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+Project Gutenberg's Captain Canot, by Brantz Mayer and Theodore Canot
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Captain Canot
+       or, Twenty Years of an African Slaver
+
+Author: Brantz Mayer
+        Theodore Canot
+
+Release Date: October 14, 2007 [EBook #23034]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTAIN CANOT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Sam W. and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Kentuckiana Digital Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration:
+
+CAPTAIN CANOT
+
+OR
+
+TWENTY YEARS
+OF AN
+AFRICAN 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 the
+District of Maryland.
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+N. P. WILLIS,
+
+OF IDLEWILD.
+
+MY DEAR WILLIS,
+
+While inscribing this work with your name, as a testimonial of our
+long, unbroken friendship, you will let me say, I am sure, not only
+how, but why I have written it.
+
+About a year ago I was introduced to its hero, by Dr. James Hall, the
+distinguished founder and first governor of our colony at Cape Palmas.
+While busy with his noble task in Africa, Dr. Hall accidentally became
+acquainted with Captain Canot, during his residence at Cape Mount, and
+was greatly impressed in his favor by the accounts of all who knew
+him. Indeed,--setting aside his career as a slaver,--Dr. Hall's
+observation convinced him that Canot was a man of unquestionable
+integrity. The zeal, moreover, with which he embraced the first
+opportunity, after his downfall, to mend his fortunes by honorable
+industry in South America, entitled him to respectful confidence. As
+their acquaintance ripened, my friend gradually drew from the wanderer
+the story of his adventurous life, and so striking were its incidents,
+so true its delineations of African character, that he advised the
+captain to prepare a copious memorandum, which I should write out for
+the public.
+
+Let me tell you why I undertook this task; but first, let me assure
+you that, entertaining as the story might have been for a large class
+of readers, I would not have composed a line for the mere
+gratification of scandalous curiosity. My conversations with Canot
+satisfied me that his disclosures were more thoroughly candid than
+those of any one who has hitherto related his connection with the
+traffic. 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 domestic
+problem, but as to the nature of the race itself. I thought that a
+true picture of aboriginal Africa,--unstirred by progress,--unmodified
+by reflected civilization,--full of the barbarism that blood and
+tradition have handed down from the beginning, and embalmed in its
+prejudices, like the corpses of Egypt,--could not fail to be of
+incalculable importance to philanthropists who regard no people as
+beyond the reach of enlightenment.
+
+The completed task rises before me like a moving panorama whose
+scenery and background are the ocean and tropics, and whose principal
+actor combines the astuteness of Fouché with the dexterity of Gil
+Blas. I have endeavored to set forth his story as plainly as possible,
+letting events instead of descriptions develope a chequered life which
+was incessantly connected with desperate men of both colors. As he
+unmasked his whole career, and gave me leave to use the incidents, I
+have not dared to hide what the actor himself displayed no wish to
+conceal. Besides the sketches of character which familiarize us with
+the aboriginal negro in Africa, there is a good moral in the
+resultless life, which, after all its toils, hazards, and successes
+leaves the adventurer a stranded wreck in the prime of manhood. One
+half the natural capacity, employed industriously in lawful commerce,
+would have made the captain comfortable and independent. Nor is there
+much to attract in the singular abnegation of civilized happiness in a
+slaver's career. We may not be surprised, that such an _animal_ as Da
+Souza, who is portrayed in these pages, should revel in the
+sensualities of Dahomey; but we must wonder at the passive endurance
+that could chain a superior order of man, like Don Pedro Blanco, for
+fifteen unbroken years, to his pestilential hermitage, till the
+avaricious anchorite went forth from the marshes of Gallinas, laden
+with gold. I do not think this story is likely to seduce or educate a
+race of slavers!
+
+The frankness of Canot's disclosures may surprise the more reserved
+and timid classes of society; but I am of opinion that there is an
+ethnographic value in the account of his visit to the Mandingoes and
+Fullahs, and especially in his narrative of the wars, jugglery,
+cruelty, superstition, and crime, by which one sixth of Africa
+subjects the remaining five sixths to servitude.
+
+As the reader peruses these characteristic anecdotes, he will ask
+himself how,--in the progress of mankind,--such a people is to be
+approached and dealt with? Will the Mahometanism of the North which is
+winning its way southward, and infusing itself among the crowds of
+central Africa, so as, in some degree, to modify their barbarism,
+prepare the primitive tribes to receive a civilization and faith which
+are as true as they are divine? Will our colonial fringe spread its
+fibres from the coast to the interior, and, like veins of refreshing
+blood, pour new currents into the mummy's heart? Is there hope for a
+nation which, in three thousand years, has hardly turned in its sleep?
+The identical types of race, servitude, occupation, and character that
+are now extant in Africa, may be found on the Egyptian monuments built
+forty centuries ago; while a Latin poem, attributed to Virgil,
+describes a menial negress who might unquestionably pass for a slave
+of 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 do
+with slavery as a North American institution, except so far as it is
+an inheritance from the system it describes; yet, in proportion as the
+details exhibit an innate or acquired inferiority of the negro race
+_in its own land_, they must appeal to every generous heart in behalf
+of the benighted continent.
+
+It has lately become common to assert that Providence permits _an
+exodus through slavery_, in order that the liberated negro may in time
+return, and, with foreign acquirements, become the pioneer of African
+civilization. It is attempted to reconcile us to this "good from
+evil," by stopping inquiry with the "inscrutability of God's ways!"
+But we should not suffer ourselves to be deceived by such imaginary
+irreverence; for, in God's ways, there is nothing _less_ inscrutable
+than his _law of right_. That law is never qualified in this world. It
+moves with the irresistible certainty of organized nature, and, while
+it makes man free, in order that his responsibility may be
+unquestionable, it leaves mercy, even, for the judgment hereafter.
+Such a system of divine law can never palliate _the African slave
+trade_, and, in fact, it is the basis of that human legislation which
+converts the slaver into a pirate, and awards him a felon's doom.
+
+For these reasons, we should discountenance schemes like those
+proposed not long ago in England, and sanctioned by the British
+government, for the encouragement of spontaneous emigration from
+Africa under the charge of _contractors_. The plan was viewed with
+fear by the colonial authorities, and President Roberts at once issued
+a proclamation to guard the natives. No one, I think, will read this
+book without a conviction that the idea of _voluntary expatriation_
+has not dawned on the African mind, and, consequently, what might
+begin in laudable philanthropy would be likely to end in practical
+servitude.
+
+Intercourse, trade, and colonization, in slow but steadfast growth,
+are the providences intrusted to us for the noble task of
+civilization. They who are practically acquainted with the colored
+race of our country, have long believed that gradual colonization was
+the only remedy for Africa as well as America. The repugnance of the
+free blacks to _emigration from our shores_ has produced a tardy
+movement, and thus the African population has been thrown back grain
+by grain, and not wave by wave. Every one conversant with the state of
+our colonies, knows how beneficial this languid accretion has been. It
+moved many of the most enterprising, thrifty, and independent. It
+established a social nucleus from the best classes of American colored
+people. Like human growth, it allowed the frame to mature in muscular
+solidity. It gave immigrants time to test the climate; to learn the
+habit of government in states as well as in families; to acquire the
+bearing of freemen; to abandon their imitation of the whites among
+whom they had lived; and thus, by degrees, to consolidate a social and
+political system which may expand into independent and lasting
+nationality. Instead, therefore, of lamenting the slowness with which
+the colonies have reached their vigorous promise, we should consider
+it a blessing that the vicious did not rush forth in turbulent crowds
+with the worthy, and impede the movements of better folks, who were
+still unused to the task of self-reliance.
+
+Men are often too much in a hurry to do good, and mar by excessive
+zeal what patience would complete. "Deus quies quia æternus," saith
+St. Augustine. The cypress is a thousand years in growth, yet its
+limbs touch not the clouds, save on a mountain top. Shall the
+regeneration of a continent be quicker than its ripening? That would
+be miracle--not progress.
+
+Accept this offering, my dear Willis, as a token of that sincere
+regard, which, during an intimacy of a quarter of a century, has never
+wavered 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, Louis
+Canot, a captain and paymaster in the French army, thought fit to
+pursue his fortunes among the gentler sex of that fascinating country,
+and luckily won the heart and hand of a blooming Piedmontese, to whom
+I owe my birth in the capital of Tuscany.
+
+My father was faithful to the Emperor as well as the Consul. He
+followed his sovereign in his disasters as well as glory: nor did he
+falter in allegiance until death closed his career on the field of
+Waterloo.
+
+Soldiers' wives are seldom rich, and my mother was no exception to the
+rule. She was left in very moderate circumstances, with six children
+to support; but the widow of an old campaigner, who had partaken the
+sufferings of many a long and dreary march with her husband, was
+neither disheartened by the calamity, nor at a loss for thrifty
+expedients to educate her younger offspring. Accordingly, I was kept
+at school, studying geography, arithmetic, history and the languages,
+until near twelve years old, when it was thought time for me to choose
+a profession. At school, and in my leisure hours, I had always been a
+greedy devourer of books of travel, or historical narratives full of
+stirring incidents, so that when I avowed my preference for a
+sea-faring life, no one was surprised. Indeed, my fancy was rather
+applauded, as two of my mother's brothers had served in the Neapolitan
+navy, 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 an
+apprentice, upon the American ship Galatea, of Boston.
+
+It was in the year 1819, that I first saluted the element upon which
+it has been my destiny to pass so much of my life. The reader will
+readily imagine the discomforts to which I was subjected on this
+voyage. Born and bred in the interior of Italy, I had only the most
+romantic ideas of the sea. My opinions had been formed from the lives
+of men in loftier rank and under more interesting circumstances. My
+career was necessarily one of great hardship; and, to add to my
+misfortunes, I had neither companion nor language to vent my grief and
+demand sympathy. For the first three months, I was the butt of every
+joker in the ship. I was the scape-goat of every accident and of every
+one'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 my
+negligence. 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 only
+friend I possessed during my early adventures.
+
+Besides the officers of the Galatea, there was a clerk on board, whom
+the captain directed to teach me English, so that, by the time we
+reached Sumatra, I was able to stand up for my rights, and plead my
+cause. As we could not obtain a cargo of pepper on the island, we
+proceeded to Bengal; and, on our arrival at Calcutta, the captain, who
+was also supercargo, took apartments on shore, where the clerk and
+myself were allowed to follow him.
+
+According to the fashion of that period, the house provided for our
+accommodation was a spacious and elegant one, equipped with every
+oriental comfort and convenience, while fifteen or twenty servants
+were always at the command of its inmates. For three months we lived
+like nabobs, and sorry, indeed, was I when the clerk announced that
+the vessel's loading was completed, and our holiday over.
+
+On the voyage home, I was promoted from the cabin, and sent into the
+steerage 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 I
+was considered the master's pet, I soon began to feel the bitterness
+of the subordinate's spite. This fellow was not only cross-grained,
+but absolutely malignant. One day, while the ship was skimming along
+gayly with a five-knot breeze, he ordered me out to the end of the
+jib-boom to loosen the sail; yet, without waiting until I was clear of
+the jib, he suddenly commanded the men who were at the halliards to
+hoist the canvas aloft. A sailor who stood by pointed out my
+situation, but was cursed into silence. In a moment I was jerked into
+the air, and, after performing half a dozen involuntary summersets,
+was thrown into the water, some distance from the ship's side. When I
+rose 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, some
+with chicken coops, while others sprang to the stern boat to prepare
+it for launching. In the midst of the hurly-burly, the captain reached
+the deck, and laid the ship to; the sailor who had remonstrated with
+the mate having, in the meantime, clutched that officer, and attempted
+to throw him over, believing I had been drowned by his cruelty. As the
+sails of the Galatea flattened against the wind, many an anxious eye
+was 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 her
+so close to the spot where I rose, that I clutched a rope thrown over
+for my rescue, and climbed to the lee channels without being
+perceived. As I leaped to the deck, I found one half the men in
+tumultuous assemblage around the struggling mate and sailor; but my
+sudden apparition served to divert the mob from its fell purpose, and,
+in a few moments, order was perfectly restored. Our captain was an
+intelligent and just man, as may be readily supposed from the fact
+that he exclusively controlled so valuable an enterprise.
+Accordingly, the matter was examined with much deliberation; and, on
+the following day, the chief mate was deprived of his command. I
+should not forget to mention that, in the midst of the excitement, my
+sable friend the cook leaped overboard to rescue his _protegé_. Nobody
+happened to notice the darkey when he sprang into the sea; and, as he
+swam in a direction quite contrary from the spot where I fell, he was
+nigh 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 the
+woolly skull perceived in time for rescue.
+
+This adventure elevated not only "little Theodore," but our "culinary
+artist" in the good opinion of the mess. Every Saturday night my
+African friend was allowed to share the cheer of the forecastle, while
+our captain presented him with a certificate of his meritorious deed,
+and made the paper more palatable by the promise of a liberal bounty
+in current coin at the end of the voyage.
+
+I now began to feel at ease, and acquire a genuine fondness for sea
+life. My aptitude for languages not only familiarized me with English,
+but enabled me soon to begin the scientific study of navigation, in
+which, I am glad to say, that Captain Solomon Towne was always pleased
+to aid my industrious efforts.
+
+We touched at ST. HELENA for supplies, but as Napoleon was still
+alive, a British frigate met us within five miles of that rock-bound
+coast, and after furnishing a scant supply of water, bade us take our
+way homeward.
+
+I remember very well that it was a fine night in July, 1820, when we
+touched the wharf at Boston, Massachusetts. Captain Towne's family
+resided in Salem, and, of course, he was soon on his way thither. The
+new mate had a young wife in Boston, and he, too, was speedily
+missing. One by one, the crew sneaked off in the darkness. The second
+mate quickly found an excuse for a visit in the neighborhood; so that,
+by midnight, the Galatea, with a cargo valued at about one hundred and
+twenty thousand dollars, was intrusted to the watchfulness of a
+stripling cabin-boy.
+
+I do not say it boastfully, but it is true that, whenever I have been
+placed in responsible situations, from the earliest period of my
+recollection, I felt an immediate stirring of that pride which always
+made me equal, or at least willing, for the required duty. All night
+long I paced the deck. Of all the wandering crowd that had accompanied
+me nearly a year across many seas, I alone had no companions, friends,
+home, or sweetheart, to seduce me from my craft; and I confess that
+the sentiment of loneliness, which, under other circumstances, might
+have unmanned me at my American greeting, was stifled by the mingled
+vanity and pride with which I trod the quarter-deck as temporary
+captain.
+
+When dawn ripened into daylight, I remembered the stirring account my
+shipmates had given of the beauty of Boston, and I suddenly felt
+disposed 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 climbed
+to the main-royal yard, to _see_ the city at least, if I could not
+mingle 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 the
+Tuscan shore, my Italian eyes were first of all saluted by dingy
+bricks and painted boards. But, as my sight wandered away from the
+town, and swept down both sides of the beautiful bay, filled with its
+lovely islands, and dressed in the fresh greenness of summer, I
+confess that my memory and heart were magically carried away into the
+heart of Italy, playing sad tricks with my sense of duty, when I was
+abruptly restored to consciousness by hearing the heavy footfall of a
+stranger 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 down
+a back-stay, just in time to meet the stranger as he approached our
+cabin. My notions of Italian manners did not yet permit me to
+appreciate the greater freedom and social liberty with which I have
+since become so familiar in America, and it may naturally be supposed
+that I was rather peremptory in ordering the inquisitive Bostonian to
+leave the ship. I was in command--in my _first_ command; and so
+unceremonious a visit was peculiarly annoying. Nor did the conduct of
+the intruder lessen my anger, as, quietly smiling at my order, he
+continued moving around the ship, and peered into every nook and
+corner. Presently he demanded whether I was alone? My self-possession
+was quite sufficient to leave the question unanswered; but I ordered
+him off again, and, to enforce my command, called a dog that did not
+exist. My _ruse_, however, did not succeed. The Yankee still continued
+his examination, while I followed closely on his heels, now and then
+twitching the long skirts of his surtout to enforce my mandate for his
+departure.
+
+During this promenade, my unwelcome guest questioned me about the
+captain's health,--about the mate,--as to the cause of his
+dismissal,--about our cargo,--and the length of our voyage. Each new
+question begot a shorter and more surly answer. I was perfectly
+satisfied that he was not only a rogue, but a most impudent one; and
+my Franco-Italian temper strained almost to bursting.
+
+By this time, we approached the house which covered the steering-gear
+at the ship's stern, and in which were buckets containing a dozen
+small turtles, purchased at the island of Ascension, where we stopped
+to water after the refusal at St. Helena. The turtle at once attracted
+the stranger's notice, and he promptly offered to purchase them. I
+stated that only half the lot belonged to me, but that I would sell
+the whole, provided he was able to pay. In a moment, my persecutor
+drew forth a well-worn pocket-book, and handing me six dollars, asked
+whether I was satisfied with the price. The dollars were
+unquestionable gleams, if not absolute proofs, of honesty, and I am
+sure my heart would have melted had not the purchaser insisted on
+taking one of the buckets to convey the turtles home. Now, as these
+charming implements were part of the ship's pride, as well as
+property, and had been laboriously adorned by our marine artists with
+a 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 to
+be repulsed so easily; his ugly smile still sneered in my face as he
+endeavored to push me aside and drag the bucket from my hand. I soon
+found that he was the stronger of the two, and that it would be
+impossible for me to rescue my bucket fairly; so, giving it a sudden
+twist and shake, I contrived to upset both water and turtles on the
+deck, thus sprinkling the feet and coat-tails of the veteran with a
+copious ablution. To my surprise, however, the tormentor's cursed grin
+not only continued but absolutely expanded to an immoderate laugh, the
+uproariousness of which was increased by another suspicious Bostonian,
+who leaped on deck during our dispute. By this time I was in a red
+heat. My lips were white, my checks in a blaze, and my eyes sparks.
+Beyond myself with ferocious rage, I gnashed my teeth, and buried them
+in the hand which I could not otherwise release from its grasp on the
+bucket. In the scramble, I either lost or destroyed part of my bank
+notes; yet, being conqueror at last, I became clement, and taking up
+my 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 by
+foreigners than the politer parts of speech.
+
+Still the abominable monster, nothing daunted by my onslaught, rushed
+to the cabin, and would doubtless have descended, had not I been
+nimbler than he in reaching the doors, against which I placed my back,
+in defiance. Here, of course, another battle ensued, enlivened by a
+chorus of laughter from a crowd of laborers on the wharf. This time I
+could not bite, yet I kept the apparent thief at bay with my feet,
+kicking his shins unmercifully whenever he approached, and swearing in
+the choicest Tuscan.
+
+He who knows any thing of Italian character, especially when it is
+additionally spiced by French condiments, may imagine the intense rage
+to which so volcanic a nature as mine was, by this time, fully
+aroused. Language and motion were nearly exhausted. I could neither
+speak nor strike. The mind's passion had almost produced the body's
+paralysis. Tears began to fall from my eyes: but still he laughed! At
+length, I suddenly flung wide the cabin doors, and leaping below at a
+bound, seized from the rack a loaded musket, with which I rushed upon
+deck. As soon as the muzzle appeared above the hatchway, my tormentor
+sprang over the ship, and by the time I reached the ladder, I found
+him on the wharf, surrounded by a laughing and shouting crowd. I shook
+my head menacingly at the group; and shouldering my firelock, mounted
+guard at the gangway. It was fully a quarter of an hour that I paraded
+(occasionally ramming home my musket's charge, and varying the
+amusement by an Italian defiance to the jesters), before the tardy
+mate made his appearance on the wharf. But what was my consternation,
+when I beheld him advance deferentially to my pestilent visitor, and
+taking off his hat, respectfully offer to conduct him on board! This
+was a great lesson to me in life on the subject of "appearances." The
+shabby old individual was no less a personage than the celebrated
+William Gray, of Boston, owner of the Galatea and cargo, and
+proprietor 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 six
+destroyed in protection of his property;" and, on the day of my
+discharge, he not only paid the wages of my voyage, but added fifty
+dollars more to aid my schooling in scientific navigation.
+
+Four years after, I again met this distinguished merchant at the
+Marlborough Hotel, in Boston. I was accompanied, on that occasion, by
+an uncle who visited the United States on a commercial tour. When my
+relative mentioned my name to Mr. Gray, that gentleman immediately
+recollected me, and told my venerable kinsman that he never received
+such 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 on
+his ankles, occasionally displayed the scars they had left on his
+limbs. He seemed particularly annoyed, however, by some caustic
+remarks I had made about his protuberant stomach, and forgave the
+blows but not the language.
+
+My uncle, who was somewhat of a tart disciplinarian, gave me an
+extremely black look, while, in French, he demanded an explanation of
+my conduct. I knew Mr. Gray, however, better than my relative; and so,
+without heeding his reprimand, I answered, in English, that if I
+cursed the ship's owner on that occasion, it was my _debut_ in the
+English language on the American continent; and as my Anglo-Saxon
+education had been finished in a forecastle, it was not to be expected
+I should be select in my vocabulary. "Never the less," I added, "Mr.
+Gray was so delighted with my _accolade_, that he valued my defence of
+his property and our delicious _tête-à-tête_ at the sum of a hundred
+dollars!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+The anecdote told in the last chapter revived my uncle's recollection
+of several instances of my early impetuosity; among which was a
+rencounter with Lord Byron, while that poet was residing at his villa
+on the slope of Monte Negro near Leghorn, which he took the liberty to
+narrate 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 the
+poet were inspecting some boxes recently arrived from Greece, I was
+dispatched to see them safely deposited in the warehouse. Suddenly,
+Lord Byron demanded a pencil. My uncle had none with him, but
+remembering that I had lately been presented one in a handsome silver
+case, requested the loan of it. Now, as this was my first _silver_
+possession, I was somewhat reluctant to let it leave my possession
+even 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 lost
+in thought, and then very unceremoniously--but, doubtless, in a fit of
+abstraction--put the pencil in his pocket. If I had already visited
+America at that time, it is likely that I would have warned the
+Englishman of his mistake on the spot; but, as children in the Old
+World are rather more curbed in their intercourse with elders than on
+this side of the Atlantic, I bore the forgetfulness as well as I could
+until next morning. Summoning all my resolution, I repaired without my
+uncle's knowledge to the poet's house at an early hour, and after much
+difficulty was admitted to his room. He was still in bed. Every body
+has heard of Byron's peevishness, when disturbed or intruded on. He
+demanded 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 but
+firmly denied the fact; while his lordship as sturdily reasserted it.
+In a short time, we were both in such a passion that Byron commanded
+me 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 suddenly
+turned, and looking at him with all the bitterness I felt for his
+nation, called him, in French, "an English hog!" Till then our quarrel
+had been waged in Italian. Hardly were the words out of my mouth when
+his lordship leaped from the bed, and in the scantiest drapery
+imaginable, seized me by the collar, inflicting such a shaking as I
+would willingly have exchanged for a tertian ague from the Pontine
+marshes. The sudden air-bath probably cooled his choler, for, in a few
+moments, we found ourselves in a pacific explanation about the
+luckless pencil. Hitherto I had not mentioned my uncle; but the moment
+I stated the relationship, Byron became pacified and credited my
+story. After searching his pockets once more ineffectually for the
+lost _silver_, he presented me his own _gold_ pencil instead, and
+requested 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 runs
+in the blood; you could not help it."
+
+After a moment's hesitation, he continued,--still pacing the apartment
+in 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, as
+he 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 to
+sell, at an exorbitant price, what he called "Lord Byron's pencil,"
+declaring that his lordship had presented it to him. My uncle was on
+the eve of bargaining with the man, when he perceived his own initials
+on the silver. In fact, it was my lost gift. Byron, in his
+abstraction, had evidently mistaken the porter for myself; so the
+servant was rewarded with a trifling gratuity, while my _virtuoso_
+uncle took the liberty to appropriate the golden relic of Byron to
+himself, and put me off with the humbler remembrance of his honored
+name.
+
+These, however, are episodes. Let us return once more to the Galatea
+and her worthy commander.
+
+Captain Towne retired to Salem after the hands were discharged, and
+took me with him to reside in his family until he was ready for
+another voyage. In looking back through the vista of a stormy and
+adventurous life, my memory lights on no happier days than those spent
+in this sea-faring emporium. Salem, in 1821, was my paradise. I
+received more kindness, enjoyed more juvenile pleasures, and found
+more affectionate hospitality in that comfortable city than I can well
+describe. Every boy was my friend. No one laughed at my broken
+English, 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 my
+demeanor, which imparted influence over homelier companions. Besides
+this, I soon got the reputation of a scholar. I was considered a
+marvel in languages, inasmuch as I spoke French, Italian, Spanish,
+English, and _professed_ a familiarity with Latin. I remember there
+was a wag in Salem, who, determining one day to test my acquaintance
+with the latter tongue, took me into a neighboring druggist's, where
+there were some Latin volumes, and handed me one with the request to
+translate a page, either verbally or on paper. Fortunately, the book
+he produced was Æsop, whose fables had been so thoroughly studied by
+me 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 it
+prudent to make my version of the selected fable in French; and, as
+there was a neighbor who knew the latter language perfectly, my
+translation 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 of
+the world, always employing my leisure, while on shore and at sea, in
+familiarizing myself minutely with the practical and scientific
+details of the profession to which I designed devoting my life. I do
+not mean to narrate the adventures of those early voyages, but I
+cannot help setting down a single anecdote of that fresh and earnest
+period, 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 at
+Quallahbattoo, in search of pepper, when a large _proa_, or Malay
+canoe, arrived at the landing crammed with prisoners, from one of the
+islands. The unfortunate victims were to be sold _as slaves_. They
+were the _first slaves_ I had seen! As the human cargo was
+disembarked, I observed one of the Malays dragging a handsome young
+female by the hair along the beach. Cramped by long confinement in the
+wet bottom of the canoe, the shrieking girl was unable to stand or
+walk. My blood was up quickly. I ordered the brute to desist from his
+cruelty; and, as he answered with a derisive laugh, I felled him to
+the earth with a single blow of my boat-hook. This impetuous
+vindication of humanity forced us to quit Quallahbattoo in great
+haste; but, at the age of seventeen, my feelings in regard to slavery
+were very different from what this narrative may disclose them to have
+become in later days.
+
+When my apprenticeship was over, I made two or three successful
+voyages as mate, until--I am ashamed to say,--that a "disappointment"
+caused me to forsake my employers, and to yield to the temptations of
+reckless adventure. This sad and early blight overtook me at
+Antwerp,--a port rather noted for the backslidings of young seamen.
+My hard-earned pay soon diminished very sensibly, while I was
+desperately in love with a Belgian beauty, who made a complete fool of
+me--for at least three months! From Antwerp, I betook myself to Paris
+to vent my second "disappointment." The pleasant capital of _la belle
+France_ was a cup that I drained at a single draught. Few young men of
+eighteen or twenty have lived faster. The gaming tables at Frascati's
+and the Palais Royal finished my consumptive purse; and, leaving an
+empty trunk as a recompense for my landlord, I took "French leave" one
+fine morning, and hastened to sea.
+
+The reader will do me the justice to believe that nothing but the
+direst necessity compelled me to embark on board a _British_ vessel,
+bound to Brazil. The captain and his wife who accompanied him, were
+both stout, handsome Irish people, of equal age, but addicted to
+fondness for strong and flavored drinks.
+
+My introduction on board was signalized by the ceremonious bestowal
+upon me of the key of the spirit-locker, with a strict injunction from
+the commander to deny more than three glasses daily either to his wife
+or himself. I hardly comprehended this singular order at first, but,
+in a few days, I became aware of its propriety. About eleven o'clock
+her ladyship generally approached when I was serving out the men's
+ration of gin, and requested me to fill her tumbler. Of course, I
+gallantly complied. When I returned from deck below with the bottle,
+she again required a similar dose, which, with some reluctance, I
+furnished. At dinner the dame drank _porter_, but passed off the gin
+on her credulous husband as water. This system of deception continued
+as long as the malt liquor lasted, so that her ladyship received and
+swallowed daily a triple allowance of capital grog. Indeed, it is
+quite astonishing what quantities of the article can sometimes be
+swallowed by sea-faring _women_. The oddness of their appetite for the
+cordials is not a little enhanced by the well-known aversion the sex
+have to spirituous fluids, in every shape, on shore. Perhaps the salt
+air may have something to do with the acquired relish; but, as I am
+not composing an essay on temperance, I shall leave the discussion to
+wiser physiologists.
+
+My companions' indulgence illustrated another diversity between the
+sexes, which I believe is historically true from the earliest records
+to the present day. _The lady_ broke her rule, but _the captain_
+adhered faithfully to his. Whilst on duty, the allotted three glasses
+completed his potations. But when we reached Rio de Janeiro, and there
+was no longer need of abstinence, save for the sake of propriety, both
+my shipmates gave loose to their thirst and tempers. They drank,
+quarrelled, and kissed, with more frequency and fervor than any
+creatures it has been my lot to encounter throughout an adventurous
+life. After we got the vessel into the inner harbor,--though not
+without a mishap, owing to the captain's drunken stubbornness,--my
+Irish friends resolved to take lodgings for a while on shore. For two
+days they did not make their appearance; but toward the close of the
+third, they returned, "fresh," as they said, "from the theatre." It
+was very evident that the jolly god had been their companion; and, as
+I was not a little scandalized by the conjugal scenes which usually
+closed these frolics, I hastened to order tea under the awning on
+deck, while I betook myself to a hammock which was slung on the main
+boom. Just as I fell off into pleasant dreams, I was roused from my
+nap by a prelude to the opera. Madame gave her lord the lie direct. A
+loaf of bread, discharged against her head across the table, was his
+reply. Not content with this harmless demonstration of rage, he seized
+the four corners of the table-cloth, and gathering the tea-things and
+food in the sack, threw the whole overboard into the bay. In a flash,
+the tigress fastened on his scanty locks with one hand, while, with
+the other, she pummelled his eyes and nose. Badly used as he was, I
+must confess that the captain proved too generous to retaliate on that
+portion of his spouse where female charms are most bewitching and
+visible; still, I am much mistaken if the sound spanking she received
+did not elsewhere leave marks of physical vigor that would have been
+creditable to a pugilist.
