enteredinto, or document signed, till I was at liberty to withdraw completelyfrom Don Pedro Blanco and all others concerned with him. Thisaccomplished, I was to revisit England and assume my lawful functions. 

 * * * * *

When I landed in the beautiful Queen of the Antilles I found Don Pedroin no humor to accede to these philanthropic notions. The veteranslaver regarded me, no doubt, as a sort of cross between a fool andzealot. An American vessel had been recently chartered to carry afreight to the coast; and, accordingly, instead of receiving a releasefrom servitude, I was ordered on board the craft as supercargo of theenterprise! In fact, on the third day after my arrival at Havana, Iwas forced to re-embark for the coast without a prospect of securingmy independence. 

The reader may ask why I did not burst the bond, and free myself at aword from a commerce with which I was disgusted? The question is_natural_--but the reply is _human_. I had too large an unliquidatedinterest at New Sestros, and while it remained so, I was not entitledto demand from my employer a final settlement for my years of labor. In other words _I was in his power_, so far as my means wereconcerned, and my services were too valuable to be surrendered by himvoluntarily. 

A voyage of forty-two days brought me once more to New Sestros, accompanied by a couple of negro women, who paid their passage andwere lodged very comfortably in the steerage. The elder was aboutforty and extremely corpulent, while her companion was younger as wellas more comely. 

This respectable dame, after an absence of twenty-four years, returnedto her native Gallinas, on a visit to her father, king Shiakar. At theage of fifteen, she had been taken prisoner and sent to Havana. ACuban confectioner purchased the likely girl, and, for many years, employed her in hawking his cakes and pies. In time she became afavorite among the townsfolk, and, by degrees, managed to accumulatea sufficient amount to purchase her freedom. Years of frugality andthrift made her proprietor of a house in the city and an egg-stall inthe market, when chance threw in her way a cousin, lately importedfrom Africa, who gave her news of her father's family. A quarter of acentury had not extinguished the natural fire in this negro's heart, and she immediately resolved to cross the Atlantic and behold oncemore the savage to whom she owed her birth. 

I sent these adventurous women to Gallinas by the earliest trader thatdrifted past New Sestros, and learned that they were welcomed amongthe islands with all the ceremony common among Africans on suchoccasions. Several canoes were despatched to the vessel, with flags, tom-toms, and horns, to receive and welcome the ladies. On the shore, a procession was formed, and a bullock offered to the captain in tokenof gratitude for his attention. 

When her elder brother was presented to the retired egg-merchant, heextended his arms to embrace his kinswoman; but, to the amazement ofall, she drew back with a mere offer of her hand, refusing everydemonstration of affection _till he should appear dressed withbecoming decency_. This rebuke, of course, kept the rest of herrelatives at bay, for there was a sad deficiency of trowsers in thegang, and it was the indispensable garment that caused so unsisterly areception. 

But Shiakar's daughter, travelled as she was, could neither set thefashions nor reform the tastes of Gallinas. After a sojourn of tendays, she bade her kindred an eternal adieu, and returned to Havana, disgusted with the manners and customs of her native land. 

CHAPTER LXV. 

On my return to New Sestros, I found that the colonial authorities ofLiberia had been feeling the pulse of my African friend, Freeman, inorder to secure the co-operation of that distinguished personage inthe suppression of the slave traffic. Freeman professed hiswillingness to conclude a treaty of commerce and amity with GovernorBuchanan, but respectfully declined to molest the factories within hisdomain. 

Still, Buchanan was not to be thwarted by a single refusal, andenlisted the sympathy of an officer in command of a United Statescruiser, who accompanied the governor to the anchorage at New Sestros. As soon as these personages reached their destination, a note wasdespatched to the negro potentate, desiring him to expel from histerritory all Spaniards who were possessed of factories. To this, itis said, the chief returned a short and tart rebuke for theinterference with his independence; whereupon the following singularmissive was immediately delivered to the Spaniards:--

 "U. S. BRIG DOLPHIN, "NEW SESTROS, _March 6, 1840_. 

"SIR:

"I address you in consequence of having received a note from you a fewevenings since; but I wish it to be understood that thiscommunication is intended for all or any persons who are now in NewSestros, engaged in the slave-trade. 

"I have received information that you now have, in your establishmentson shore, several hundred negroes confined in barracoons, waiting foran opportunity to ship them. Whether you are Americans, English, French, Spaniards, or Portuguese, you are acting in violation of theestablished laws of your respective countries, and, therefore, are notentitled to any protection from your governments. You have placedyourselves beyond the protection of any civilized nation, as you areengaged in a traffic which has been made _piracy_ by most of theChristian nations of the world. 

"As I have been sent by my government to root out, if possible, thistraffic on and near our settlements on the coast, I must now give younotice, that you must break up your establishment at this point, intwo weeks from this date; failing to do so, I shall take such measuresas I conceive necessary to attain this object. I will thank you tosend a reply to this communication immediately, stating yourintentions, and also sending an account of the number of slaves youhave on hand. 

 "I am, &c. , &c. , &c. , "CHARLES R. BELL, "_Lieut. Com. U. S. Naval Forces, Coast of Africa_. 

 "To Mr. A. DEMER and others, "NEW SESTROS, _Coast of Africa_. "

I do not know what reply was made to this communication, as a copy wasnot retained; but when my clerk handed me the original letter fromLieutenant Bell, on my arrival from Cuba I lost no time in forwardingthe following answer to Col. Hicks, at Monrovia, to be despatched byhim to the American officer:

 "TO CHARLES R. BELL, ESQ. , "_Lieut. Com. Of the U. S. Forces, Coast of Africa, Monrovia_. "NEW SESTROS, _April 2, 1840_. 

"SIR:

"Your letter of the 6th March, directed to the white residents of NewSestros, was handed me on my return to this country, and I am sorry Ican make but the following short answer. 

"First, sir, you seem to assume a supremacy over the most civilizednations of the world, and, under the doubtful pretext of your nation'sauthority, threaten to land and destroy our property on these neutralshores. Next, you are pleased to inform us that all Christian nationshave declared the slave-trade _piracy_, and that we are not entitledto any protection from our government. Why, then, do the SouthernStates of your great confederacy allow slavery, public auctions, transportation from one State to another, --not only of civilized blacknative subjects, --but of nearly white, American, Christian citizens?Such is the case in your free and independent country; and, though theslave-trade is carried on in the United States of America with morebrutality than in any other colony, I still hope you are a Christian!

"To your third article, wherein you observe, having 'been sent by yourgovernment to root out this traffic, if possible, near your ownsettlements on the coast, '--allow me to have my doubts of such orders. Your government could not have issued them without previously makingthem publicly known;--and, permit me to say, those Christian nationsyou are pleased to mention, are not aware that your nation had set upcolonies on the coast of Africa. They were always led to believe thatthese Liberian settlements were nothing but Christian beneficialsocieties, humanely formed by private philanthropists, to found arefuge for the poor blacks born in America, who cannot be protected intheir native country by the free and independent laws and institutionsof the United States. 

"If my argument cannot convince you that you are not justified inmolesting a harmless people on these desolate shores, allow me toinform you that, should you put your threats in execution and have theadvantage over us, many factories would suffer by your unjust attack, which would give them an indisputable right to claim high damages fromyour government. 

"Most of the white residents here, are, and have been, friendly toAmericans at large; some have been educated in your country, and itwould be the saddest day of their lives, if obliged to oppose by forceof arms the people of a nation they love as much as their owncountrymen. The undersigned, in particular, would wish to observe thatthe same spirit that led him to avenge Governor Findley's murder, willsupport him in defence of his property, though much against hisinclination. 

 "I remain, very respectfully, "Your obedient servant, "THEODORE CANOT. "

This diplomatic encounter terminated the onslaught. Buchanan, who wasover hasty with military display on most occasions, made a requisitionfor volunteers to march against New Sestros. But the troops were neverset in motion. In the many years of my residence in the colonialneighborhood, this was the only occasion that menaced our friendshipor verged upon hostilities. 

 * * * * *

Whilst I was abroad in England and Cuba, my _chargé d'affaires_ at NewSestros sent off a cargo of three hundred negroes, nearly all of whomwere safely landed in the West Indies, bringing us a profit of ninethousand dollars. There were, however, still one hundred and fifty inour _barracoons_ to be shipped; and, as the cargo from the Crawfordwas quickly exchanged with the natives for more slaves, in two months'time, I found my pens surcharged with six hundred human beings. Twoother neighboring factories were also crammed; while, unfortunately, directly in front of us, a strong reinforcement of British men-of-warkept watch and ward to prevent our depletion. 

No slaver dared show its topsails above the horizon. The season didnot afford us supplies from the interior. Very few coasters looked inat New Sestros; and, as our stock of grain and provisions began tofail, the horrors of famine became the sole topic of conversationamong our alarmed factors. 

It will readily be supposed that every effort was made, not only toeconomize our scanty stores, but to increase them through theintervention of boats that were sent far and wide to scour the coastfor rice and cassava. Double and triple prices were offered for thesearticles, yet our agents returned without the required supplies. Infact, the free natives themselves were in danger of starvation, andwhile they refused to part with their remnants, even under thetemptation of luxuries, they sometimes sent deputations to mysettlement in search of food. 

By degrees I yielded to the conviction that I must diminish my mouths. First of all, I released the old and feeble from the _barracoon_. This, for a few days, afforded ample relief; but, as I retained onlythe staunchest, the remaining appetites speedily reduced our rationsto a single meal _per diem_. At last, the steward reported, that eventhis allowance could be continued for little more than a week. Intwelve days, at farthest, my resources would be utterly exhausted. 

In this extremity I summoned a council of neighboring chiefs, andexposing my situation, demanded their opinion as to a fitting courseon the dreaded day. I had resolved to retain my blacks till the lastmeasure was distributed, and then to liberate them to shift forthemselves. 

But the idea of releasing six hundred famishing foemen struck thebeach people with horror. It would, they said, be a certain source ofwar and murder; and they implored me not to take such a step till theymade every effort to ease my burden. As a beginning, they proposed atonce relieving the _barracoon_ of a large portion of females and ofall the male youths, who were to be fed and guarded by them, on myaccount, till better times. 

By this system of colonizing I got rid of the support of two hundredand twenty-five negroes; and, as good luck would have it, a visit froma friendly coaster enabled me, within ten days, to exchange mybeautiful cutter "Ruth" for a cargo of rice from the colony at CapePalmas. 

It was fortunate that in a week after this happy relief the Britishcruisers left our anchorage for a few days. No sooner were they off, than a telegraph of smoke, which, in those days, was quite as usefulon the African coast, as the electric is on ours, gave notice to thenotorious "Volador. " There was joy in the teeming factories when hersignal was descried in the offing; and, before the following dawn, seven hundred and forty-nine human beings, packed within her onehundred and sixty-five tons, were on their way to Cuba. 

_This was the last cargo of slaves I ever shipped!_

CHAPTER LXVI. 

When the thought struck me of abandoning the slave-trade, and I hadresolved to follow out the good impulse, I established a store in theneighborhood of my old _barracoons_ with the design of trafficking inthe produce of industry alone. This concern was intrusted to themanagement of a clever young colonist. 

It was about this time that the British brig of war Termagant held NewSestros in permanent blockade, forbidding even a friendly boat tocommunicate with my factory. Early one morning I was called to witnessa sturdy chase between my scolding foe and a small sail which wasevidently running for the shore in order to save her crew by beaching. The British bull-dog, however, was not to be deterred by the perils ofthe surf; and, holding on with the tenacity of fate, pursued thestranger, till he discovered that a large reinforcement of armednatives was arrayed on the strand ready to protect the fugitives. Accordingly, the Englishmen refrained from assailing the mariners, andconfined their revenge to the destruction of the craft. 

As this affray occurred within gun-shot of my lawful factory, Ihastened to the beach under the belief that some of my _employés_ hadunluckily fallen into a difficulty with the natives. But on my arrivalI was greeted by a well-known emissary from our headquarters atGallinas, who bore a missive imparting the Volador's arrival in Cubawith six hundred and eleven of her people. The letter furthermoreapprised me that Don Pedro, who persisted in sending merchandise tomy slave factory, still declined my resignation as his agent, butacknowledged a credit in his chest of thirteen thousand dollars for mycommissions on the Volador's slaves. Here, then, were Confidence andTemptation, both resolutely proffered to lure me back to my ancienthabits!

I was busily engaged on the sands, enforcing from the negroes arestitution of clothes to the plundered postman, when the crack of acannon, higher up the beach, made me fear that an aggression was beingcommitted against my homestead. Before I could depart, however, twomore shots in the same quarter, left me no room to doubt that theTermagant was talking most shrewishly with my factory at New Sestros. 

I reached the establishment with all convenient speed, only to find itfull of natives, who had been brought to the spot from the interior bythe sound of a cannonade. The following letter from the captain of theman-of-war, it seems, had been landed in a fishing canoe very soonafter my departure in the morning, and the shots, I suppose, weredischarged to awake my attention to its contents. 

 "HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SHIP TERMAGANT, "_Off_ NEW SESTROS, _Nov. 5, 1840_. 

"SIR:

"The natives or Kroomen of your settlement having this day fired onthe boats of Her B. M. Ship under my command, while in chase of aSpanish boat with seven men going to New Sestros, I therefore demandthe persons who fired on the boats, to answer for the same; and, should this demand not be complied with, I shall take such steps as Ideem proper to secure satisfaction. 

"I have addressed you on this occasion, judging by the interference ofthose blacks in your behalf, that they are instigated by you. 

"I have the honor to be, sir, your obed't serv't, "H. F. SEAGRAM, "_Lieut. Com. _

 "TO MR. T. CANOT, "NEW SESTROS. "

When this cartel fell into my hands it lacked but an hour of sunset. The beach was alive with angry rollers, while the Termagant was stillunder easy sail, hovering up and down the coast before my factory, evidently meditating the propriety of another pill to provoke mynotice. 