+
+It was remarkable that these human tornados were as violent and brief
+as those which scourge tropical lands as well as tropical characters.
+In a quarter of an hour there was a dead calm. The silence of the
+night, on those still and star-lit waters, was only broken by a sort
+of chirrup, that might have been mistaken for a cricket, but which I
+think 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 glorious
+resource that never failed as a solemn seal of reconciliation and
+bliss.
+
+Next morning, before I awoke, the captain went ashore, and when his
+wife, at breakfast, inquired my knowledge of the night's affray, my
+gallantry forced me to confess that I was one of the soundest sleepers
+on earth or water, and, moreover, that I was surprised to learn there
+had been the least difference between such happy partners. In spite of
+my simplicity, the lady insisted on confiding her griefs, with the
+assurance that she would not have been half so angry had not her
+spouse foolishly thrown her silver spoons into the sea, with the bread
+and 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 her
+husband during their voyages. It did him good, she said, and kept him
+wholesome. In fact, she hoped, that if ever I married, I would have
+the luck to win a guardian like herself. Of course, I was again most
+gallantly silent. Still, I could not help reserving a decision as to
+the merits of matrimony; for present appearances certainly did not
+demonstrate the bliss I had so often read and heard of. At any rate, I
+resolved, that if ever I ventured upon a trial of love, it should, at
+least, in the first instance, be love _without_ liquor!
+
+On our return to Europe we called at Dover for orders, and found that
+Antwerp was our destination. We made sail at sunset, but as the wind
+was adverse and the weather boisterous, we anchored for two days in
+the Downs. At length, during a lull of the gale, we sailed for the
+mouth of the Scheldt; but, as we approached the coast of Holland, the
+wind became light and baffling, so that we were unable to enter the
+river. We had not taken a pilot at Ramsgate, being confident of
+obtaining one off Flushing. At sundown, the storm again arose in all
+its fury from the north-west; but all attempts to put back to England
+were unavailing, for we dared not show a rag of sail before the
+howling tempest. It was, indeed, a fearful night of wind, hail,
+darkness, and anxiety. At two o'clock in the morning, we suddenly
+grounded on one of the numerous banks off Flushing. Hardly had we
+struck when the sea made a clean sweep over us, covering the decks
+with sand, and snapping the spars like pipe-stems. The captain was
+killed instantly by the fall of a top-gallant yard, which crushed his
+skull; while the sailors, who in such moments seem possessed by utter
+recklessness, broke into the spirit-room and drank to excess. For
+awhile I had some hope that the stanchness of our vessel's hull might
+enable us to cling to her till daylight, but she speedily bilged and
+began to fill.
+
+After this it would have been madness to linger. The boats were still
+safe. The long one was quickly filled by the crew, under the command
+of the second mate--who threw an anker of gin into the craft before he
+leaped aboard,--while I reserved the jolly-boat for myself, the
+captain's widow, the cook, and the steward. The long-boat was never
+heard of.
+
+All night long that dreadful nor'wester howled along and lashed the
+narrow sea between England and the Continent; yet I kept our frail
+skiff before it, hoping, at daylight, to descry the lowlands of
+Belgium. The heart-broken woman rested motionless in the stern-sheets.
+We covered her with all the available garments, and, even in the midst
+of our own griefs, could not help feeling that the suddenness of her
+double desolation had made her perfectly unconscious of our dreary
+surroundings.
+
+Shortly after eight o'clock a cry of joy announced the sight of land
+within a short distance. The villagers of Bragden, who soon descried
+us, hastened to the beach, and rushing knee deep into the water,
+signalled that the shore was safe after passing the surf. The sea was
+churned by the storm into a perfect foam. Breakers roared, gathered,
+and poured along like avalanches. Still, there was no hope for us but
+in passing the line of these angry sentinels. Accordingly, I watched
+the swell, and pulling firmly, bow on, into the first of the breakers,
+we spun with such arrowy swiftness across the intervening space, that
+I recollect nothing until we were clasped in the arms of the brawny
+Belgians 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 head
+rested on my lap; yet no spasm of pain or convulsion marked the moment
+of her departure.
+
+That night the parish priest buried the unfortunate lady, and
+afterwards carried round a plate, asking alms,--not for masses to
+insure the repose of her soul,--but to defray the expenses of _the
+living_ to Ostend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+I had no time or temper to be idle. In a week, I was on board a Dutch
+galliot, bound to Havana; but I soon perceived that I was again under
+the command of two captains--male and female. The regular master
+superintended the navigation, while the _bloomer_ controlled the whole
+of us. Indeed, the dame was the actual owner of the craft, and, from
+skipper 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 I
+never met a person who was so rigid as this lady in the observance of
+the church calendar, especially whenever a day of abstinence allowed
+her to deprive us of our beef. Nothing but my destitution compelled me
+to ship in this craft; still, to say the truth, I had well-nigh given
+up all idea of returning to the United States, and determined to
+engage in any adventurous expedition that my profession offered. In
+1824, it will be remembered, Mexico, the Spanish main, Peru, and the
+Pacific coasts, were renowned for the fortunes they bestowed on
+enterprise; and, as the galliot was bound to Havana, I hailed her as a
+sort of floating bridge to my EL DORADO.
+
+On the seventh night after our departure, while beating out of the bay
+of Biscay with a six-knot breeze, in a clear moonlight, we ran foul of
+a vessel which approached us on the opposite tack. Whence she sprang
+no one could tell. In an instant, she appeared and was on us with a
+dreadful concussion. Every man was prostrated on deck and all our
+masts were carried away. From the other vessel we heard shrieks and a
+cry of despair; but the ill-omened miscreant disappeared as rapidly as
+she approached, and left us floating a helpless log, on a sea
+proverbial for storms.
+
+We contrived, however, to reach the port of Ferrol, in Spain, where we
+were detained four months, in consequence of the difficulty of
+obtaining the materials for repairs, notwithstanding this place is
+considered the best and largest ship-yard of Castile.
+
+It was at Ferrol that I met with a singular adventure, which was
+well-nigh depriving me of my personal identity, as Peter Schlemhil was
+deprived of his shadow. I went one afternoon in my boat to the other
+side of the harbor to obtain some pieces of leather from a tannery,
+and, having completed my purchase, was lounging slowly towards the
+quay, when I stopped at a house for a drink of water. I was handed a
+tumbler by the trim-built, black-eyed girl, who stood in the doorway,
+and whose rosy lips and sparkling eyes were more the sources of my
+thirst than the water; but, while I was drinking, the damsel ran into
+the dwelling, and hastily returned with her mother and another sister,
+who stared at me a moment without saying a word, and simultaneously
+fell 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 have
+you been? Your grandmother is dying to see you once more! Don't delay
+an instant, but come in without a word! _Por dios!_ that we should
+have caught you at last, and in such a way: _Ave Maria! madrecita,
+aqui viene Antonito!_"
+
+In the midst of all these exclamations, embraces, fondlings, and
+kisses, it may easily be imagined that I stood staring about me with
+wide eyes and mouth, and half-drained tumbler in hand, like one in a
+dream. I asked no questions, but as the dame was buxom, and the girls
+were fresh, I kissed in return, and followed unreluctantly as they
+half dragged, half carried me into their domicil. On the door-sill of
+the inner apartment I found myself locked in the skinny arms of a
+brown and withered crone, who was said to be my grandmother, and, of
+course, my youthful _moustache_ was properly bedewed with the moisture
+of her toothless mouth.
+
+As soon as I was seated, I took the liberty to say,--though without
+any protest against this charming assault,--that I fancied there might
+possibly be some mistake; but I was quickly silenced. My _madrecita_
+declared at once, and in the presence of my four shipmates, that, six
+years 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 only
+surviving male of the family, and, of course, would never more quit
+either her, my darling sisters, or the old _pobrecita_, our
+grandmother. This florid explanation was immediately closed like the
+pleasant air of an opera by a new chorus of kisses, nor can there be
+any doubt that I responded to the embraces of my sweet _hermanas_ with
+the 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 into
+my eager ears. So rapid was the talk, and so quickly was its thread
+taken up and spun out by each of the three, that I had no opportunity
+to interpose. At length, however, in a momentary lull and in a jocular
+manner,--but in rather bad Spanish,--I ventured to ask my loving and
+talkative mamma, "what amount of property my worthy father had deemed
+proper to leave on earth _for his son_ when he took his departure to
+rest _con Dios_?" I thought it possible that this agreeable drama was
+a Spanish joke, got up _al' improvista_, and that I might end it by
+exploding the dangerous mine of money: besides this, it was growing
+late, and my return to the galliot was imperative.
+
+But alas! my question brought tears in an instant into my mother's
+eyes, and I saw that the scene was _not_ a jest. Accordingly, I
+hastened, in all seriousness, to explain and insist on their error. I
+protested with all the force of my Franco-Italian nature and Spanish
+rhetoric, against the assumed relationship. But all was unavailing;
+they argued and persisted; they brought in the neighbors; lots of old
+women 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 the
+impossibility of eradicating an impression from the female mind when
+it becomes imbedded with go much apparent conviction, I resolved to
+yield; and, assuming the manner of a penitent prodigal, I kissed the
+girls, embraced my mother, passed my head over both shoulders of my
+grand-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 her
+rights over the truant boy. The _Alcalde_, after hearing my story,
+dismissed the claim; but my dissatisfied relatives summoned me, on
+appeal, before the governor of the district, nor was it without
+infinite difficulty that I at last succeeded in shaking off their
+annoying consanguinity.
+
+I have always been at a loss to account for this queer mistake. It is
+true that my father was in Spain with the French army during
+Napoleon's invasion, but that excellent gentleman was a faithful
+spouse as well as valiant soldier, and I do not remember that he ever
+sojourned in the pleasant port of Ferrol!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At length, we sailed for Havana, and nothing of importance occurred to
+break the monotony of our hot and sweltering voyage, save a sudden
+flurry of jealousy on the part of the captain, who imagined I made an
+attempt to conquer the pious and economical heart of his wife! In
+truth, nothing was further from my mind or taste than such an
+enterprise; but as the demon had complete possession of him, and his
+passion was stimulated by the lies of a cabin-boy, I was forced to
+undergo an inquisitorial examination, which I resisted manfully but
+fruitlessly. The Bloomer-dame, who knew her man, assumed such an air
+of outraged innocence and calumniated virtue, interlarded with sobs,
+tears, and hysterics, that her perplexed husband was quite at his
+wit's end, but terminated the scene by abruptly ordering me to my
+state-room.
+
+This was at nightfall. I left the cabin willingly but with great
+mortification; yet the surly pair eyed each other with so much anger
+that I had some fear for the _denouement_. I know not what passed
+during the silent watches of that night; but doubtless woman's
+witchcraft had much to do in pouring oil on the seared heart of the
+skipper. At daylight he emerged from his cabin with orders to have the
+tell-tale cabin-boy soundly thrashed; and, when Madame mounted the
+deck, I saw at a glance that her influence was completely restored.
+Nor was I neglected in this round of reconciliation. In the course of
+the day, I was requested to resume my duty on board, but I stubbornly
+refused. Indeed, my denial caused the captain great uneasiness, for he
+was a miserable navigator, and, now that we approached the Bahamas, my
+services were chiefly requisite. The jealous scamp was urgent in
+desiring me to forget the past and resume duty; still I declined,
+especially as his wife informed me in private that there would perhaps
+be peril in my compliance.
+
+The day after we passed the "Hole in the Wall" and steered for Salt
+Key, we obtained no meridian observation, and no one on board, except
+myself, was capable of taking a lunar, which in our position, among
+unknown keys and currents, was of the greatest value. I knew this
+troubled the skipper, yet, after his wife's significant warning, I did
+not think it wise to resume my functions. Nevertheless, I secretly
+made calculations and watched the vessel's course. Another day went by
+without a noontide observation; but, at midnight, I furtively obtained
+a lunar, by the result of which I found we were drifting close to the
+Cuba reefs, about five miles from the CRUZ DEL PADRE.
+
+As soon as I was sure of my calculation and sensible of imminent
+danger, I did not hesitate to order the second officer,--whose watch
+it was,--to call all hands and tack ship. At the same time, I
+directed the helmsman to luff the galliot close into the wind's eye.
+
+But the new mate, proud of his command, refused to obey until the
+captain was informed; nor would he call that officer, inasmuch as no
+danger was visible ahead on the allotted course. But time was
+precious. Delay would lose us. As I felt confident of my opinion, I
+turned abruptly from the disobedient mariners, and letting go the main
+brace, brought the vessel to with the topsail aback. Quickly, then, I
+ordered the watch as it rushed aft, to clew up the mainsail;--but
+alas! no one would obey; and, in the fracas, the captain, who rushed
+on deck ignorant of the facts or danger, ordered me back to my
+state-room with curses for my interference in his skilful navigation.
+
+With a shrug of my shoulders, I obeyed. Remonstrance was useless. For
+twenty minutes the galliot cleft the waters on her old course, when
+the look-out screamed: "Hard up!--rocks and breakers dead ahead!"
+
+"Put down the helm!" yelled the confused second mate;--but the galliot
+lost her headway, and, taken aback, shaved the edge of a foam-covered
+rock, dropping astern on a reef with seven feet water around her.
+
+All was consternation;--sails flapping; breakers roaring; ropes
+snapping and beating; masts creaking; hull thumping; men shouting! The
+captain and his wife were on deck in the wink of an eye. Every one
+issued an order and no one obeyed. At last, _the lady_ shouted--"let
+go the anchor!"--the worst command that could be given,--and down went
+the 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 up
+the sails, and thereby lessening the impetuous surges of the
+unfortunate galliot.
+
+Our sad mishap occurred about one o'clock in the morning. Fortunately
+there was not much wind and the sea was tolerably calm, so that we
+could recognize, and, in some degree, control our situation;--yet,
+every thing on board appeared given over to Batavian stupidity and
+panic.
+
+My own feelings may be understood by those who have calmly passed
+through danger, while they beheld their companions unmanned by fear or
+lack of coolness. There was no use of my interference, for no one
+would heed me. At last the captain's wife, who was probably the most
+collected individual on board, called my name loudly, and in the
+presence of officers and crew, who, by this time were generally
+crowded on the quarter-deck, entreated me to save her ship!
+
+Of course, I sprang to duty. Every sail was clewed up, while the
+anchors were weighed to prevent our thumping on them. I next ordered
+the boats to be lowered; and, taking a crew in one, directed the
+captain to embark in another to seek an escape from our perilous trap.
+At daylight, we ascertained that we had crossed the edge of the reef
+at 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 mushy
+outcroppings of coral.
+
+Soon after sunrise, we beheld, at no great distance, one of those low
+sandy keys which are so well-known to West Indian navigators; while,
+further in the distance, loomed up the blue and beautiful outline of
+the 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 boat
+suddenly shoot from behind one of its points and approach our wreck.
+The visitors were five in number; their trim, beautiful boat was
+completely furnished with fishing implements, and four of the hands
+spoke Spanish only, while the _patron_, or master, addressed us in
+French. The whole crew were dressed in flannel shirts, the skirts of
+which were belted by a leather strap over their trowsers, and when the
+wind suddenly dashed the flannel aside, I saw they had long knives
+concealed beneath it.
+
+The _patron_ of these fellows offered to aid us in lightening the
+galliot and depositing the cargo on the key; where, he said, there was
+a 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. He
+offered, moreover, to pilot us out of harm's way; and, for all his
+services in salvage, we were to pay him a thousand dollars.
+
+While the master was busy making terms, his companions were rummaging
+the galliot in order to ascertain our cargo and armament. It was
+finally agreed by the captain and his petticoat commodore, that if, by
+evening and the return of tide, our galliot would not float, we would
+accept the wreckers' offer; and, accordingly, I was ordered to inform
+them of the resolution.
+
+As soon as I stated our assent, the _patron_, suddenly assumed an air
+of deliberation, and insisted that the money should be paid in hard
+cash on the spot, and not by drafts on Havana, as originally required.
+I thought the demand a significant one, and hoped the joint partners
+would 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 of
+the imprudence of the concession and the justice of my suspicions.
+
+The fishermen departed to try their luck on the sea, promising to be
+back at sunset, on their way to the island. We spent the day in
+fruitless efforts to relieve the galliot or to find a channel, so that
+when the Spaniards returned in the afternoon with a rather careless
+reiteration of their proposal, our captain, with some eagerness, made
+his final arrangements for the cargo's discharge early next morning.
+Our skipper had visited the key in the course of the day, and finding
+the place of deposit apparently safe, and every thing else seemingly
+honest, he was anxious that the night might pass in order that the
+disembarkation might begin.
+
+The calm quiet of that tropic season soon wore away, and, when I
+looked landward, at day-dawn, I perceived two strange boats at anchor
+near the key. As this gave me some uneasiness, I mentioned it to the
+captain and his wife, but they laughed at my suspicions. After an
+early meal we began to discharge our heaviest cargo with the
+fishermen's aid, yet we made little progress towards completion by the
+afternoon. At sunset, accounts were compared, and finding a
+considerable difference _in favor_ of the wreckers, I was dispatched
+ashore to ascertain the error. At the landing I was greeted by several
+new faces. I particularly observed a Frenchman whom I had not noticed
+before. He addressed me with a courteous offer of refreshments. His
+manners and language were evidently those of an educated person, while
+his figure and physiognomy indicated aristocratic habits or birth, yet
+his features and complexion bore the strong imprint of that premature
+old age which always marks a dissipated career.
+
+After a delightful chat in my mother-tongue with the pleasant
+stranger, he invited me to spend the night on shore. I declined
+politely, and, having rectified the cargo's error, was preparing to
+re-embark, when the Frenchman once more approached and insisted on my
+remaining. 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 might
+probably 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 our
+cargo.
+
+Before leaving the vessel that night, the _patron_ took me aside, and
+inquired whether I received the invitation to pass the night on the
+key, and why I had not accepted it? To my great astonishment, he
+addressed me in pure Italian; and when I expressed gratitude for his
+offer, he beset me with questions about my country, my parents, my
+age, my objects in life, and my prospects. Once or twice he threw in
+the ejaculation of, "poor boy! poor boy!" As he stepped over the
+taffrail to enter his boat, I offered my hand, which he first
+attempted to take,--then suddenly stopping, rejected the grasp, and,
+with an abrupt--"_No! addio!_" he spun away in his boat from the
+galliot's side.
+
+I could not help putting these things together in my mind during the
+glowing twilight. I felt as if walking in a cold shadow; an
+unconquerable sense of impending danger oppressed me. I tried to
+relieve myself by discussing the signs with the captain, but the
+phlegmatic Hollander only scoffed at my suspicions, and bade me sleep
+off my nervousness.
+
+When I set the first night watch, I took good care to place every case
+containing valuables _below_, and to order the look-out to call all
+hands at the first appearance or sound of a boat. Had we been provided
+with 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, or
+a ripple on the water! The sky was brilliant with stars, as if the
+firmament were strewn with silver dust. The full moon, with its
+glowing disc, hung some fifteen or twenty degrees above the horizon.
+The intense stillness weighed upon my tired limbs and eyes, while I
+leaned with my elbows on the taffrail, watching the roll of the vessel
+as 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 my
+state-room in hope of burying my sorrows in sleep. But the calm night
+near 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 than
+I have taken to tell it.
+
+Notwithstanding my nervous apprehension, a sleep more like the torpor
+of lethargy than natural slumber, fell on me at once. I neither
+stirred nor heard any thing till near two o'clock, when a piercing
+shriek from the deck aroused me. The moon had set, but there was light
+enough to show the decks abaft filled with men, though I could
+distinguish neither their persons nor movements. Cries of appeal, and
+moans as of wounded or dying, constantly reached me. I roused myself
+as well and quickly as I could from the oppression of my deathlike
+sleep, and tried to shake off the nightmare. The effort assured me
+that it was reality and not a dream! In an instant, that presence of
+mind which has seldom deserted me, suggested escape. I seized the
+gasket, 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 voice
+called in Spanish to return or I would be shot.
+
+When I began to go to sea, I took pains to become a good swimmer, and
+my acquired skill served well on this occasion. As soon as the voice
+ceased from the deck, I lay still on the water until I saw a flash
+from the bow of the _galliot_, to which I immediately made a
+complaisant bow by diving deeply. This operation I repeated several
+times, till I was lost in the distant darkness; nor can I pride myself
+much on my address in escaping the musket balls, as I have since had
+my own aim similarly eluded by many a harmless duck.
+
+After swimming about ten minutes, I threw myself on my back to rest
+and "take a fresh departure." It was so dark that I could not see the
+key, yet, as I still discerned the galliot's masts relieved against
+the sky, I was enabled by that beacon to steer my way landward. Naked,
+with the exception of trowsers, I had but little difficulty in
+swimming, so that in less than half an hour, I touched the key, and
+immediately sought concealment in a thick growth of mangroves.
+
+I had not been five minutes in this dismal jungle, when such a swarm
+of mosquitoes beset me, that I was forced to hurry to the beach and
+plunge into the water. In this way was I tormented the whole night. At
+dawn, I retreated once more to the bushes; and climbing the highest
+tree I found,--whose altitude, however, was not more than twelve feet
+above the sand,--I beheld, across the calm sea, the dismantled hull of
+my late home, surrounded by a crowd of boats, which were rapidly
+filling with plundered merchandise. It was evident that we had fallen
+a prey to pirates; yet I could not imagine why _I_ had been singled
+from this scene of butchery, to receive the marks of anxious sympathy
+that were manifested by the _patron_ and his French companion on the
+key. All the morning I continued in my comfortless position, watching
+their movements,--occasionally refreshing my parched lips by chewing
+the bitter berries of the thicket. Daylight, with its heat, was as
+intolerable as night, with its venom. The tropical sun and the glaring
+reflection from a waveless sea, poured through the calm atmosphere
+upon my naked flesh, like boiling oil. My thirst was intense. As the
+afternoon wore away, I observed several boats tow the lightened hull
+of our galliot south-east of the key till it disappeared behind a
+point of the island. Up to that moment, my manhood had not forsaken
+me; but, as the last timber of my vessel was lost to sight, nature
+resumed its dominion. Every hope of seeing my old companions was gone;
+I was utterly alone. If this narrative were designed to be a
+sentimental confession, the reader might see unveiled the ghastly
+spectacle of a "troubled conscience," nor am I ashamed to say that no
+consolation cheered my desolate heart, till I prayed to my Maker that
+the loss of so many lives might not be imputed to the wilful malice of
+a proud and stubborn nature.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+So passed the day. As the sun sank is the west, I began to reflect
+about obtaining the rest for mind and body I so much needed. My system
+was almost exhausted by want of food and water, while the dreadful
+tragedy of the preceding night shattered my nerves far more than they
+ever suffered amid the trying scenes I have passed through since. It
+was my _first_ adventure of peril and of blood; and my soul shrank
+with the natural recoil that virtue experiences in its earliest
+encounter with flagrant crime.
+
+In order to escape the incessant torment of insects, I had just
+determined to bury my naked body in the sand, and to cover my head
+with the only garment I possessed, when I heard a noise in the
+neighboring bushes, and perceived a large and savage dog rushing
+rapidly from side to side, with his nose to the ground, evidently in
+search 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 in
+time to save myself from his fangs. The foiled and ferocious beast,
+yelling with rage, gave an alarm which was quickly responded to by
+other dogs, three of which--followed by two armed men--promptly made
+their appearance beneath my tree. The hunters were not surprised at
+finding me, as, in truth, I was the game they sought. Ordering me
+down, I was commanded to march slowly before them, and especially
+warned to make no attempt at flight, as the bloodhounds would tear me
+to pieces on the spot. I told my guard that I should of course
+manifest no such folly as to attempt as escape from _caballeros_ like
+themselves,--upon a desolate sand key half a mile wide,--especially
+when my alternative refuge could only be found among the fish of the
+sea. The self-possession and good humor with which I replied, seemed
+somewhat to mollify the cross-grained savages, and we soon approached
+a habitation, where I was ordered to sit down until the whole party
+assembled. After a while, I was invited to join them in their evening
+meal.
+
+The piquant stew upon which we fed effectually loosened their tongues,
+so that, in the course of conversation, I discovered my pursuers had
+been in quest of me since early morning, though it was hardly believed
+I had either escaped the shot, or swam fully a mile amid sharks during
+the darkness. Upon this, I ventured to put some ordinary questions,
+but was quickly informed that inquisitiveness was considered very
+unwholesome on the sand keys about Cuba!
+
+At sunset, the whole piratical community of the little isle was
+assembled. It consisted of two parties, each headed by its respective
+chief. Both gangs were apparently subject to the leadership of the
+_rancho's_ proprietor; and in this man I recognized the _patron_ who
+inquired so minutely about my biography and prospects. His companions
+addressed him either as "El señor patron" or "Don Rafael." I was
+surveyed very closely by the picturesque group of bandits, who retired
+into the interior of the _rancho_,--a hut made of planks and sails
+rescued from wrecks. My guard or sentinel consisted of but a single
+vagabond, who amused himself by whetting a long knife on a hone, and
+then 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 his
+weapon across his throat.
+
+The conversation within, which I felt satisfied involved my fate, was
+a long one. I could distinctly overhear the murmuring roar of talk,
+although I could not distinguish words. One sentence, however, did
+not escape me, and its signification proved particularly
+interesting:--"_Los muertos_," said the French dandy,--"_no
+hablan_,"--Dead men tell no tales!
+
+It is hard to imagine a situation more trying for a young, hearty, and
+hopeful man. I was half naked; my skin was excoriated by the sun,
+sand, and salt water; four bloodhounds were at my feet ready to fasten
+on 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 more
+torments.
+
+The _filibustero_ conclave lasted quite an hour without reaching a
+conclusion. At length, after an unusual clamor, the _patron_ Rafael
+rushed from the _rancho_ with a horseman's pistol, and, calling my
+name, whirled me behind him in his strong and irresistible grasp. Then
+facing both hands, with a terrible imprecation, he swore vengeance if
+they persisted in requiring the death of HIS NEPHEW!
+
+At the mention of the word "_nephew_," every one paused with a look of
+surprise, and drawing near the excited man with expressions of
+interest, agreed to respect his new-found relative, though they
+insisted I should swear never to disclose the occurrence of which I
+had been an unwilling witness. I complied with the condition
+unhesitatingly, and shook hands with every one present except the
+sentry, of whom I shall have occasion to speak hereafter.
+
+It is astonishing what revulsions of manner, if not of feeling, take
+place suddenly among the class of men with whom my lot had now been
+cast. Ten minutes before, they were greedy for my blood, not on
+account of personal malice, but from utter recklessness of life
+whenever an individual interfered with their personal hopes or tenure
+of existence. Each one of these outlaws now vied with his companions
+in finding articles to cover my nakedness and make me comfortable. As
+soon as I was clothed, supper was announced and I was given almost a
+seat 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 at
+the expense of Rafael, concerning the kinsman who had suddenly sprung
+up like a mushroom out of this pool of blood.
+
+"_Caballeros!_" interposed Rafael, passionately, "you seem inclined to
+doubt my word. Perhaps you are no longer disposed to regard me as
+your chief? We have broken bread together during four months; we have
+shared the same dangers and divided our spoils fairly: am I _now_ to
+be charged to my face with a lie?" "Ha!" said he, rising from the
+table and striding through the apartment with violent gestures, "who
+dares doubt my word, and impute to me the meanness of a lie? Are ye
+drunk? Can this wine have made you mad?" and seizing a bottle, he
+dashed it to the ground, stamping with rage. "Has the blood of last
+night unsettled your nerves and made you delirious? _Basta! basta!_
+Let me not hear another word of doubt as to this youth. The first who
+utters a syllable of incredulity shall kill me on the spot or fall by
+my hand!"
+
+This sounds, I confess, very melo-dramatically, yet, my experience has
+taught 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 delivered
+with such genuine vehemence and resolution that no one could question
+his sincerity or suppose him acting. But, as soon as he was done, the
+leader of the other gang, who had been very unconcernedly smoking his
+cigar, and apparently punctuating Don Rafael's oration with his little
+puffs, advanced to my new uncle, and laying his hand on his arm,
+said:--
+
+"_Amigo_, you take a joke too seriously. No one here certainly desires
+to 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 easily
+gained, they interpose obstacles and start new subjects of
+controversy, so that the most amiable and yielding temper may at last
+become inflamed to passionate resistance.
+
+"No, _caballeros_!" exclaimed Don Rafael, "I will neither light a
+_cigarillo_, drink claret, calm myself, nor accept satisfaction for
+this insult, short of the self-condemnation you will all experience
+for a mean suspicion, when I _prove_ the truth of my assertions about
+this boy. A doubted man has no business at the head of such fellows as
+you are. Begone out of my hearing, Theodore," continued he, pointing
+to the canvas door, "begone till I convince these people that I am
+your uncle!"