I sat down at once and wrote a sort of model response, promising tocome on board bodily next morning to satisfy the lieutenant of myinnocence; but when I inquired for a Mercury to bear my message, therewas not a Krooman to be found willing to face either the surf or theBritish sailor. Accordingly, there was no alternative but to suffer mybamboo _barracoons_ and factory to be blown about my ears by theEnglish vixen, or to face the danger, in person, and become the bearerof my own message. 

The proposal sounded oddly enough in the ears of the Kroomen, who, inspite of their acquaintance with my hardihood, could scarcely believeI would thrust my head into the very jaws of the lion. Still, they hadso much confidence in the judgment displayed by white men on thecoast, that I had little difficulty in engaging the boat and servicesof a couple of sturdy chaps; and, stripping to my drawers, so as to beready to swim in the last emergency, I committed myself to their care. 

We passed the dangerous surf in safety, and in a quarter of an hourwere alongside the Termagant, whose jolly lieutenant could not helplaughing at the drenched _uniform_ in which I saluted him at thegangway. Slaver as I was, he did not deny me the rites of hospitality. Dry raiment and a consoling glass were speedily supplied; and with thereassured stamina of my improved condition, it may readily be supposedI was not long in satisfying the worthy Mr. Seagram that I had noconcern in the encounter betwixt the natives and his boats. To clinchthe argument I assured the lieutenant that I was not only guiltless ofthe assault, _but had made up my mind irrevocably to abandon theslave-trade_!

I suppose there was as much rejoicing that night on board theTermagant over the redeemed slaver, as there is in most churches overa rescued sinner. It was altogether too late and too dark for me torepeat the perils of the surf and sharks, so that I willinglyaccepted the offer of a bed, and promised to accompany Seagram in themorning to the prince. 

Loud were the shouts of amazement and fear when the negroes saw melanding next day, side by side, in pleasant chat, with an officer, who, eighteen hours before, had been busy about my destruction. It wasbeyond their comprehension how an Englishman could visit my factoryunder such circumstances, nor could they divine how I escaped, aftermy voluntary surrender on board a cruiser. When the prince saw Seagramseated familiarly under my verandah, he swore that I must have somepowerful _fetiche_ or _juju_ to compel the confidence of enemies; buthis wonder became unbounded when the officer proposed his entireabandonment of the slave-trade, _and I supported the lieutenant'sproposal_!

I have hardly ever seen a man of any hue or character, so sorelyperplexed as our African was by this singular suggestion. To stop theslave-trade, unless by compulsion, was, in his eyes, the absoluteabandonment of a natural appetite or function. At first, he believedwe were joking. It was inconceivable that I, who for years had carriedon the traffic so adroitly, could be serious in the idea. For half anhour the puzzled negro walked up and down the verandah, muttering tohimself, stopping, looking at both of us, hesitating, andlaughing, --till at last, as he afterwards confessed, he concluded thatI was only "_deceiving the Englishman_, " and came forward with anoffer to sign a treaty on the spot for the extinction of the traffic. 

Now the reader must bear in mind that I allowed the prince to misleadhimself through his natural duplicity on this occasion, as I wasthereby enabled to bring him again in contact with Seagram, and securethe support of British officers for my own purposes. 

In a few days the deed was done. The slave-trade at New Sestros wasformally and for ever abolished by the prince and myself. As I was theprincipal mover in the affair, I voluntarily surrendered to theBritish officer on the day of signature, one hundred slaves; _inreturn for which I was guarantied the safe removal of my valuablemerchandise, and property from the settlement. _

It was a very short time after I had made all snug at New Sestrosthat misfortune fell suddenly on our parent nest at Gallinas. The Hon. Joseph Denman, who was senior officer of the British squadron on thecoast, unexpectedly landed two hundred men, and burnt or destroyed allthe Spanish factories amid the lagunes and islets. By thisuncalculated act of violence, the natives of the neighborhood wereenabled to gorge themselves with property that was valued, Iunderstand, at a very large sum. An event like this could not escapegeneral notice along the African coast, and in a few days I began tohear it rumored and discussed among the savages in _my_ vicinity. 

For a while it was still a mystery why _I_ escaped while Gallinasfell; but at length the sluggish mind of Prince Freeman began tounderstand my diplomacy, and, of course, to repent the sudden contractthat deprived him of a right to rob me. Vexed by disappointment, thescoundrel assembled his minor chiefs, and named a day during which heknew the Termagant would be absent, to plunder and punish me for myinterference with the welfare and "institutions" of his country. Thehostile meeting took place without my knowledge, though it wasdisclosed to all my domestics, whose silence the prince had purchased. Indeed, I would have been completely surprised and cut off, _had itnot been for the friendly warning of the negro whose life I had savedfrom the saucy-wood ordeal_. 

I still maintained in my service five white men, and four sailors whowere wrecked on the coast and awaited a passage home. With this partyand a few household negroes on whom reliance might be placed, Iresolved at once to defend my quarters. My cannons were loaded, guardsplaced, muskets and cartridges distributed, and even the domesticssupplied with weapons; yet, on the very night after the warning, everyslave abandoned my premises, while even Lunes himself, --the companionof my journey to London, and pet of the ladies, --decamped with myfavorite fowling-piece. 

When I went my rounds next morning, I was somewhat disheartened byappearances; but my spirits were quickly restored by the followingletter from Seagram:

 "HER B. M. BRIG TERMAGANT, OFF TRADE-TOWN, "_23d January, 1841_. 

"Sir, "In your letter of yesterday, you request protection for yourproperty, and inform me that you are in danger from the princes. Iregret, indeed, that such should be the case, more especially as theyhave pledged me their words, and signed a '_book_' to the effect thatthey would never again engage in the slave traffic. But, _as I findyou have acted in good faith since I commenced to treat with you onthe subject_, I shall afford you every assistance in my power, andwill land an armed party of twenty men before daylight on Monday. 

 "I am, Sir, your obt. Servt. , "H. F. SEAGRAM, Lieut. Com'g. "

The Termagant's unlooked-for return somewhat dismayed the prince andhis ragamuffins, though he had contrived to assemble quite twothousand men about my premises. Towards noon, however, there wereevident signs of impatience for the expected booty; still, a wholesomedread of my cannon and small-arms, together with the cruiser'spresence, prevented an open attack. After a while I perceived anattempt to set my stockade on fire, and as a conflagration would havegiven a superb opportunity to rob, I made the concerted signal for ourBritish ally. In a twinkling, three of the cruiser's boats landed anofficer with twenty-five musketeers, and before the savages could makethe slightest show of resistance, I was safe under the bayonets ofSaint George!

It is needless to set forth the details of my rescue. The prince andhis poltroons were panic struck; and in three or four days my largestock of powder and merchandise was embarked without loss forMonrovia. 

CHAPTER LXVII. 

My _barracoons_ and trading establishments were now totally destroyed, and I was once more afloat in the world. It immediately occurred to methat no opportunity would, perhaps, be more favorable to carry out myoriginal designs upon Cape Mount, and when I sounded Seagram on thesubject, he was not only willing to carry me there in his cruiser, butdesired to witness my treaty with the prince for a cession ofterritory. 

Our adieus to New Sestros were not very painful, and on the evening ofthe same day the Termagant hove to off the bold and beautiful hills ofCape Mount. As the breeze and sun sank together, leaving a brilliantsky in the west, we descried from deck a couple of tall, raking mastsrelieved like cobwebs against the azure. From aloft, still more of thecraft was visible, and from our lieutenant's report after a glancethrough his glass, there could be no doubt that the stranger was aslaver. 

Light as was the breeze, not a moment elapsed before the cruiser's jibwas turned towards her natural enemy. For a while an ebb from theriver and the faint night wind off shore, forced us seaward, yet atdaylight we had gained so little on the chase, that she was still fullseven miles distant. 

They who are familiar with naval life will appreciate the annoyingsuspense on the Termagant when dawn revealed the calm sea, quiet sky, and tempting but unapproachable prize. The well-known _pluck_ of ourBritish tars was fired by the alluring vision, and nothing was heardabout decks but prayers for a puff and whistling for a breeze. Meanwhile, Seagram, the surgeon, and purser were huddled together onthe quarter, cursing a calm which deprived them of prize-money if notof promotion. Our master's mate and passed midshipman were absent insome of the brig's boats cruising off Gallinas or watching theroadstead of New Sestros. 

The trance continued till after breakfast, when our officers'impatience could no longer withstand the bait, and, though short ofefficient boats, the yawl and lieutenant's gig were manned for ahazardous enterprise. The former was crammed with six sailors, twomarines, and a supernumerary mate; while the gig, a mere fancy craft, was packed with five seamen and four marines under Seagram himself. Just as this flotilla shoved off, a rough boatswain begged leave tofit out my nutshell of a native canoe; and embarking with a couple ofKroomen, he squatted amidships, armed with a musket and cutlass!

This expedition exhausted our stock of _nautical_ men so completely, that as Seagram crossed the gangway he commended the purser andsurgeon to _my care, and left Her Majesty's brig in charge of thereformed slaver_!

No sooner did the chase perceive our manoeuvre, than, running in hersweeps, she hoisted a Spanish flag and fired a warning cartridge. Afaint hurrah answered the challenge, while our argonauts kept on theirway, till, from deck, they became lost below the horizon. Presently, however, the boom of another gun, followed by repeated discharges, rolled through the quiet air from the Spaniard, and the look-out aloftreported our boats in retreat. Just at this moment, a light breezegave headway to the Termagant, so that I was enabled to steer towardsthe prize, but before I could overhaul our warriors, the enemy hadreceived the freshening gale, and, under every stitch of canvas, stoodrapidly to sea. 

When Seagram regained his deck, he was bleeding profusely from a woundin the head received from a handspike while attempting to board. Besides this, two men were missing, while three had been seriouslywounded by a shot that sunk the yawl. My gallant boatswain, however, returned unharmed, and, if I may believe the commander of the"Serea, "--whom I encountered some time after, --this daring sailor didmore execution with his musket than all the marines put together. The_Kroo_ canoe dashed alongside with the velocity of her class, and, asa petty officer on the Spaniard bent over to sink the skiff with aponderous top-block, our boatswain cleft his skull with a musket ball, and brought home the block as a trophy! In fact, Seagram confessedthat the Spaniard behaved magnanimously; for the moment our yawl wassunk, Olivares cut adrift his boat, and bade the struggling swimmersreturn in it to their vessel. 

I have described this little affray not so much for its interest, butbecause it illustrates the vicissitudes of coast-life and the rapidityof their occurrence. Here was I, on the deck of a British man-of-war, in charge of her manoeuvres while in chase of a Spaniard, who, foraught I knew, might have been consigned to me for slaves! I gave myword to Seagram as he embarked, to manage his ship, and had I attaineda position that would have enabled me to sink the "Serea, " I would nothave shrunk from my duty. Yet it afforded me infinite satisfaction tosee the chase escape, for my heart smote me at taking arms against menwho had probably broken bread at my board. 

CHAPTER LXVIII. 

Next day we recovered our anchorage opposite Cape Mount, and wound ourway eight or ten miles up the river to the town of Toso, which washonored with the residence of King Fana-Toro. It did not require longto satisfy his majesty of the benefits to be derived from my plan. Thenews of the destruction of Gallinas, and of the voluntary surrender ofmy quarters at New Sestros, had spread like wildfire along the coast;so that when the African princes began to understand they were nolonger to profit by unlawful traffic, they were willing enough not tolose _all_ their ancient avails, by compromising for a _legal_commerce, under the sanction of national flags. I explained myprojects to Fana-Toro in the fullest manner, offering him the mostliberal terms. My propositions were forcibly supported by Prince Gray;and a cession of the Mount and its neighboring territory was finallymade, under a stipulation that the purchase-money should be paid inpresence of the negro's council, and the surrender of title witnessedby the Termagant's officers. [8]

As soon as the contract was fully signed, sealed, and delivered, making Mr. Redman and myself proprietors, in fee-simple, of thisbeautiful region, I hastened in company with my naval friends toexplore my little principality for a suitable town-site. We launchedour boat on the waters of the noble lake Plitzogee at Toso, and aftersteering north-eastwardly for two hours under the pilotage of PrinceGray, entered a winding creek and penetrated its thickets of mangroveand palm, till the savage landed us on decayed steps and pavement madeof _English brick_. At a short distance through the underwood, ourconductor pointed out a denuded space which had once served as thefoundation of an _English slave factory_; and when my companionshesitated to believe the prince's dishonorable charge on their nation, the negro confirmed it by pointing out, deeply carved in the bark of aneighboring tree, the name of:--

 T. WILLIAMS, 1804. 

I took the liberty to compliment Seagram and the surgeon on the resultof our exploration; and, after a hearty laugh at the denouement of theprince's search for a _lawful_ homestead, we plunged still deeper inthe forest, but returned without finding a location to my taste. Nextday we recommenced our exploration by land, and, in order to obtain acomprehensive view of my dominion, as far as the eye would reach, Iproposed an ascent of the promontory of the Cape which lifts its headquite twelve hundred feet above the sea. A toilsome walk of hoursbrought us to the summit, but so dense was the foliage and so loftythe magnificent trees, that, even by climbing the tallest, my scope ofvision was hardly increased. As we descended the slopes, however, towards the strait between the sea and lake, I suddenly came upon arich, spacious level, flanked by a large brook of delicious water, anddeciding instantly that it was an admirable spot for intercourse withthe ocean as well as interior, I resolved that it should be the siteof my future home. A tar was at hand to climb the loftiest palm, tostrip its bushy head, and hoist the union-jack. Before sundown, I hadtaken solemn territorial possession, and baptized the future town "NewFlorence, " in honor of my Italian birthplace. 