+
+As soon as I was out of the chamber, I afterwards learned, that Rafael
+announced my name, place of birth, and parentage to the wreckers, and
+desired the other _patron_, Mesclet, who spoke Italian, to follow and
+interrogate me as to his accuracy.
+
+Mesclet performed the service in a kind manner, opening the interview
+by asking the names of my father and mother, and then demanding how
+many uncles I had on my mother's side? My replies appeared
+satisfactory.
+
+"Was one of your uncles a navy officer?" inquired Mesclet, "and where
+is he at present?" The only uncle I had in the navy, I declared, had
+long 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 for
+the Spanish main; since then no intelligence of the wanderer had
+reached my ears. Had I been a French _scholar_ at that time, my
+adventures of consanguinity at Ferrol and on this key might well have
+brought 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 the
+mysterious drama at once established me in a position I could not have
+attained even by desperate services to the _filibusteros_. A bumper,
+all round, closed the night; and each slunk off to his cot or blanket
+beneath a mosquito bar, while the bloodhounds were chained at the door
+to do double duty as sentinels and body-guard.
+
+I hope there are few who will deny me the justice to believe that when
+I stretched my limbs on the hard couch assigned me that night, I
+remembered my God in heaven, and my home in Tuscany. It was the first
+night that an ingenuous youth had spent among outcasts, whose hands
+were still reeking with the blood of his companions. At that period
+of manhood we are grateful for the mere boon of _life_. It is pleasant
+to live, to breathe, to have one's being, on this glorious earth, even
+though 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 tired
+as I was, I could not compose my mind to sleep. The conduct of Rafael
+surprised me. I could not imagine how he became familiar with my
+biography, nor could I identify his personal appearance with my uncle
+who went so long before to South America. A thousand fancies jumbled
+themselves in my brain, and, in their midst, I fell into slumber. Yet
+my self-oblivion was broken and short. My pulse beat wildly, but my
+skin did not indicate the heat of fever. The tragedy of the galliot
+was 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 the
+galliot's loss, and of their murder. Then the wretched woman would
+hang round my neck, and crawl on my breast, besprinkling me with gore
+that spouted from her eyeless sockets, imploring me to save
+her;--till, shrieking and panting, I awoke from the horrible
+nightmare. Such were the dreams that haunted my pillow nearly all the
+time I was forced to remain with these desperadoes.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I thanked God that the night of the tropics was so brief. The first
+glimmer of light found me up, and as soon as I could find a companion
+to control the hounds, I ran to the sea for refreshment by a glorious
+surf-bath. I was on a miserable sandbar, whose surface was hardly
+covered with soil; yet, in that prolific land of rain and sunshine,
+nature seems only to require the slightest footing to assert her
+magnificent power of vegetation. In spots, along the arid island, were
+the most beautiful groves of abundant undergrowth, matted with
+broad-leaved vines, while, within their shadow, the fresh herbage
+sprang up, sparkling with morning dew. In those climates, the blaze of
+noon is a season of oppressive languor, but morning and evening, with
+their dawn and twilight,--their lengthened shadows and declining sun,
+are draughts of beauty that have often intoxicated less enthusiastic
+tempers than mine. The bath, the breeze, the renewed nature, aroused
+and restored a degree of tone to my shattered nerves, so that when I
+reached the _rancho_, I was ready for any duty that might be imposed.
+The twin gangs had gone off in their boats soon after daylight, with
+saws and axes; but Rafael left orders with my brutal sentry that I
+should assist him in preparing breakfast, which was to be ready by
+eleven 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 a
+good figure,--symmetrical and strong, while it was lithe and active.
+But his head and face were the most repulsive I ever encountered. The
+fellow was not absolutely ugly, so far as mere contour of features was
+concerned; but there was so dropsical a bloat in his cheeks, such a
+stagnant sallowness in his complexion, such a watching scowl in his
+eyes, such a drawling sullenness of speech, such sensuality in the
+turn of his resolute lips, that I trembled to know he was to be my
+daily companion. His dress and skin denoted slovenly habits, while a
+rude and growling voice gave token of the bitter heart that kept the
+enginery 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 to
+follow 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 comfortable
+living. In the corners, strewn at random on the ground, I observed
+spy-glasses, compasses, sea-charts, books, and a quantity of choice
+cabin-furniture. We obtained a sufficiency of water for cookery and
+drinking from holes dug in the sand, and we managed to cool the
+beverage by suspending it in a draft of air in porous vessels, which
+are known throughout the West Indies by the mischievous name of
+"monkeys." Our copious thickets supplied us with fuel, nor were we
+without a small, rough garden, in which the gang cultivated peppers,
+tomatoes and mint. The premises being reviewed, I returned with my
+ill-favored guard to take a lesson in piratical cookery.
+
+It is astonishing how well these wandering vagabonds know how to toss
+up a savory mess, and how admirably they understand its enjoyment. A
+tickled palate is one of the great objects of their mere animal
+existence, and they are generally prepared with a mate who might pass
+muster in a second-rate restaurant. The _déjeuner_ we served of
+codfish stewed in claret, snowy and granulated rice, delicious
+tomatoes and fried ham, was irreproachable. Coffee had been drunk at
+day-dawn; so that my comrades contented themselves during the meal
+with liberal potations of claret, while they finished the morning with
+brandy and cigars.
+
+By two o'clock the breakfast was over, and most of the gorged scamps
+had retired for a _siesta_ during the sweltering heat. A few of the
+toughest took muskets and went to the beach to shoot gulls or sharks.
+Gallego and myself were dispatched to our grove-kitchen to scullionize
+our utensils; and, finally, being the youngest, I was intrusted with
+the honorable duty of feeding the bloodhounds.
+
+As soon as my duties were over, I was preparing to follow the
+siesta-example of my betters, when I met Don Rafael coming out of the
+door, and, without a word, was beckoned to follow towards the interior
+of the island. When we reached a solitary spot, two or three hundred
+yards from the _rancho_, Rafael drew me down beside him in the shade
+of a tree, and said gently with a smile, that he supposed I was at
+least _surprised_ by the events of the last four days. I must confess
+that I saw little for any thing else but astonishment in them, and I
+took the liberty to concede that fact to the Don.
+
+"Well," continued he, "I have brought you here to explain a part of
+the mystery, and especially to let you understand why it was that I
+passed myself off last night as your uncle, in order to save your
+life. I was obliged to do it, boy; and, _voto à Dios_! I would have
+fought the _junta_,--bloodhounds and all,--before they should have
+harmed a limb of your body!"
+
+Don Rafael explained that as soon as he caught a glimpse of my face
+when he boarded the _galliot_ on the morning of our disaster, he
+recognized the lineaments of an old companion in arms. The resemblance
+caused him to address me as particularly as he had done on the night
+of the piracy, the consequence of which was that his suspicions
+ripened 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, which
+showed,--as he alleged,--how those potent controllers of
+outlaws,--"circumstances,"--had changed him from a very respectable
+soldier of fortune into a genuine buccaneer. He asserted that my
+uncle had been his schoolmate and professional companion in the old
+world. When the war of South American independence demanded the aid
+of certain Dugald Dalgettys to help its fortune, Don Rafael and my
+uncle had lent the revolutionists of Mexico their swords, for which
+they were repaid in the coin that "patriots" commonly receive for
+such 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 a
+duel at which Don Rafael performed the professional part of "his
+friend." My relation died, of course, like a "man of honor," and soon
+after, Don Rafael, himself, fell a victim to the "circumstances"
+which, in the end, enabled him to slaughter my shipmates and save my
+life.
+
+I must admit that I use this flippant tone with a twinge of sorrow,
+for I think I perceived certain spasms of conscience during our
+interview, which proved that, among the lees of that withered heart,
+there were some rich drops of manhood ready to mantle his cheek with
+shame at our surroundings. Indeed, as he disclosed his story, he
+exhibited several outbursts of passionate agony which satisfied me
+that if Don Rafael were in Paris, Don Rafael would have been a most
+respectable _bourgeois_; while, doubtless, there were many estimable
+citizens at that moment in Paris, who would have given up their shops
+in order to become Don Rafaels in Cuba! Such is life--and
+"circumstances!"
+
+Our chat wasted a large portion of the afternoon. It was terminated by
+a counsel from my friend to be wary in my deportment, and a direction
+to console myself with the idea that he did not mean I should tarry
+long upon the island.
+
+"You see," said he, "that I do not lack force of eye, voice, and
+personal influence over these ruffians; yet I do not know that I can
+always serve or save a friend, so your fate hangs very much on your
+circumspection. Men in our situation are Ishmaelites. Our hands are
+not only against all, and all against us, but we do not know the
+minute when we may be all against each other. The power of habitual
+control may do much for a leader among such men; but such an one must
+neither quail nor _deceive_. Therefore, _beware_! Let none of your
+actions mar my projects. Let them never suspect the truth of our
+consanguinity. Call me 'uncle;' and in my mouth you shall always be
+'Theodore.' Ask no questions; be civil, cheerful, and serviceable
+about the _rancho_; never establish an intimacy, confidence, or
+friendship with any _one_ of the band; stifle your feelings and your
+tears if you ever find them rising to your lips or eyes; talk as
+little as you possibly can; avoid that smooth-tongued Frenchman; keep
+away from our revels, and refrain entirely from wine.
+
+"I charge you to be specially watchful of Gallego, the cook. He is our
+man of dirty work,--a shameless coward, though revengeful as a cat. If
+it shall ever happen that you come in collision with him, _strike
+first and well_; no one cares for him; even his death will make no
+stir. Take this _cuchillo_,--it is sharp and reliable; keep it near
+you day and night; and, _in self-defence_, do not hesitate to make
+good use of it. In a few days, I may say more to you; until
+then,--_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 dreary
+affair. The genuine pirate, properly equipped for a desperate lot, who
+has his swift keel beneath him and is wafted wheresoever he lists on
+canvas wings, encounters, it is true, an existence of peril; yet there
+is something exhilarating and romantic in his dashing career of
+incessant peril: he is ever on the wing, and ever amid novelty; there
+is something about his life that smacks of genuine warfare, and his
+existence becomes as much more respectable as the old-fashioned
+highwayman on his mettlesome steed was superior to the sneaking
+footpad, who leaped from behind a thicket and bade the unarmed
+pedestrian stand and deliver. But the wrecker-pirate takes his victim
+at a disadvantage, for he is not a genuine freebooter of the sea. He
+shuns an able foe and strikes the crippled. Like the shark and the
+eagle, he delights to prey on the carcass, rather than to strike the
+living quarry.
+
+The companionship into which misfortune had thrown me was precisely of
+this character, and I gladly confess that I was never tempted for a
+moment 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 of
+escape by my own tact and energy.
+
+Meanwhile, I became heartily tired of my scullion duties as the
+subordinate of Gallego. Finding one day a chest of carpenters' tools
+among the rubbish, I busied myself in making a rudder for one of the
+boats, and so well did I succeed, that when my companions returned to
+breakfast from their daily "fishing," my mechanical skill was lauded
+to such a degree that Rafael converted the general enthusiasm to my
+advantage by separating me from the cook. I was raised to the head of
+our "naval bureau" as boatbuilder in chief. Indeed, it was admitted on
+all hands that I was abler with the adze than the ladle and spoiled
+fewer boards than broths.
+
+A few days passed, during which I learned that our unfortunate galliot
+was gradually emptied and destroyed. This was the usual morning
+occupation of the whole gang until the enterprise ended. When the job
+was over Don Rafael told me that he was about to depart hurriedly on
+business with the whole company, to the mainland of Cuba, so that,
+during his absence, the island and its property would be left in
+custody of Gallego, myself, and the bloodhounds. He specially charged
+the cook to keep sober, and to give a good account of himself at the
+end of _five days_, which would terminate his absence.
+
+But no sooner was the _patron_ away, than the lazy scamp neglected his
+duties, skulked all day among the bushes, and refused even to furnish
+my food or supply the dogs. Of course, I speedily attended to the
+welfare of myself and the animals; but, at night, the surly Galician
+came home, prepared his own supper, drank till he was completely
+drunk, and retired without uttering a word.
+
+I was glad that he yielded to the temptation of liquor, as I hoped he
+would thereby become incapable of harming me during the watches of the
+night, if weariness compelled me to sleep. He was a malignant wretch,
+and his taciturnity and ill-will appeared so ominous now that I was
+left utterly alone, that I resolved, if possible, to keep awake, and
+not to trust to luck or liquor. The galliot's tragedy and anxiety
+stood me in stead, so that I did not close my eyes in sleep the whole
+of that dreary vigil. About midnight, Gallego stealthily approached my
+cot, and pausing a moment to assure himself that I was in the profound
+repose which I admirable feigned, he turned on tip-toe to the door of
+our cabin, and disappeared with a large bundle in his hand. He did not
+return until near day-dawn; and, next night, the same act was exactly
+repeated.
+
+The mysterious sullenness of this vagabond not only alarmed, but
+increased my nervousness, for I can assure the reader that, on a
+desolate island, without a companion but a single outcast, one would
+rather hear the sound of that wretch's voice than be doomed to the
+silence of such inhuman solitude. During the day he kept entirely
+aloof,--generally at sea fishing,--affording me time for a long
+_siesta_ in a nook near the shore, penetrated by a thorny path, which
+Gallego could not have traced without hounds. On the fourth night,
+when the pirate left our hut for his accustomed excursion, I resolved
+to follow; and taking a pistol with renewed priming, I pursued his
+steps at a safe distance, till I saw him enter a thick shrubbery, in
+which he was lost. I marked the spot and returned to the cabin. Next
+morning, after coffee, Gallego departed in his canoe to fish. I
+watched him anxiously from the beach until he anchored about two miles
+from the reef, and then calling the dogs, retraced my way to the
+thicket. The hounds were of great service, for, having placed them on
+the track, they instantly traced the path of the surly scoundrel.
+
+After some trouble in passing the dense copse of underwood, I entered
+a large patch of naked sand, broken by heaps of stones, which appeared
+to cover graves. One heap bore the form of a cross, and was probably
+the sepulchre of a wrecker. I stopped awhile and reflected as to
+further explorations. On entering this arid graveyard, I observed a
+number of land-crabs scamper away; but, after awhile, when I sat down
+in a corner and became perfectly quiet, I noticed that the army
+returned to the field and introduced themselves into all the heaps of
+stones or graves _save one_. This struck me as singular; for, when
+people are so hopelessly alone as I was, they become minute observers,
+and derive infinite happiness from the consideration of the merest
+trifles. Accordingly, I ventured close to the abandoned heap, and
+found at once that the neighboring sand had been freshly smoothed. I
+was on Gallego's track! In dread of detection, I stealthily climbed a
+tree, and, screening myself behind the foliage, peered out towards the
+sea till I beheld the cook at work beyond the reef. My musket and
+pistols were again examined and found in order. With these
+precautions, I began to remove the stones, taking care to mark their
+relative positions so that I might replace them exactly; and, in about
+ten minutes work at excavation, I came upon two barrels, one of which
+was filled with bundles of silk, linens, and handkerchiefs, while the
+other contained a chronometer, several pieces of valuable lace, and a
+beautifully bound, gilt, and ornamented _Bible_. One bundle, tied in a
+Madras handkerchief, particularly attracted my attention, for I
+thought I recognized the covering. Within it I found a number of
+trinkets belonging to the wife of my Dutch captain, and a large
+hairpin, set with diamonds, which I remember she wore the last day of
+her life. Had this wretch torn it from her head, as he imbrued his
+hands in her blood on that terrible night? The painful revelation
+brought all before me once more with appalling force. I shuddered and
+became sick. Yet, I had no time for maudlin dalliance with my
+feelings. Replacing every thing with precision, and smoothing the sand
+once more with my flannel shirt, I returned to the _rancho_, where I
+indulged in the boyish but honest outburst of nature which I could no
+longer restrain. I was not then--and, thank God, I am not now--a
+stranger to tears! To the world, the human heart and the human eye,
+like the coral isle of the Atlantic, may be parched and withered; yet
+beneath the seared and arid surface, the living water still flows and
+gushes, when the rock and the heart alike are stricken!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Just before sunset of this day, the deep baying of our hounds gave
+notice of approaching strangers; and, soon after, four boats appeared
+in the cove. The two foremost belonged to Don Rafael and his crew,
+while the others were filled with strangers whose appearance was that
+of landsmen rather than mariners. As Rafael received them on the
+beach, he introduced them to me as his especial pets, the "AMPHIBIOUS
+JEWS."
+
+Our delicious supper of that night was augmented by a fine store of
+beef, pork and fowls, brought from shore. I lingered at table as long
+as the company maintained a decent sobriety, and learned that these
+salt water Hebrews were, in truth, speculators from Cardenas, who
+accompanied Rafael in the guise of fishermen, to purchase the
+plundered cargo of my galliot.
+
+During his visit to Cuba, Don Rafael was apprised that the Cuban
+authorities were about sending an Inspector among the islands off the
+coast, and accordingly took precaution to furnish himself in advance
+with a regular "fishing license." All hands were forthwith set to work
+to make our key and _rancho_ conform to this calling, and, in a few
+days, the canvas roof of our hut was replaced by a thatch of leaves,
+while every dangerous article or implement was concealed in the
+thicket of a labyrinthine creek. In fact, our piscatory character
+could not be doubted. In our persons and occupation, we looked as
+innocent and rustic as a pic-nic party on a summer bivouac for fresh
+air and salt bathing. Nor was the transformation less real in regard
+to our daily tasks. We became, in reality, most industrious fishermen;
+so that we had more than a thousand of the finny tribe piled up and
+dried, when the hounds signalled the arrival of the expected
+officials.
+
+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 scant
+fish-feast, and allowed to digest it over the genuine license. Rafael
+complained sadly of hard times and poverty;--in fact, the drama of
+humility was played to perfection, and, finally, the functionary
+signed our license, with a certificate of our loyalty, and pocketed a
+moderate "gratification" of _five ounces_!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Six long, hot, and wretched weeks passed over my head before any
+striking occurrence relieved the monotony of my life. During the whole
+of this period, our fishing adventure was steadily pursued, when
+information was mysteriously brought to the key that a richly-laden
+French vessel had run ashore on the Cayo Verde, an islet some forty
+miles east of the Cruz del Padre. That afternoon, both of our large
+boats were filled with armed men, and, as they departed with _every_
+wrecker aboard, I alone was left on the islet to guard our property
+with the dogs.
+
+The thought and hope of escape both swelled in my breast as I saw the
+hulls dwindle to a dot and disappear behind the horizon. In a moment,
+my plan was conceived and perfected. The sea was perfectly smooth, and
+I was expert in the use of oars. That very night I launched our
+canoe,--the only vessel left in the cove,--and placing the sail,
+scullers, and grappling-hook within it, returned to the _rancho_ for
+clothing. As it was dark, I lighted a candle, when, on looking into
+the clothes-chest beneath my bed, I found inscribed on the lid, in
+fresh chalk-marks, the words "PATIENCE! WAIT!"
+
+This discovery made me pause in my preparations. Was it the
+warning--as it was certainly the handwriting--of Rafael? Had he
+purposely and honorably left me alone, in order to escape this scene
+of blood? Did he anticipate my effort to fly, and endeavor to save me
+from the double risk of crossing to the mainland, and of future
+provision for my comfort? I could not doubt its being the work of my
+friend; and, whether it was superstition or prudence, I cannot say,
+but I resolved, unhesitatingly, to abandon a scheme in regard to which
+I hesitated. Instead, therefore, of attempting to pass the strait
+between the key and Cuba, I went to bed, and slept more comfortably in
+my utter abandonment than I had done since I was on the island.
+
+Next day, at noon, I descried a small pilot-boat sailing inside the
+reef, with all the confidence of a perfect master of the channel. Two
+persons speedily landed, with provisions from the mainland, and stated
+that, on his last visit to Cuba, Don Rafael engaged them to take me to
+Havana. This, however, was to be done with much caution, inasmuch as
+his men would not assent to my departure until they had compromised my
+life with theirs by some act of desperate guilt. The pilots declined
+taking me then without my guardian's assent;--and, in truth, so fully
+was I convinced of his intention to liberate me in the best and
+speediest way, that I made up my mind to abide where I was till he
+returned.
+
+For three days more I was doomed to solitude. On the fourth, the
+boats came back, with the pilot's cutter, and I quickly saw that a
+serious encounter had taken place. The pilot-boat appeared to be
+deeply laden. Next day, she was taken to the mazes of the winding and
+wooded 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, took
+that opportunity to enlighten me on passing events. When the wreckers
+reached Cayo Verde, they found the French vessel already taken
+possession of by "fishermen" of that quarter. Anticipated in their
+dirty work, our comrades were in no mood to be sociable with the
+fortunate party. An affray was the natural result, in which knives had
+been freely used, while Mesclet himself had been rescued by Rafael,
+pistol in hand, after receiving the violent blow on his head from
+which he was now suffering. Having secured a retreat to their boats,
+they were just beginning to think of a rapid departure, when the
+friendly pilot-boat hove in sight. So fortunate a reinforcement
+renerved our gang. A plan of united action was quickly concerted. The
+French vessel was again hoarded and carried. Two of the opposite party
+were slain in the onslaught; and, finally, a rich remnant of the cargo
+was 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 the
+assistance of Bachicha, who is as brave as Rafael: with his
+'_Baltimore clipper_,' we shall conduct our affairs on a grander scale
+than heretofore. _Sacre-bleu!_ we may now cruise under the Columbian
+flag, 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 her
+bowels a long six, which she was ready to mount amidships at a
+moment's notice.
+
+But poor Mesclet did not live to enjoy the fruits of the larger
+piracy, which he hoped to carry on in a more elegant way with
+Bachicha. The _roué_ could not be restrained from the favorite
+beverages of his beautiful France. His wound soon mastered him; and,
+in a month, all that was mortal of this gallant Gaul, who, in earlier
+years, had figured in the best saloons of his country, rested among
+sand-graves of a Cuban key.
+
+"Ah!" growled Gallego, as they came home from his burial, "there is
+one less to share our earnings; and, what is better, claret and brandy
+will be more plentiful now that this sponge is under the sand!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In a few days, the boats were laden with fish for the mainland, in
+order to cover the real object of our _patron's_ visit to Cuba, which
+was to dispose of the booty. At his departure, he repeated the
+cherished promise of liberty, and privately hinted that I had better
+continue fishing on good terms with Señor Gallego.
+
+It required some time to repair the nets, for they had been rather
+neglected during our late fishing, so that it was not, in fact, until
+Rafael had been three days gone that I took the canoe with Gallego,
+and dropped anchor outside the reef, to take breakfast before
+beginning our labor.
+
+We had hardly begun a frugal meal when, suddenly, a large schooner
+shot from behind a bend of the island, and steered in our direction.
+As the surly Spaniard never spoke, I had become accustomed to be
+equally silent. Unexpectedly, however, he gave a scowling glance from
+beneath his shaggy brows at the vessel, and exclaimed with unusual
+energy: "A Columbian privateer!"
+
+"We had best up anchor, and get inside the reef," continued he, "or
+our 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 longed
+to be captured, that I might try my hand at lawful war and glory. The
+impulse was sudden and silly.
+
+Still Gallego insisted on retreating; until, at length, we got into an
+angry controversy, which the cook, who was in the bow of the boat,
+attempted to end by cutting the anchor-rope. As he was drawing his
+knife to execute this purpose, I swiftly lifted an oar, and, with a
+single blow, laid him senseless in the bottom of the canoe. By this
+time the schooner was within pistol-shot; and, as she passed with a
+three-knot breeze, the captain, who had witnessed the scene, threw a
+grappling-iron into our skiff, and taking us in tow, dragged the boat
+from its moorings.
+
+As soon as we got into deeper water, I was ordered on deck, while
+Gallego, still quite insensible, was hoisted carefully on board. I
+told the truth as to our dispute, reserving, however, the important
+fact 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 have
+no time to trifle with your stupid quarrels. Can either of you perform
+this service?"
+
+By this time Gallego had been somewhat roused from his stupor, and
+pointing 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 it
+into 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 of
+Key West and its approaches; but all my efforts were vain. I was a
+pilot in spite of myself.
+
+The malicious cook enjoyed the joke of which I had so hastily become
+the victim. As they lowered him again into the boat, he jeered at my
+incredulity, 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 give
+the course for Key West. I at once informed the captain, whose name I
+understood to be Laminé, that he really labored under a mistake in
+translating the Spanish word _pilote_ into _port guide_, and assured
+him that Gallego had been prompted by a double desire to get rid of
+him as well as me by fostering his pernicious error. I acknowledged
+that I was a "_pilot_," or "navigator," though not a "_practico_," or
+harbor-pilot; yet I urged that I could not, without absolute
+foolhardiness, undertake to conduct his schooner into a port of which
+I was utterly ignorant, and had never visited. Hereupon the first
+lieutenant or mate interposed. This fellow was a short, stout-built
+person of thirty-five, with reddish whiskers and hair, a
+long-projecting under-jaw, and eye-teeth that jutted out like tusks.
+To add to his ugliness, he was sadly pitted by small-pox, and waddled
+about on short duck legs, which were altogether out of proportion to
+his long body, immense arms, and broad, massive shoulders. I do not
+remember a more vulgarly repulsive person than this privateering
+lieutenant.
+
+"He is a liar, Captain Laminé, and only wants to extort money for his
+services," interjected the brute. "Leave him to me, sir; I'll find a
+way to refresh his memory of Key West that will open the bottom of the
+gulf to his eyes as clearly as the pathway to his piratical hut on the
+sand key! To the helm, sir--to the helm!"
+
+What possible object or result could I gain by resistance amid the
+motley 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 a
+commission from the authorities of Carthagena to burn, sink and
+destroy all Spanish property she was strong enough to capture. Laminé
+was born in the isle of France, while Lasquetti, the lieutenant, was a
+creole of Pensacola. The latter spoke French and Spanish quite well,
+but very little English; while both master and mate were almost
+entirely ignorant of navigation, having intrusted that task to the
+third lieutenant, who was then ill with yellow fever. The second
+lieutenant 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 and
+instruments, I shaped my way for the destined port. All day we steered
+west-north-west, but at sunset, as we had run along smartly, I
+ordered the schooner to be "laid to" for the night. The wind and
+weather were both charmingly fair, and objections were of course made
+to my command. But, as the most difficult part of our navigation was
+to be encountered during the night, if I kept on my course, I resolved
+to persist to the last in my resolution, and I was fortunate enough to
+carry my point.
+
+"D--n you," said Lasquetti, as the vessel was brought to the wind and
+made snug for the night, "d--n you, Master Téodore; this laying-to
+shall give _you_ no rest, at least, if you thought to dodge work, and
+get into a hammock by means of it! You shall march the deck all night
+to see that we don't drift on a reef, if I have to sit up, or stand up
+till day-dawn to watch you!"
+
+Obedience, alas! had been the order of the day with me for a long
+while; so I promenaded the lee quarter till nearly midnight, when,
+utterly exhausted by fatigue, I sat down on a long brass chaser, and
+almost instantly fell asleep.
+
+I know not how long I rested, but a tremendous shock knocked me from
+the cannon and laid me flat on the deck, bleeding from mouth, nose and
+ears. Lasquetti stood beside me, cigar in hand, laughing immoderately,
+blaspheming like a demon, and kicking me in the ribs with his rough
+wet-weather boots. He had detected me asleep, and touched off the gun
+with his _havanna_!
+
+The explosion aroused all hands, and brought the commander on deck. My
+blood flowed, but it did not pour fast enough to relieve my agonizing
+rage. As soon as I recovered consciousness, I seized the first heavy
+implement I could grasp, and rushed at my aggressor, whose skull was
+saved from the blow by descending beneath the combings of the
+hatchway, which, the instant after, were shivered by the descent of my
+heavy weapon. Laminé was a man of some sensibility, and, though
+selfish, as usual with his set, could not avoid at once reprimanding
+Lasquetti 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 the
+narrow harbor of Key West. When Laminé went ashore, he ordered me not
+to leave the schooner, while sentries were placed to prevent boats
+from boarding or even approaching us. Hardly was the master out of the
+vessel before two men seized me as I looked at the shore through a
+telescope. In the twinkling of an eye, I was hurried below and
+double-ironed; nor would I have received a morsel of food save bread
+and water during our detention, had I not been secretly fed by some
+good fellows from the forecastle, who stole to me after dark with the
+remnant of their rations. This was the cowardly revenge of Lasquetti.
+
+On the third day, Laminé returned, bringing an American pilot for the
+coast 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 do
+duty as sailing-master, which I promptly refused with spirited
+indignation, until I received satisfaction from the dastard
+lieutenant. But this fellow had taken care to forestall me, by
+assuring Laminé that he never dreamed of securing me until I was
+caught in the very act of escaping from the schooner!
+
+During a week's cruise of indifferent success with these "patriots," I
+won the kind heart of the American pilot, who heard the story of my
+late adventures with patience; and, through his influence with the
+commander, my lot was mitigated, notwithstanding my refusal to do
+duty. By this time, the third lieutenant was restored to sufficient
+health to resume the deck. He was a native of Spain and a gallant
+sailor. Many an hour did he pass beside me, recounting his adventures
+or listening to mine, until I seemed to win his sympathy, and insure
+his 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 singular
+change for the better in Monsieur Laminé's manner. He requested me to
+be seated; pressed me to accept a tumbler of claret; inquired about my
+health, and ended this harmonious overture by saying, that if I would
+sign a document exonerating him from all charges of compulsory
+detention or ill-treatment, he would pay me two hundred dollars for
+my service, and land me again on the key.