My next effort was to procure laborers, for whom I invoked the aid ofFana-Toro and the neighboring chiefs. During two days, forty negroes, whom I hired for their food and a _per diem_ of twenty cents, wroughtfaithfully under my direction; but the constant task of felling trees, digging roots, and clearing ground, was so unusual for savages, thatthe entire gang, with the exception of a dozen, took their pay in rumand tobacco and quitted me. A couple of days more, devoted to suchendurance, drove off the remaining twelve, so that on the fifth day ofmy philanthropic enterprise I was left in my solitary hut with asingle attendant. I had, alas! undertaken a task altogether unsuitedto people whose idea of earthly happiness and duty is divided betweenpalm-oil, concubinage, and sunshine!

I found it idle to remonstrate with the king about the indolence ofhis subjects. Fana-Toro entertained very nearly the same opinion ashis slaves. He declared, --and perhaps very sensibly, --that white menwere fools to work from sunrise to sunset every day of their lives;nor could he comprehend how negroes were expected to follow theirexample; nay, it was not the "fashion of Africa;" and, least of all, could his majesty conceive how a man possessed of so much merchandiseand property, would voluntarily undergo the toils I was preparing forthe future!

The king's censure and surprise were not encouraging; yet I had solong endured the natural indolence of negrodom, that I hardly expectedeither a different reply or influential support, from his majesty. Nevertheless, I was not disheartened. I remembered the old school-boymaxim, _non vi sed sæpe cadendo_, and determined to effect by degreeswhat I could not achieve at a bound. For a while I tried the effect ofhigher wages; but an increase of rum, tobacco, and coin, could notstring the nerves or cord the muscles of Africa. Four men's labor wasnot equivalent to one day's work in Europe or America. The negro'sphilosophy was both natural and self-evident:--_why should he work forpay when he could live without it?_--_labor could not give him moresunshine, palm-oil, or wives; and, as for grog and tobacco, they mightbe had without the infringement of habits which had almost thesacredness of religious institutions. _

With such slender prospects of prosperity at New Florence, I left aman in charge of my hut, and directing him to get on as well as hecould, I visited Monrovia, to look after the merchandise that had beensaved from the wreck of New Sestros. 

FOOTNOTE:

[8] As the document granting this beautiful headland and valuabletrading post is of some interest, I have added a copy of theinstrument:

"KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, FANA-TORO, King of Cape Mountand its rivers, in the presence, and with the full consent andapprobation of my principal chiefs in council assembled, inconsideration of a mutual friendship existing between GEORGE CLAVERINGREDMAN, THEODORE CANOT & CO. , British subjects, and myself, theparticulars whereof are under-written, do, for myself, my heirs andsuccessors, give and grant unto the said George Clavering Redman, Theodore Canot & Co. , their heirs and assigns in perpetuity, all landunder the name of CAPE MOUNT, extending, on the south and east sides, to _Little Cape Mount_, and on the north-west side to _Sugarei River_, comprised with the islands, lakes, brooks, forests, trees, waters, mines, minerals, rights, members, and appurtenances thereto belongingor appertaining, and all wild and tame beasts and other animalsthereon; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said cape, rivers, islands, with bothsides of the river and other premises hereby granted unto the said G. CLAVERING REDMAN, T. CANOT & CO. , their heirs and assigns for ever, subject to the authority and dominion of HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OFGREAT BRITAIN, her heirs and successors. 

"And I, also, give and grant unto the said G. C. REDMAN, T. CANOT &CO. , the sole and exclusive rights of traffic with my Nation andPeople, and with all those tributary to me, and I hereby engage toafford my assistance and protection to the said party, and to allpersons who may settle on the said cape, rivers, islands, lakes, andboth sides of the river, by their consent, wishing peace andfriendship between my nation and all persons belonging to the saidfirm. 

"Given under my hand and seal, at the town of FANAMA, this, twenty-third day of February, one thousand eight hundred andforty-one. 

 his "KING X FANA-TORO. (L. S. ) mark. 

 his "PRINCE X GRAY. (L. S. ) mark. 

"Witnesses, "HY. FROWD SEAGRAM, R. N. } "GEO. D. NOBLE, Clerk in Charge. } _of Her Majesty's_ "THOS. CRAWFORD, Surgeon. } _brig Termagant. _"

I paid King Fana-Toro and his chiefs in council the followingmerchandise in exchange for his territory: six casks of rum; twentymuskets; twenty quarter-kegs powder; twenty pounds tobacco; twentypieces white cottons; thirty pieces blue cottons; twenty iron bars;twenty cutlasses; twenty wash-basins; and twenty each of several otherarticles of trifling value. 

CHAPTER LXIX. 

I might fairly be accused of ingratitude if I passed without noticethe Colony of Liberia and its capital, whose hospitable doors wereopened widely to receive an exile, when the barbarians of New Sestrosdrove me from that settlement. 

It is not my intention to tire the reader with an account of Liberia, for I presume that few are unacquainted with the thriving condition ofthose philanthropic lodgments, which hem the western coast of Africafor near eight hundred miles. 

In my former visits to Monrovia, I had been regarded as a dangerousintruder, who was to be kept for ever under the vigilant eyes ofgovernment officials. When my character as an established slaver wasclearly ascertained, the port was interdicted to my vessels, and myappearance in the town itself prohibited. Now, however, when I came asa fugitive from violence, and with the acknowledged relinquishment ofmy ancient traffic, every hand was extended in friendship andcommiseration. The governor and council allowed the landing of myrescued slave-goods on deposit, while the only two servants whocontinued faithful were secured to me as apprentices by the court. Scarcely more than two months ago, the people of this quiet villagewere disturbed from sleep by the roll of drums beating for recruits tomarch against "_the slaver Canot_;" to-day I dine with the chief ofthe colony and am welcomed as a brother! This is another of thoseremarkable vicissitudes that abound in this work, and which thecritics, in all likelihood, may consider too often repeated. To mymind, however, it is only another illustration of the probability ofthe odd and the strangeness of _truth_!

I had no difficulty in finding all sorts of workmen in Monrovia, forthe colonists brought with them all the mechanical ingenuity andthrift that characterize the American people. In four months, with theassistance of a few carpenters, sawyers and blacksmiths, I built acharming little craft of twenty-five tons, which, in honor of myBritish protector, I dubbed the "Termagant. " I notice the constructionof this vessel, merely to show that the colony and its people werelong ago capable of producing every thing that may be required by acommercial state in the tropics. When my cutter touched the water, shewas indebted to foreign countries for nothing but her copper, chainsand sails, every thing else being the product of Africa and _colonial_labor. Had nature bestowed a better harbor on the Mesurado river, andafforded a safer entrance for large vessels, Monrovia would now besecond only to Sierra Leone. Following the beautiful border of theSaint Paul's, a few miles from Monrovia the eye rests on extensiveplains teeming with luxurious vegetation. The amplest proof has beengiven of the soil's fertility in the production of coffee, sugar, cotton and rice. I have frequently seen cane fourteen feet high, andas thick as any I ever met with in the Indies. Coffee-trees grow muchlarger than on this side of the Atlantic; single trees often yieldingsixteen pounds, which is about seven more than the average product inthe West Indies. [H] Throughout the entire jurisdiction between CapeMount and Cape Palmas, to the St. Andrew's, the soil is equallyprolific. Oranges, lemons, cocoanuts, pine-apples, mangoes, plums, granadillas, sour and sweet sop, plantains, bananas, guyavas, tamarinds, ginger, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, and corn, are foundin abundance; while the industry of American settlers has lately addedthe bread-fruit, rose apple, patanga, cantelope, water-melon, aguacateand mulberry. Garden culture produces every thing that may be desiredat the most luxurious table. 

Much has been said of the "pestilential climate of Africa, " and thecertain doom of those who venture within the spell of its miasma. Idare not deny that the coast is scourged by dangerous maladies, andthat nearly all who take up their abode in the colonies are obliged toundergo the ordeal of a fever which assails them with more or lessvirulence, according to the health, constitution, or condition of thepatient. Yet I think, if the colonization records are read with acandid spirit, they will satisfy unprejudiced persons that themortality of emigrants has diminished nearly one half, in consequenceof the sanitary care exercised by the colonial authorities during theperiod of acclimation. The colonies are now amply supplied withlodgings for new comers, where every thing demanded for comfort, cure, or alleviation, is at hand in abundance. Colored physicians, whostudied their art in America, have acquainted themselves with thelocal distempers, and proved their skill by successful practice. Noris there now the difficulty or expense which, twelve years ago, beforethe destruction of the neighboring slave marts, made it almostimpossible to furnish convalescents with that delicate nourishmentwhich was needed to re-establish their vigor. 

 * * * * *

It may not be amiss if I venture to hope that these colonialexperiments, which have been fostered for the civilization of Africaas well as for the amelioration of the American negro's lot, willcontinue to receive the support of all good men. Some persons assertthat the race is incapable of self-government beyond the tribal state, and _then_ only through fear; while others allege, that no matter whatcare may be bestowed on African intellect, it is unable to produce orsustain the highest results of modern civilization. It would not beproper for any one to speak oracularly on this mooted point; yet, injustice to the negroes who never left their forests, as well as tothose who have imbibed, for more than a generation, the civilizationof Europe or America, I may unhesitatingly say, that the colonialtrial has thus far been highly promising. I have often been present atdifficult councils and "_palavers_" among the _wild_ tribes, whenquestions arose which demanded a calm and skilful judgment, and inalmost every instance, the decision was characterized by remarkablegood sense and equity. In most of the _colonies_ the men who areintrusted with local control, a few years since were either slaves inAmerica, or employed in menial tasks which it was almost hopeless theycould escape. Liberia, at present, may boast of several individuals, who, but for their caste, might adorn society; while they who havepersonally known Roberts, Lewis, Benedict, J. B. McGill, Teage, Bensonof Grand Bassa, and Dr. McGill of Cape Palmas, can bear testimony thatnature has endowed numbers of the colored race with the best qualitiesof humanity. 

Nevertheless, the prosperity, endurance and influence of the colonies, are still problems. I am anxious to see the second generation of thecolonists in Africa. I wish to know what will be the force anddevelopment of the negro mind on its native soil, --civilized, but cutoff from all instruction, influence, or association with the whitemind. I desire to understand, precisely, whether the negro's facultiesare original or imitative, and consequently, whether he can standalone in absolute independence, or is only respectable when reflectinga civilization that is cast on him by others. 

If the descendants of the present colonists, increased by an immenseimmigration _of all classes and qualities_ during the next twenty-fiveyears, shall sustain the young nation with that industrial energy andpolitical dignity that mark its population in our day, we shall hailthe realized fact with infinite delight. We will rejoice, not onlybecause the emancipated negro may thenceforth possess a realm whereinhis rights shall be sacred, but because the civilization with whichthe colonies must border the African continent, will, year by year, sink deeper and deeper into the heart of the interior, till barbarismand Islamism will fade before the light of Christianity. 

But the test and trial have yet to come. The colonist of our time isan exotic under glass, --full, as yet, of sap and stamina drawn fromhis native America, but nursed with care and exhibited as theefflorescence of modern philanthropy. Let us hope that this wholesomeguardianship will not be too soon or suddenly withdrawn by the parentsocieties; but that, while the state of pupilage shall not becontinued till the immigrants and their children are emasculated bylengthened dependence, it will be upheld until the republic shallexhibit such signs of manhood as cannot deceive the least hopeful. 

FOOTNOTE:

[H] I wish to confirm and fortify this statement in regard to thevalue of coffee culture in the colonies, by the observation of Dr. J. W. Lugenbeel, late colonial physician and United States agent inLiberia. The Doctor gave "particular attention to observations andinvestigations respecting coffee culture in Liberia. " "I havefrequently seen, " he says, "isolated trees growing in different partsof Liberia, which yielded from ten to twenty pounds of clean drycoffee at one picking; and, however incredible it may appear, it is afact that one tree in Monrovia yielded four and a half bushels ofcoffee in the hull, at one time, which, when dried and shelled, weighed thirty-one pounds. This is the largest quantity I ever heardof, and the largest tree I ever saw, being upwards of twenty feet highand of proportionate dimensions. "

The Doctor is of opinion, however, that as the coffee-tree begins tobear at the end of its fourth year, an _average_ yield at the end ofthe sixth year may be calculated on of at least four pounds. Threehundred trees may be planted on an acre, giving each twelve feet, andin six years the culture will become profitable as well as easy. 

CHAPTER LXX. 

I returned to Cape Mount from the colony with several Americanmechanics and a fresh assortment of merchandise for traffic with thenatives. During my absence, the agent I left in charge had contrived, with great labor, to clear a large space in the forest for myprojected establishment, so that with the aid of my Americans, I wassoon enabled to give the finishing touch to New Florence. While thebuildings were erecting, I induced a number of natives, by force ofdouble pay and the authority of their chiefs, to form and cultivate agarden, comprising the luxuries of Europe and America as well as ofthe tropics, which, in after days, secured the admiration of many anaval commander. 

As soon as my dwelling was nicely completed, I removed my furniturefrom the colony; and, still continuing to drum through the country forbusiness with the Africans, I despatched my Kroomen and pilots onboard of every cruiser that appeared in the offing, to supply themwith provisions and refreshments. 

An event took place about this time which may illustrate the manner inwhich a branch of the slave-trade is carried on along the coast. HerBritannic Majesty's sloop of war L---- was in the neighborhood, andlanded three of her officers at my quarters to spend a day or two inhunting the wild boars with which the adjacent country was stocked. But the rain poured down in such torrents, that, instead of a hunt, Iproposed a dinner to my jovial visitors. Soon after our soup had beendespatched on the piazza, there was a rush of natives into the yard, and I was informed that one of our Bush chiefs had brought in a notedgambler, whom he threatened either to sell or kill. 