+
+I promptly saw that his object in replacing me on the island was to
+prevent my complaints against his conduct from reaching the ears of a
+tribunal in a neutral port; and, accordingly, I declined the
+proposition,--demanding, however, to be put on board of any vessel we
+met, no matter what might be her nationality. I sternly refused his
+money, and insisted that my only desire was to be free from his brutal
+officer.
+
+But Laminé was in power and I was not. In the end, I discovered that
+worse consequences might befall me among these ruffians, if I
+hesitated to take the recompense and sign the paper. In fact, I began
+to be quite satisfied that, in reality, it was an _escape_ to be freed
+from the privateer, even if I took refuge once more among pirates!
+
+So, after a good deal of claret and controversy had been wasted, I
+signed the document and pocketed the cash.
+
+As the first bars of saffron streaked the east next morning, the reef
+of the Cruz del Padre hove in sight dead ahead. The third lieutenant
+presented me at my departure with a set of charts, a spy-glass, a
+quadrant, and a large bag of clothes; while, in the breast of a rich
+silk waistcoat, he concealed three ounces and a silver watch, which he
+desired me to wear in honor of him, if ever I was fortunate enough to
+tread the streets of Havana. Several of the white sailors also offered
+me useful garments; and a black fellow, who had charge of the boat in
+which I was sent ashore, forced on me two sovereigns, which he
+considered a small gratuity to "_a countryman_" in distress. He hailed
+from Marblehead, and protested that he knew me in Salem when I was a
+lad.
+
+As the boat approached the _rancho's_ cove, I perceived every body
+under arms, and heard Don Rafael command my boatmen, in a loud,
+imperious voice, to begone, or he would fire. Standing on the thwarts
+of the boat, I ordered the oarsmen to back water, and leaping into the
+sea, waist-deep, struggled alone to the beach, calling "mi tio! mi
+tio!"--"_my uncle! Don Rafael!_"--who, recognizing my voice and
+gestures, promptly rushed forward to embrace me. Our boat was then
+allowed to approach the landing and disburthen itself of the gifts. I
+thought it best to request my sable ally from Marblehead to narrate,
+in as good Spanish or _lingua-franca_, as he could press into his
+service, the whole story of my capture and the conduct of Gallego.
+This being done, the boat and its crew were dispatched aboard with a
+multitude of Spanish courtesies and the substantial gift of some
+_Chateau Margaux_.
+
+After an early supper, I became the lion of the evening, and was
+requested to give a narrative of my cruise in the "patriot service." I
+noticed that some of the gang looked on me askance with an incredulous
+air, while others amused themselves by smoking and spitting in a very
+contemptuous way whenever I reached what I conceived to be a thrilling
+portion of my story. At its conclusion, I arose and deposited in the
+hands of Don Rafael my gifts of two hundred dollars and the two
+sovereigns. This evidence of reciprocity seemed to restore the good
+temper of my impatient hearers, so that, by the time the _patron_ went
+round the circle, giving each man his share of my earnings,--not even
+omitting Gallego,--my credit was almost restored among the gang.
+
+"As for these two pieces of gold, these charts, instruments and
+clothes," said Don Rafael, "they are the property of the youth, and I
+am sure none of you are mean enough to divide them. The money was
+another thing. That was _his_ earning, as the 'fishing _revenue_' is
+ours; and as he is entitled to a share of what _we_ gain, we are
+entitled to participate in whatever _he_ wins. Yet, _amigos_, this is
+not all. My nephew, _caballeros_, has been accused, by one of this
+party, _during his absence_, of being not only a contemptible thief,
+but a traitor and coward. Now, as these are three 'blasphemous
+vituperations' which are not to be found under any head in my
+prayer-book, and never were chargeable on the blood of our family, I
+insist on immediate justice to my kinsman. Let that cowardly scoundrel
+repeat and _prove_ his accusation of Téodore, face to face! You,
+_señores_, shall stand judges. Every thing shall be fair. To-night, my
+boy shall be found guilty or purged of the baseness imputed to him;
+and, moreover, I apprise you now, that if he is innocent, I shall
+to-morrow restore him to liberty. His voluntary return was a voucher
+of honesty; and I doubt whether there is a clever man among you who
+does not agree with me. Stand forth, Gallego, and charge this youth
+again with the infamy you heaped on him while he was away."
+
+But the sullen wretch bowed his head, with a hang-dog look, and rolled
+his black and bushy skull slowly from side to side, with an air of
+bullying defiance. Still he remained perfectly silent.
+
+"Stand forth, Gallego, once more, I say!" shouted Don Rafael, stamping
+with 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 by
+your thumbs, and lash you with a cow-hide till your stretched skin
+peels off in ribbons!"
+
+The threat restored Gallego's voice; but he could only say that there
+was no use in repeating the charges, because the case was prejudged,
+and all feared Don Rafael and his parasite to such a degree that it
+was impossible to treat him with justice. "Yet, look ye, señores, if I
+can't talk, I can fight. If Don Rafael is ready to meet me, knife in
+hand, in support of my cause, why, all I have to say is, that I am
+ready for him and his bastard to boot!"
+
+In a moment, Rafael's knife was out of his belt, and the two sprang
+forward in a death-struggle, which would doubtless have been a short
+affair, had not the whole party interposed between the combatants and
+forbidden the fight. In the hurly-burly, Gallego took to his heels and
+departed.
+
+The scoundrel's escape caused some alarm in the camp, as it was feared
+he might leave the island, and, turning king's evidence, make the
+waters of Cuba too hot for the band. Accordingly, all the canoes and
+boats that night were drawn up on the beach and kept under double
+watch.
+
+When order was restored in the _rancho_, I asked Don Rafael to explain
+the "three accusations" that had been made against my fair fame; when
+I learned that I was charged by Gallego with having felled him in the
+boat, with having shipped voluntarily in the privateer, and with
+returning in the Cara-bobo's boats _to rob the rancho of its
+valuables_!
+
+The first of the allegations I admitted to be true; the second had
+been disproved by the privateer's boatmen; and, as to the third, I at
+once insisted upon the party's taking torches and accompanying me to
+the graveyard, where, I told them, they would find--as, in truth, they
+did--the valuables this villain had charged me with stealing. On our
+way 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 by
+the hounds and caught asleep, with two empty flasks beside him.
+
+A drum-head court-martial at once convened for his trial, and it was
+unanimously resolved to chain him to a tree, where he was to be left
+exposed to the elements until he starved to death. The passive and
+silent fit had again come over Gallego. I implored that the sentence
+might be softened, but I was laughed at for my childish pity, and
+ordered home to the _rancho_. The command to chain him having been
+executed, the Spanish outcast was left to his terrible fate. One of
+the men, out of compassion, as he said, secretly conveyed a case of
+gin to the doomed man, and left it within reach, either to solace his
+departure from the world, or to render him insensible. But his end was
+speedy. Next morning the guard found him dead, with six empty bottles
+out of the case. His body was denied the rites of sepulture. It was
+left lying in chains as he perished, to rot in the sun and be devoured
+by the insects generated from his decay.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+When these dreadful scenes were over, Don Rafael took me aside with
+the pleasant news that the time for my liberation was indeed arrived.
+He handed me one hundred and twenty-five dollars, which wore my share
+of 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 in
+the cove with his craft ready to take me to the mainland. I bade a
+hasty adieu to the gang; and perhaps it is rare that any one ever
+abandoned the companions of several months' intimacy with so little
+pain. Rafael's solicitude for my character touched me. He had done all
+in his power to preserve my self-respect, and I was, therefore, well
+disposed to regard the good counsel he gave me at parting, and to
+believe in his sincerity when he pictured a bright future, and
+contrasted it with his own desolation and remorse.
+
+"I have recommended you, _hijo mio_, to a friend in Regla, on the
+opposite side of the harbor at Havana, who will take care of you. He
+is a _paisano_ of ours. Take these additional ten ounces, which are
+the fruit of honest labor. They will help you to appear properly in
+Havana; so that, with the care of Bachicha and our Regla countryman, I
+don't despair of your welfare. ADIOS! _para siempre!_"
+
+And so we parted;--and it was, indeed, an adieu for ever. We never
+met again, but I heard of Don Rafael and his fortunes. The new
+enterprise with the pilot-boat turned out successfully, and the band
+acquired considerable property on the island before the piratical
+nests along the coast of Cuba were broken up by cruisers. Rafael had
+some narrow escapes from the noose and the yard arm; but he eluded the
+grasp of his pursuers, and died a respectable _ranchero_ on a
+comfortable farm in the interior of the Queen of the Antilles.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The light winds of summer soon brought us inside the Moro Castle, past
+the frowning batteries of the Cabanas, and at anchor near Regla,
+within the beautiful harbor of Havana. I shall never forget the
+impression made on my mind by this delicious scene as it first broke
+on my sight at sunrise, in all the cool freshness of morning. The
+grand amphitheatre of hills swept down to the calm and lake-like water
+with gentle slopes, lapped in the velvet robes of richest green, and
+embroidered, as it were, with lace-like spots of castle, fort,
+dwelling, and villa, until the seaward points were terminated on the
+left, by the brilliant city, and on the right by a pile of majestic
+batteries.
+
+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, and
+rarely 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 of
+Rafael, to whom I was confided. _Il signore Carlo Cibo_ was an
+illiterate man of kind heart, who had adventurously emigrated from
+Italy to furnish the Havanese with good things; while, in return, the
+Havanese had been so pleased with his provender, that Carlo may be
+said to have been a man "very well to do in the world" for a
+foreigner. He received me with unbounded kindness;--welcomed me to
+his bachelor home;--apologized for its cold cheerlessness, and
+ordered me to consider himself and his "_casa_" entirely at my
+disposal 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 could
+not consent to dally long eating the bread of idleness and charity. I
+observed that my friend Carlo was either the most prudent or least
+inquisitive man I knew, for he never asked me a question about my
+early or recent history. As he would not lend the conversation to my
+affairs, I one day took the liberty to inquire whether there was a
+vessel in port bound to the Pacific Ocean or Mexico, in which my
+protector could possibly find a situation for me as an officer, or
+procure me permission to work my way even as a common sailor.
+
+The kind grocer instantly divined my true motive, and while he honored
+me 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 to
+go to Mexico, or any other place in Spanish America on the Continent,
+with a view of "making my fortune," he warmly protested against it, in
+consequence 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 as
+brothers; but, at last, _carramba_, you will find something turn up,
+that marks you an alien and kindles nationality against you. Take my
+advice, Don Téodore, stay where you are; study Spanish carefully; get
+the hang of the people; and, my life on it, before long, you'll have
+your 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. Two
+lessons demonstrated his incapacity; but as he was a jolly gossip of
+my grocer, and hail-fellow with the whole village of Regla, I thought
+it good policy to continue his pupil in appearance, while I taught
+myself _in private_. Besides this, the _padre_ was a _bon vivant_ and
+devoted lover of fish. Now, as I happened to be a good sportsman, with
+a canoe at my command, I managed to supply his kitchen with an
+abundance of the finny tribe, which his cook was an adept in
+preparing. It may be supposed that our "fast days" were especial
+epochs of delicious reunion. A fine dinner smoked on the table; a good
+bottle was added by the grocer; and, while my entertainer discussed
+the viands, I contrived to keep him in continual chat, which, in
+reality, was the best practical lesson a man in my circumstances could
+receive.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It is strange how our lives and destinies are often decided by
+trifles. As I sailed about the harbor in idleness, my nautical eye and
+taste were struck by the trim rig of the sharp built "slavers," which,
+at that time, used to congregate at Havana. There was something
+bewitching to my mind in their race-horse beauty. A splendid vessel
+has always had the same influence on my mind, that I have heard a
+splendid woman has on the minds of other men. These dashing _slavers_,
+with their arrowy hulls and raking masts, got complete possession of
+my fancy. There was hardly a day that I did not come home with a
+discovery of added charms. Signor Carlo listened in silence and nodded
+his 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 vessel
+of which, he said, he owned two shares--_she was bound to Africa!_ The
+splendid clipper was one of the very craft that had won my heart; and
+my feverish soul was completely upset by the gala-scene as we drifted
+down the bay, partaking of a famous breakfast, and quaffing bumpers of
+Champagne to the schooner's luck. When she passed the Moro Castle we
+leaped into our boats, and gave the voyagers three hearty and tipsy
+cheers. My grocer was a "slaver!"
+
+I had a thousand questions for the Italian in regard to the trade, now
+that I found _he_ belonged to the fraternity. All my inquiries were
+gratified 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. I
+slept off my headache and nightmare; and next morning announced to
+Cibo my abandonment of the Costa Firma, and my anxiety to get a
+situation in a vessel bound to Africa.
+
+In a few days I was told that my wishes would perhaps be gratified, as
+a fast vessel from the Canaries was about to be sold; and if she went
+off a bargain, Signor Carlo had resolved to purchase her, with a
+friend, to send to Africa.
+
+Accordingly, the Canary "GLOBO" was acquired for $3000; and after a
+perfect refitting at the Casa-Blanca of Havana, loomed in the harbor
+as a respectable pilot-boat of forty tons. Her name, in consequence of
+reputed speed, was changed to "El Areostatico;" a culverine was placed
+amidships; all the requisites for a slave cargo were put on board;
+fifteen sailors, the refuse of the press-gang and jail-birds, were
+shipped; powder, ammunition, and small arms, were abundantly supplied;
+and, last of all, four kegs, ballasted with specie, were conveyed into
+the cabin to purchase our return cargo.
+
+It was on the 2d of September, 1826, after a charming _déjeuner_, that
+I 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 Rio
+Pongo. Our crew consisted of twenty-one scamps--Spaniards, Portuguese,
+Frenchmen, and mongrels. The Majorcan captain was an odd character to
+intrust with such an enterprise, and probably nowhere else, save in
+Havana 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 body
+was listened to, and he readily yielded his opinions without argument
+or controversy. Our chief officer, a Catalonian cousin of the captain,
+made no pretensions to seamanship, yet he was a good mathematician. I
+still remember the laughs I had at the care he took of his lily-white
+hands, and the jokes we cracked upon his girl-like manners, voice, and
+conversation. The boatswain, who was in his watch, assured me that he
+rarely gave an order without humming it out to a tune of some favorite
+opera.
+
+In this fantastic group, I occupied the position of supernumerary
+officer and interpreter; but accustomed, as I had been, to wholesome
+_American_ seamanship and discipline, I trembled not a little when I
+discovered the amazing ignorance of the master, and observed the utter
+worthlessness of our crew. These things made me doubly vigilant; and
+sometimes 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 gale
+as the sea rose with it. Sail had been soon diminished on the
+schooner; but when I was relieved in my watch by the first officer, I
+hinted to the captain that it would be best to lay the vessel to as
+soon as possible. We had been scudding before the tempest for some
+hours under a close-reefed foresail, and I feared if we did not bring
+our craft to the wind at once, we would either run her under, or be
+swamped in attempting the manoeuvre when the waves got higher. The
+captain, however, with his usual submission to the views of the wrong
+person, took the advice of the helmsman, who happened to be older than
+I, and the schooner was allowed to dash on either through or over the
+seas, at the speed of a racer.
+
+By this time the forward deck was always under water, and the men
+gathered abaft the trunk to keep as dry as possible. Officers and crew
+were huddled together pell-mell, and, with our usual loose discipline,
+every body joined in the conversation and counsel. Before sundown I
+again advised the laying-to of the schooner; but the task had now
+become so formidable that the men who dreaded the job, assured the
+captain that the wind would fall as the moon arose. Yet, when the dim
+orb appeared above the thick, low-drifting scud, the gale _increased_.
+The light rather hinted than revealed the frightful scene around that
+egg-shell on the lashed and furious sea. Each wave swept over us, but
+our buoyant craft rose on the succeeding swell, and cleft its crest
+with her knife-like prow. It was now too late to attempt bringing her
+to the wind; still it became more urgent to do something to prevent us
+from being submerged by the huge seas, which came thundering after us
+like avalanches on our quarters.
+
+The perilous dilemma of our doubtful captain and his dainty mate, may
+be easily imagined. Every body had an opinion, and of course they vied
+with each other in absurdity;--at last some one proposed to cut away
+the foresail, and bring her to the wind under bare poles.
+
+I was "conning" the schooner when this insane scheme was broached, and
+fearing that the captain might adopt it, I leaped on the hatch, after
+calling the boatswain to my place, and assured the crew that if they
+severed the sail, we would lose command of the vessel, so that with
+impaired headway, the next wave that struck her would show her keel to
+the 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 a
+vessel saved before in precisely the same way. Cowards, with death
+clutching their throats, were soon convinced by a man of nerve. I
+availed myself of the instantaneous silence that followed my act, and
+before the captain could think or speak, I leaped to the boom with my
+sharp knife, cutting the reef-points slowly and carefully, so as not
+to allow the foresail to be inflated and torn by a single blast.
+
+My judgment was correct. Our increased canvas immediately sent us
+skimming over the waves; the rollers no longer combed dangerously over
+our 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 on
+the hazards we encountered and overcame. The Minorcan skipper was
+satisfied that no man ever before performed so daring an exploit. He
+was, moreover, convinced, that no one but himself could have carried
+the schooner through so frightful a storm, or would have invented the
+noble 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 and
+offer their opinions, never get over the permitted freedom. Our
+ragamuffins of the Areostatico could never abide the idea that the
+youngest seaman aboard,--and he, too, a _foreigner_,--should have
+proved the best sailor. The skilful performance of my duty was the
+source of a rankling grudge. As I would not mix with the scamps, they
+called 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 the
+mouth of the Rio Pongo. No one being acquainted with the river's
+entrance or navigation, the captain and four hands went ashore for a
+pilot, who came off in the afternoon, while our master ascended in a
+boat to the slave-factory at Bangalang. Four o'clock found us entering
+the Rio Pongo, with tide and wind in our favor, so that before the sun
+sank into the Atlantic Ocean we were safe at our anchorage below the
+settlement.
+
+While we were slowly drifting between the river banks, and watching
+the gorgeous vegetation of Africa, which, that evening, first burst
+upon my sight, I fell into a chat with the native pilot, who had been
+in the United States, and spoke English remarkably well. Berak very
+soon inquired whether there was any one else on board who spoke the
+language besides myself, and when told that the cabin-boy alone knew
+it, he whispered a story which, in truth, I was not in the least
+surprised to hear.
+
+That afternoon one of our crew had attempted the captain's life, while
+on shore, by snapping a carabine behind his back! Our pilot learned
+the fact from a native who followed the party from the landing, along
+the beach; and its truth was confirmed, in his belief, by the
+significant boasts made by the _tallest_ of the boatmen who
+accompanied him on board. He was satisfied that the entire gang
+contemplated our schooner's seizure.
+
+The pilot's story corroborated some hints I received from our cook
+during the voyage. It struck me instantly, that if a crime like this
+were really designed, no opportunity for its execution could be more
+propitious than the present. I determined, therefore, to omit no
+precaution that might save the vessel and the lives of her honest
+officers. On examining the carabines brought back from shore, which I
+had hurriedly thrown into the arm-chest on deck, I found that the lock
+of this armory had been forced, and several pistols and cutlasses
+abstracted.
+
+Preparations had undoubtedly been made to assassinate us. As night
+drew on, my judgment, as well as _nervousness_, convinced me that the
+darkness would not pass without a murderous attempt. There was an
+unusual silence. On reaching port, there is commonly fun and merriment
+among crews; but the usual song and invariable guitar were omitted
+from the evening's entertainment. I searched the deck carefully, yet
+but two mariners were found above the hatches apparently asleep.
+Inasmuch as I was only a subordinate officer, I could not command, nor
+had I any confidence in the nerve or judgment of the chief mate, if I
+trusted my information to him. Still I deemed it a duty to tell him
+the story, as well as my discovery about the missing arms.
+Accordingly, I called the first officer, boatswain, and cook, as
+quietly as possible, into the cabin; leaving our English cabin-boy to
+watch in the companion way. Here I imparted our danger, and asked
+their assistance in _striking the first blow_. My plan was to secure
+the crew, and give them battle. The mate, as I expected, shrank like a
+girl, declining any step till the captain returned. The cook and
+boatswain, however, silently approved my movement; so that we
+counselled our cowardly comrade to remain below, while we assumed the
+responsibility and risk of the enterprise.
+
+It may have been rather rash, but I resolved to begin the rescue, by
+shooting down, like a dog and without a word, the notorious Cuban
+convict who had attempted the captain's life. This, I thought, would
+strike panic into the mutineers; and end the mutiny in the most
+bloodless way. Drawing a pair of large horse-pistols from beneath the
+captain's pillow, and examining the load, I ordered the cook and
+boatswain to follow me to the deck. But the craven officer would not
+quit his hold on my person. He besought me not to commit murder. He
+clung 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 my
+scuffle to throw him off, one of the pistols accidentally exploded. A
+moment after, my vigilant watch-boy screamed from the starboard, a
+warning "look-out!" and, peering forward in the blinding darkness as I
+emerged from the lighted cabin, I beheld the stalwart form of the
+ringleader, brandishing a cutlass within a stride of me. I aimed and
+fired. We both fell; the mutineer with two balls in his abdomen, and I
+from the recoil of an over-charged pistol.
+
+My face was cut, and my eye injured by the concussion; but as neither
+combatant was deprived of consciousness, in a moment we were both on
+our feet. The Spanish felon, however, pressed his hand on his bowels,
+and rushed forward exclaiming he was slain; but, in his descent to the
+forecastle, he was stabbed in the shoulder with a bayonet by the
+boatswain, whose vigorous blow drove the weapon with such tremendous
+force 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, I
+perceived a quantity of blood on my cheek, around which I hastily tied
+a handkerchief, below my eyes. I then rushed to the arm-chest. At that
+moment, the crack of a pistol, and a sharp, boyish cry, told me that
+my pet was wounded beside me. I laid him behind the hatchway, and
+returned to the charge. By this time I was blind with rage, and
+fought, it seems, like a _madman_. I confess that I have no personal
+recollection whatever of the following events, and only learned them
+from the subsequent report of the cook and boatswain.
+
+I stood, they said, over the arm-chest like one spell-bound. My eyes
+were fixed on the forecastle; and, as head after head loomed out of
+the darkness above the hatch, I discharged carabine after carabine at
+the mark. Every thing that moved fell by my aim. As I fired the
+weapons, I flung them away to grasp fresh ones: and, when the battle
+was over, the cook aroused me from my mad stupor, still groping wildly
+for arms in the emptied chest.
+
+As the smoke cleared off, the fore part of our schooner seemed utterly
+deserted: 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 to
+say, the only efficient ball was the one that struck my English boy's
+leg.
+
+When I came to my senses, my first quest was for the gallant
+boatswain, who, being unarmed on the forecastle when the unexpected
+discharge took place, and seeing no chance of escape from my murderous
+carabines, took refuge over the bows.
+
+Our cabin-boy was soon quieted. The mutineers needed but little care
+for their hopeless wounds, while the felon chief, like all such
+wretches, 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 the
+last chapter unnatural. It may be said that a youth, whose life had
+been chequered by trials and disasters, but who preserved a pure
+sensibility throughout them, is sadly distorted when portrayed as
+expanding, at a leap, into a desperado. I have but little to say in
+reply to these objections, save that _the occurrences are perfectly
+true as stated_, and, moreover, that I am satisfied they were only the
+natural developments of my character.
+
+From my earliest years I have adored nobility of soul, and detested
+dishonor and treachery. I have passed through scenes which will be
+hereafter told, that the world may qualify by harsh names; yet I have
+striven to conduct myself throughout them, not only with the ideas of
+fairness current among reckless men, but with the truth that, under
+all circumstances, characterizes an honorable nature.
+
+Now, the tragedy of my first night on the Rio Pongo was my transition
+from pupilage to responsible independence. I do not allege in a
+boastful spirit that I was a man of courage; because courage, or the
+want of it, are things for which a person is no more responsible than
+he is for the possession or lack of physical strength. I was,
+moreover, always a man of what I may style _self-possessed passion_. I
+was endowed with something more than cool energy; or, rather, cool
+energy was heightened and sublimated by the fire of an ardent nature.
+Hitherto, I had been tempered down by the habitual obedience to which
+I was subjected as a sailor under lawful discipline. But the events
+of the last six months, and especially the gross relaxation on the
+voyage to Africa, the risks we had run in navigating the vessel, and
+the outlaws that surrounded me, not only kept my mind for ever on the
+alert, but aroused my dormant nature to a full sense of duty and
+self-protection.
+
+Is it unnatural, then, for a man whose heart and nerves have been laid
+bare for months, to quiver with agony and respond with headlong
+violence, when imperilled character, property and life, hang upon the
+fiat of his courageous promptitude? The doubters may cavil over the
+philosophy, but I think I may remain content with the fact. _I did my
+duty_--dreadful as it was.
+
+Let me draw a veil over our gory decks when the gorgeous sun of Africa
+shot his first rays through the magnificent trees and herbage that
+hemmed the placid river. Five bodies were cast into the stream, and
+the traces of the tragedy obliterated as well as possible. The
+recreant mate, who plunged into the cabin at the report of the first
+pistol from the forecastle, reappeared with haggard looks and
+trembling frame, to protest that _he_ had no hand in what he called
+"the murder." The cook, boatswain, and African pilot, recounted the
+whole transaction to the master, who inserted it in the log-book, and
+caused me to sign the narrative with unimplicated witnesses. Then the
+wound of the cabin-boy was examined and found to be trifling, while
+mine, though not painful, was thought to imperil my sight. The flint
+lock of a rebounding pistol had inflicted three gashes, just beneath
+the eye on my cheek.
+
+There was but little appetite for breakfast that day. After the story
+was told and recorded, we went sadly to work unmooring the vessel,
+bringing her slowly like a hearse to an anchorage in front of
+Bangalang, the residence and factory of Mr. Ormond, better known by
+the country-name of "Mongo John." This personage came on board early
+in the morning with our returned captain, and promised to send a
+native doctor to cure both my eye and the boy's leg, making me pledge
+him a visit as soon as the vessel's duties would permit.
+
+That evening the specie was landed, and the schooner left in my
+charge by the master, with orders to strip, repair, and provide for
+the voyage home. Before night, Mongo John fulfilled his promise of a
+physician, who came on board with his prescription,--not in his
+pocket, but by his side! He ordered my torn cheek to be bathed, every
+half-hour, _with human milk fresh from the breast_; and, in order to
+secure a prompt, pure, and plentiful supply, a stout negress and her
+infant were sent, with orders to remain as long as her lacteal
+services might be required! I cannot say whether nature or the remedy
+healed my wound, but in a short time the flesh cicatrized, and all
+symptoms of inflammation disappeared entirely.
+
+It required ten days to put the Areostatico in ship-shape and supply
+her with wood and water. Provisions had been brought from Havana, so
+that it was only necessary we should stow them in an accessible
+manner. As our schooner was extremely small, we possessed no
+slave-deck; accordingly, mats were spread over the fire-wood which
+filled the interstices of the water-casks, in order to make an even
+surface for our cargo's repose.
+
+When my tiresome task was done, I went ashore--almost for the first
+time--to report progress to the master; but he was still unprepared to
+embark his living freight. Large sums, far in advance of the usual
+market, were offered by him for a cargo of _boys_; still we were
+delayed full twenty days longer than our contract required before a
+supply reached Bangalang.
+
+As I had promised _Mongo John_, or John the Chief, to visit his
+factory, I took this opportunity to fulfil my pledge. He received me
+with 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 should
+dine with him; and a couple of choice bottles were quickly disposed
+of. Ormond, like myself, had been a sailor. We spoke of the lands,
+scenes, and adventures, each had passed through, while a fresh bottle
+was called to fillip our memories. There is nothing so nourishing to
+friendship as wine! Before sundown our electric memories had circled
+the globe, and our intimacy culminated.
+
+While the rosy fluid operated as a sedative on the Mongo, and glued
+him to his chair in a comfortable nap, it had a contrary effect on my
+exhilarated nerves. I strolled to the verandah to get a breath of
+fresh air from the river, but soon dashed off in the darkness to the
+sacred precincts of the _harem_! I was not detected till I reached
+nearly the centre of the sanctuary where Ormond confined his motley
+group of black, mulatto, and quarteroon wives. The first dame who
+perceived me was a bright mulatto, with rosy checks, sloe-like eyes,
+coquettish turban, and most voluptuous mouth, whom I afterwards
+discovered to be second in the chief's affections. In an instant the
+court resounded with a chattering call to her companions, so that,
+before I could turn, the whole band of gabbling parrots hemmed me in
+with a deluge of talk. Fame had preceded me! My sable nurse was a
+servant of the harem, and her visit to the schooner, with the tale of
+the tragedy, supplied anecdotes for a lifetime. Every body was on the
+_qui vive_ to see the "white fighter." Every body was crazy to feel
+the "white skin" she had healed. Then, with a sudden, childish freak
+of caprice, they ran off from me as if afraid, and at once rushed back
+again like a flock of glib-tongued and playful monkeys. I could not
+comprehend a word they said; but the bevy squealed with quite as much
+pleasure as if I did, and peered into my eyes for answers, with impish
+devilry at my wondering ignorance.
+
+At last, my sable friends seemed not only anxious to amuse themselves
+but to do something for my entertainment also. A chatter in a corner
+settled what it should be. Two or three brought sticks, while two or
+three brought coals. A fire was quickly kindled in the centre of the
+court; and as its flames lit up the area, a whirling circle of
+half-stripped girls danced to the monotonous beat of a _tom-tom_.
+Presently, the formal ring was broken, and each female stepping out
+singly, danced according to her individual fancy. Some were wild, some
+were soft, some were tame, and some were fiery. After so many years I
+have no distinct recollection of the characteristic movements of these
+semi-savages, especially as the claret and champagne rather fermented
+in my brain, and possessed me with the idea that it was my duty to
+mingle in the bounding throng. I resolved that the barbarians should
+have a taste of Italian quality!
+
+Accordingly, I leaped from the hammock where I had swung idly during
+the 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 were
+received, are unimaginable by sober-sided people. Tired of my single
+exhibition, I seized the prettiest of the group by her slim, shining
+waist, and whirled her round and round the court in the quickest of
+waltzes, until, with a kiss, I laid her giddy and panting on the
+floor. Then, grasping another,--another,--another,--and another,--and
+treating each to the same dizzy swim, I was about waltzing the whole
+_seraglio_ into quiescence, when who should rise before us but the
+staring and yawning _Mongo_!
+
+The apparition sobered me. A quarteroon pet of Ormond,--just spinning
+into fashionable and luscious insensibility,--fell from my arms into
+those of her master; and while I apologized for the freak, I charged
+it altogether to the witchcraft of his wit and wine.
+
+"Ha!" said the Mongo, "St. Vitus is in your Italian heels the moment
+you are within hail of music and dancing; and, by Jove, it seems you
+can scent a petticoat as readily as a hound tracks runaways. But
+there's no harm in _dancing_, Don Téodore; only hereafter I hope you
+will enjoy the amusement in a less uproarious manner. In Africa we are
+fond of a _siesta_ after dinner; and I recommend you to get, as soon
+as possible, under the lee of another bottle."
+
+We retired once more to his mahogany; and, under the spell of my
+chieftain's claret and sea-yarns, I was soon lapped in delicious
+sleep.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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_ at
+Bangalang, that he thought it quite a duty, though a sad one, to give
+his advice on the subject.
+
+"It may be well for your purse, Don Téodore, to stay with so powerful
+a trader; but beside the improvement of your fortunes, there are
+doubts whether it will be _wholesome_ for you to revisit Havana, at
+least at present. It may be said, _amigo mio_, that you _commenced_
+the warfare on board the schooner;--and as five men were slain in the
+affray, it will be necessary for me to report the fact to the
+_commandante_ as soon as I arrive. Now it is true, _hijo mio_, that
+you saved the vessel, cargo, specie, and my cousin; yet, God knows
+what may be the result of Havana justice. You will have a rigid
+examination, and I rather think you will be _imprisoned_ until the
+final decision is made. When that consummation shall occur is quite
+uncertain. If you have friends, they will be bled as long as possible
+before you get out; if you have none, no one will take pains to see
+you released without recompense. When you see daylight once more, the
+rest of these ragamuffins and the felon friends of the dead men, will
+begin to dog your steps, and make Havana uncomfortable as well as
+dangerous; so that I have no hesitation in recommending you to stay
+where 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 in
+order to reinstate the chief mate in a situation which he surely could
+not occupy as long as I was on board. As I meant to stay in Africa, I
+told him at once that I grieved because he had not spoken his wishes
+openly, boldly, and honestly, like a man, but had masked an ungrateful
+cowardice by hypocritical solicitude for my welfare. I departed
+abruptly with a scowl of contempt; and as he hastened to hide his
+blanched face in the cabin, I called a boat, and throwing my sea
+chest, bedding, and arms, aboard, committed my fate to the African
+continent. _A half-hour turned and decided my fate!_
+
+Mr. Ormond received me very cordially, and, installing me in my new
+secretaryship, promised a private establishment, a seat at his table,
+and a negro per month,--or its value at the rate of forty
+dollars,--for my services.
+
+When the runners returned from the interior with the slaves required
+to complete the Areostatico's cargo, I considered it my duty to the
+Italian grocer of Regla to dispatch his vessel personally.
+Accordingly, I returned on board to aid in stowing _one hundred and
+eight boys and girls, the eldest of whom did not exceed fifteen
+years_! As I crawled between decks, I confess I could not imagine how
+this 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 the
+river, in order to prevent their leaping overboard and swimming
+ashore. I found it impossible to adjust the whole in a sitting
+posture; but we made them lie down in each other's laps, like
+_sardines_ in a can, and in this way obtained space for the entire
+cargo. 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 side
+without an adieu save for the English cabin-boy, whose fate I was
+pained to intrust to these stupid Spaniards. Indeed, the youth almost
+belonged 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 a
+crew, our vessel was anchored near the wharves, next to an English
+merchantman. One afternoon I heard a scream from the neighboring
+craft, and perceived a boy rush from the cabin with his face dyed in
+blood. He was instantly pursued by a burly seaman, inflicting blows
+with his fist. I implored the brute to desist, but my interference
+seemed to augment his choler to such a degree, that he seized a
+handspike to knock the stripling down. Upon this I called the child to
+leap overboard, at the same time commanding a hand to lower my boat
+and scull in the direction of his fall. The boy obeyed my voice; and
+in a few minutes I had him on board blessing me for his safety. But
+the drunken Briton vented his rage in the most indecent language; and
+had his boat been aboard, I doubt not a summary visit would have
+terminated in a fight on my deck.
+
+However, as good luck would have it, his skiff was at the landing, so
+that there was ample time, before he could reach the Areostatico, to
+tie up the bruised face and broken rib of the child, and to conceal
+him in the house of a Spanish crone in Havana, who cured the maladies
+of credulous seamen by witchcraft!
+
+After nightfall the master of the British vessel came aboard to claim
+his boy; but as he was petulant and seemed disposed to carry matters
+with a high hand, my temper rose in resistance, and I refused to
+release the child until he sealed with an oath his promise to treat
+him better in future. But the cruel scoundrel insisted on
+_unconditional_ surrender; and to end the controversy, I was compelled
+to order him off the schooner.
+
+British pluck of course would not allow a captain to be deprived so
+easily of his property, so the British consul was invoked to appeal
+to the captain of the port. This personage summoned me before him,
+and listened calmly to a story which added no honor to English
+mariners. In my last interview with the boy he implored my continued
+protection and concealment; so that when the Spanish official
+declared--notwithstanding the officer's conduct--that the vessel was
+entitled to her crew, and that I must surrender the child, I excused
+myself from complying by pleading utter ignorance of his whereabout.
+In view of this contingency, I directed the woman to hide him in a
+place of which I should be ignorant. So I told no lie, and saved the
+boy from his tyrant.
+
+The inquiry was dropped at this stage of proceedings. When the British
+vessel sailed a few days after, I caused the youth to be brought from
+his concealment; and, with our captain's consent, brought him aboard
+to serve in our cabin.
+
+I have narrated this little episode in consequence of my love for the
+boy, and because _he was the only English subject I ever knew to ship
+in a slaver_.
+
+I requested the Areostatico's owners to pay him liberally for his
+fidelity when he got back to Havana; and I was happy to learn next
+year, that they not only complied with my request, but sent him home
+to his friends in Liverpool.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+When I got back to Bangalang, my first movement was to take possession
+of the quarters assigned me by the Mongo, and to make myself as
+comfortable as possible in a land whose chief requirements are shade
+and shelter. My house, built of cane plastered with mud, consisted of
+two earthen-floored rooms and a broad verandah. The thatched roof was
+rather leaky, while my furniture comprised two arm-chests covered with
+mats, a deal table, a bamboo settle, a tin-pan with palm-oil for a
+lamp, and a German looking-glass mounted in a paper frame. I augmented
+these comforts by the addition of a trunk, mattress, hammock and pair
+of blankets; yet, after all this embellishment, I confess my household
+was rather a sorry affair.
+
+It is time I should make the reader acquainted with the individual who
+was the presiding genius of the scene, and, in some degree, a type of
+his peculiar class in Africa.
+
+Mr. Ormond was the son of an opulent slave-trader from Liverpool, and
+owed his birth to the daughter of a native chief on the Rio Pongo. His
+father seems to have been rather proud of his mulatto stripling, and
+dispatched him to England to be educated. But Master John had made
+little progress in belles-lettres, when news of the trader's death was
+brought to the British agent, who refused the youth further supplies
+of money. The poor boy soon became an outcast in a land which had not
+yet become fashionably addicted to philanthropy; and, after drifting
+about awhile in England, he shipped on board a merchantman. The
+press-gang soon got possession of the likely mulatto for the service
+of his Britannic Majesty. Sometimes he played the part of dandy waiter
+in the cabin; sometimes he swung a hammock with the hands in the
+forecastle. Thus, five years slipped by, during which the wanderer
+visited most of the West Indian and Mediterranean stations.
+
+At length the prolonged cruise was terminated, and Ormond paid off. He
+immediately determined to employ his hoarded cash in a voyage to
+Africa, where he might claim his father's property. The project was
+executed; his mother was still found alive; and, fortunately for the
+manly youth, she recognized him at once as her first-born.
+
+The reader will recollect that these things occurred on the west coast
+of Africa in the early part of the present century, and that the
+tenure of property, and the interests of foreign traders, were
+controlled entirely by such _customary_ laws as prevailed on the spot.
+Accordingly, a "grand palaver" was appointed, and all Mr. Ormond's
+brothers, sisters, uncles, and cousins,--many of whom were in
+possession of his father's slaves or their descendants,--were summoned
+to attend. The "talk" took plate at the appointed time. The African
+mother stood forth stanchly to assert the identity and rights of her
+first-born, and, in the end, all of the Liverpool trader's property,
+in houses, lands, and negroes, that could be ascertained, was handed
+over, according to coast-law, to the returned heir.
+
+When the mulatto youth was thus suddenly elevated into comfort, if not
+opulence, in his own country, he resolved to augment his wealth by
+pursuing his father's business. But the whole country was then
+desolated by a civil war, occasioned, as most of them are, by family
+disputes, which it was necessary to terminate before trade could be
+comfortably established.
+
+To this task Ormond steadfastly devoted his first year. His efforts
+were seconded by the opportune death of one of the warring chiefs. A
+tame opponent,--a brother of Ormond's mother,--was quickly brought to
+terms by a trifling present; so that the sailor boy soon concentrated
+the family influence, and declared himself "MONGO," or, Chief of the
+River.
+
+Bangalang had long been a noted factory among the English traders.
+When war was over, Ormond selected this post as his permanent
+residence, while he sent runners to Sierra Leone and Goree with notice
+that he would shortly be prepared with ample cargoes. Trade, which had
+been 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 and
+Portuguese hurried to proffer their doubloons and bills.
+
+It will be readily conjectured that a very few years sufficed to make
+Jack Ormond not only a wealthy merchant, but a popular Mongo among the
+great interior tribes of Foulahs and Mandingoes. The petty chiefs,
+whose territory bordered the sea, flattered him with the title of
+king; and, knowing his _Mormon taste_, stocked his _harem_ with their
+choicest children as the most valuable tokens of friendship and
+fidelity.
+
+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 my
+duties promptly, but to possess a clear estimate of the property I was
+to administer and account for. Ormond's easy habits satisfied me that
+he was not a man of business originally, or had become sadly negligent
+under the debasing influence of wealth and voluptuousness. My earliest
+task, therefore, was to make out a _minute inventory_ of his
+possessions, while I kept a watchful eye on his stores, never allowing
+any one to enter them unattended. When I presented this document,
+which exhibited a large deficiency, the Mongo received it with
+indifference, begging me not to "annoy him with accounts." His manner
+indicated so much petulant fretfulness, that I augured from it the
+conscious decline or disorder of his affairs.
+
+As I was returning to the warehouse from this mortifying interview, I
+encountered an ancient hag,--a sort of superintendent Cerberus or
+manager of the Mongo's _harem_,--who, by signs, intimated that she
+wanted the key to the "cloth-chest," whence she immediately helped
+herself to several fathoms of calico. The crone could not speak
+English, and, as I did not understand the Soosoo dialect, we attempted
+no oral argument about the propriety of her conduct; but, taking a
+pencil 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 the
+door. The wrath of the virago was instantly kindled, while her horrid
+face gleamed with that devilish ferocity, which, in some degree is
+lost by Africans who dwell on our continent. During the reign of my
+predecessors, it seems that she had been allowed to control the store
+keys, and to help herself unstintedly. I knew not, of course, what she
+_said_ on this occasion; but the violence of her gestures, the nervous
+spasms of her limbs, the flashing of her eyes, the scream of her
+voluble tongue, gave token that she swelled with a rage which was
+augmented by my imperturbable quietness. At dinner, I apprised Mr.
+Ormond of the negro's conduct; but he received the announcement with
+the same laugh of indifference that greeted the account of his
+deficient inventory.
+
+That night I had just stretched myself on my hard pallet, and was
+revolving the difficulties of my position with some degree of pain at
+my forced continuance in Africa, when my servant tapped softly at the
+door, and announced that some one demanded admittance, but begged that
+I would first of all extinguish the light. I was in a country
+requiring caution; so I felt my pistols before I undid the latch. It
+was a bright, star-light night; and, as I opened the door sufficiently
+to obtain a glance beyond,--still maintaining my control of the
+aperture,--I perceived the figure of a female, wrapped in cotton cloth
+from head to foot, except the face, which I recollected as that of the
+beautiful _quarteroon_ I was whirling in the waltz, when surprised by
+the Mongo. She put forth her hands from the folds of her garment, and
+laying one softly on my arm, while she touched her lips with the
+other, looked wistfully behind, and glided into my apartment.
+
+This poor girl, the child of a mulatto mother and a white parent, was
+born in the settlement of Sierra Leone, and had acquired our language
+with much more fluency than is common among her race. It was said that
+her father had been originally a missionary from Great Britain, but
+abandoned his profession for the more lucrative traffic in slaves, to
+which he owed an abundant fortune. It is probable that the early
+ecclesiastical turn of her delinquent progenitor induced him, before
+he departed for America, to bestow on his child the biblical name of
+ESTHER.
+
+I led my trembling visitor to the arm-chest, and, seating her gently
+by 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, I
+knew enough of the discipline maintained in these slave factories, not
+to allow my fancy to seduce me with the idea that her visit was owing
+to mad-cap sentimentality.
+
+The manner of these _quarteroon_ girls, whose complexion hardly
+separates them from our own race, is most winningly graceful; and
+Esther, with abated breath, timidly asked my pardon for intruding,
+while she declared I had made so bitter an enemy of Unga-golah,--the
+head-woman of the seraglio,--that, in spite of danger, she stole to my
+quarters with a warning. Unga swore revenge. I had insulted and
+thwarted her; I was able to thwart her at all times, if I remained the
+Mongo's "book-man;"--I must soon "go to another country;" but, if I
+did not, I would quickly find the food of Bangalang excessively
+unwholesome! "Never eat any thing that a Mandingo offers you," said
+Esther. "Take your meals exclusively from the Mongo's table.
+Unga-golah knows all the Mandingo _jujus_, and she will have no
+scruple in using them in order to secure once more the control of the
+store 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 white
+man, 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 have
+extinguished it in an instant. It was the first time for many a long
+and desolate mouth that I had experienced the gentle touch of a
+woman's hand, or felt the interest of mortal solicitude fall like a
+refreshing dew upon my heart! Who will censure me for halting on my
+door-sill as I led her forth, retaining her little hand in mine, while
+I cast my eyes over the lithe symmetry of those slender and rounded
+limbs; while I feasted on the flushed magnolia of those beautiful
+cheeks, twined my fingers in the trailing braids of that raven hair,
+peered into the blackness of those large and swimming orbs, felt a
+tear 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 the
+civilization of the nineteenth century, I do not think it amiss to
+recall the memory of those African establishments which formed so
+large a portion of a trader's homestead. It is not to be supposed that
+the luxurious _harem_ of Turkey or Egypt was transferred to the Guinea
+coast, or that its lofty walls were barricaded by stout gates, guarded
+by troops of sable eunuchs. The "wifery" of my employer was a bare
+inclosure, formed by a quadrangular cluster of mud-houses, the
+entrance to whose court-yard was never watched save at night.
+Unga-golah, the eldest and least delectable of the dames, maintained
+the establishment's police, assigned gifts or servants to each female,
+and distributed her master's favors according to the bribes she was
+cajoled 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 misfortunes
+stole over the sensual voluptuary, his mental and bodily vigor became
+impaired, not only by excessive drink, but by the narcotics to which
+he habitually resorted for excitement. When I became acquainted with
+him, his face and figure bore the marks of a worn-out _debauché_. His
+harem now was a fashion of the country rather than a domestic resort.
+His wives ridiculed him, or amused themselves as they pleased. I
+learned from Esther that there was hardly one who did not "flirt" with
+a lover in Bangalang, and that Unga-golah was blinded by gifts, while
+the 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 be
+difficult to find, even in our most Christian society, two females
+without some lurking bitterness towards rivals, so it is not to be
+imagined that the Mongo's mansion was free from womanly quarrels.
+These disputes chiefly occurred when Ormond distributed gifts of
+calico, beads, tobacco, pipes and looking-glasses. If the slightest
+preference or inequality was shown, adieu to order. Unga-golah
+descended below zero! The favorite wife, outraged by her neglected
+authority, became furious; and, for a season, pandemonium was let
+loose in Bangalang.
+
+One of these scenes of passion occurs to me as I write. I was in the
+store with the Mongo when an aggrieved dame, not remarkable either for
+delicacy of complexion or sweetness of odor, entered the room, and
+marching up with a swagger to her master, dashed a German
+looking-glass on the floor at his feet. She wanted a larger one, for
+the glass bestowed on her was half an inch smaller than the gifts to
+her companions.
+
+When Ormond was sober, his pride commonly restrained him from allowing
+the women to molest his leisure; so he quietly turned from the virago
+and 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!" screamed
+the fiend, kicking a shoe into one corner, and the other shoe into
+another corner. "Ha! Mongo!" roared the beldame, as she stripped every
+garment from her body and stood absolutely _naked_ before us, slapping
+her wool, cheeks, forehead, breasts, arms, stomach and limbs, and
+appealing to Ormond to say where she was deficient in charms, that she
+should 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 the
+laughing Ormond to gratify the whim of the "_model artiste_."
+
+Years afterwards, I remember seeing an infuriate Ethiopian fling her
+infant into the fire because its white father preferred the child of
+another spouse. Indeed, I was glad my station at Bangalang did not
+make it needful for the preservation of my respectability that I
+should indulge in the luxury of _African matrimony_!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But these exhibitions of jealous passion were not excited alone by the
+unequal distribution of presents from the liege lord of Bangalang. I
+have observed that Ormond's wives took advantage of his carelessness
+and age, to seek congenial companionship outside the _harem_.
+Sometimes the preference of two of these sable _belles_ alighted on
+the same lover, and then the battle was transferred from a worthless
+looking-glass to the darling _beau_. When such a quarrel arose, a
+meeting between the rivals was arranged out of the Mongo's hearing;
+when, throwing off their waist-cloths, the controversy was settled
+between the female gladiators without much damage. But, now and then,
+the matter was not left to the ladies. The sable lovers themselves
+took up the conflict, and a regular challenge passed between the gay
+Othellos.
+
+At the appointed time, the duellists appeared upon "the field of
+honor" accompanied by friends who were to witness their victory or
+sympathize in their defeat. Each stalwart savage leaped into the
+arena, armed with a cow-hide cat, whose sharp and triple thongs were
+capable of inflicting the harshest blows. They stripped, and tossed
+three _cowries_ into the air to determine which of the two should
+receive the first lashing. The unfortunate loser immediately took his
+stand, and received, with the firmness of a martyr, the allotted
+number of blows. Then came the turn of the whipper, who, with equal
+constancy, offered his back to the scourge of the enraged sufferer.
+Thus they alternated until one gave in, or until the bystanders
+decreed victory to him who bore the punishment longest without
+wincing. The flayed backs of these "chivalrous men of honor" were ever
+after displayed in token of bravery; and, doubtless, their Dulcineas
+devoted to their healing the subtlest ointment and tenderest affection
+recognized among Africans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+My business habits and systematic devotion to the Mongo's interests
+soon made me familiar with the broad features of "country trade;" but
+as I was still unable to speak the coast dialects, Mr. Ormond--who
+rarely entered the warehouse or conversed about commerce--supplied an
+adroit interpreter, who stood beside me and assisted in the retail of
+foreign merchandise, for rice, ivory, palm-oil, and domestic
+provisions. The purchase of slaves and gold was conducted exclusively
+by the Mongo, who did not consider me sufficiently initiated in native
+character and tricks to receive so delicate a trust.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Long and dreary were the days and nights of the apparently
+interminable "wet season." Rain in a city, rain in the country, rain
+in a village, rain at sea, are sufficiently wearying, even to those
+whose mental activity is amused or occupied by books or the concerns
+of life; but who can comprehend the insufferable lassitude and
+despondency that overwhelm an African resident, as he lies on his
+mat-covered arm-chest, and listens to the endless deluge pouring for
+days, 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 the
+interior; so that we were not surprised when our runners appeared,
+with news that AHMAH-DE-BELLAH, son of a noted Fullah chief, was
+about to visit the Rio Pongo with an imposing train of followers and
+merchandise. The only means of communication with the interior of
+Africa are, for short distances, by rivers, and, for longer ones, by
+"paths" or "trails" leading through the dense forest and among the
+hills, to innumerable "towns" that stud this prolific land. Stephenson
+and McAdam have not been to Africa, and there are neither turnpikes
+nor railways. Now, when the coast-traders of the west are apprised
+that caravans are threading their way towards the Atlantic shores, it
+is always thought advisable to make suitable preparations for the
+chiefs, and especially to greet them by messages, before their arrival
+at 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 flexible
+consciences, always in the train of factories on the coast, who hasten
+to the wilderness at the first signal of a caravan's approach, and
+magnify the prosperity and merchandise of their patrons with as much
+zeal and veracity as the "drummers" of more Christian lands.
+
+A few days after our band of travelling agents had departed on their
+mission, the crack of fire-arms was heard from the hills in our rear,
+signifying that the Mongo's "_barkers_" had been successful with the
+caravan in tow. A prompt response to the joyous signal was made by our
+cannons; so that, after half an hour's firing, Ahmah-de-Bellah and his
+party emerged from the smoke, marshalled by our band of singers, who
+preceded him, chanting with loud voices the praise of the youthful
+chieftain. Behind the master came the principal traders and their
+slaves laden with produce, and followed by forty captive negroes,
+secured by bamboo withes. These were succeeded by three-score
+bullocks, a large flock of sheep or goats, and the females of the
+party; while the procession was closed by the demure tread of a tame
+and stately OSTRICH!
+
+It was the first time I had seen so odd an assemblage of beasts and
+humanity. Indeed, had the troupe been accompanied by a bevy of
+ourang-outangs, I confess I might, at times, have had difficulty in
+deciding the grade of animal life to which the object in front of me
+belonged.
+
+Mr. Ormond, when put upon his mettle, was one of the ablest traders
+in Africa, and received the Mahometan strangers with becoming state.
+He awaited Ahmah-de-Bellah and his committee of head-traders on the
+piazza of his receiving-house, which was a rather stately edifice, one
+hundred and fifty feet in length, built to be fire-proof for the
+protection of our stores. When each Fullah stranger was presented, he
+shook hands and "snapped fingers" with the Mongo several times; and,
+as every petty peddler in the train wanted to _salaam_, the "white man
+for good luck," the process of presentation occupied at least an hour.
+
+According to coast custom, as soon as these compliments were over, the
+caravan's merchandise was deposited within our walls, not only for
+security, but in order that we might gauge the _value of the welcome_
+the owners were entitled to receive. This precaution, though
+ungallant, is extremely necessary, inasmuch as many of the interior
+dealers were in the habit of declaring, on arrival, the value of their
+gold and ivory to be much greater than it was in fact, in order to
+receive a more liberal "present." Even savages instinctively acquire
+the tricks of trade!
+
+When the goods were stored, a couple of fat bullocks, with an abundant
+supply of rice, were given to the visitors, and the chiefs of the
+caravan were billeted upon our townspeople. The _canaille_ built
+temporary huts for themselves in the outskirts; while Ahmah-de-Bellah,
+a strict Mahometan, accompanied by two of his wives, was furnished
+with a pair of neat houses that had been hastily fitted up with new
+and elegant mats.[A]
+
+While the merchandise of these large caravans is unpaid for, their
+owners, by the custom of the country, remain a costly burden upon the
+factories. We were naturally anxious to be free from this expense as
+soon as possible, and gave notice next morning that "trade would begin
+forthwith." Ahmah-de-Bellah, the chiefs of the caravans, and Mr.
+Ormond, at once entered into negotiations, so that by nightfall a
+bargain had been struck, not only for their presents, but for the
+price of merchandise, and the percentage to be retained as "native
+duty." Such a preliminary liquidation with _the heads_ of a caravan is
+ever indispensable, for, without their assistance, it would be out of
+the question to traffic with the ragamuffins who hang on the skirts of
+opulent chieftains.
+
+Each morning, at daylight, a crier went through the town, announcing
+the character of the specific trade which would be carried on during
+hours of business. One day it was in hides; another, rice; another,
+cattle. When these were disposed of, a time was specially appointed
+for the exchange of gold, ivory and slaves; and, at the agreed hour,
+Mr. Ormond, Ahmah-de-Bellah, and myself, locked the doors of the
+warehouse, and traded through a window, while our "barkers"
+distributed the goods to the Africans, often using their whips to keep
+the chattering and disputatious scamps in order. Ahmah-de-Bellah
+pretended to inspect the measurement of cloth, powder and tobacco, to
+insure justice to his compatriots; but, in reality, like a true
+tax-gatherer, he was busy ascertaining his lawful percentage on the
+sale, in return for the protection from robbery he gave the petty
+traders on their pilgrimage to the coast.
+
+At length the market was cleared of sellers and merchandise--except
+the ostrich, which, when all was over, reached the Mongo's hands as a
+royal gift from the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon, the pious father of
+Ahmah-de-Bellah. The bird, it is true, was presented as a free
+offering; yet it was hinted that the worthy Ali stood in need of
+reliable muskets, which his son would take charge of on the journey
+home. As twenty of those warlike instruments were dispatched by
+Ahmah-de-Bellah, the ostrich became rather a costly as well as
+characteristic gift. Each of the traders, moreover, expected a
+"bungee" or "dash" of some sort, in token of good will, and in
+proportion to his sales; so that we hastened to comply with all the
+common-law customs of the country, in order to liberate Bangalang from
+the annoying crowd. They dropped off rapidly as they were paid; and in
+a short time Ahmah-de-Bellah, his wives, and immediate followers, were
+all that remained of the seven hundred Fullahs.
+
+Ahmah-de-Bellah was a fine specimen of what may be considered "Young
+Africa," though he can hardly be classed among the progressives or
+revolutionary propagandists of the age. In person he was tall,
+graceful, and commanding. As the son of an important chief, he had
+been free from those menial toils which, in that climate, soon
+obliterate all intellectual characteristics. His face was well formed
+for an African's. His high and broad brow arched over a straight nose,
+while his lips had nothing of that vulgar grossness which gives so
+sensual an expression to his countrymen. Ahmah's manners to strangers
+or superiors were refined and courteous in a remarkable degree; but to
+the mob of the coast and inferiors generally, he manifested that harsh
+and peremptory tone which is common among the savages of a fiery
+clime.
+
+Ahmah-de-Bellah was second son of the Ali-Mami, or King of
+Footha-Yallon, who allowed him to exercise the prerogative of leading
+for the first time, a caravan to the seaboard, in honor of attaining
+the discreet age of "twenty four rainy seasons." The privilege
+however, was not granted without a view to profit by the courage of
+his own blood; for the Ali-Mami was never known to suffer a son or
+relative 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 been
+finally secured, is a work of time and skill. At the beginning of the
+"dry season," the privileged chieftain departs with power of life and
+death over his followers, and "squats" in one of the most frequented
+"paths" to the sea, while he dispatches small bands of daring
+retainers to other trails throughout the neighborhood, to blockade
+every passage to the beach. The siege of the highways is kept up with
+vigor for a month or more, by these black Rob Roys and Robin Hoods,
+until a sufficient number of traders may be trapped to constitute a
+valuable caravan, and give importance to its leader. While this is the
+main purpose of the forest adventure, the occasion is taken advantage
+of to collect a local tribute, due by small tribes to the Ali, which
+could not be obtained otherwise. The despotic officer, moreover,
+avails himself of the blockade to stop malefactors and absconding
+debtors. Goods that are seized in the possession of the latter may be
+sequestrated to pay his creditors; but if their value is not equal to
+the debt, the delinquent, if a pagan, is sold as a slave, but is let
+off with a _bastinado_, if he proves to be "one of the faithful."