It struck me instantly that this would be a good opportunity to givemy British friends a sight of native character, at the same time thatthey might be enabled, if so disposed, to do a generous action. Accordingly, I directed my servant to bring the Bushman and gamblerbefore us; and as the naked victim, with a rope round his neck, wasdragged by the savage to our table, I perceived that it was Soma, whohad formerly been in my service on the coast. The vagabond was anexcellent interpreter and connected with the king, but I had beenobliged to discharge him in consequence of his dissipated habits, andespecially for having gambled away his youngest sister, whose releasefrom Gallinas I had been instrumental in securing. 

"I have brought Soma to your store-keeper, " said the Bushman, "and Iwant him to buy the varlet. Soma has been half the day gambling withme. First of all he lost his gun, then his cap, then his cloth, thenhis right leg, then his left, then his arms, and, last of all, hishead. I have given his friends a chance to redeem the dog, but as theyhad bought him half a dozen times already, there's not a man in thetown that will touch him. Soma _never_ pays his debts; and now, DonTéodore, I have brought him here, and if _you_ don't buy him, I'lltake him to the water-side and _cut his throat_!"

There, --with an imploring countenance, bare as he came into the world, a choking cord round his throat, and with pinioned arms, --stood thetrembling gambler, as I glanced in vain from the Bushman to theofficers, in expectation of his release by those philanthropists! AsSoma spoke English, I told him in our language, that I had no pity forhis fate, and that he must take the chances he had invoked. Twentydollars would have saved his life, and yet the British did not melt!"Take him off, " said I sternly, to the Bushman, "and use him as youchoose!"--but at the same moment, a wink to my interpreter sufficed, and the Bushman returned to the forest with tobacco and rum, whileSoma was saved from slaughter. It is by no means improbable that thegambler is now playing _monte_ on some plantation in Cuba. 

 * * * * *

I continued my labors at New Florence without intermission for severalmonths, but when I cast up my account, I found the wages and cost ofbuilding so enormous, that my finances would soon be exhausted. Accordingly, by the advice of my friend Seagram, as well as of CaptainTucker, who commanded on the station, I petitioned Lord Stanley togrant me one hundred recaptured Africans to till my grounds and learnthe rudiments of agricultural industry. Some time elapsed before ananswer was sent, but when it came, my prospects were dashed to theearth. 

 "GOVERNMENT HOUSE, SIERRA LEONE, "_28th October, 1843_. 

"SIR:

"I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated August last, inclosing the copy of a petition, the original of which you hadtransmitted to the acting Lieutenant Governor Ferguson, for thepurpose of having it forwarded to her Majesty's Government. 

"In reply, I have to acquaint you, that by the receipt of a despatchfrom the Rt. Hon. Lord Stanley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, bearing date 8th April 1842, his Lordship states that he cannotsanction a compliance with your request to have a number of liberatedAfricans, as apprentices, in tilling your grounds; and further, thathe could not recognize the purchase of Cape Mount, as placing thatdistrict under the protection and sovereignty of the British crown. 

"I beg to add, that I am glad to be informed by Captain Oake that thevessel, alluded to in your letter, which you had been unable todespatch for want of a license, had obtained one for that purpose fromthe governor of Monrovia. 

 "I am, sir, your obedient servant, "G. MAC DONALD, "_Governor_. 

 "_To_ MR. THEODORE CANOT. "

The picture that had been painted by my imagination with so manybright scenes and philanthropic hopes, fell as I finished thisepistle. It not only clouded my future prospects of lawful commerce, but broke off, at once, the correspondence with my generous friendRedman in London. As I dropped the missive on the table, I ordered thepalm-tree on which I had first unfurled the British flag to be cutdown; and next day, on a tall pole, in full view of the harbor, Ihoisted a tri-colored banner, adorned by a central star, which Icaused to be baptized, in presence of Fana-Toro, with a salvo oftwenty guns. 

I am not naturally of a mischievous or revengeful temper, but I canscarcely find language to express the mortification I experienced whenLord Stanley thwarted my honest intentions, by his refusal to protectthe purchase whereon I had firmly resolved to be an ally and friend, in concentrating a lawful commerce. I was especially disgusted by thismistrust, or mistake, after the flattering assurances with which mydesign had, from the first, been cherished by the British officers onthe station. I may confess that, for a moment, I almost repented theconfidence I had reposed in the British lion, and was at a losswhether to abandon Cape Mount and return to my former traffic, or totill the ground and play waterman to the fleet. 

After proper deliberation, however, I resolved to take the plough formy device; and before Christmas, I had already ordered from England alarge supply of agricultural implements and of every thing requisitefor elaborate husbandry. After this, I purchased forty youths to beemployed on a coffee plantation, and to drag my ploughs till Iobtained animals to replace them. In a short time I had abundance ofland cleared, and an over-seer's house erected for an oldbarracoonier, who, I am grieved to say, turned out but a sorryfarmer. He had no idea of systematic labor or discipline save by thelash, so that in a month, four of his gang were on the sick list, andfive had deserted. I replaced the Spaniard by an American colored man, who, in turn, made too free with my people and neglected theplantations. My own knowledge of agriculture was so limited, thatunless I fortified every enterprise by constant reference to books, Iwas unable to direct my hands with skill; and, accordingly, with allthese mishaps to my commerce and tillage, I became satisfied that itwas easier to plough the ocean than the land. 

Still I was not disheartened. My trade, on a large scale, with theinterior, and my agriculture had both failed; yet I resolved to trythe effect of traffic in a humble way, combined with such _mechanical_pursuits as would be profitable on the coast. Accordingly, I divided agang of forty well-drilled negroes into two sections, retaining theleast intelligent on the farm, while the brighter youths were broughtto the landing. Here I laid out a ship-yard, blacksmith's shop, andsawpit, placing at the head of each, a Monrovian colonist to instructmy slaves. In the mean time the neighboring natives, as well as thepeople some distance in the interior, were apprised by my runners ofthe new factory I was forming at Cape Mount. 

By the return of the dry season our establishment gave signs ofrenewed vitality. Within the fences of New Florence there were alreadytwenty-five buildings and a population of one hundred, and nothing waswanting but a stock of cattle, which I soon procured from the Kroocountry. 

Thus, for a long time all things went on satisfactorily, not only withthe natives, but with foreign traders and cruisers, till a native warembarrassed my enterprise, and brought me in contact with the enemiesof King Fana-Toro, of whose realm and deportment I must give someaccount. 

CHAPTER LXXI. 

The Africans who cluster about the bold headland of CapeMount, --which, in fair weather, greets the mariner full thirty milesat sea, --belong to the Vey tribe, and are in no way inferior to thebest classes of natives along the coast. Forty or fifty familiesconstitute "a town, " the government of which is generally in the handsof the oldest man, who administers justice by a "palaver" held inpublic, wherein the seniors of the settlement are alone consulted. These villages subject themselves voluntarily to the protectorate oflarger towns, whose chief arbitrates as sovereign without appeal inall disputes among towns under his wardship; yet, as his judgments arenot always pleasing, the dissatisfied desert their huts, and, emigrating to another jurisdiction, build their village anew withinits limits. 

The Veys of both sexes are well-built, erect, and somewhat stately. Their faith differs but little from that prevalent among the Soosoosof the Rio Pongo. They believe in a superior power that may besuccessfully invoked through _gree-grees_ and _fetiches_, but which isgenerally obstinate or mischievous. It is their idea that the good arerewarded after death by transformation into some favorite animal; yettheir entire creed is not subject to any definite description, forthey blend the absurdities of Mahometanism with those of paganism, andmellow the whole by an acknowledgment of a supreme deity. 

The Vey, like other _uncontaminated_ Ethiopians, is brought up insavage neglect by his parents, crawling in perfect nakedness about thevillages, till imitation teaches him the use of raiment, which, in alllikelihood, he first of all obtains by theft. There is no differencebetween the sexes during their early years. A sense of shame ormodesty seems altogether unknown or disregarded; nor is it unusual tofind ten or a dozen of both genders huddled promiscuously beneath aroof whose walls are not more than fifteen feet square. 

True to his nature, a Vey bushman rises in the morning to swallow hisrice and cassava, and crawls back to his mat which is invariablyplaced in the sunshine, where he _simmers_ till noontide, when anotherwife serves him with a second meal. The remainder of daylight ispassed either in gossip or a second _siesta_, till, at sundown, hisother wives wash his body, furnish a third meal, and stretch hiswearied limbs before a blazing fire to refresh for the toils of thesucceeding day. In fact, the slaves of a household, together with itsfemales, form the entire working class of Africa, and in order toindoctrinate the gentler sex in its future toils and duties, thereseems to be a sort of national seminary which is known as theGree-gree-bush. 

The Gree-gree-bush is a secluded spot or grove of considerable extentin the forest, apart from dwellings and cultivated land thoughadjacent to villages, which is considered as consecrated ground andforbidden to the approach of men. The establishment within thisprecinct consists of a few houses, with an extensive area forexercise. It is governed chiefly by an old woman of superior skill andknowledge, to whose charge the girls of a village are intrusted assoon as they reach the age of ten or twelve. There are variousopinions of the use and value of this institution in the primitivepolity of Africa. By some writers it is treated as a religiouscloister for the protection of female chastity, while by others it isregarded as a school of licentiousness. From my own examination of theestablishment, I am quite satisfied that a line drawn between theseextremes will, most probably, characterize the "bush" with accuracy, and that what was originally a conservative seclusion, has degeneratedgreatly under the lust of tropical passions. 

As the procession of novices who are about to enter the groveapproaches the sanctuary, music and dancing are heard and seen onevery side. As soon as the maidens are received, they are taken by the_gree-gree_ women to a neighboring stream, where they are washed, andundergo an operation which is regarded as a sort of circumcision. Anointed from head to foot with palm-oil, they are next reconducted totheir home in the gree-gree bush. Here, under strict watch, they aremaintained by their relatives or those who are in treaty for them aswives, until they reach the age of puberty. At this epoch theimportant fact is announced by the gree-gree woman to the purchaser orfuture husband, who, it is expected, will soon prepare to take herfrom the retreat. Whenever his _new_ house is ready for the bride'sreception, it is proclaimed by the ringing of bells and vociferouscries during night. Next day search is made by females through thewoods, to ascertain whether intruders are lurking about, but when thepath is ascertained to be clear, the girl is forthwith borne to arivulet, where she is washed, anointed, and clad in her best attire. From thence she is borne, amid singing, drumming, shouting, andfiring, in the arms of her female attendants, till her unsoiled feetare deposited on the husband's floor. [9]

I believe this institution exists throughout a large portion ofAfrica, and such is the desire to place females within the bush, thatpoor parents who cannot pay the initiatory fee, raise subscriptionsamong their friends to obtain the requisite slave whose gift entitlestheir child to admission. Sometimes, it is said, that this _humanticket is stolen_ to effect the desired purpose, and that no nativepower can recover the lost slave when once within the sacredprecincts. 

The gree-gree-bush is not only a resort of the virgin, but of thewife, in those seasons when approaching maternity indicates need ofrepose and care. In a few hours, the robust mother issues with hernew-born child, and after a plunge into the nearest brook, returns tothe domestic drudgery which I have already described. 

 * * * * *

In the time of Fana-Toro, Toso was the royal residence where hismajesty played sovereign and protector over six towns and fifteenvillages. His government was generally considered patriarchal. When Ibought Cape Mount, the king numbered "seventy-seven rains, " equivalentto so many years;--he was small, wiry, meagre, erect, and proud of therespect he universally commanded. His youth was notorious among thetribes for intrepidity, and I found that he retained towards enemies abitter resentment that often led to the commission of atrociouscruelties. 

It was not long after my instalment at the Cape, that I accidentallywitnessed the ferocity of this chief. Some trifling "country affair"caused me to visit the king; but upon landing at Toso I was told hewas abroad. The manner of my informant, however, satisfied me that themessage was untrue; and accordingly, with the usual confidence of a"white man" in Africa, I searched his premises till I encountered himin the "palaver-house. " The large inclosure was crammed with a mob ofsavages, all in perfect silence around the king, who, in an infuriatemanner, with a bloody, knife in his hand, and a foot on the dead bodyof a negro, was addressing the carcass. By his side stood a pot ofhissing oil, in which the heart of his enemy was frying!

My sudden and, perhaps, improper entrance, seemed to exasperate theinfidel, who, calling me to his side, knelt on the corpse, and diggingit repeatedly with his knife, exclaimed with trembling passion, thatit was his bitterest and oldest foe's! For twenty years he hadbutchered his people, sold his subjects, violated his daughters, slainhis sons, and burnt his towns;--and with each charge, the savageenforced his assertion by a stab. 

I learned that the slaughtered captive was too brave and wary to betaken alive in open conflict. He had been kidnapped by treachery, andas he could not be forced to walk to Toso, the king's trappers hadcooped him in a huge basket, which they bore on their shoulders to theCape. No sooner was the brute in his captor's presence, than he brokea silence of three days by imprecations on Fana-Toro. In a shortspace, his fate was decided in the scene I had witnessed, while hisbody was immediately burnt to prevent it from taking the form of someferocious beast which might vex the remaining years of his royalexecutioner!

This was the only instance of Fana-Toro's barbarity that came under mynotice, and in its perpetration he merely followed the example of hisancestors in obedience to African ferocity. Yet, of his intrepidityand nobler endurance, I will relate an anecdote which was told me byreliable persons. Some twenty years before my arrival at the Cape, large bands of mercenary bushmen had joined his enemies along thebeach, and after desolating his territory, sat down to beleaguer thestockade of Toso. For many a day thirst and hunger were quietlysuffered under the resolute command of the king, but at length, whentheir pangs became unendurable, and the people demanded a surrender, Fana-Toro strode into the "palaver-house, " commanding a _sortie_ withhis famished madmen. The warriors protested against the idea, fortheir ammunition was exhausted. Then arose a wild shout for the king'sdeposition and the election of a chief to succeed him. A candidate wasinstantly found and installed; but no sooner had he been chosen, thanFana-Toro, --daring the new prince to prove a power of _endurance_equal to his own, --plunged his finger in a bowl of boiling oil, andheld it over the fire, without moving a muscle, till the flesh wascrisped to the bone. 