+
+It is natural to suppose that every effort is made by the small
+traders of the interior to avoid these savage press-gangs. The poor
+wretches are not only subjected to annoying vassalage by ruffian
+princes, but the blockade of the forest often diverts them from the
+point they originally designed to reach,--forces them to towns or
+factories they had no intention of visiting,--and, by extreme delay,
+wastes their provisions and diminishes their frugal profits. It is
+surprising to see how admirably even savages understand and exercise
+the powers of sovereignty and the rights of transit!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+While Ahmah-de-Bellah tarried at Bangalang, it was my habit to visit
+him every night to hear his interesting chat, as it was translated by
+an interpreter. Sometimes, in return, I would recount the adventures
+of my sea-faring life, which seemed to have a peculiar flavor for this
+child of the wilderness, who now gazed for the first time on the
+ocean. Among other things, I strove to convince him of the world's
+rotundity; but, to the last, he smiled incredulously at my daring
+assertion, and closed the argument by asking me to prove it from the
+Koran? He allowed me the honors due a traveller and "book-man;" but a
+mind that had swallowed, digested, and remembered every text of
+Mahomet's volume, was not to be deceived by such idle fantasies. He
+kindly undertook to conquer my ignorance of his creed by a careful
+exposition of its mysteries in several long-winded lectures, and I was
+so patient a listener, that I believe Ahmah was entirely satisfied of
+my conversion.
+
+My seeming acquiescence was well repaid by the Fullah's confidence. He
+returned my nightly calls with interest; and, visiting me in the
+warehouse during hours of business, became so fervently wrapped up in
+my spiritual salvation, that he would spout Mahometanism for hours
+through an interpreter. To get rid of him, one day, I promised to
+follow the Prophet with pleasure if he consented to receive me; but I
+insisted on entering the "fold of the faithful" _without_ submitting
+to 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 once
+wrote down a favorite prayer in Arabic, requiring as my spiritual
+guide, 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 was
+at fault after the first sentence, reproached me pathetically upon my
+negligence and exhorted me to repentance,--much to the edification of
+our interpreter, who was neither Jew, Christian, nor Mussulman.
+
+But the visit of the young chieftain, which began in trade and tapered
+off in piety, drew to a close. Ahmah-de-Bellah began to prepare for
+his journey homeward. As the day of departure approached, I saw that
+my 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 a
+severe test, by suddenly producing the holy book, and requiring me to
+seal our friendship by an oath that I would never abandon Islamism. I
+contrived, however, adroitly to evade the affirmation by feigning an
+excessive 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-Bellah
+consented to discard seven; but he insisted that the remaining veteran
+should be shipped, as he could neither _kill_ nor send him back to
+Footha-Yallon.
+
+I was somewhat curious to know the crime this culprit had committed,
+which was so heinous as to demand his perpetual exile, though it
+spared his life. The chief informed me that the wretch had slain his
+son; and, as there was no punishment for such an offence assigned by
+the Koran, the judges of his country condemned him to be sold _a slave
+to Christians_,--a penalty they considered worse than death.
+
+Another curious feature of African law was developed in the sale of
+this caravan. I noticed a couple of women drawn along with ropes
+around their necks, while others of their sex and class were suffered
+to wander about without bonds. These females, the chief apprised us,
+would have been burnt in his father's domains for witchcraft, had not
+his venerable ancestor been so much distressed for powder that he
+thought their lives would be more valuable to his treasury than their
+carcasses to outraged law.
+
+It was a general complaint among the companions of Ahmah-de-Bellah
+that the caravan was scant of slaves in consequence of this
+unfortunate lack of powder. The young chieftain promised better things
+in future. Next year, the Mongo's barracoons should teem with his
+conquests. When the "rainy season" approached, the Ali-Mami, his
+father, meant to carry on a "great war" against a variety of small
+tribes, whose captives would replenish the herds, that, two years
+before, had been carried off by a sudden blight.
+
+I learned from my intelligent Fullah, that while the Mahometan courts
+of his country rescued by law the people of their own faith from
+slavery, they omitted no occasion to inflict it, as a penalty, upon
+the African "unbelievers" who fell within their jurisdiction. Among
+these unfortunates, the smallest crime is considered capital, and a
+"capital crime" merits the profitable punishment of slavery. Nor was
+it difficult, he told me, for a country of "true believers" to acquire
+a multitude of bondsmen. They detested the institution, it is true,
+among themselves, and among their own caste, but it was both right and
+reputable among the unorthodox. The Koran commanded the "subjugation
+of the tribes to the true faith," so that, to enforce the Prophet's
+order against infidels, they resorted to the white man's cupidity,
+which authorized its votaries to enslave the negro! My inquisitiveness
+prompted me to demand whether these holy wars spoken of in the Koran
+were not somewhat stimulated, in our time, at least, by the profits
+that ensued; and I even ventured to hint that it was questionable
+whether the mighty chief of Footha-Yallon would willingly storm a
+Kaffir fortification, were he not prompted by the booty of slaves!
+
+Ahmah-de-Bellah was silent for a minute, when his solemn face
+gradually relaxed into a quizzical smile, as he replied that, in
+truth, Mahometans were no worse than Christians, so that it was quite
+likely,--if the white elect of heaven, who knew how to make powder
+and guns, did not tempt the black man with their weapons,--the
+commands of Allah would be followed with less zeal, and implements not
+quite so dangerous!
+
+I could not help thinking that there was a good deal of quiet satire
+in the gossip of this negro prince. According to the custom of his
+country, we "exchanged names" at parting; and, while he put in my
+pocket 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 the
+forest, as he went forth from Bangalang; and as we "cracked fingers"
+for farewell, I promised, with my hand on my heart, that the "next dry
+season" I would visit his father, the venerable Ali-Mami, in his realm
+of Footha-Yallon.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[A] As it may be interesting to learn the nature of trade on this
+coast,--_which is commonly misunderstood at consisting in slaves
+alone_,--I thought it well to set down the inventory I made out of the
+caravan's stock and its result, as the various items were intrusted to
+my guardianship. The body of the caravan itself consisted of seven
+hundred 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 regards
+sales and acquisitions. Rice cost us one cent per pound; hides were
+delivered at eighteen or twenty cents each; a bullock was sold for
+twenty or thirty pounds of tobacco; sheep, goats or hogs, cost two
+pounds of tobacco, or a fathom of common cotton, each; ivory was
+purchased at the rate of a dollar the pound for the best, while
+inferior kinds were given at half that price. In fact, the profit on
+our merchandise was, at least, one hundred and fifty per cent. As gold
+commands the very best fabrics in exchange, and was paid for at the
+rate of sixteen dollars an ounce, we made but seventy per cent. on the
+article. 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 pound
+and a half of tobacco is also a "bar," as well as a fathom of ordinary
+cotton cloth, or a pound of powder, while a common musket is equal to
+twelve "bars." Accordingly, where slaves were purchased for one
+hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco, only eighteen dollars were, in
+reality, paid; and when one hundred pounds of powder were given, we
+got them for twenty dollars each. Our _British_ muskets cost us but
+three dollars apiece; yet we seldom purchased negroes for this article
+alone. If the women, offered in the market, exceeded twenty-five years
+of age, we made a deduction of twenty per cent.; but if they were
+stanchly-built, and gave promising tokens for the future, we took them
+at the price of an able-bodied man. The same estimate was made for
+youths over four feet four inches high; but children were rarely
+purchased at the factories, though they might be advantageously traded
+in the native towns.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+I was a close watcher of Mongo John whenever he engaged in the
+purchase of slaves. As each negro was brought before him, Ormond
+examined the subject, without regard to sex, from head to foot. A
+careful manipulation of the chief muscles, joints, arm-pits and groins
+was made, to assure soundness. The mouth, too, was inspected, and if a
+tooth was missing, it was noted as a defect liable to deduction. Eyes,
+voice, lungs, fingers and toes were not forgotten; so that when the
+negro passed from the Mongo's hands without censure, he might have
+been readily adopted as a good "life" by an insurance company.
+
+Upon one occasion, to my great astonishment, I saw a stout and
+apparently powerful man discarded by Ormond as utterly worthless. His
+full muscles and sleek skin, to my unpractised eye, denoted the height
+of robust health. Still, I was told that he had been medicated for the
+market with bloating drugs, and sweated with powder and lemon-juice to
+impart a gloss to his skin. Ormond remarked that these jockey-tricks
+are as common in Africa as among horse-dealers in Christian lands; and
+desiring me to feel the negro's pulse, I immediately detected disease
+or excessive excitement. In a few days I found the poor wretch,
+abandoned by his owner, a paralyzed wreck in the hut of a villager at
+Bangalang.
+
+[Illustration: INSPECTION AND SALE OF A NEGRO.]
+
+When a slave becomes useless to his master in the interior, or
+exhibits signs of failing constitution, he is soon disposed of to a
+peddler or broker. These men call to their aid a quack, familiar with
+drugs, who, for a small compensation, undertakes to refit an impaired
+body for the temptation of green-horns. Sometimes the cheat is
+successfully effected; but experienced slavers detect it readily by
+the yellow eye, swollen tongue, and feverish skin.
+
+After a few more lessons, I was considered by the Mongo sufficiently
+learned in the slave traffic to be intrusted with the sole management
+of his stores. This exemption from commerce enabled him to indulge
+more than ever in the use of ardent spirits, though his vanity to be
+called "king," still prompted him to attend faithfully to all the
+"country palavers;"--and, let it be said to his credit, his decisions
+were never defective in judgment or impartiality.
+
+After I had been three months occupied in the multifarious intercourse
+of Bangalang and its neighborhood, I understood the language well
+enough to dispense with the interpreter, who was one of the Mongo's
+confidential agents. When my companion departed on a long journey, he
+counselled me to make up with Unga-golah, the _harem's_ Cerberus, as
+she suspected my intimacy with Esther, who would doubtless be
+denounced 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 charming
+girl, as the only solace of my solitude. Amid all the wild,
+passionate, and savage surroundings of Bangalang, Esther--the
+Pariah--was the only golden link that still seemed to bind me to
+humanity and the lands beyond the seas. On that burning coast, I was
+not excited by the stirring of an adventurous life, nor was my young
+heart seduced and bewildered by absorbing avarice. Many a night, when
+the dews penetrated my flesh, as I looked towards the west, my soul
+shrank from the selfish wretches around me, and went off in dreams to
+the homes I had abandoned. When I came back to myself,--when I was
+forced to recognize my doom in Africa,--when I acknowledged that my
+lot had been cast, perhaps unwisely, by myself, my spirit turned,
+like the worm from the crashing heel, and found nothing that kindled
+for 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 loss
+was given, I hastened to disarm the only hand that could inflict a
+blow. Unga-golah was a woman, and a rope of sparkling coral for her
+neck, smothered all her wrongs.
+
+The months I had passed in Africa without illness,--though I went
+abroad after dark, and bathed in the river during the heat of the
+day,--made me believe myself proof against malaria. But, at length, a
+violent pain in my loins, accompanied by a swimming head, warned me
+that the African fever held me in its dreaded gripe. In two days I was
+delirious. 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, who
+forthwith assailed the matron of his harem with a torrent of inquiries
+and abuse. But Unga-golah was faithful. The beads had sealed her
+tongue; so that, with the instinctive adroitness peculiar to ladies of
+her 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 his
+watchful clerk, restored the warehouse to her custody. This was the
+height of her avaricious ambition; and, in token of gratitude for my
+profitable malady, she contrived to let Esther become the nurse and
+guardian of my sick bed.
+
+As my fever and delirium continued, a native doctor, renowned for his
+skill, was summoned, who ordered me to be cupped in the African
+fashion by scarifying my back and stomach with a hot knife, and
+applying plantain leaves to the wounds. The operation allayed my pulse
+for a few hours; but as the fever came back with new vigor, it became
+necessary for my attendants to arouse the Mongo to a sense of my
+imminent danger. Yet Ormond, instead of springing with alacrity to
+succor a friend and retainer in affliction, sent for a young man,
+named Edward Joseph, who had formerly been in his employment, but was
+now settled on his own account in Bangalang.
+
+Joseph proved a good Samaritan. As soon as he dared venture upon my
+removal, he took me to his establishment at Kambia, and engaged the
+services of another Mandingo doctor, in whose absurdities he believed.
+But all the charms and incantations of the savage would not avail, and
+I remained in a state of utter prostration and apparent insensibility
+until morning. As soon as day dawned, my faithful Esther was again on
+the field of action; and this time she insisted upon the trial of her
+judgment, in the person of an old white-headed woman, who accompanied
+her in the guise of the greatest enchantress of the coast. A slave,
+paid in advance, was the fee for which she undertook to warrant my
+cure.
+
+No time was to be lost. The floor of a small and close mud hut was
+intensely heated, and thickly strewn with moistened lemon leaves, over
+which a cloth was spread for a couch. As soon as the bed was ready, I
+was borne to the hovel, and, covered with blankets, was allowed to
+steam and perspire, while my medical attendant dosed me with half a
+tumbler of a green disgusting juice which she extracted from herbs.
+This process of drinking and barbecuing was repeated during five
+consecutive days, at the end of which my fever was gone. But my
+convalescence was not speedy. For many a day, I stalked about, a
+useless skeleton, covering with ague, and afflicted by an insatiable
+appetite, until a French physician restored me to health by the use of
+cold baths at the crisis of my fever.
+
+When I was sufficiently recovered to attend to business, Mongo John
+desired me to resume my position in his employment. I heard, however,
+from Esther, that during my illness, Unga-golah used her opportunities
+so profitably in the warehouse, that there would be sad deficiencies,
+which, doubtless, might be thrown on me, if the crone were badly
+disposed at any future period. Accordingly, I thought it decidedly
+most prudent to decline the clerkship, and requested the Mongo to
+recompense me for the time and attention I had already bestowed on
+him. This was refused by the indolent voluptuary; so we parted with
+coolness, and I was once more adrift in the world.
+
+In these great outlying colonies and lodgments of European nations in
+the East Indies and Africa, a stranger is commonly welcome to the
+hospitality of every foreigner. I had no hesitation, therefore, in
+returning to the house of Joseph, who, like myself, had been a clerk
+of Ormond, and suffered from the pilferings of the matron.
+
+My host, I understood, was a native of London, where he was born of
+continental parents, and came to Sierra Leone with Governor Turner.
+Upon the death or return of that officer,--I do not recollect
+which,--the young adventurer remained in the colony, and, for a time,
+enjoyed the post of harbor master. His first visit to the Rio Pongo
+was in the capacity of supercargo of a small coasting craft, laden
+with 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 face
+his creditors with a deficient balance-sheet; and quitting Sierra
+Leone for ever, accepted service with Ormond. For a year he continued
+in this employment; but, at the end of that period, considering
+himself sufficiently informed of the trade and language of the river,
+he sent a message to his creditors at the British settlement that he
+could promptly pay them in full, if they would advance him capital
+enough to commence an independent trade. The terms were accepted by an
+opulent Israelite, and in a short time Edward Joseph was numbered
+among the successful factors of Rio Pongo.
+
+As I had nothing to do but get well and talk, I employed my entire
+leisure in acquiring the native language perfectly. The Soosoo is a
+dialect of the Mandingo. Its words, ending almost universally in
+vowels, render it as glibly soft and musical as Italian; so that, in a
+short 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 of
+indolence might have forced me back to Europe or America, but the
+fortune of that day decided my residence and dealings in Africa.
+
+At dawn of the 15th, a vessel was descried in the offing, and, as she
+approached the coast, the initiated soon ascertained her to be a
+Spanish slaver. But, what was the amazement of the river grandees when
+the captain landed and consigned his vessel _to me_!
+
+"LA FORTUNA," the property, chiefly, of my old friend the Regla
+grocer, was successor of the Areostatico, which she exceeded in size
+as well as comfort. Her captain was charged to pay me my wages in full
+for the round voyage in the craft I had abandoned, and handed me,
+besides, a purse of thirty doubloons as a testimonial from his owners
+for 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 for
+their purchase. My commission was fixed at ten per cent., and I was
+promised a command whenever I saw fit to abandon my residence on the
+African coast.
+
+Having no factory, or _barracoon_ of slaves, and being elevated to the
+dignity of "a trader" in so sudden a manner, I thought it best to
+summon all the factors of the river on board the schooner, with an
+offer to divide the cargo, provided they would pledge the production
+of the slaves within thirty days. Dispatch was all-important to the
+owners, and, so anxious was I to gratify them, that I consented to pay
+fifty dollars for every slave that should be accepted.
+
+After some discussion my offer was taken, and the cargo apportioned
+among the residents. They declined, however, receiving any share of
+the cigars in payment, insisting on liquidation in gold alone.
+
+As this was my first enterprise, I felt at a loss to know how to
+convert my useless tobacco into merchantable doubloons. In this
+strait, I had recourse to the Englishman Joseph, who hitherto traded
+exclusively in produce; but, being unable to withstand the temptation
+of gold, had consented to furnish a portion of my required negroes. As
+soon as I stated the difficulty to Don Edward, he proposed to send the
+Havanas to his Hebrew friend in Sierra Leone, where, he did not doubt,
+they would be readily exchanged for Manchester merchandise. That
+evening a canoe was dispatched to the English colony with the cigars;
+and, on the tenth day after, the trusty Israelite appeared in the Rio
+Pongo, with a cutter laden to the deck with superior British fabrics.
+The rumor of five hundred doubloons disturbed his rest in Sierra
+Leone! So much gold could not linger in the hands of natives as long
+as 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 to
+take his chances at the exchange of my gold for the sable cargo! By
+this happy hit I was enabled to pay for the required balance of
+negroes, as well as to liquidate the schooners expenses while in the
+river. I was amazingly rejoiced and proud at this happy result,
+because I learned from the captain that the invoice of cigars was a
+malicious trick, palmed off on the Areostatico's owners by her
+captain, in order to thwart or embarrass me, when he heard I was to be
+intrusted with the purchase of a cargo on the coast.
+
+At the appointed day, La Fortuna sailed with 220 human beings packed
+in her hold. Three months afterwards, I received advices that she
+safely landed 217 in the bay of Matanzas, and that their sale yielded
+a clear profit on the voyage of forty-one thousand four hundred and
+thirty-eight dollars.[B]
+
+As I am now fairly embarked in a trade which absorbed so many of my
+most vigorous years, I suppose the reader will not be loth to learn a
+little of my experience in the alleged "cruelties" of this commerce;
+and the first question, in all likelihood, that rises to his lips, is
+a solicitation to be apprised of the embarkation and treatment of
+slaves on the dreaded voyage.
+
+An African factor of fair repute is ever careful to select his human
+cargo with consummate prudence, so as not only to supply his employers
+with athletic laborers, but to avoid any taint of disease that may
+affect the slaves in their transit to Cuba or the American main. Two
+days before embarkation, the head of every male and female is neatly
+shaved; and, if the cargo belongs to several owners, each man's
+_brand_ is impressed on the body of his respective negro. This
+operation is performed with pieces of silver wire, or small irons
+fashioned into the merchant's initials, heated just hot enough to
+blister without burning the skin. When the entire cargo is the venture
+of but one proprietor, the branding is always dispensed with.
+
+On the appointed day, the _barracoon_ or slave-pen is made joyous by
+the abundant "feed" which signalizes the negro's last hours in his
+native country. The feast over, they are taken alongside the vessel in
+canoes; and as they touch the deck, they are entirely stripped, so
+that women as well as men go out of Africa as they came into
+it--_naked_. This precaution, it will be understood, is indispensable;
+for perfect nudity, during the whole voyage, is the only means of
+securing cleanliness and health. In this state, they are immediately
+ordered below, the men to the hold and the women to the cabin, while
+boys and girls are, day and night, kept on deck, where their sole
+protection 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 somewhat
+more ceremoniously religious than at present, and it was then a
+universal habit to make the gangs say grace before meat, and give
+thanks afterwards. In our days, however, they dispense with this
+ritual, and content themselves with a "_Viva la Habana_," or "hurrah
+for 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 the
+tribal habit of the negroes, is placed before the squad. In order to
+prevent greediness or inequality in the appropriation of nourishment,
+the process is performed by signals from a monitor, whose motions
+indicate when the darkies shall dip and when they shall swallow.
+
+It is the duty of a guard to report immediately whenever a slave
+refuses to eat, in order that his abstinence may be traced to
+stubbornness or disease. Negroes have sometimes been found in slavers
+who attempted voluntary starvation; so that, when the watch reports
+the patient to be "shamming," his appetite is stimulated by the
+medical antidote of a "cat." If the slave, however, is truly ill, he
+is forthwith ticketed for the sick list by a bead or button around his
+neck, and dispatched to an infirmary in the forecastle.
+
+These meals occur twice daily,--at ten in the morning and four in the
+afternoon,--and are terminated by another ablution. Thrice in each
+twenty-four hours they are served with half a pint of water. Pipes and
+tobacco are circulated economically among both sexes; but, as each
+negro cannot be allowed the luxury of a separate bowl, boys are sent
+round with an adequate supply, allowing a few whiffs to each
+individual. On regular days,--probably three times a week,--their
+mouths 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 are
+allowed to converse freely during day while on deck. Corporal
+punishment is _never_ inflicted save by order of an officer, and, even
+then, not until the culprit understands exactly why it is done. Once a
+week, the ship's barber scrapes their chins without assistance from
+soap; and, on the same day, their nails are closely pared, to insure
+security from harm in those nightly battles that occur, when the slave
+contests with his neighbor every inch of plank to which he is glued.
+During afternoons of serene weather, men, women, girls, and boys are
+allowed to unite in African melodies, which they always enhance by an
+extemporaneous _tom-tom_ on the bottom of a tub or tin kettle.
+
+These hints will apprise the reader that the greatest care, compatible
+with safety, is taken of a negro's health and cleanliness on the
+voyage. In every well-conducted slaver, the captain, officers, and
+crew, are alert and vigilant to preserve the cargo. It is their
+personal interest, as well as the interest of humanity to do so. The
+boatswain is incessant in his patrol of purification, and disinfecting
+substances are plenteously distributed. The upper deck is washed and
+swabbed daily; the slave deck is scraped and holy-stoned; and, at nine
+o'clock each morning, the captain inspects every part of his craft; so
+that no vessel, except a man-of-war, can compare with a slaver in
+systematic order, purity, and neatness. I am not aware that the
+ship-fever, which sometimes decimates the emigrants from Europe, has
+ever 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, and
+range the slaves in their regular places; those on the right side of
+the vessel facing forward, and lying in each other's lap, while those
+on the left are similarly stowed with their faces towards the stern.
+In this way each negro lies on his right side, which is considered
+preferable for the action of the heart. In allotting places,
+particular attention is paid to size, the taller being selected for
+the greatest breadth of the vessel, while the shorter and younger are
+lodged near the bows. When the cargo is large and the lower deck
+crammed, the supernumeraries are disposed of on deck, which is
+securely covered with boards to shield them from moisture. The
+_strict_ discipline of nightly stowage is, of course, of the greatest
+importance in slavers, else every negro would accommodate himself as
+if he were a passenger.
+
+In order to insure perfect silence and regularity during night, a
+slave is chosen as constable from every ten, and furnished with a
+"cat" to enforce commands during his appointed watch. In remuneration
+for his services, which, it may be believed, are admirably performed
+whenever the whip is required, he is adorned with an old shirt or
+tarry trowsers. Now and then, billets of wood are distributed among
+the sleepers, but this luxury is never granted until the good temper
+of the negroes is ascertained, for slaves have often been tempted to
+mutiny by the power of arming themselves with these pillows from the
+forest.
+
+It is very probable that many of my readers will consider it barbarous
+to make slaves lie down naked upon a board, but let me inform them
+that native Africans are not familiar with the use of feather-beds,
+nor do any but the free and rich in their mother country indulge in
+the luxury even of a mat or raw-hide. Among the Mandingo chiefs,--the
+most industrious and civilized of Africans,--the beds, divans, and
+sofas, 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 lying
+down on the deck.
+
+But _ventilation_ is carefully attended to. The hatches and bulkheads
+of every slaver are grated, and apertures are cut about the deck for
+ampler circulation of air. Wind-sails, too, are constantly pouring a
+steady draft into the hold, except during a chase, when, of course,
+every comfort is temporarily sacrificed for safety. During calms or in
+light and baffling winds, when the suffocating air of the tropics
+makes ventilation impossible, the gratings are always removed, and
+portions of the slaves allowed to repose at night on deck, while the
+crew is armed to watch the sleepers.
+
+Handcuffs are rarely used on shipboard. It is the common custom to
+secure slaves in the _barracoons_, and while shipping, by chaining
+_ten_ in a gang; but as these platoons would be extremely inconvenient
+at sea, the manacles are immediately taken off and replaced by
+leg-irons, which fasten them in pairs by the feet. Shackles are never
+used but for _full-grown men_, while _women_ and _boys_ are set at
+liberty as soon as they embark. It frequently happens that when the
+behavior of _male_ slaves warrants their freedom, they are released
+from all fastenings long before they arrive. Irons are altogether
+dispensed with on many _Brazilian_ slavers, as negroes from Anjuda,
+Benin, and Angola, are mild; and unaddicted to revolt like those who
+dwell east of the Cape or north of the Gold Coast. Indeed, a knowing
+trader will never use chains but when compelled, for the longer a
+slave is ironed the more he deteriorates; and, as his sole object is
+to land a healthy cargo, pecuniary interest, as well as natural
+feeling, urges the sparing of metal.
+
+My object in writing this palliative description is not to exculpate
+the slavers or their commerce, but to correct those exaggerated
+stories 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 I
+am sure that if the narratives given by Englishmen are true, the
+voyages they detail must either have occurred before my day, or were
+conducted in British vessels, while her majesty's subjects still
+considered the traffic lawful.[C]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[B] As the reader may scarcely credit so large a profit, I subjoin an
+account of the fitting of a slave vessel from Havana in 1827, and the
+liquidation 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 end
+the slave-trade, failed utterly to produce the desired result.
+
+All _profitable_ trade,--illicit, contraband, or what not,--_will_ be
+carried on by avaricious men, as long as the temptation continues.
+Accordingly, whenever a trade becomes _forced_, the only and sure
+result of violent restriction is to imperil still more both life and
+cargo.
+
+1st.--The treaty with Spain, it is said, was enforced some time before
+it was properly promulgated or notified; so that British cruisers
+seized over eighty vessels, one third of which certainly were not
+designed for slave-trade.
+
+2d.--As the compact condemned slave vessels to be broken up, the
+sailing qualities of craft were improved to facilitate escape, rather
+than insure human comfort.
+
+3d.--The Spanish slavers had recourse to Brazilians and Portuguese to
+cover their property; and, as slavers could not be fitted out in Cuba,
+other nations sent their vessels ready equipped to Africa, and (under
+the jib-booms of cruisers) Sardinians, Frenchmen and Americans,
+transferred them to slave traders, while the captains and parts of the
+crew took passage home in regular merchantmen.
+
+4th.--As the treaty created greater risk, every method of economy was
+resorted to; and the crowding and cramming of slaves was one of the
+most prominent results. Water and provisions were diminished; and
+every thing was sacrificed for gain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+In old times, before treaties made slave-trade piracy, the landing of
+human cargoes was as comfortably conducted as the disembarkation of
+flour. But now, the enterprise is effected with secrecy and hazard. A
+wild, uninhabited portion of the coast, where some little bay or
+sheltering nook exists, is commonly selected by the captain and his
+confederates. As soon as the vessel is driven close to the beach and
+anchored, her boats are packed with slaves, while the craft is quickly
+dismantled to avoid detection from sea or land. The busy skiffs are
+hurried to and fro incessantly till the cargo is entirely ashore, when
+the secured gang, led by the captain, and escorted by armed sailors,
+is rapidly marched to the nearest plantation. There it is safe from
+the rapacity of local magistrates, who, if they have a chance, imitate
+their superiors by exacting "_gratifications_."
+
+In the mean time, a _courier_ has been dispatched to the owners in
+Havana, Matanzas, or Santiago de Cuba, who immediately post to the
+plantation with clothes for the slaves and gold for the crew.
+Preparations are quickly made through brokers for the sale of the
+blacks; while the vessel, if small, is disguised, to warrant her
+return under the coasting flag to a port of clearance. If the craft
+happens to be large, it is considered perilous to attempt a return
+with a cargo, or "_in distress_," and, accordingly, she is either sunk
+or burnt where she lies.
+
+When the genuine African reaches a plantation for the first time, he
+fancies himself in paradise. He is amazed by the generosity with which
+he 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 only
+forgets country, relations, and friends, but skips about like a
+monkey, while he dons his garments wrongside out or hind-part before!
+The arrival of a carriage or cart creates no little confusion among
+the Ethiopian groups, who never imagined that beasts could be made to
+work. But the climax of wonder is reached when that paragon of
+oddities, a Cuban _postilion_, dressed in his sky-blue coat,
+silver-laced hat, white breeches, polished jack-boots, and ringing
+spurs, leaps from his prancing quadruped, and bids them welcome in
+their mother-tongue. Every African rushes to "snap fingers" with his
+equestrian brother, who, according to orders, forthwith preaches an
+edifying sermon on the happiness of being a white man's slave, taking
+care to jingle his spurs and crack his whip at the end of every
+sentence, by way of _amen_.
+
+Whenever a cargo is owned by several proprietors, each one takes his
+share at once to his plantation; but if it is the property of
+speculators, the blacks are sold to any one who requires them before
+removal from the original depot. The sale is, of course, conducted as
+rapidly as possible, to forestall the interference of British
+officials with the Captain-General.
+
+Many of the Spanish Governors in Cuba have respected treaties, or, at
+least, promised to enforce the laws. Squadrons of dragoons and troops
+of lancers have been paraded with convenient delay, and ordered to
+gallop to plantations designated by the representative of England. It
+generally happens, however, that when the hunters arrive the game is
+gone. Scandal declares that, while brokers are selling the blacks at
+the depot, it is not unusual for their owner or his agent to be found
+knocking at the door of the Captain-General's secretary. It is often
+said that the Captain-General himself is sometimes present in the
+sanctuary, and, after a familiar chat about the happy landing of "the
+contraband,"--as the traffic is amiably called, the requisite
+_rouleaux_ are insinuated into the official desk under the intense
+smoke of a fragrant _cigarillo_. The metal is always considered the
+property of the Captain-General, but his scribe avails himself of a
+lingering farewell at the door, to hint an immediate and pressing need
+for "a very small darkey!" Next day, the diminutive African does not
+appear; but, as it is believed that Spanish officials prefer gold even
+to mortal flesh, his algebraic equivalent is unquestionably furnished
+in the shape of shining ounces!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The prompt dispatch I gave the schooner Fortuna, started new ideas
+among the traders of the Rio Pongo, so that it was generally agreed my
+method of dividing the cargo among different factors was not only most
+advantageous for speed, but prevented monopoly, and gave all an equal
+chance. At a "grand palaver" or assemblage of the traders on the
+river, it was resolved that this should be the course of trade for the
+future. All the factors, except Ormond, attended and assented; but we
+learned that the Mongo's people, with difficulty prevented him from
+sending an armed party to break up our deliberations.
+
+The knowledge of this hostile feeling soon spread throughout the
+settlement and adjacent towns, creating considerable excitement
+against Ormond. My plan and principles were approved by the natives as
+well as foreigners, so that warning was sent the Mongo, if any harm
+befell Joseph and Theodore, it would be promptly resented. Our native
+landlord, Ali-Ninpha, a Foulah by descent, told him boldly, in
+presence of his people, that the Africans were "tired of a mulatto
+Mongo;" and, from that day, his power dwindled away visibly, though a
+show of respect was kept up in consequence of his age and ancient
+importance.
+
+During these troubles, the Areostatico returned to my consignment, and
+in twenty-two days was dispatched with a choice cargo of
+Mandingoes,--a tribe, which had become fashionable for house servants
+among the Havanese. But the luckless vessel was never heard of, and it
+is likely she went down in some of the dreadful gales that scourged
+the coast immediately after her departure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+I had now grown to such sudden importance among the natives, that the
+neighboring chiefs and kings sent me daily messages of friendship,
+with trifling gifts that I readily accepted. One of these bordering
+lords, more generous and insinuating than the rest, hinted several
+times his anxiety for a closer connection in affection as well as
+trade, and, at length, insisted upon becoming my father-in-law!
+
+I had always heard in Italy that it was something to receive the hand
+of a princess, even after long and tedious wooing; but now that I was
+surrounded by a mob of kings, who absolutely thrust their daughters on
+me, I confess I had the bad taste not to leap with joy at the royal
+offering. Still, I was in a difficult position, as no graver offence
+can be given a chief than to reject his child. It is so serious an
+insult to refuse a wife, that, high born natives, in order to avoid
+quarrels or war, accept the tender boon, and as soon as etiquette
+permits, pass it over to a friend or relation. As the offer was made
+to me personally by the king, I found the utmost difficulty in
+escaping. Indeed, he would receive no excuse. When I declined on
+account of the damsel's youth, he laughed incredulously. If I urged
+the feebleness of my health and tardy convalescence, he insisted that
+a regular life of matrimony was the best cordial for an impaired
+constitution. In fact, the paternal solicitude of his majesty for my
+doubloons was so urgent that I was on the point of yielding myself a
+patient sacrifice, when Joseph came to my relief with the offer of his
+hand as a substitute.
+
+The Gordian knot was cut. Prince Yungee in reality did not care so
+much who should be his son-in-law as that he obtained one with a white
+skin and plentiful purse. Joseph or Theodore, Saxon or Italian, made
+no 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 the
+disgust that I did. Perhaps he was a man of more liberal philosophy
+and wider views of human brotherhood; at any rate, his residence in
+Africa gave him a taste not only for its people, habits, and
+superstitions, but he upheld practical amalgamation with more fervor
+and honesty than a regular abolitionist. Joseph was possessed by
+Africo-mania. He admired the women, the men, the language, the
+cookery, the music. He would fall into philharmonic ecstasies over the
+discord of a bamboo _tom-tom_. I have reason to believe that even
+African barbarities had charms for the odd Englishman; but he was
+chiefly won by the _dolce far niente_ of the natives, and the Oriental
+license of polygamy. In a word, Joseph had the same taste for a
+full-blooded _cuffee_, that an epicure has for the _haut gout_ of a
+stale partridge, and was in ecstasies at my extrication. He neglected
+his _siestas_ and his accounts; he wandered from house to house with
+the rapture of an impatient bridegroom; and, till every thing was
+ready for the nuptial rites, no one at the factory had a moment's
+rest.
+
+As the bride's relations were eminent folks on the upper part of the
+river, they insisted that the marriage ceremony should be performed
+with all the honorable formalities due to the lady's rank. Esther, who
+acted as my mentor in every "country-question," suggested that it
+would be contrary to the Englishman's interest to ally himself with a
+family whose only motive was sordid. She strongly urged that if he
+persisted in taking the girl, he should do so without a "_colungee_"
+or ceremonial feast. But Joseph was obstinate as a bull; and as he
+doubted whether he would ever commit matrimony again, he insisted
+that the nuptials should be celebrated with all the fashionable
+splendor 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 if
+the damsel were to be sought in the most delicate way by a desponding
+lover. She must be demanded formally, by the bridegroom from her
+reluctant mother; and accordingly, the most respectable matron in our
+colony was chosen by Joseph from his colored acquaintances to be the
+bearer of his valentine. In the present instance, the selected Cupid
+was the principal wife of our native landlord, Ali-Ninpha; and, as
+Africans as well as Turks love by the pound, the dame happened to be
+one 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 gifts
+selected were of four kinds. First of all, two demijohns of
+_trade_-rum were filled to gladden the community of Mongo-Yungee's
+town. Next, a piece of blue cotton cloth, a musket, a keg of powder,
+and a demijohn of _pure_ rum, were packed for papa. Thirdly, a
+youthful virgin dressed in a white "tontongee,"[2] a piece of white
+cotton cloth, a white basin, a white sheep, and a basket of white
+rice, were put up for mamma, in token of her daughter's purity. And,
+lastly, a German looking-glass, several bunches of beads, a coral
+necklace, a dozen of turkey-red handkerchiefs, and a spotless white
+country-cloth, were presented to the bride; together with a decanter
+of white palm-oil for the anointment of her ebony limbs after the
+bath, which is never neglected by African _belles_.
+
+While the missionary of love was absent, our sighing swain devoted his
+energies to the erection of a bridal palace; and the task required
+just as many days as were employed in the creation of the world. The
+building was finished by the aid of bamboos, straw, and a modicum of
+mud; and, as Joseph imagined that love and coolness were secured in
+such a climate by utter darkness, he provided an abundance of that
+commodity by omitting windows entirely. The furnishing of the domicil
+was completed with all the luxury of native taste. An elastic
+four-poster was constructed of bamboos; some dashing crockery was set
+about the apartment for display; a cotton quilt was cast over the
+matted couch; an old trunk served for bureau and wardrobe; and, as
+negresses adore looking-glasses, the largest in our warehouse was
+nailed 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 a
+wheeze that her mission was prosperous. If there had ever been doubt,
+there was now no more. The oracular "_fetiche_" had announced that the
+delivery of the bride to her lord might take place "on the tenth day
+of 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 firing
+of muskets, the twang of horns, and the rattle of tom-toms, gave
+notice from the river that COOMBA, the bride, was approaching the
+quay. Joseph and myself hastily donned our clean shirts, white
+trousers, and glistening pumps; and, under the shade of broad
+_sombreros_ and umbrellas, proceeded to greet the damsel. Our fat
+friend, the matron; Ali-Ninpha, her husband; our servants, and a troop
+of village ragamuffins, accompanied us to the water's brink, so that
+we were just in time to receive the five large canoes bearing the
+escort of the king and his daughter. Boat after boat disgorged its
+passengers; but, to our dismay, they ranged themselves apart, and were
+evidently displeased. When the last canoe, decorated with flags,
+containing the bridal party, approached the strand, the chief of the
+escort signalled it to stop and forbade the landing.
+
+In a moment there was a general row--a row, conceivable only by
+residents of Africa, or those whose ears have been regaled with the
+chattering of a "wilderness of monkeys." Our lusty _factotum_ was
+astonished. The Cockney aspirated his _h's_ with uncommon volubility.
+We hastened from one to the other to inquire the cause; nor was it
+until near half an hour had been wasted in palaver, that I found they
+considered themselves slighted, first of all because we had not fired
+a salvo in their honor, and secondly because we failed to spread mats
+from the beach to the house, upon which the bride might place her
+virgin feet without defilement! These were indispensable formalities
+among the "upper ten;" and the result was that COOMBA could not land
+unless the etiquette were fulfilled.
+
+Here, then, was a sad dilemma. The guns could be fired instantly;--but
+where, alas! at a moment's notice, were we to obtain mats enough to
+carpet 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 by
+pleading ignorance of the country's customs,--assuring the strangers
+that he had not the slightest inkling of the requirement. Still, the
+stubborn "master of ceremonies" would not relax an iota of his
+rigorous behests.
+
+At length, our bulky dame approached the master of the bridal party,
+and, squatting on her knees, confessed her neglectful fault. Then, for
+the first time, I saw a gleam of hope. Joseph improved the moment by
+alleging that he employed this lady patroness to conduct every thing
+in the sublimest style imaginable, because it was presumed no one knew
+better than she all that was requisite for so admirable and virtuous a
+lady as COOMBA. Inasmuch, however, as he had been disappointed by her
+unhappy error, he did not think the blow should fall on _his_
+shoulders. The negligent matron ought to pay the penalty; and, as it
+was impossible now to procure the mats, she should forfeit the value
+of a slave to aid the merry-making, _and carry the bride on her back
+from the river to her home_!
+
+A clapping of hands and a quick murmur of assent ran through the
+crowd, telling me that the compromise was accepted. But the porterage
+was no sinecure for the delinquent elephant, who found it difficult at
+times to get along over African sands even without a burden. Still, no
+time was lost in further parley or remonstrance. The muskets and
+cannon were brought down and exploded; the royal boat was brought to
+the landing; father, mother, brothers, and relations were paraded on
+the strand; tom-toms and horns were beaten and blown; and, at last,
+the suffering missionary waddled to the canoe to receive the veiled
+form of the slender bride.
+
+The process of removal was accompanied by much merriment. Our
+corpulent porter groaned as she "larded the lean earth" beneath her
+ponderous tread; but, in due course of labor and patience, she sank
+with 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 veil
+of spotless cotton was unwrapped from head and limbs, a shout of
+admiration went up from the native crowd that followed us from the
+quay to the hovel. As Joseph received the hand of COOMBA, he paid the
+princely fee of a slave to the matron.
+
+COOMBA had certainly not numbered more than sixteen years, yet, in
+that burning region, the sex ripen long before their pallid sisters of
+the North. She belonged to the Soosoo tribe, but was descended from
+Mandingo ancestors, and I was particularly struck by the uncommon
+symmetry of her tapering limbs. Her features and head, though
+decidedly African, were not of that coarse and heavy cast that marks
+the lineaments of her race. The grain of her shining skin was as fine
+and polished as ebony. A melancholy languor subdued and deepened the
+blackness of her large eyes, while her small and even teeth gleamed
+with the brilliant purity of snow. Her mouth was rosy and even
+delicate; and, indeed, had not her ankles, feet, and wool, manifested
+the unfortunate types of her kindred, COOMBA, the daughter of
+Mongo-Yungee, might have passed for a _chef d'oeuvre in black
+marble_.
+
+The scant dress of the damsel enabled me to be so minute in this
+catalogue of her charms; and, in truth, had I not inspected them
+closely, I would have violated matrimonial etiquette as much as if I
+failed to admire the _trousseau_ and gifts of a bride at home.
+Coomba's costume was as innocently primitive as Eve's after the
+expulsion. Like all maidens of her country, she had beads round her
+ankles, beads round her waist, beads round her neck, while an
+abundance of bracelets hooped her arms from wrist to elbow. The white
+_tontongee_ still girdled her loins; but Coomba's climate was her
+mantuamaker, and indicated more necessity for ornament than drapery.
+Accordingly, Coomba was obedient to Nature, and troubled herself very
+little about a supply of useless garments, to load the presses and vex
+the purse of her bridegroom.
+
+As soon as the process of unveiling was over, and time had been
+allowed the spectators to behold the damsel, her mother led her gently
+to the fat ambassadress, who, with her companions, bore the girl to a
+bath for ablution, anointment, and perfuming. While Coomba underwent
+this ceremony at the hands of our matron, flocks of sable dames
+entered the apartment; and, as they withdrew, shook hands with her
+mother, in token of the maiden's purity, and with the groom in
+compliment to his luck.
+
+As soon as the bath and _oiling_ were over, six girls issued from the
+hut, bearing the glistening bride on a snow-white sheet to the home of
+her spouse. The transfer was soon completed, and the burden deposited
+on the nuptial bed. The dwelling was then closed and put in charge of
+sentinels; when the plump plenipotentiary approached the Anglo-Saxon,
+and handing him the scant fragments of the bridal dress, pointed to
+the door, and, in a loud voice, exclaimed: "White man, this authorizes
+you to take possession of your wife!"
+
+It may naturally be supposed that our radiant cockney was somewhat
+embarrassed by so public a display of matrimonial happiness, at six
+o'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 he
+saw the eyes of the whole crowd fixed on his movements; but, nerving
+himself like a man, he made a profound _salaam_ to the admiring
+multitude, and shaking my hand with a convulsive grip, plunged into
+the darkness of his abode. A long pole was forthwith planted before
+the door, and a slender strip of white cotton, about the size of a
+"_tontongee_," was hoisted in token of privacy, and floated from the
+staff like a pennant, giving notice that the commodore is aboard.
+
+No sooner were these rites over, than the house was surrounded by a
+swarm 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--amused
+themselves in dancing, shouting, yelling, and discharging muskets in
+honor of the nuptials.
+
+Such was the ceaseless serenade that drove peace from the lovers'
+pillow during the whole of that memorable night. At dawn, the
+corpulent matron again appeared from among the wild and reeling crowd,
+and concluding her functions by some mysterious ceremonies, led forth
+the lank groom from the dark cavity of his hot and sleepless oven,
+looking more like a bewildered wretch rescued from drowning, than a
+radiant lover fresh from his charmer. In due time, the bride also was
+brought forth by the matrons for the bath, where she was anointed from
+head to foot with a vegetable butter,--whose odor is probably more
+agreeable to Africans than Americans,--and fed with a bowl of broth
+made from a young and tender pullet.
+
+The marriage _fêtes_ lasted three days, after which I insisted that
+Joseph should give up nonsense for business, and sobered his ecstasies
+by handing him a wedding-bill for five hundred and fifty dollars.
+
+There is hardly a doubt that he considered COOMBA very _dear_, if not
+absolutely adorable!
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[2] A _tontongee_ is a strip of white cotton cloth, three inches wide
+and four feet long, used as a _virgin African's only dress_. It is
+wound 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 his
+malicious Sierra Leone creditors, who had not been dealt with quite as
+liberally as the rest, called on the colonial governor of that British
+establishment, and alleged that a certain Edward Joseph, an
+Englishman, owned a factory on the Rio Pongo, in company with a
+Spaniard, and was engaged in the slave-trade!
+
+At this the British lion, of course, growled in his African cage, and
+bestirred himself to punish the recreant cub. An expedition was
+forthwith fitted out to descend upon our little establishment; and, in
+all likelihood, the design would have been executed, had not our
+friendly Israelite in Sierra Leone sent us timely warning. No sooner
+did the news arrive than Joseph embarked in a slaver, and, packing up
+his valuables, together with sixty negroes, fled from Africa. His
+disconsolate bride was left to return to her parents.
+
+As the hostile visit from the British colony was hourly expected, I
+did not tarry long in putting a new face on Kambia. Fresh books were
+made out in my name exclusively; their dates were carefully suited to
+meet all inquiries; and the townspeople were prepared to answer
+impertinent questions; so that, when Lieutenant Findlay, of Her
+Britannic Majesty's naval service, made his appearance in the river,
+with three boats bearing the cross of St. George, no man in the
+settlement was less anxious than Don Téodore, the _Spaniard_.
+
+When the lieutenant handed me an order from the governor of Sierra
+Leone and its dependencies, authorizing him to burn or destroy the
+property of Joseph, as well as to arrest that personage himself, I
+regretted that I was unable to facilitate his patriotic projects,
+inasmuch as the felon was afloat on salt water, while all his property
+had long before been conveyed to me by a regular bill of sale. In
+proof of my assertions, I produced the instrument and the books; and
+when I brought in our African landlord to sustain me in every
+particular, the worthy lieutenant was forced to relinquish his
+hostility and accept an invitation to dinner. His conduct during the
+whole 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 coast
+often become sadly impaired. The Foulah and Mandingo tribes of the
+interior are prevented by the swollen condition of intervening streams
+from visiting the beach with their produce. In these straits, the
+factories have recourse by canoes to the smaller rivers, which are
+neither entered by sea-going vessels, nor blockaded for the caravans
+of interior chiefs.
+
+Among the tribes or clans visited by me in such seasons, I do not
+remember any whose intercourse afforded more pleasure, or exhibited
+nobler traits, than the BAGERS, who dwell on the solitary margins of
+these shallow rivulets, and subsist by boiling salt in the dry season
+and making palm-oil in the wet. I have never read an account of these
+worthy blacks, whose civility, kindness, and honesty will compare
+favorably with those of more civilized people.
+
+The Bagers live very much apart from the great African tribes, and
+keep up their race by intermarriage. The language is peculiar, and
+altogether devoid of that Italian softness that makes the Soosoo so
+musical.
+
+Having a week or two of perfect leisure, I determined to set out in a
+canoe to visit one of these establishments, especially as no
+intelligence had reached me for some time from one of my country
+traders who had been dispatched thither with an invoice of goods to
+purchase palm-oil. My canoe was comfortably fitted with a waterproof
+awning, and provisioned for a week.
+
+A tedious pull along the coast and through the dangerous surf, brought
+us to the narrow creek through whose marshy mesh of _mangroves_ we
+squeezed our canoe to the bank. Even after landing, we waded a
+considerable distance through marsh before we reached the solid land.
+The Bager town stood some hundred yards from the landing, at the end
+of a desolate savanna, whose lonely waste spread as far as the eye
+could reach. The village itself seemed quite deserted, so that I had
+difficulty in finding "the oldest inhabitant," who invariably stays at
+home and acts the part of chieftain. This venerable personage welcomed
+me with great cordiality; and, having made my _dantica_, or, in other
+words, declared the purpose of my visit, I desired to be shown the
+trader's house. The patriarch led me at once to a hut, whose miserable
+thatch was supported by four posts. Here I recognized a large chest, a
+rum cask, and the grass hammock of my agent. I was rather exasperated
+to find my property thus neglected and exposed, and began venting my
+wrath in no seemly terms on the delinquent clerk, when my conductor
+laid his hand gently on my sleeve, and said there was no need to blame
+him. "This," continued he, "is his house; here your property is
+sheltered from sun and rain; and, among the Bagers, whenever your
+goods are protected from the elements, they are safe from every
+danger. Your man has gone across the plain to a neighboring town for
+oil; 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 it
+nearly 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 to
+the roof with hides and casks of palm-oil, all of which, the
+gray-beard declared was my property.
+
+Whilst making this inspection, I have no doubt the expression of my
+face indicated a good deal of wonder, for I saw the old man smile
+complacently as he followed me with his quiet eye.
+
+"Good!" said the chief, "it is all there,--is it not? We Bagers are
+neither Soosoos, Mandingoes, Foulahs, nor _White-men_, that the goods
+of a stranger are not safe in our towns! We work for a living; we want
+little; big ships never come to us, and we neither steal from our
+guests nor go to war to sell one another!"
+
+The conversation, I thought, was becoming a little personal; and, with
+a gesture of impatience, I put a stop to it. On second thoughts,
+however, I turned abruptly round, and shaking the noble savage's hand
+with 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 means
+unlikely 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 dozen
+or two ebony antiquities, who crawled into the sunshine when they
+learned the advent of a stranger. The young people were absent
+gathering palm nuts in a neighboring grove. A couple of hours before
+sundown, my trader returned; and, shortly after, the merry gang of
+villagers made their appearance, laughing, singing, dancing, and laden
+with fruit. As soon as the gossips announced the arrival of a white
+man during their absence, the little hut that had been hospitably
+assigned me was surrounded by a crowd, five or six deep, of men,
+women, and children. The pressure was so close and sudden that I was
+almost stifled. Finding they would not depart until I made myself
+visible, 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,--and
+folded their long black arms in an embrace of my neck, threatening
+peril to my shirt with their oiled and dusty flesh. However, I noticed
+so much _bonhommie_ among the happy crew that my heart would not allow
+me 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 to
+the rum-barrel, and made them happy for the night.
+
+When the townsfolks had comfortably nestled themselves in their
+hovels, the old chief, with a show of some formality, presented me a
+heavy ram-goat, distinguished for its formidable head-ornaments,
+which, he said, was offered as a _bonne-bouche_, for my supper. He
+then sent a crier through the town, informing the women that a white
+stranger would be their guest during the night; and, in less than half
+an 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 the
+oldest lady of the party made herself particularly remarkable by the
+gift of a splendid fowl. In fact, the crier had hardly gone his
+rounds, before my mat was filled with the voluntary contributions of
+the villagers; and the wants, not only of myself but of my eight
+rowers, completely supplied.
+
+There was nothing peculiar in this exhibition of hospitality, on
+account of my nationality. It was the mere fulfilment of a Bager law;
+and the poorest _black stranger_ would have shared the rite as well as
+myself. I could not help thinking that I might have travelled from one
+end of England or America to the other, without meeting a Bager
+_welcome_. Indeed, it seemed somewhat questionable, whether it were
+better for the English to civilize Africa, or for the Bagers to send
+missionaries to their brethren in Britain!
+
+These reflections, however, did not spoil my appetite, for I confess a
+feeling of unusual content and relish when the patriarch sat down with
+me before the covered bowls prepared for our supper. But, alas! for
+human hopes and tastes! As I lifted the lid from the vessel containing
+the steaming stew, its powerful fragrance announced the remains of
+that venerable quadruped with which I had been welcomed. It was
+probably 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, seasoning
+it well with salt and peppers. But my amiable landlord was resolved
+that I should not go to rest with such penitential fare, and ordered
+one of his wives to bring her supper to my lodge. A taste of the dish
+satisfied me that it was edible, though intensely peppered. I ate with
+the appetite of an alderman, nor was it till two days after that my
+trader informed me I had supped so heartily on the spareribs of an
+alligator! It was well that the hours of digestion had gone by, for
+though partial to the chase, I had never loved "water fowl" of so wild
+a character.
+
+When supper was over, I escaped from the hut to breathe a little fresh
+air before retiring for the night. Hardly had I put my head outside
+when I found myself literally inhaling the mosquitoes that swarmed at
+nightfall over these marshy flats. I took it for granted that there
+was to be no rest for me in darkness among the Bagers; but, when I
+mentioned my trouble to the chief, he told me that another hut had
+already been provided for my sleeping quarters, where my bed was made
+of 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 hands
+and knees. As soon as I was in, the entrance was closed, and although
+I felt very much as if packed in my grave, I slept an unbroken sleep
+till day-dawn.[D]
+
+My return to the Rio Pongo was attended with considerable danger, yet
+I did not regret the trial of my spirit, as it enabled me to see a
+phase of African character which otherwise might have been missed.
+
+After passing two days among the Bagers, I departed once more in my
+canoe, impelled by the stout muscles of the Kroomen. The breeze
+freshened as we passed from the river's mouth across the boiling surf
+of the bar, but, when we got fairly to sea, I found the Atlantic so
+vexed by the rising gale, that, in spite of waterproof awning and
+diligent bailing, we were several times near destruction. Still, I had
+great confidence in the native boatmen, whose skill in their skiffs is
+quite as great as their dexterity when naked in the water. I had often
+witnessed their agility as they escaped from capsized boats on the
+surf of our bar; and often had I rewarded them with a dram, when they
+came, as from a frolic, dripping and laughing to the beach.
+
+When night began to fall around us the storm increased, and I could
+detect, by the low chatter and anxious looks of the rowers, that they
+were alarmed. As far as my eye reached landward, I could descry
+nothing but a continuous reef on which the chafed sea was dashing
+furiously in columns of the densest spray. Of course I felt that it
+was not my duty, nor would it be prudent, to undertake the guidance of
+the canoe in such circumstances. Yet, I confess that a shudder ran
+through my nerves when I saw my "head-man" suddenly change our course
+and steer the skiff directly towards the rocks. On she bounded like a
+racer. The sea through which they urged her foamed like a caldron with
+the rebounding surf. Nothing but wave-lashed rock was before us. At
+last I could detect a narrow gap in the iron wall, which was filled
+with surges in the heaviest swells. We approached it, and paused at
+the distance of fifty feet. A wave had just burst through the chasm
+like a storming army. We waited for the succeeding lull. All hands
+laid still,--not a word was spoken or paddle dipped. Then came the
+next enormous swell under our stern;--the oars flew like
+lightning;--the canoe rose as a feather on the crest of the surf;--in
+a moment she shot through the cleft and reposed in smooth water near
+the shore. As we sped through the gap, I might have touched the rocks
+on 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 convinced
+by several anecdotes related, during my stay in this village, by my
+trading clerk. He took me to a neighboring lemon-tree, and exhibited
+an English brass steelyard hanging on its branches, which had been
+left there by a mulatto merchant from Sierra Leone, who died in the
+town on a trading trip. This article, with a chest half full of goods,
+deposited in the "palaver-house," had been kept securely more than
+twelve years in expectation that some of his friends would send for
+them from the colony. The Bagers, I was told, have no _jujus_,
+_fetiches_, or _gree-grees_;--they worship no god or evil
+spirit;--their dead are buried without tears or ceremony;--and their
+hereafter 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 from
+other tribes, and by a Fullah law, are protected from foreign violence
+in consequence of their occupation as salt-makers, which is regarded
+by the interior natives as one of the most useful trades. Their
+fondness for palm-oil and the little work they are compelled to
+perform, make them generally indolent. Their dress is a single
+handkerchief, 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 the
+Mandingoes or Soosoos. They work hard and use palm-oil plentifully
+both internally and externally, so that their relaxed flesh is bloated
+like blubber. Both sexes shave their heads, and adorn their noses and
+lower lips with rings, while they penetrate their ears with porcupine
+quills or sticks. _They neither sell nor buy each other_, though they
+acquire children of both sexes from other tribes, and adopt them into
+their own, or dispose of them if not suitable. Their avails of work
+are commonly divided; so the Bagers may be said to resemble the
+Mormons in polygamy, the Fourierites in community, but to exceed both
+in honesty!
+
+I am sorry that their nobler characteristics have so few imitators
+among the other tribes of Africa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+When the rains began to slacken, a petty caravan now and then
+straggled towards the coast; but, as I was only a new comer in the
+region, and not possessed of abundant means, I enjoyed a slender share
+of the trade. Still I consoled myself with the hope of better luck in
+the dry season.
+
+In the mean time, however, I not only heard of Joseph's safe arrival
+at Matanzas, but received a clerk whom he dispatched to dwell in
+Kambia while I visited the interior. Moreover, I built a boat, and
+sent her to Sierra Leone with a cargo of palm-oil, to be exchanged for
+British goods; and, finally, during my perfect leisure, I went to work
+with diligence _to study_ the trade in which fortune seemed to have
+cast my lot.
+
+It would be a task of many pages if I attempted to give a full account
+of the origin and causes of _slavery in Africa_. As a national
+institution, it seems to have existed always. Africans have been
+bondsmen every where: and the oldest monuments bear their images
+linked with menial toils and absolute servitude. Still, I have no
+hesitation in saying, that three fourths of the slaves _sent abroad_
+from Africa are the fruit of native wars, fomented by the avarice and
+temptation of our own race. I cannot exculpate any commercial nation
+from this sweeping censure. We stimulate the negro's passions by the
+introduction of wants and fancies never dreamed of by the simple
+native, while slavery was an institution of domestic need and comfort
+alone. But what was once a luxury has now ripened into an absolute
+necessity; so that MAN, _in truth, has become the coin of Africa, and
+the "legal tender" of a brutal trade_.
+
+England, to-day, with all her philanthropy, sends, under the cross of
+St. George, to convenient magazines of _lawful commerce_ on the coast,
+her Birmingham muskets, Manchester cottons, and Liverpool lead, all of
+which are righteously swapped at Sierra Leone, Acra, and on the Gold
+coast, for Spanish or Brazilian bills on London. Yet, what British
+merchant 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 of
+tinsel gewgaws. Philosophic Germany demands a slice for her
+looking-glasses and beads; while multitudes of our own worthy traders,
+who would hang a slaver as a pirate _when caught_, do not hesitate to
+supply him indirectly with tobacco, powder, cotton, Yankee rum, and
+New England notions, in order to bait the trap in which he _may_ be
+caught! It is the temptation of these things, I repeat, that feeds the
+slave-making wars of Africa, and forms the human basis of those
+admirable bills of exchange.