It is hardly necessary to say that the sovereign was at once restoredto his rights, or that, availing himself of the fresh enthusiasm, herushed upon his besiegers, broke their lines, routed the mercenaries, and compelled his rival to sue for peace. Until the day of his death, that mutilated hand was the boast of his people. 

The Vey people mark with some ceremony the extremes of humanexistence--birth and death. Both events are honored with feasting, drinking, dancing, and firing; and the descendants of the deadsometimes impoverish, and even ruin themselves, to inter a venerableparent with pomp. 

Prince Gray, the son of Fana-Toro, whom I have already mentioned, diedduring my occupation of Cape Mount. I was at Mesurado when the eventhappened, but, as soon as I heard it, I resolved to unite with hisrelations in the last rites to his memory. Gray was not only a goodnegro and kind neighbor, but, as my fast friend in "country matters, "his death was a personal calamity. 

The breath was hardly out of the prince's body, when his sons, whoowned but little property and had no slaves for sale, hastened to myagent, and pledged their town of Panama for means to defray hisfuneral. In the mean time, the corpse, swathed in twenty large countrysheets, and wrapped in twenty pieces of variegated calico, was laidout in a hut, where it was constantly watched and _smoked_ by three ofthe favorite widows. 

After two months devotion to moaning and _seasoning_, notice was sentforty miles round the country, summoning the tribes to the finalceremony. On the appointed day the corpse was brought from the hut, _aperfect mass of bacon_. As the procession moved towards thepalaver-house, the prince's twenty wives--almost entirely denuded, their heads shaved, and their bodies smeared with dust--were seenfollowing his remains. The eldest spouse appeared covered withself-inflicted bruises, burns, and gashes--all indications of sorrowand future uselessness. 

The crowd reached the apartment, singing the praises of the defunct inchorus, when the body was laid on a new mat, covered with his warshirt, while the parched lump that indicated his head was crowned withthe remains of a fur hat. All the amulets, charms, gree-grees, fetiches and flummery of the prince were duly bestowed at his sides. While these arrangements were making within, his sons stood beneathan adjoining verandah, to receive the condolences of the invitedguests, who, according to custom, made their bows and deposited atribute of rice, palm-oil, palm-wine, or other luxuries, to help outthe merry-making. 

When I heard of the prince's death at Monrovia, I resolved not toreturn without a testimonial of respect for my ally, and ordered anenormous coffin to be prepared without delay. In due time the hugechest was made ready, covered with blue cotton, studded with brassnails, and adorned with all the gilded ornaments I could find inMonrovia. Besides this splendid sarcophagus, my craft from the colonywas ballasted with four bullocks and several barrels of rum, as acontribution to the funeral. 

I had timed my arrival at Fanama, so as to reach the landing about teno'clock on the morning of burial; and, after a salute from my brazenguns, I landed the bullocks, liquor, and coffin, and marched towardthe princely gates. 

The unexpected appearance of the white friend of their father, lord, and husband, was greeted by the family with a loud wail, and, as amark of respect, I was instantly lifted in the arms of the weepingwomen, and deposited on the mat beside the corpse. Here I rested, amidcries and lamentations, till near noon, when the bullocks wereslaughtered, and their blood offered in wash-bowls to the dead. Assoon as this was over, the shapeless mass was stowed in the coffinwithout regard to position, and borne by six carriers to the beach, where it was buried in a cluster of cotton-woods. 

On our return to Fanama from the grave, the eldest son of the deceasedwas instantly saluted as prince. From this moment the festivitiesbegan, and, at sundown, the twenty widows reappeared upon the ground, clad in their choicest raiment, their shaven skulls anointed with oil, and their limbs loaded with every bead and bracelet they could muster. Then began the partition of these disconsolate relicts among the royalfamily. Six were selected by the new prince, who divided thirteenamong his brothers and kinsmen, but gave his mother to hisfather-in-law. As soon as the allotment was over, his highness verycourteously offered me the choice of his _six_, in return for mygifts; but as I never formed a family tie with natives, I declined thehonor, as altogether too overwhelming!

FOOTNOTE:

[9] See Maryland Colonization Journal, vol. I. , n. S. , p. 212. 

CHAPTER LXXII. 

When I was once comfortably installed at my motley establishment, and, under the management of Colonists, had initiated the native workmeninto tolerable skill with the adze, saw, sledgehammer and forge, Iundertook to build a brig of one hundred tons. In six months, peoplecame from far and near to behold the mechanical marvels of Cape Mount. Meanwhile, my plantation went on slowly, while my _garden_ became amatter of curiosity to all the intelligent coasters and cruisers, though I could never enlighten the natives as to the value of the"foreign grass" which I cultivated so diligently. They admired thesymmetry of my beds, the richness of my pine-apples, the luxurioussplendor of my sugar-cane, the abundance of my coffee, and the coolfragrance of the arbors with which I adorned the lawn; but they wouldnever admit the use of my exotic vegetables. In order to water mypremises, I turned the channel of a brook, surrounding the garden witha perfect canal; and, as its sides were completely laced with anelaborate wicker-work of willows, the aged king and crowds of hisfollowers came to look upon the Samsonian task as one of the wondersof Africa. "What is it, " exclaimed Fana-Toro, as he beheld thedeflected water-course, "that a white man cannot do!" After this, hismajesty inspected all my plants, and shouted again with surprise atthe toil we underwent to satisfy our appetites. The use or worth of_flowers_, of which I had a rare and beautiful supply, he could neverdivine; but his chief amazement was still devoted to our dailyexpenditure of time, strength, and systematic toil, when rice andpalm-oil would grow wild while we were sleeping!

 * * * * *

It will be seen from this sketch of my domestic comforts andemployment, that New Florence prospered in every thing but _farming_and _trade_. At first it was my hope, that two or three years ofperseverance would enable me to open a lawful traffic with theinterior; but I soon discovered that the slave-trade was alone thoughtof by the natives, who only bring the neighboring produce to thebeach, when their captives are ready for a market. I came, moreover, to the conclusion that the interior negroes about Cape Mount had nocommerce with Eastern tribes except for slaves, and consequently thatits small river will never create marts like those which have directcommunications by water with the heart of a rich region, and absorbits gold, ivory, wax, and hides. To meet these difficulties, Ihastened the building of my vessel _as a coaster_. 

About this time, an American craft called the A----, arrived in myneighborhood. She was loaded with tobacco, calicoes, rum, and powder. Her captain who was unskilled in coast-trade, and ignorant of Spanish, engaged me to act as supercargo for him to Gallinas. In a very shortperiod I disposed of his entire investment. The trim and saucy rig ofthis Yankee clipper bewitched the heart of a Spanish trader whohappened to be among the _lagunes_, and an offer was forthwith made, through me, for her purchase. The bid was accepted at once, and theday before Christmas fixed as the period of her delivery, after a tripto the Gaboon. 

In contracting to furnish this slaver with a craft and the necessaryapparatus for his cargo, it would be folly for me to deny that I wasdipping once more into my ancient trade; yet, on reflection, Iconcluded that in covering the vessel for a moment with my name, I wasno more amenable to rebuke, than the respectable merchants of SierraLeone and elsewhere who passed hardly a day without selling, tonotorious slavers, such merchandise as could be used _alone_ inslave-wars or slave-trade. It is probable that the sophism soothed myconscience at the moment, though I could never escape the promise thatsealed my agreement with Lieutenant Seagram. 

The appointed day arrived, and my smoking semaphores announced thebrigantine's approach to Sugarei, three miles from Cape Mount. Thesame evening the vessel was surrendered to me by the American captain, who landed his crew and handed over his flag and papers. As soon as Iwas in charge, no delay was made to prepare for the reception offreight; and by sunrise I resigned her to the Spaniard, whoimmediately embarked seven hundred negroes, and landed them in Cuba intwenty-seven days. 

Till now the British cruisers had made Cape Mount their friendlyrendezvous, but the noise of this shipment in my neighborhood, and myrefusal to explain or converse on the subject, gave umbrage toofficers who had never failed to supply themselves from my grounds andlarder. In fact I was soon marked as an enemy of the squadron, whileour intercourse dwindled to the merest shadow. In the course of aweek, the Commander on the African station, himself, hove to off theCape, and summoning me on board, concluded a petulant conversation byremarking that "a couple of men like Monsieur Canot would make workenough in Africa for the whole British squadron!"

I answered the compliment with a profound _salaam_, and went over thePenelope's side satisfied that my friendship was at an end with herMajesty's cruisers. 

 * * * * *

The portion of Cape Mount whereon I pitched my tent, had been so longdepopulated by the early wars against Fana-Toro, that the wild beastsreasserted their original dominion over the territory. The forest wasfull of leopards, wild cats, cavallis or wild boars, andourang-outangs. 

Very soon after my arrival, a native youth in my employ had beenseverely chastised for misconduct, and in fear of repetition, fled tothe mount after supplying himself with a basket of cassava. As hisfood was sufficient for a couple of days, we thought he might lingerin the wood till the roots were exhausted, and then return to duty. But three days elapsed without tidings from the truant. On the fourth, a diligent search disclosed his corpse in the forest, every limbdislocated and covered with bites apparently made by human teeth. Itwas the opinion of the natives that the child had been killed byourang-outangs, nor can I doubt their correctness, for when I visitedthe scene of the murder, the earth for a large space around, wascovered with the footprints of the beast and scattered with the skinsof its favorite esculent. 

I was more annoyed, however, at first, by leopards than any otheranimal. My cattle could not stray beyond the fences, nor could mylaborers venture abroad at any time without weapons. I made use ofspring-traps, pit-fall, and various expedients to purify the forest;but such was the cunning or agility of our nimble foes that they allescaped. The only mode by which I succeeded in freeing the _homestead_of their ravages, was by arming the muzzle of a musket with a slice ofmeat which was attached by a string to the trigger, so that the loadand the food were discharged into the leopard's mouth at the samemoment. Thus, by degrees as my settlement grew, the beasts recededfrom the promontory and its adjacent grounds; and in a couple ofyears, the herds were able to roam where they pleased without danger. 

Cape Mount had long been deserted by elephants, but about forty milesfrom my dwelling, on the upper forests of the lake, the noble animalmight still be hunted; and whenever the natives were fortunate enoughto "bag" a specimen, I was sure to be remembered in its division. Ifthe prize proved a male, I received the feet and trunk, but if itturned out of the gentler gender, I was honored with the udder, as aroyal _bonne-bouche_. 

[Illustration: AN ELEPHANT HUNT. ]

In Africa a slaughtered elephant is considered public property by theneighboring villagers, all of whom have a right to carve the gianttill his bones are bare. A genuine sportsman claims nothing but theivory and tail, the latter being universally a perquisite of the king. Yet I frequently found that associations were made among the nativesto capture this colossal beast and his valuable tusks. Upon theseoccasions, a club was formed on the basis of a whaling cruise, while asingle but well-known hunter was chosen to do execution. One manfurnished the muskets, another supplied the powder, a third gave theiron bolts for balls, a fourth made ready the provender, while a fifthdespatched a bearer with the armament. As soon as the outfit wascompleted, the huntsman's _juju_ and _fetiche_ were invoked for goodluck, and he departed under an escort of wives and associates. 

An African elephant is smaller, as well as more cunning and wild, thanthe Asiatic. Accordingly, the sportsman is often obliged to circumventhis game during several days, for it is said that in populousdistricts, its instincts are so keen as to afford warning of theneighborhood of fire-arms, even at extraordinary distances. The commonand most effectual mode of enticing an elephant within reach of aball, is to strew the forest for several miles with _pine-apples_, whose flavor and fragrance infallibly bewitch him. By degrees, hetracks and nibbles the fruit from slice to slice, till, lured withinthe hunter's retreat, he is despatched from the branches of a loftytree by repeated shots at his capacious forehead. 

Sometimes it happens that four or five discharges with the wretchedpowder used in Africa fail to slay the beast, who escapes from thejungle and dies afar from the encounter. When this occurs, anattendant is despatched for a reinforcement, and I have seen a wholesettlement go forth _en masse_ to search for the monster that willfurnish food for many a day. Sometimes the crowd is disappointed, forthe wounds have been slight and the animal is seen no more. Occasionally, a dying elephant will linger a long time, and is onlydiscovered by the buzzards hovering above his body. Then it is thatthe bushmen, guided by the vultures, haste to the forest, and fallupon the putrid flesh with more avidity than birds of prey. Battleshave been fought on the carcass of an elephant, and many a slave, captured in the conflict, has been marched from the body to the beach. 

CHAPTER LXXIII. 

The war, whose rupture I mentioned at the end of the seventiethchapter, spread rapidly throughout our borders; and absorbing theentire attention of the tribe, gave an impulse to slavery which hadbeen unwitnessed since my advent to the Cape. The reader may readilyappreciate the difficulty of my position in a country, hemmed in bywar which could only be terminated by slaughter or slavery. Nor couldI remain neutral in New Florence, which was situated on the same sideof the river as Toso, while the enemies of Fana-Toro were in completepossession of the opposite bank. 

When I felt that the rupture between the British and myself was notonly complete but irreparable, I had less difficulty in deciding mypolicy as to the natives; and, chiefly under the impulse ofself-protection, I resolved to serve the cause of my ancient ally. Imade whatever fortifications could be easily defended in case ofattack, and, by way of show, mounted some cannon on a boat which wasparaded about the waters in a formidable way. My judgment taught mefrom the outset that it was folly to think of joining actively in theconflict; for, while I had but three white men in my quarters, and thecolonists had returned to Monrovia, my New Sestros experience taughtme the value of bondsmen's backing. 

Numerous engagements and captures took place by both parties, so thatmy doors were daily besieged by a crowd of wretches sent by Fana-Toroto be purchased _for shipment_. I declined the contract with firmnessand constancy, but so importunate was the chief that I could notresist his desire that a Spanish factor might come within my limitswith merchandise from Gallinas to purchase his prisoners. "He could donothing with his foes, " he said, "when in his grasp, but slay or sellthem. " The king's enemy, on the opposite shore, disposed of hiscaptives to Gallinas, and obtained supplies of powder and ball, whileFana-Toro, who had no vent for his prisoners, would have beendestroyed without my assistance. 

Matters continued in this way for nearly two years, during which theBritish kept up so vigilant a blockade at Cape Mount and Gallinas, that the slavers had rarely a chance to enter a vessel or run a cargo. In time, the _barracoons_ became so gorged, that the slavers began tobuild their own schooners. When the A---- was sold, I managed toretain her long-boat in my service, but such was now the value ofevery egg-shell on the coast, that her owner despatched a carpenterfrom Gallinas, who, in a few days, decked, rigged, and equipped herfor sea. She was twenty-three feet long, four feet deep, and five feetbeam, so that, when afloat, her measurement could not have exceededfour tons. Yet, on a dark and stormy night, she dropped down theriver, and floated out to sea through the besieging lines, withthirty-three black boys, two sailors, and a navigator. In less thanforty days she transported the whole of her living freight across theAtlantic to Bahia. The negroes almost perished from thirst, but thedaring example was successfully followed during the succeeding year, by skiffs of similar dimensions. 

 * * * * *

I can hardly hope that a narrative of my dull routine, while Ilingered on the coast, entirely aloof from the slave-trade, wouldeither interest or instruct the general reader. The checkered careerI have already exposed, has portrayed almost every phase of Africanlife. If I am conscious of any thing during my domicile at Cape Mount, it is of a sincere desire to prosper by lawful and honorable thrift. But, between the native wars, the turmoil of intruding slavers, andthe suspicions of the English, every thing went wrong. The friendshipof the colonists at Cape Palmas and Monrovia was still unabated;appeals were made by missionaries for my influence with the tribes;coasters called on me as usual for supplies; yet, with all theseencouragements for exertion, I must confess that my experiment wasunsuccessful. 

Nor was this all. I lost my cutter, laden with stores and merchandisefor my factory. A vessel, filled with rice and lumber for myship-yard, was captured _on suspicion_, and, though sent across theAtlantic for adjudication, was dismissed uncondemned. The sudden deathof a British captain from Sierra Leone, deprived me of three thousanddollars. Fana-Toro made numerous assaults on his foes, all of whichfailed; and, to cap the climax of my ills, on returning after a briefabsence, I found that a colonist, whom I had rescued from misery andemployed in my forge, had fled to the enemy, carrying with him anumber of my most useful servants. 

It was about this time that circumstances obliged me to make a rapidvoyage to New York and back to Africa, where the blind goddess hadanother surprise in store for me. During my absence, our ancient kingwas compelled to make a treaty with his rival, who, under the name ofGeorge Cain, dwelt formerly among the American colonists and acquiredour language. It was by treachery alone that Fana-Toro had beendragooned into an arrangement, by which my _quondam_ blacksmith, whomarried a sister of Cain, was elevated to the dignity of princeGeorge's _premier_!

Both these scamps, with a troop of their followers, planted themselveson my premises near the beach, and immediately let me understand thatthey were my sworn enemies. Cain could not pardon the aid I gave toFana-Toro in his earlier conflicts, nor would the renegade colonistforsake his kinsman or the African barbarism, into which he hadrelapsed. 

By degrees, these varlets, whom I was unable, in my crippledcondition, to dislodge, obtained the ears of the British commanders, and poured into them every falsehood that could kindle their ire. TheSpanish factory of Fana-Toro's agent was reported to be _mine_. Theshipment in the A---- and the adventure of her boat, were said to be_mine_. Another suspected clipper was declared to be _mine_. These, and a hundred lies of equal baseness, were adroitly purveyed to thesquadron by the outlaws, and, in less than a month, my fame was asblack as the skin of my traducers. Still, even at this distant day, Imay challenge my worst enemy on the coast to prove that Iparticipated, after 1839, in the purchase of a single slave fortransportation beyond the sea!

From the moment that the first dwelling was erected at New Florence, Icarefully enforced the most rigid decorum between the sexes throughoutmy jurisdiction. It was the boast of our friends at Cape Palmas andMonrovia, that my grounds were free from the debauchery, which, elsewhere in Africa, was unhappily too common. I have had the honor toentertain at my table at Cape Mount, not only the ordinary traders ofthe coast, but commodores of French squadrons, commanders of Britishand American cruisers, governors of colonies, white and coloredmissionaries, as well as innumerable merchants of the firstrespectability, and I have yet to meet the first of them, in any partof the world, who can redden my cheek with a blush. 

But such was not the case at the Cape after Cain and Curtis became thepets of the cruisers, and converted the beach into a brothel. [10]

After a brief sojourn at my quarters to repair "The Chancellor, " inwhich I had come with a cargo from the United States, I hastenedtowards Gallinas to dispose of our merchandise. We had been alreadyboarded by an American officer, who reported us to his superior as aregular merchantman; yet, such were the malicious representations onthe beach against the vessel and myself, that the Dolphin tarried amonth at the anchorage to watch our proceedings. When I went to theold mart of Don Pedro, a cruiser dogged us; when I sailed to leewardof Cape Palmas for oil and ivory, another took charge of ourmovements, --anchoring where we anchored, getting under way when wedid, and following us into every nook and corner. At Grand Buttoa, Itook "The Chancellor" within a reef of rocks, and here I was left toproceed as I pleased, while the British cruiser returned to CapeMount. 

The fifteenth of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, is scored inmy calendar with black. It was on the morning of that day that thecommander who escorted me so warily as far as Buttoa, landed alieutenant and sailors at New Florence, and unceremoniously proceededto search my premises for slaves. As none were found, the valiantcaptors seized a couple of handcuffs, like those in use every where tosecure refractory seamen, and carried them on board to theircommander. Next day, several boats, with marines and sailors, led by aBritish captain and lieutenant, landed about noon, and, withoutnotice, provocation, or even allowing my clerk to save his raiment, set fire to my brigantine, store-houses, and dwelling. 

As I was absent, I cannot vouch for every incident of thistransaction, but I have the utmost confidence in the circumstantialnarrative which my agent, Mr. Horace Smith, soon after prepared underoath at Monrovia. The marines and Kroomen were permitted to plunder atwill. Cain and Curtis revelled in the task of philanthropicdestruction. While the sailors burnt my houses, these miscreants andtheir adherents devoted themselves to the ruin of my garden, fruittrees, plantations, and waterworks. My cattle, even, were stolen, tobe sold to the squadron; and, ere night, New Florence was asmouldering heap!

I would gladly have turned the last leaf of this book without amurmur, had not this wanton outrage been perpetrated, not only while Iwas abroad, but without a shadow of justice. To this hour, I amignorant of any lawful cause, or of any thing but suspicion, that maybe alleged in palliation of the high-handed wrong. Not a line or wordwas left, whereby I could trace a pretext for my ruin. 

Three days after the catastrophe, my ancient ally of Toso paid thedebt of nature. In a month, his tribes awoke from their stupor withone of those fiery spasms that are not uncommon in Africa, and, missing their "white man" and his merchandise, rose in a mass, and, without a word of warning, sacrificed the twin varlets of the beachand restored their lawful prince. 

FOOTNOTE:

[10] I have spoken of visits and appeals from missionaries, and willhere insert a letter of introduction which I received by the hands ofthe Reverend Mr. Williams, whilst I inhabited Cape Mount. Mr. Williamshad been a former governor of Liberia, and was deputed to Cape Mountby the Methodist Episcopal Mission, in Liberia. 

"DEAR SIR:

"This will be handed you by the Rev. A. D. Williams, a minister of theM. E. Church, with whom you are so well acquainted that I hardly needintroduce him. It is a matter of regret that I am so situated as to beunable to accompany Mr. Williams to Cape Mount. It would have affordedme pleasure to visit your establishment, and it might have facilitatedour mission operations, could I have done so. Allow me, however tobespeak for Mr. Williams your attention and patronage, both of whichyou have, in conversation, so kindly promised. 

"Our object is to elevate the natives of Cape Mount; to establish aschool for children; to have divine service regularly performed on theSabbath; and thus to endeavor to introduce among the people aknowledge of the only wise and true God and the blessings ofChristianity. Such is the immense influence you have over the CapeMount people, in consequence of your large territorial possessions, that a great deal of the success of our efforts will depend on you. 

"To your endeavors, then, for our prosperity, we look very anxiously. In the course of a few months, should circumstances warrant theexpense, I intend to erect suitable buildings for divine service, andfor the occupation of the missionary and his family. In this case, weshall have to intrude on your land for building room. I shall endeavorto visit Cape Mount as soon as possible. 

 "I remain, my dear sir, "Yours truly, "JOHN SEYS. 

 "TO THEODORE CANOT, ESQ. , "_Cape Mount_. "

It would have afforded me sincere pleasure to gratify Messrs. Williamsand Seys but, unluckily, they had chosen the worst time imaginable forthe establishment of a mission and school. The country was ravaged bywar, and the towns were depopulated. The passions of the tribes wereat their height. Still, as I had promised my co-operation, Iintroduced the Rev. Mr. Williams to the king, who courteously told themissionary all the dangers and difficulties of his position, butpromised, should the conflict speedily end, to send him notice, when a"book-man" would be received with pleasure. 

To give my reverend friend a proof of the scarcity of people _in thetowns_, I sent messages to Toso, Fanama and Sugarei, for theinhabitants to assemble at New Florence on the next Sunday, to hear"God's palabra, " (as they call sacred instruction;) but when theSabbath came, the Rev. Mr. Williams held forth to my clerk, mechanicsand servants, alone!

I reported the mortifying failure to the Rev. Mr. Seys, and Mr. W. Returned to Monrovia. 

THE END. 

_D. Appleton & Company's Publications. _

GRACE AGUILAR'S WORKS. 

I. 

HOME SCENES AND HEART STUDIES. 

One vol. 12mo. Paper cover, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

"With this volume, which completes the series in which the delineationof the character of woman has been the chief design, the public nowhave the Works of Grace Aguilar, the intrinsic interest and value ofwhich have won for them an enviable reputation. This last of theseries consists of a variety of tales and sketches well calculated toawaken sentiments of purse affection, and inspire the heart withnobler and holier sensibilities, by its impressive illustrations ofthe delights of Home. "--_Tribune. _

"Her books all bear the impress of genius, consecrated to the noblestpurposes. They may be put into the hands of all classes, without theleast hesitation; and no better service could be rendered to the age, than to inspire it with a love for these productions. We recommendthis series of books to our readers, and especially to our femalereaders. Let them get and read the writings of this champion of theirsex. "--_Observer. _

II. 

THE MOTHER'S RECOMPENSE. 

12mo. Paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

"It is a fragrant offering to the cause of domestic virtue andhappiness. "--_Albany Atlas. _

"In this domestic circle, and by all our fair readers, this excellentstory will meet with a cordial welcome. "--_Home Journal. _

III. 

WOMAN'S FRIENDSHIP. 

A Story of Domestic Life. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cents; paper, 50 cents. 

"This work should find a welcome in every family circle, where it isso well calculated to do good. "--_Commercial Advertiser. _

"The style of this production closely resembles that of MissEdgeworth. It is one of those vivid pictures of every day life thatnever fails to please. "--_N. O. True Delta. _

IV. 

THE VALE OF CEDARS; OR, THE MARTYR. 

A Story of Spain in the Fifteenth Century. 12mo. Paper, 50 cents;cloth, 75 cents. 

"The grace and vigor of the style, the masterly manner in which thedetails of the story are managed, and its thrilling interest, renderthe book one of the most absorbing that we have read for sometime. "--_Newark Daily Advertiser. _

V. 

THE WOMEN OF ISRAEL. 

Two vols. 12mo. Paper, $1; cloth, $1. 50. 

"By no writer have the characters of the celebrated Women of Israelbeen so correctly appreciated, or eloquently delineated. Those highattainments of piety, those graces of spirit, which have placed themin the rank of examples for all subsequent generations, are spreadbefore us with a geniality of spirit and a beauty of style which willsecure the warmest admiration; at the same time their weaknesses anderrors are not overlooked or excused. "--_Courier and Enquirer. _

VI. 

THE DAYS OF BRUCE. 

A Story from Scottish History. 2 vols. 16mo. Paper, $1; cloth, $1. 60

"This truly delightful work takes a higher position than that of anovel. It is full of sound instruction, close and logical reasoning, and is fill with practical lessons of every day character, whichrenders it desirable book for the young. "--_Albany Register. _

 * * * * *

Dumas's last and best Book. 

D. APPLETON & COMPANY, HAVE JUST READY THE FIFTH THOUSAND OF

THE FORESTERS. 

BY ALEX. DUMAS. 

TRANSLATED FROM THE AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL MSS. 

1 neat vol. 12mo. In paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

CONTENTS. --To my Daughter. --The New House on the Road toSoissons. --Mathieu Goguelue. --A Bird of Evil Omen. --CatherineBlum. --The Parisian. --Jealousy. --Father and Mother. --TheReturn. --Mademoiselle Euphrosine Raisin. --Love's Young Dream. --TheAbbé Gregoire. --Father and Son. --The Village Fête. --A Snake in theGrass. --Temptation and Crime. --The Ranger's Home. --Apprehension. --TheBook of the Innocent. --Mathieu's Trial. 

=Notices of the Press. =

"A lively story of love, jealousy, and intrigue. "--_N. Y. Com. Advertiser. _

"Another proof of Dumas's unrivalled talent. "--_Middletown Sentinel. _

"The tale is a simple one, but exciting and interesting. The scene islaid in Villers-Cotterêts in France. The reputation of the author isso firmly established, that in our stating that the translation is afaithful one, our readers who are novel readers will have heardsufficient. "--_Phila. Register. _

"A capital story. The reader will find the interest increase to theend. "--_Phila. Gaz. _

"The present volume fully sustains the high reputation of its author;it shows a very high order of genius. The translation is suchperfectly good English, that we easily forget that we are not readingthe work in the language in which it was originally written. "--_AlbanyArgus. _

"A short, but stirring romance. "--_Boston Atlas. _

"This work of Dumas's is an interesting one. The plot is well laid, and the incidents hurry on, one after another, so rapidly that theinterest is kept up to the close. "--_Hartford Courant. _

"It is a capital story, and an unmistakable Dumas's work. To say this, is to bestow upon it sufficient praise. "--_Troy Times. _

"This new story of Dumas will afford a delightful resource for aleisure hour. "--_The Bizarre. _

"This very entertaining novel is indubitably one of Dumas's bestefforts; it cannot fail to become widely popular. "--_N. Y. Courier. _

"A pleasing, romantic love story, written with the author's usualvigor. "--_Newark Adv. _

"A quiet domestic tale that must charm all readers. "--_SyracuseDaily. _

"This is a lively story of love, jealously and intrigue, in a Frenchvillage. "--_Phila. Daily Times. _

"The fame of the author will alone secure a wide circulation for thisbook. He is one of the best novel writers living. 'The Foresters'fully sustains his great reputation. "--_Troy Daily Times. _

"This exceedingly entertaining novel is from the pen of one of themost eminent and celebrated of Modern French novelists--AlexanderDumas. "--_Binghampton Republican. _

"This production of the celebrated author, is written in the samemasterly style for which all his works are noted. "--_Hartford Times. _

"The Foresters, as a work by itself, is one of many charms. That thebook will be eagerly sought after, there can be no doubt. That everyreader will admire it is none the less certain. "--_Buffalo MorningExpress. _

"It will be found an interesting story. "--_Arthur's Home Gazette. _

"The plot is extremely pleasing, and the book must meet with a readyand extensive sale. "--_Syracuse Daily. _

 * * * * *

_D. APPLETON & CO. 'S PUBLICATIONS. _

A Choice New England Tale. 

FARMINGDALE, A TALE

BY CAROLINE THOMAS. 

Two volumes, 12mo. , paper covers, 75 cents, or 2 volumes in 1, cloth, $1. 

"It is a story of New England life, skilfully told, full of tenderinterest, healthy in its sentiments and remarkably graphic in itssketches of character. 'Aunt Betsy' is drawn to the life. "--_HomeGazette. _

"Farmingdale is the best novel of the season. "--_Eve. Post. _

"It will compare favorably with the 'Lamplighter, ' by Miss Cummings, and the 'Wide, Wide World, ' by Miss Warner, and in interest it isquite equal to either. "--_Boston Transcript. _

"'Farmingdale, ' the work to which we allude, in every page andparagraph, is redolent of its native sky. It is a tale of New Englanddomestic life, in its incidents and manners so true to nature and sofree from exaggeration, and in its impulses and motives throughout sothrobbing with the real American heart, that we shall not be surprisedto hear of as many New England villages claiming to be the scene ofits story, as were the cities of Greece that claimed to be the birthplace of Homer. "--_Philadelphia Courier. _

"The story abounds in scenes of absorbing interest. The narration isevery where delightfully clear and straightforward, flowing forthtowards its conclusion, like a gentle and limpid stream, betweengraceful hillsides and verdant meadows. "--_Home Journal. _

"This is a story of country life, written by a hand whose guidingpower was a living soul. The pictures of life are speaking andeffective. The story is interestingly told and its high moral aim wellsustained. "--_Syracuse Chronicle. _

"'Farmingdale, ' while it has many points in common with some recentworks of fiction, is yet highly original. The author has had theboldness to attempt a novel, the main interest of which does not hingeeither upon love or matrimony, nor upon complicated and entangledmachinery, but upon a simple and apparently artless narrative of afriendless girl. "--_Philadelphia Eve. Mail. _

"The author studiously avoids all forced and unnatural incidents, andthe equally fashionable affectation of extravagant language. Her styleand diction are remarkable for their purity and ease. In theconception and delineation of character she has shown herselfpossessed of the true creative power. "--_Com. Adv. _

"A simple yet beautiful story, told in a simple and beautiful manner. The object is to show the devoted affection of a sister to a youngbrother, and the sacrifices which she made for him from childhood. There is touching simplicity in the character of this interestingfemale that will please all readers, and benefit many of hersex. "--_Hartford Courant. _

"The tale is prettily written, and breathes throughout an excellentmoral tone. "--_Boston Daily Journal. _

"We have read this book; it is lively, spirited, and in some partspathetic. Its sketches of life seem to us at once graceful andvivid. "--_Albany Argus. _

"The book is well written, in a simple, unpretending style, and thedialogue is natural and easy. It is destined to great popularity amongall classes of readers. Parents who object placing 'love tales' in thehands of their children, may purchase this volume without fear. Theoldest and the youngest will become interested in its fascinatingpages, and close it with the impression that it is a good book, anddeserving of the greatest popularity. "--_Worcester Palladium. _

 * * * * *

_D. Appleton & Company's Publications. _

Choice New English Works of Fiction. 

I. 

THE HEIR OF REDCLYFFE. 

A TALE. 2 vols. 12mo. Paper, $1. 00; cloth, $1. 50. 

"A novel of really high merit. The characters are most skilfully drawnout in the course of the story. The death of Guy is one of the mosttouching things we ever read. * * * The work is one of absorbinginterest, and what is still better, the moral taught in its pages iseminently healthy and elevating. We commend the book mostcordially. "--_Com. Adv. _

"The whole tone and feeling of this book is good and true. The readerdoes not require to be told that the author is religious; the rightprinciples, the high sense of duty and honor, softened by theinfluence of a reverent faith, can be explained on no otherhypothesis. It is eminently a book to send the reader away from theperusal better and wiser for the lessons hidden under its deeplyinteresting narrative. "--_London Guardian. _

"A well written, spirited and interesting work. It is full ofcharacter, sparkling with conversation and picturesque with paintingsof nature. The plot is well conceived and handsomely wrought out. There is a freshness of feeling and tone of healthy sentiment aboutsuch novels, that recommend them to public favor. "--_AlbanySpectator. _

II. 

LIGHT AND SHADE;

OR, THE YOUNG ARTIST

A TALE. BY ANNA HARRIET DRURY, author of "Friends and Fortune, ""Eastbury, " &c. 12mo. Paper cover, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

"It is a beautiful and ably written story. "--_Churchman. _

"The story is well written, and will be read with much pleasure aswell as profit. "--_Lansingburgh Gazette. _

"A novel with a deep religious tone, bearing and aim--a mostattractive style. "--_Springfield Republican. _

"We recommend her books to the young, as among those from which theyhave nothing to fear. "--_New Haven Courier. _

"A very well told tale, mingling the grave and gay, the tender andsevere, in fair proportions. It displays a genius and skill in thewriter of no ordinary measure. "--_Trib. _

III. 

THE DEAN'S DAUGHTER;

Or, THE DAYS WE LIVE IN. 

By Mrs. GORE. 1 vol. 12mo. Paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

"The 'Dean's Daughter' will doubtless be one of the most successfulbooks of the season. It abounds in all those beauties which havehitherto distinguished Mrs. Gore's novels. The management of theincidents of the story is as clever, the style is as brilliant, thesatire as keen, and the conversation as flowing, as in the best of herworks. "--_Daily News. _

"It will be read with pleasure by thousands. "--_Herald. _

"Mrs. Gore is perhaps the wittiest of modern novelists. Of all theladies who in later times have taken in hand the weapon of satire, herblade is certainly the most trenchant. A vapid lord or a purse-proudcitizen, a money-hunting woman of fashion or a toad-eater, a _humbug_in short, male or female, and of whatsoever cast or quality he may be, will find his pretensions well castigated in some one or other of herbrilliant pages; while scattered about in many places are passages andscenes of infinite tenderness showing that our authoress is notinsensible to the gentler qualities of our nature and is mistress ofpathos in no common degree. "--_Examiner. _

 * * * * *

_D. Appleton & Company's Publications. _

"A WORK WHICH BEARS THE IMPRESS OF GENIUS. "

KATHARINE ASHTON. 

By the author of "Amy Herbert, " "Gertrude, " &c. 

2 vols. 12mo. Paper covers, $1; cloth, $1. 50. 

=Opinions of the Press. =

We know not where we will find purer morals, or more valuable"life-philosophy, " than in the pages of Miss Sewell. --_SavannahGeorgian. _

The style and character of Miss Sewell's writings are too well-knownto the reading public to need commendation. The present volume willonly add to her reputation as an authoress. --_Albany Transcript. _

This novel is admirably calculated to inculcate refined moral andreligious sentiments. --_Boston Herald. _

The interest of the story is well sustained throughout, and it isaltogether one of the pleasantest books of the season. --_SyracuseStandard. _

Those who have read the former works of this writer, will welcome theappearance of this; it is equal to the best of her precedingnovels. --_Savannah Republican. _

Noble, beautiful, selfish, hard, and ugly characters appear init, and each is so drawn as to be felt and estimated as itdeserves. --_Commonwealth. _

A re-publication of a good English novel. It teaches self-control, charity, and a true estimation of life, by the interesting history ofa young girl. --_Hartford Courant. _

Katharine Ashton will enhance the reputation already attained, thestory and the moral being equally commendable. --_Buffalo Courier. _

Like all its predecessors, Katharine Ashton bears the impress ofgenius, consecrated to the noblest purposes, and should find a welcomein every family circle. --_Banner of the Cross. _

No one can be injured by books like this; a great many must bebenefited. Few authors have sent so many faultless writings to thepress as she has done. --_Worcester Palladium. _

The _self-denial_ of the Christian life, in its application tocommon scenes and circumstances, is happily illustrated in theexample of Katharine Ashton, in which there is much to admire andimitate. --_Southern Churchman. _

Her present work is an interesting tale of English country life, iswritten with her usual ability, and is quite free from any offensiveparade of her own theological tenets. --_Boston Traveller. _

The field in which Miss Sewell labors, seems to be exhaustless, and toyield always a beautiful and a valuable harvest. --_Troy Daily Budget. _

D. APPLETON & COMPANY

_Have recently published the following interesting works by the sameauthor. _

THE EXPERIENCE OF LIFE. 1 vol. 12mo. Paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

THE EARL'S DAUGHTER. 1 vol. 12mo. Paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

GERTRUDE: a Tale. 1 vol. 12mo. Paper, 50 cts. ; cloth, 75 cts. 

AMY HERBERT: A Tale. 1 vol. 12mo. Paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

LANETON PARSONAGE. 3 vols. 12mo. Paper, $1. 50; cloth, $2. 25. 

MARGARET PERCIVAL. 2 vols. Paper, $1; cloth, $1. 50. 

READING FOR A MONTH. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cents. 

A JOURNAL KEPT DURING A SUMMER TOUR. 1 vol. Cloth, $1. 00. 

WALTER LORIMER AND OTHER TALES. Cloth, 75 cents. 

THE CHILD'S FIRST HISTORY OF ROME. 50 cents. 

THE CHILD'S FIRST HISTORY OF GREECE. 63 cents. 

 * * * * *

_D. APPLETON & CO. 'S PUBLICATIONS. _

MRS. COWDEN CLARKE'S NEW ENGLISH NOVEL. 

The Iron Cousin, or Mutual Influence. 

BY MARY COWDEN CLARKE, Author of "THE GIRLHOOD OF SHAKESPEARE'S HEROINES;" the "COMPLETECONCORDANCE TO SHAKESPEARE, " &c. 

One handsomely printed volume, large 12mo. Over 500 pages. Price$1. 25--cloth. 

"Mrs. Clarke has given us one of the most delightful novels we haveread for many a day, and one which is destined, we doubt not, to bemuch longer lived than the majority of the books of its class. Itschief beauties are a certain freshness in the style in which theincidents are presented to us--a healthful tone pervading it--acompleteness in most of the characters--and a truthful power in thedescriptions. "--_London Times. _

"We have found the volume deeply interesting--its characters are welldrawn, while its tone and sentiments are well calculated to exert apurifying and ennobling influence upon all who read it. "--_SavannahRepublican. _

"The scene of the book is village life amongst the upper class, withvillage episodes, which seem to have been sketched from thelife--there is a primitive simplicity and greatness of heart aboutsome of the characters which keep up the sympathy and interest to theend. "--_London Globe. _

"The reader cannot fail of being both charmed and instructed by the book, and of hoping that a pen so able will not lie idle. "--_Pennsylvanian. _

"We fearlessly recommend it as a work of more than ordinarymerit. "--_Binghampton Daily Republic. _

"The great moral lesson indicated by the title-page of this book runs, as a golden thread, through every part of it, while the reader isconstantly kept in contact with the workings of an inventive andbrilliant mind. "--_Albany Argus. _

"We have read this fascinating story with a good deal of interest. Humannature is well and faithfully portrayed, and we see the counterpart ofour story in character and disposition, in every village and district. The book cannot fail of popular reception. "--_Albany and RochesterCourier. _

"A work of deep and powerful influence. "--_Herald. _

"Mrs. Cowden Clarke, with the delicacy and artistic taste of refinewomanhood, has in this work shown great versatility of talent. "

"The story is too deeply interesting to allow the reader to lay itdown till he has read it to the end. "

"The work is skilful in plan, graphic in style, diversified inincident and true to nature. "

"The tale is charmingly imagined. The incidents never exceedprobability but seem perfectly natural. In the style there is muchquaintness, in the sentiment much tenderness. "

"It is a spirited, charming story, full of adventure, friendship andlove, with characters nicely drawn and carefully discriminated. Theclear style and spirit with which the story is presented and thecharacters developed, will attract a large constituency to theperusal. "

"Mrs. Cowden Clarke's story has one of the highest qualities offiction--it is no flickering shadow, but seems of real growth. It isfull of lively truth, and show nice perception of the early elementsof character with which we become acquainted in its wholeness, and inthe ripeness of years. The incident is well woven; the color isblood-warm; and there is the presence of a sweet grace and gentlepower. "

 * * * * *

WORKS BY MISS SEWELL, PUBLISHED BY D. APPLETON & COMPANY. 

I. 

_THE EXPERIENCE OF LIFE: A TALE. _

One vol. 12mo. Paper cover, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. (_Just ready. _)

II. 

_A JOURNAL KEPT DURING A SUMMER TOUR_

FOR THE CHILDREN OF A VILLAGE SCHOOL

Three parts in one vol. 12mo. Cloth, $1. 

"A very simple and sweetly written work. There is the same natural andgraceful detail that mark Miss Sewell's novels. It will find a greatmany admirers among the young people, who will be almost as happy as thefair traveller in wandering over the ground on which she has looked witha discriminating eye, and received, and communicated suggestions which, from her enlarged sphere of observation, can hardly fail to enlarge theheart as well as to enrich the intellect. "--_Commercial Advertiser. _

III. 

_THE EARL'S DAUGHTER: A TALE. _

Edited by the Rev. WM. SEWELL, B. A. One vol. 12mo. Paper cover, 50cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

IV. 

_MARGARET PERCIVAL: A TALE. _

Edited by the Rev. WM. SEWELL, B. A. Two vols. 12mo. Paper cover, $1;cloth, $1. 50. 

V. 

_GERTRUDE: A TALE. _

Edited by the Rev. WM. SEWELL, B. A. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cents; papercover, 50 cents. 

VI. 

_AMY HERBERT: A TALE. _

Edited by the Rev. WM. SEWELL, B. A. One vol. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cents;paper cover, 50 cents. 

VII. 

_LANETON PARSONAGE: A TALE. _

Edited by the Rev. WM. SEWELL, B. A. Three vols. 12mo. Cloth, $2. 25;paper cover, $1. 50. 

VIII. 

_WALTER LORIMER, AND OTHER TALES. _

12mo. Cloth, 75 cents. 

IX. 

_THE CHILD'S FIRST HISTORY OF ROME. _

One vol. 16mo. 50 cents. 

X. 

_THE CHILD'S FIRST HISTORY OF GREECE. _

One vol. 16mo. 

 * * * * *

_D. APPLETON & CO. 'S PUBLICATIONS. _

A BOOK FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN FAMILY. 

The Hearth-Stone;

THOUGHTS UPON HOME LIFE IN OUR CITIES

BY

SAMUEL OSGOOD, Author of "Studies in Christian Biography, " "God with Men, " etc. 

1 vol. 12mo. Cloth. Price $1. 

CRITICISMS OF THE PRESS. 

"This is a volume of eloquent and impressive essays on the domesticrelations and the religious duties of the household. Mr. Osgood writeson those interesting themes in the most charming and animated style, winning the reader's judgment rather than coercing it to the author'sconclusions. The predominant sentiments in the book are purity, sincerity, and love. A more delightful volume has rarely beenpublished, and we trust it will have a wide circulation, for itsinfluence must be salutary upon both old and young. "--_CommercialAdvertiser. _

"The 'Hearth-Stone' is the symbol of all those delightful truths whichMr. Osgood here connects with it. In a free and graceful style, varying form deep solemnity to the most genial and lively tone, asbefits his range of subjects, he gives attention to wise thoughts onholy things, and homely truths. His volume will find many warm heartsto which it will address itself. "--_Christian Examiner. _

"The author of his volume passes through a large circle of subjects, all of them connected with domestic life as it exists in large towns. The ties of relationship--the female character as developed in thetrue province and empire of woman, domestic life, the education ofchildren, and the training them to habits of reverence--the treatmentof those of our households whose lot in life is humbler than ours--thecultivation of a contented mind--the habitual practice ofdevotion--these and various kindred topics furnish ample matter fortouching reflections and wholesome counsels. The spirit of the book isfervently religious, and though no special pains are taken to avoidtopics on which religious men differ, it 'breathes a kindly spiritabove the reach of sect or party. ' The author is now numbered amongthe popular preachers of the metropolis, and those who have listenedto his spoken, will not be disappointed with his written, eloquence. "--_Evening Post. _

"A household book, treating of the domestic relations, the deportment, affections, and duties which belong to the well ordered Christianfamily. Manly advice and good sense are exhibited in an earnest andaffectionate tone, and not without tenderness and truthful sentiment;while withal a Christian view is taken of the serious responsibilitywhich attends the performance of the duties of husband and wife, parent and child, sister and brother. We are particularly pleased withthe real practical wisdom, combined with the knowledge of humannature, which renders this volume deserving of careful study by thosewho desire to make their homes happy. "--_New York Churchman. _

 * * * * *

_D. Appleton & Company's Publications. _

JULIA KAVANAGH'S WORKS. 

I. 

DAISY BURNS. 

12mo. Two parts. Paper Cover, 75 cents; or in 1 Vol. Cloth, $1. 

"The clear conception, the forcible delineation, the style, at onceelegant and powerful, of Miss Kavanagh's former works, are exhibitedin this, as well as deep thought and sound moral reflection. Everything presented to the reader, whether thought or image, is elaboratedwith the finish of a Flemish painting without its grossness; thepersons are nicely conceived and consistently sustained, and theprincipal narrative is relieved by very truthful pictures of every daylife and character. "--_London Spectator. _

"A very delightful tale. * * * The charm of the story is in itsnaturalness. It is perfectly quiet, domestic, and truthful. In thecalm force and homely realities of its scenes it reminds us of MissAusten. "--_Times. _

"All her books are written with talent and a woman's truefeeling. "--_U. S. Gazette. _

"It is full of deep feeling, tenderness, pure feminine sentiment andmoral truth. "--_Albany Knickerbocker. _

II. 

NATHALIE. 

Two Parts. 12mo. Paper Covers, 75 cents; cloth, $1. 

"A work of extraordinary merit, with a far deeper design than merelyto arouse, it attempts to solve some of the subtle problems of humannature. Some of the wisest lessons in life are taught in the work, while the artistic skill with which the narrative is managed imparts avivid interest. The author might be, with a stronger infusion of thepoetic element, another Joanna Baillie; and no one will read the workwithout a high estimate of her dramatic powers and her deepinsight. "--_Evangelist. _

III. 

MADELEINE. 

One Volume. 12mo. Paper Covers, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 

"A charming story, gracefully told. Its intrinsic interest as anarrative, and the tenderness of its pathos will win for it manyreaders. "--_Boston Traveller. _

"The character of Madeleine, the heroine, is beautifully drawn andpowerfully portrayed. Miss Kavanagh is most known by her excellentnovel of 'Nathalie. ' This book possesses no less interest, though of avery different kind. "--_Courier and Enq. _

IV. 

WOMEN OF CHRISTIANITY. 

One Volume. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cents. 

"The design and spirit of this volume are alike admirable. MissKavanagh divides her work into four periods; the first relates thedeeds of holy women under the Roman empire; the second tells us of thefruits of faith in the middle ages; the third is devoted to the womenof the seventeenth century; and the fourth to those of the eighteenthand present centuries. We have read many of these records of otherdays, as told by Miss Kavanagh, and we are sure that the influenceupon every Christian-minded person cannot but be for good, if he willmeditate upon what our holy religion is every day doing. The volume iswell worthy a place in every Christian family. "--_Ban. Of the Cross. _

 * * * * *

_D. APPLETON & CO. 'S PUBLICATIONS. _

THE GREAT KENTUCKY NOVEL. 

D. APPLETON & COMPANY

HAVE JUST PUBLISHED

Tempest and Sunshine; or, Life in Kentucky. 

BY MRS. MARY J. HOLMES. 

One Volume, 12mo. Paper covers, 75 cents; cloth, $1. 

These are the most striking and original sketches of Americancharacter in the South-western States which have ever been published. The character of Tempest is drawn with all that spirit and energywhich characterize the high toned female spirit of the South, whileSunshine possesses the loveliness and gentleness of the sweetest ofher sex. The Planter is sketched to the life, and in his stronglymarked, passionate, and generous nature, the reader will recognize oneof the truest sons of the south-west. 

=OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. =

"The book is well written, and its fame will be more thanephemeral. "--_Buffalo Express. _

"The story is interesting and finely developed. "--_Daily Times. _

"A lively romance of western life--the style of the writer is smart, intelligent, and winning, and her story is told with spirit andskill. "--_U. S. Gazette. _

"An excellent work, and its sale must be extensive. "--_StamfordAdvocate. _

"The whole is relieved by a generous introduction of incident as wellas by an amplitude of love and mystery. "--_Express. _

"A delightful, well written book, portraying western life to theletter. The book abounds in an easy humor, with touching sentences oftenderness and pathos scattered through it, and from first to lastkeeps up a humane interest that very many authors strive in vain toachieve. 'Tempest' and 'Sunshine, ' two sisters, are an exemplificationof the good that to some comes by nature, and to others is found onlythrough trials, temptation, and tribulation. Mr. Middleton, the fatherof 'Tempest' and 'Sunshine' is the very soul and spirit of 'OldKaintuck, ' abridged into one man. The book is worth reading. There isa healthy tone of morality pervading it that will make it a suitablework to be placed in the hands of our daughters and sisters. "--_NewYork Day Book. _

 * * * * *

_D. APPLETON & COMPANY'S PUBLICATIONS. _

The Great Work on Russia. 

Fifth Edition now ready. 

RUSSIA AS IT IS. 

BY COUNT A. DE GUROWSKI. 

One neat volume 12mo. , pp. 328, well printed. Price $1, cloth. 

CONTENTS. --Preface. --Introduction. --Czarism: its historicalorigin. --The Czar Nicholas. --The Organization of the Government. --TheArmy and Navy. --The Nobility. --The Clergy. --The Bourgeoisie. --TheCossacks. --The Real People, the Peasantry. --The Rights ofAliens and Strangers. --The Commoner. --Emancipation. --ManifestDestiny. --Appendix. --The Amazons. --The Fourteen Classes of theRussian Public Service; or, the Tschins. --The Political Testamentof Peter the Great. --Extract from an Old Chronicle. 

=Notices of the Press. =

"The author takes no superficial, empirical view of his subject, butcollecting a rich variety of facts, brings the lights of a profoundphilosophy to their explanation. His work, indeed, neglects noessential detail--it is minute and accurate in its statistics--itabounds in lively pictures of society, manners and character. * * *Whoever wishes to obtain an accurate notion of the internal conditionof Russia, the nature and extent of her resources, and the practicalinfluence of her institutions, will here find better materials for hispurpose than in any single volume now extant. "--_N. Y. Tribune. _

"This is a powerfully-written book, and will prove of vast service toevery one who desires to comprehend the real nature and bearings ofthe great contest in which Russia is now engaged. "--_N. Y. Courier. _

"It is original in its conclusions; it is striking in its revelations. Numerous as are the volumes that have been written about Russia, wereally hitherto have known little of that immense territory--of thatnumerous people. Count Gurowski's work sheds a light which at thistime is most welcome and satisfactory. "--_N. Y. Times. _

"The book is well written, and as might be expected in a work by awriter so unusually conversant with all sides of Russian affairs, itcontains so much important information respecting the Russian people, their government and religion. "--_Com. Advertiser. _

"This is a valuable work, explaining in a very satisfactory manner theinternal conditions of the Russian people, and the construction oftheir political society. The institutions of Russia are presented asthey exist in reality, and as they are determined by existing andobligatory laws. "--_N. Y. Herald. _

"A hasty glance over this handsome volume has satisfied us that it isone worthy of general perusal. * * * It is full of valuable historicalinformation, with very interesting accounts of the various classesamong the Russian people, their condition and aspirations. "--_N. Y. Sun. _

"This is a volume that can hardly fail to attract very generalattention, and command a wide sale in view of the present juncture ofEuropean affairs, and the prominent part therein which Russia is toplay. "--_Utica Gazette. _

"A timely book. It will be found all that it professes to be, thoughsome may be startled at some of its conclusions. "--_Boston Atlas. _

"This is one of the best of all the books caused by the presentexcitement in relation to Russia. It is a very able publication--onethat will do much to destroy the general belief in the infallibilityof Russia. The writer shows himself master of his subject, and treatsof the internal condition of Russia, her institutions and customs, society, laws, &c. , in an enlightened and scholarly manner. "--_CityItem. _

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_D. Appleton & Company's Publications. _

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=THE LOFTY AND THE LOWLY, =

OR, GOOD IN ALL AND NONE ALL GOOD. 

_Two vols. 12mo. Cloth, $1. 50; paper covers, $1. _

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=EVENINGS AT DONALDSON MANOR;=

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Transcriber's Note:

Minor typographic errors (mismatched quotes, omitted or transposedcharacters, etc. ) have been corrected without note. Hyphenation, capitalisation and spelling of proper names, and use of accents hasbeen made consistent without note. One exception is Canot's forename, which appears as Téodor, Téodore and Theodore throughout the text. This has been left as printed, as has the author's use of some archaicand variable spellings. 

Incorrect page number references in the table of contents were amendedas follows: 119 to 118; 127 to 126; 215 to 214; 394 to 349. 

The footnotes in the original book are sometimes numbered, sometimeslettered. This convention has been retained in this version. 

The frontispiece illustration has been moved to follow the title page. 

The use of oe ligatures has not been retained in this version.