+
+I did not intend to write a homily on Ethiopian commerce when I begun
+this chapter; but, on reviewing the substantial motives of the
+traffic, I could not escape a statement which tells its own tale, and
+is as unquestionable as the facts of verified history.
+
+Such, then, may be said to be the _predominating_ influence that
+supports the African slave-trade; yet, if commerce of all kinds were
+forbidden with that continent, the customs and laws of the natives
+would still encourage slavery as a domestic affair, though, of course,
+in a very modified degree. The rancorous family quarrels among tribes
+and parts of tribes, will always promote conflicts that resemble the
+forays of our feudal ancestors, while the captives made therein will
+invariably become serfs.
+
+Besides this, the financial genius of Africa, instead of devising
+bank notes or the precious metals as a circulating medium, has from
+time immemorial, declared that a human creature,--_the true
+representative and embodiment of labor_,--is the most valuable article
+on earth. A man, therefore, becomes the standard of prices. A slave is
+a note of hand, that may be discounted or pawned; he is a bill of
+exchange that carries himself to his destination and pays a debt
+bodily; he is a tax that walks corporeally into the chieftain's
+treasury. Thus, slavery is not likely to be surrendered by the negroes
+themselves as a national institution. Their social interests will
+continue to maintain hereditary bondage; they will send the felon and
+the captive to foreign _barracoons_; and they will sentence to
+domestic 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 in
+chains.[3]
+
+To facilitate the sale of these various unfortunates or malefactors,
+there exists among the Africans a numerous class of brokers, who are
+as skilful in their traffic as the jockeys of civilized lands. These
+adroit scoundrels rove the country in search of objects to suit
+different patrons. They supply the body-guard of princes; procure
+especial tribes for personal attendants; furnish laborers for farms;
+fill the _harems_ of debauchees; pay or collect debts in flesh; and in
+cases of emergency take the place of bailiffs, to kidnap under the
+name of sequestration. If a native king lacks cloth, arms, powder,
+balls, tobacco, rum, or salt, and does not trade personally with the
+factories on the beach, he employs one of these dexterous gentry to
+effect the barter; and thus both British cotton and Yankee rum ascend
+the rivers from the second hands into which they have passed, while
+the slave approaches the coast to become the ebony basis of a bill of
+exchange!
+
+It has sometimes struck me as odd, how the extremes of society almost
+meet on similar principles; and how much some African short-comings
+resemble 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;" and
+with it came a message from the leader of a caravan, that, at the full
+of the moon, he would halt in my village with all the produce he could
+impress. The runner represented his master as bearing a missive from
+his beloved nephew Ahmah-de-Bellah, and declared that he only lingered
+on 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 my
+promised guest with suitable presents; while I took advantage of his
+delay to build a neat cottage for his reception, inasmuch as no Fullah
+Mahometan will abide beneath the same roof with an infidel. I
+furnished the establishment, according to their taste, with green
+hides and several fresh mats.
+
+True to his word, Mami-de-Yong made known his arrival in my
+neighborhood on the day when the planet attained its full diameter.
+The moment the pious Mussulman, from the high hills in the rear of my
+settlement, espied the river winding to the sea, he turned to the
+east, and raising his arms to heaven, and extending them towards
+Mecca, gave thanks for his safe arrival on the beach. After repeated
+genuflections, in which the earth was touched by his prostrate
+forehead, he arose, and taking the path towards Kambia, struck up a
+loud chant in honor of the prophet, in which he was joined by the
+interminable procession.
+
+It was quite an imposing sight--this Oriental parade and barbaric
+pomp. My native landlord, proud of the occasion, as well as of his
+Mahometan progenitors, joined in the display. As the train approached
+my establishment, I ordered repeated salutes in honor of the stranger,
+and as I had no minstrels or music to welcome the Fullah, I commanded
+my master of ceremonies to conceal the deficiency by plenty of smoke
+and a dozen more rounds of rattling musketry.
+
+This was the first caravan and the first leader of absolutely royal
+pretensions that visited my settlement; so I lined my piazza with
+mats, put a body-guard under arms behind me, decorated the front with
+fancy flags, and opposite the stool where I took my seat, caused a
+pure white sheepskin of finest wool to be spread for the accommodation
+of the noble savage. Advancing to the steps of my dwelling, I stood
+uncovered as the Fullah approached and tendered me a silver-mounted
+gazelle-horn snuff-box--the credential by which Ahmah-de-Bellah had
+agreed to certify the mission. Receiving the token with a _salaam_, I
+carried it reverently to my forehead, and passed it to Ali-Ninpha,
+who, on this occasion, played the part of my scribe. The ceremony
+over, 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 his
+honor and sincerity. "Not only," said the Mussulman, "am I the bearer
+of a greeting from my dear nephew Ahmah-de-Bellah, but I am an envoy
+from my royal master the Ali-Mami, of Footha-Yallon, who, at his son's
+desire, has sent me with an escort to conduct you on your promised
+visit to Timbo. During your absence, my lord has commanded us to dwell
+in your stead at Kambia, so that your property may be safe from the
+Mulatto Mongo of Bangalang, whose malice towards your person has been
+heard of even among our distant hills!"
+
+The latter portion of this message somewhat surprised me, for though
+my relations with Mongo John were by no means amicable, I did not
+imagine that the story of our rupture had spread so far, or been
+received with so much sympathy.
+
+Accordingly, when Mami-de-Yong finished his message, I approached him
+with thanks for his master's interest in my welfare; and, placing
+Ahmah-de-Bellah's Koran--which I had previously wrapped in a white
+napkin--in his hands, as a token of the nephew's friendship, I retired
+once more to my seat. As soon as the holy book appeared from the
+folds, Mami-de-Yong drew a breath of surprise, and striking his
+breast, fell on his knees with his head on the ground, where he
+remained for several minutes apparently in rapt devotion. As he
+rose--his forehead sprinkled with dust, and his eyes sparkling with
+tears--he opened the volume, and pointed out to me and his people his
+own handwriting, which he translated to signify that "Mami-de-Yong
+gave this word of God to Ahmah-de-Bellah, his kinsman." At the reading
+of the sentence, all the Fullahs shouted, "Glory to Allah and Mahomet
+his Prophet!" Then, coming forward again to the chief, I laid my hand
+on the Koran, and swore by the help of God, to accept the invitation
+of the great king of Footha-Yallon.
+
+This terminated the ceremonial reception, after which I hastened to
+conduct Mami-de-Yong to his quarters, where I presented him with a
+sparkling new kettle and an inkstand, letting him understand,
+moreover, I was specially anxious to know that all the wants of his
+attendants in the caravan were completely satisfied.
+
+Next morning early, I remembered the joy of his nephew
+Ahmah-de-Bellah, when I first treated him to _coffee_; and determined
+to welcome the chief, as soon as he came forth from his ablutions to
+prayers, with a cup distilled from the fragrant berry. I could not
+have hit upon a luxury more gratifying to the old gentleman. Thirty
+years before had he drank it in Timbuctoo, where it is used, he said,
+by the Moses-people (meaning the Hebrews), with milk and honey; and
+its delicious aroma brought the well-remembered taste to his lips ere
+they 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 his
+travel to Timbuctoo, I begged him to give me some account of that
+"capital of capitals," as the Africans call it. The royal messenger
+promised to comply as soon as he finished the morning lessons of the
+caravan's children. His quarters were filled with a dozen or more of
+young Fullahs and Mandingoes squatted around a fire, while the prince
+sat apart in a corner with inkstand, writing reeds, and a pile of old
+manuscripts. Ali-Ninpha, our backsliding Mahometan, stood by,
+pretending devoted attention to Mami's precepts and the Prophet's
+versus. The sinner was a scrupulous follower in the presence of the
+faithful; but when their backs were turned, I know few who relished a
+porker 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 my
+presence, and went on with his instruction, while the pupils wrote
+down notes, on wooden slabs, with reeds and a fluid made of powder
+dissolved in water.
+
+I am sorry to say that these Ethiopian Mahometans are but poor
+scholars. Their entire instruction amounts to little more than the
+Koran, and when they happen to write or receive a letter, its
+interpretation is a matter over which many an hour is toilsomely
+spent. Mami-de-Yong, however, was superior to most of his countrymen;
+and, in fact, I must record him in my narrative as the most erudite
+Negro I ever encountered.
+
+
+HIS TRIP TO TIMBUCTOO.
+
+True to his promise, the envoy came to my piazza, as soon as school
+was over, and squatting sociably on our mats and sheepskins, with a
+plentiful supply of pipes and tobacco, we formed as pleasant a little
+party as was assembled that day on the banks of the Rio Pongo.
+Ali-Ninpha acted as interpreter, having prepared himself for the
+long-winded task by a preliminary dram from my private locker, out of
+sight of the noble Mahometan.
+
+Invoking the Lord's name,--as is usual among Mussulmen,--Mami-de-Yong
+took a long whiff at his pipe, and, receiving from his servant a small
+bag of fine sand, spread it smoothly on the floor, leaving the mass
+about a quarter of an inch in thickness. This was his black-board,
+designed to serve for the delineation of his journey. On the
+westernmost margin of his sand, he dotted a point with his finger for
+the starting at Timbo. As he proceeded with his track over Africa
+towards the grand capital, he marked the outlines of the principal
+territories, and spotted the remarkable towns through which he passed.
+By a thick or thin line, he denoted the large rivers and small streams
+that intercepted his path, while he heaved up the sand into heaps to
+represent a mountain, or smoothed it into perfect levels to imitate
+the broad prairies and savannas of the interior. When he came to a
+dense forest, his snuff-box was called in requisition, and a pinch or
+two judiciously sprinkled, stood for the monarchs of the wood.
+
+Like all Oriental story-tellers, Mami proved rather prolix. His tale
+was nearly as long as his travel. He insisted on describing his
+reception at every village. At each river he had his story of
+difficulty and danger in constructing rafts or building bridges. He
+counted the minutes he lost in awaiting the diminution of floods.
+Anon, he would catalogue the various fish with which a famous river
+teemed; and, when he got fairly into the woods, there was no end of
+adventures and hairbreadth escapes from alligators, elephants,
+anacondas, vipers, and the fatal tape snake, whose bite is certain
+death. 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 the
+hour of prayer and ablution arrived, Mami-de-Yong had not yet reached
+Timbuctoo! The double rite of cleanliness and faith required him to
+pause in his narrative; and, apologizing for the interruption, he left
+a slave to guard the map while he retired to perform his religious
+services.
+
+When the noble Fullah got back, I had a nice lunch prepared on a
+napkin in the neighborhood of his diagram, so that he could munch his
+biscuits and sugar without halting on his path. Before he began,
+however, I took the liberty to offer a hint about the precious value
+of time in this brief life of ours, whilst I asked a question or two
+about the "capital of capitals," to indicate my eagerness to enter
+the walls of Timbuctoo. Mami-de-Yong, who was a man of tact as well as
+humor, smiled at my insinuation, and apologizing like a Christian for
+the natural tediousness of all old travellers, skipped a degree or two
+of the wilderness, and at once stuck his buffalo-horn snuff-box into
+the eastern margin of the sand, to indicate that he was at his
+journey's end.
+
+Mami had visited many of the European colonies and Moorish kingdoms on
+the north coast of Africa, so that he enjoyed the advantage of
+comparison, and, of course, was not stupefied by the untravelled
+ignorance of Africans who consider Timbuctoo a combination of Paris
+and paradise. Indeed, he did not presume, like most of the Mandingo
+chiefs, to prefer it to Senegal or Sierra Leone. He confessed that the
+royal palace was nothing but a vast inclosure of mud walls, built
+without taste or symmetry, within whose labyrinthine mesh there were
+numerous buildings for the wives, children, and kindred of the
+sovereign. If the royal palace of Timbuctoo was of _such_ a
+character,--"What," said he, "were the dwellings of nobles and
+townsfolk?" The streets were paths;--the stores were shops;--the
+suburb of an European colony was _superior_ to their best display! The
+markets of Timbuctoo, alone, secured his admiration. Every week they
+were thronged with traders, dealers, peddlers and merchants, who
+either dwelt in the neighboring kingdoms, or came from afar with
+slaves and produce. Moors and Israelites, from the north-east, were
+the most eminent and opulent merchants; and among them he counted a
+travelling 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 it
+with the peculiar love that we would suppose a Hungarian might bear
+towards Austria, or a Milanese to the inquisitorial powers of
+Lombardy. In fact, I found that, despite of its architectural
+meanness, Timbuctoo was a great central mart for exchange, and that
+commercial men as well as the innumerable petty kings, frequented it
+not only for the abundant mineral salt in its vicinity, _but because
+they could exchange their slaves for foreign merchandise_. I asked
+the Fullah why he preferred the markets of Timbuctoo to the
+well-stocked stores of regular European settlements on a coast which
+was reached with so much more ease than this core of Africa? "Ah!"
+said the astute trafficker, "no market is a good one for the genuine
+African, in which he cannot openly exchange his _blacks_ for whatever
+the original owner or importer can sell without fear! _Slaves, Don
+Téodore, are our money!_"
+
+The answer solved in my mind one of the political problems in the
+question of African civilization, which I shall probably develope in
+the course of this narrative.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+Having completed the mercantile negotiations of the caravan, and made
+my personal arrangements for a protracted absence, I put the noble
+Fullah in charge of my establishment, with special charges to my
+retainers, clerks, runners, and villagers, to regard the Mami as my
+second self. I thought it well, moreover, before I plunged into the
+wilderness,--leaving my worldly goods and worldly prospects in charge
+of a Mussulman stranger,--to row down to Bangalang for a parting chat
+with Mongo John, in which I might sound the veteran as to his feeling
+and projects. Ormond was in trouble as soon as I appeared. He was
+willing enough that I might perish by treachery on the roadside, yet
+he was extremely reluctant that I should penetrate Africa and make
+alliances which should give me superiority over the monopolists of the
+beach. I saw these things passing through his jealous heart as we
+talked together with uncordial civility. At parting I told the Mongo,
+for the first time, that I was sure my establishment would not go to
+decay or suffer harm in my absence, inasmuch as that powerful Fullah,
+the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon had deputed a lieutenant to watch Kambia
+while I travelled, and that he would occupy my village with his chosen
+warriors. The mulatto started with surprise as I finished, and
+abruptly left the apartment in silence.
+
+I slept well that night, notwithstanding the Mongo's displeasure. My
+confidence in the Fullah was perfect. Stranger as he was, I had an
+instinctive reliance on his protection of my home, and his
+guardianship of my person through the wilderness.
+
+At day-dawn I was up. It was a fresh and glorious morning. As nature
+awoke in the woods of that primitive world, the mists stole off from
+the surface of the water; and, as the first rays shot through the
+glistening dew of the prodigious vegetation, a thousand birds sent
+forth their songs as if to welcome me into their realm of unknown
+paths.
+
+After a hearty breakfast my Spanish clerk was furnished with minute
+instructions in writing, and, at the last moment, I presented the
+Fullah chief to my people as a temporary master to whom they were to
+pay implicit obedience for his generous protection. By ten o'clock, my
+caravan was in motion. It consisted of thirty individuals deputed by
+Ahmah-de-Bellah, headed by one of his relations as captain. Ten of my
+own servants were assigned to carry baggage, merchandise, and
+provisions; while Ali-Ninpha, two interpreters, my body-servant, a
+waiter, and a hunter, composed my immediate guard. In all, there were
+about 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's
+handwriting,--"hospitality to the wearied stranger is the road to
+heaven,"--which was to serve me as a passport among all good
+Mahometans. If I had time, no doubt I would have thought how much
+more Christian this document was than the formal paper with which
+we are fortified by "foreign offices" and "state departments," when
+we go abroad from civilized lands;--but, before I could summon so
+much sentiment, the Fullah chief stooped to the earth, and filling
+his hands with dust, sprinkled it over our heads, in token of a
+prosperous journey. Then, prostrating himself with his head on the
+ground, he bade us "go our way!"
+
+I believe I have already said that even the best of African roads are
+no better than goat-paths, and barely sufficient for the passage of a
+single traveller. Accordingly, our train marched off in single file.
+Two men, cutlass in hand, armed, besides, with loaded muskets, went
+in advance not only to scour the way and warn us of danger, but to cut
+the branches and briers that soon impede an untravelled path in this
+prolific land. They marched within hail of the caravan, and shouted
+whenever we approached bee-trees, ant-hills, hornet-nests, reptiles,
+or any of the Ethiopian perils that are unheard of in our American
+forests. Behind these pioneers, came the porters with food and
+luggage; the centre of the caravan was made up of women, children,
+guards, and followers; while the rear was commanded by myself and the
+chiefs, who, whips in hand, found it sometimes beneficial to stimulate
+the steps of stragglers. As we crossed the neighboring Soosoo towns,
+our imposing train was saluted with discharges of musketry, while
+crowds 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, in
+which we were welcomed by the generous chiefs with _bungees_, or
+trifling gifts, in token of amity. Used to the scant exercise of a
+lazy dweller on the coast, whose migrations are confined to a journey
+from his house to the landing, and from the landing to his house, it
+required some time to habituate me once more to walking. By degrees,
+however, I overcame the foot-sore weariness that wrapped me in perfect
+lassitude when I sank into my hammock on the first night of travel.
+However, as we became better acquainted with each other and with
+wood-life, we tripped along merrily in the shadowy silence of the
+forest,--singing, jesting, and praising Allah. Even the slaves were
+relaxed into familiarity never permitted in the towns; while masters
+would sometimes be seen relieving the servants by bearing their
+burdens. At nightfall the women brought water, cooked food, and
+distributed rations; so that, after four days pleasant wayfaring in a
+gentle trot, our dusty caravan halted at sunset before the closed
+gates of a fortified town belonging to Ibrahim Ali, the Mandingo chief
+of Kya.
+
+It was some time before our shouts and beating on the gates aroused
+the watchman to answer our appeal, for it was the hour of prayer, and
+Ibrahim was at his devotions. At last, pestered by their dalliance, I
+fired my double-barrelled gun, whose loud report I knew was more
+likely to reach the ear of a praying Mussulman. I did not reckon
+improperly, for hardly had the echoes died away before the great
+war-drum of the town was rattled, while a voice from a loophole
+demanded our business. I left the negotiation for our entry to the
+Fullah chief, who forthwith answered that "the _Ali-Mami's_ caravan,
+laden with goods, demanded hospitality;" while Ali-Ninpha informed the
+questioner, that Don Téodore, the "white man of Kambia," craved
+admittance to the presence of Ibrahim the faithful.
+
+In a short time the wicket creaked, and Ibrahim himself put forth his
+head to welcome the strangers, and to admit them, one by one, into the
+town. His reception of myself and Ali-Ninpha was extremely cordial;
+but the Fullah chief was addressed with cold formality, for the
+Mandingoes have but little patience with the well-known haughtiness of
+their national rivals.
+
+Ali-Ninpha had been Ibrahim's playmate before he migrated to the
+coast. Their friendship still existed in primitive sincerity, and the
+chieftain's highest ambition was to honor the companion and guest of
+his friend. Accordingly, his wives and females were summoned to
+prepare my quarters with comfort and luxury. The best house was chosen
+for my lodging. The earthen floor was spread with mats. Hides were
+stretched on _adobe_ couches, and a fire was kindled to purify the
+atmosphere. Pipes were furnished my companions; and, while a hammock
+was slung for my repose before supper, a chosen henchman was
+dispatched to seek the fattest sheep for that important meal.
+
+Ibrahim posted sentinels around my hut, so that my slumbers were
+uninterrupted, until Ali-Ninpha roused me with the pleasant news that
+the bowls of rice and stews were smoking on the mat in the chamber of
+Ibrahim himself. Ninpha knew my tastes and superintended the cook. He
+had often jested at the "white man's folly," when my stomach turned at
+some disgusting dish of the country; so that the pure roasts and
+broils of well-known pieces slipped down my throat with the appetite
+of a trooper. While these messes were under discussion, the savory
+steam of a rich stew with a creamy sauce saluted my nostrils, and,
+without asking leave, I plunged my spoon into a dish that stood before
+my entertainers, and seemed prepared exclusively for themselves. In a
+moment I was invited to partake of the _bonne-bouche_; and so
+delicious did I find it, that, even at this distance of time, my mouth
+waters when I remember the forced-meat balls of mutton, minced with
+roasted ground-nuts, that I devoured that night in the Mandingo town
+of Kya.
+
+But the best of feasts is dull work without an enlivening bowl. Water
+alone--pure and cool as it was in this hilly region--did not quench
+our thirst. Besides this, I recollected the fondness of my landlord,
+Ali-Ninpha, for strong distillations, and I guessed that his playmate
+might indulge, at least privately, in a taste for similar libations. I
+spoke, therefore, of "cordial bitters,"--(a name not unfamiliar even
+to the most temperate Christians, in defence of flatulent
+stomachs,)--and at the same time producing my travelling canteen of
+Otard's best, applied it to the nostrils of the pair.
+
+I know not how it happened, but before I could warn the Mahometans of
+the risk they incurred, the lips of the bottle slid from their noses
+to their mouths, while upheaved elbows long sustained in air, gave
+notice that the flask was relishing and the draft "good for their
+complaints." Indeed, so appetizing was the liquor, that another
+ground-nut stew was demanded; and, of course, another bottle was
+required to allay its dyspeptic qualities.
+
+By degrees, the brandy did its work on the worthy Mahometans. While it
+restored Ali-Ninpha to his early faith, and brought him piously to his
+knees with prayers to Allah, it had a contrary effect on Ibrahim, whom
+it 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 rendered
+the apostate more devout than ever, and set him roaring invocations
+like a muezzin from a minaret. In the midst of these orgies, I stole
+off at midnight, and was escorted by my servant to a delicious
+hammock.
+
+It was day-dawn when the caravan's crier aroused me, as he stood on a
+house-top calling the faithful to prayer previous to our departure.
+Before I could stir, Ali-Ninpha, haggard, sick, and crest-fallen, from
+his debauch, rolled into my chamber, and begged the postponement of
+our departure, as it was impossible for _Ibrahim Ali_ to appear, being
+perfectly vanquished by--"the bitters!" The poor devil hiccoughed
+between his words, and so earnestly and with so many bodily gyrations
+implored my interference with the Fullah guide, that I saw at once he
+was in no condition to travel.
+
+As the caravan was my personal escort and designed exclusively for my
+convenience, I did not hesitate to command a halt, especially as I was
+in some measure the cause of my landlord's malady. Accordingly, I tied
+a kerchief round my head, covered myself with a cloak, and leaning
+very lackadaisically on the edge of my hammock, sent for the Fullah
+chief.
+
+I moaned with pain as he approached, and, declaring that I was
+prostrated by sudden fever, hoped he would indulge me by
+countermanding the order for our march. I do not know whether the
+worthy Mussulman understood my case or believed my fever, but the
+result was precisely the same, for he assented to my request like a
+gentleman, and expressed the deepest sympathy with my sufferings. His
+next concern was for my cure. True to the superstition and bigotry of
+his country, the good-natured Fullah insisted on taking the management
+of matters into his own hands, and forthwith prescribed a dose from
+the Koran, diluted in water, which he declared was a specific remedy
+for 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 chief
+immediately brought his Koran, and turning over the leaves attentively
+for some time, at last hit on the appropriate verse, which he wrote
+down on a board with gunpowder ink, which he washed off into a bowl
+with clean water. This was given me to swallow, and the Mahometan left
+me to the operation of his religious charm, with special directions to
+the servant to allow no one to disturb my rest.
+
+I have no doubt that the Fullah was somewhat of a quiz, and thought a
+chapter in his Bible a capital lesson after a reckless debauch; so I
+ordered my door to be barricaded, and slept like a dormouse, until
+Ibrahim and Ali-Ninpha came thundering at the portal long after
+mid-day. They were sadly chopfallen. Penitence spoke from their aching
+brows; nor do I hesitate to believe they were devoutly sincere when
+they forswore "_bitters_" for the future. In order to allay suspicion,
+or quiet his conscience, the Fullah had been presented with a
+magnificent ram-goat, flanked by baskets of choicest rice.
+
+When I sallied forth into the town with the suffering sinners, I found
+the sun fast declining in the west, and, although my fever had left
+me, it was altogether too late to depart from the village on our
+journey. I mentioned to Ibrahim a report on the coast that his town
+was bordered by a sacred spring known as the DEVIL'S FOUNTAIN, and
+inquired whether daylight enough still remained to allow us a visit.
+The chief assented; and as in his generous fit last night, he had
+offered me a horse, I now claimed the gift, and quickly mounted in
+search of the aqueous demon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+Ah! what joy, after so many years, to be once more in the saddle in an
+open country, with a steed of fire and spirit bounding beneath my
+exhilarated frame! It was long before I could consent to obey the
+summons of our guide to follow him on the path. When the gates of Kya
+were behind, and the wider roads opened invitingly before me, I could
+not help giving rein to the mettlesome beast, as he dashed across the
+plain beneath the arching branches of magnificent cotton-woods. The
+solitude and the motion were both delightful. Never, since I last
+galloped from the _paseo_ to Atares, and from Atares to El Principe,
+overlooking the beautiful bay of Havana, and the distant outline of
+her purple sea, had I felt so gloriously the rush of joyous blood that
+careered through my veins like electric fire. Indeed, I know not how
+long I would have traversed the woods had not the path suddenly ended
+at a town, where my Arabian turned of his own accord, and dashed back
+along the road till I met my wondering companions.
+
+Having sobered both our bloods, I felt rather better prepared for a
+visit to the Satanic personage who was the object of our excursion.
+About two miles from Kya, we struck the foot of a steep hill, some
+three hundred feet in height, over whose shoulder we reached a deep
+and tangled dell, watered by a slender stream which was hemmed in by a
+profusion of shrubbery. Crossing the brook, we ascended the opposite
+declivity for a short distance till we approached a shelving precipice
+of rock, along whose slippery side the ledgelike path continued. I
+passed it at a bound, and instantly stood within the arched aperture
+of a deep cavern, whence a hot and sulphurous stream trickled slowly
+towards the ravine. This was the fountain, and the demon who presided
+over its source dwelt within the cave.
+
+Whilst I was examining the rocks to ascertain their quality, the guide
+apprised me that the impish proprietor of these waters was gifted with
+a "multitude of tongues," and, in all probability, would reply to me
+in 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 you
+can 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, I
+perceived at once the wit of the imposture, and without waiting for
+him 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 know
+the devil is at home, as well as you do;"--and, telling my people to
+listen, I bellowed, with all my might--"_caffra fure!_" "infernal
+black one!"--till the resounding rocks roared again with demoniac
+responses. In a moment the cavern was clear of every African; so that
+I 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-breasted
+garment of thunder and lightning. I came forth, however, with a whole
+skin and so hearty a laugh, that the Africans seized my hands in token
+of congratulation, and looked at me with wonderment, as something
+greater than the devil himself. Without waiting for a commentary, I
+leaped 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 sulphur
+stream?"
+
+"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, do
+they not die on the margin by scores? Now, a 'book-man' like you, my
+brother, knows well enough that _water_ alone can't kill; so that
+whenever it does, the devil _must_ be in it; and, moreover, is it not
+he 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 he
+gets into '_bitters_?'"
+
+"Ah!" said the Ali--"you white men are infidels and scoffers!" as he
+laughed like a rollicking trooper, and led me, with his arm round my
+neck, into supper. "And yet, Don Téodore, don't forget the portable
+imp that you carry in that Yankee flask in your pocket!"
+
+We did not dispute the matter further. I had been long enough in
+Africa to find out that white men made themselves odious to the
+natives and created bitter enemies, by despising or ridiculing their
+errors; and as I was not abroad on a mission of civilization, I left
+matters just as I found them. When I was among the Mahometans, I was
+an excellent Mussulman, while, among the heathen, I affected
+considerable 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 to
+be dispensed among the caravan. The breakfast consisted of boiled rice
+dried in the sun, and then boiled again with milk or water after being
+pounded finely in a mortar. This nutritive dish was liberally served;
+and, as a new Mongo, I was tendered an especial platter, flanked by
+copious 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, invoke
+Allah for a prosperous voyage, shake bands, and snap fingers, in token
+of friendly adieu. The host who tarries then takes post in the path,
+and, fixing his eyes on the departing guest, never stirs till the
+traveller is lost in the folds of the forest, or sinks behind the
+distant horizon.
+
+Such was the conduct of my friend Ibrahim on this occasion; nor was
+it all. It is a singular habit of these benighted people, to keep
+their word whenever they make a promise! I dare say it is one of the
+marks of their faint civilization; yet I am forced to record it as a
+striking fact. When I sallied forth from the gate of the town, I
+noticed a slave holding the horse I rode the day before to the Devil's
+fountain, ready caparisoned and groomed as for a journey. Being
+accompanied by Ibrahim on foot, I supposed the animal was designed for
+his return after our complimentary adieus. But when we had passed at
+least a mile beyond the parting brook, I _again_ encountered the
+beast, whose leader approached Ali-Ninpha, announcing the horse as a
+gift from his master to help me on my way. Ere I backed the blooded
+animal, an order was directed to my clerk at Kambia for two muskets,
+two kegs of powder, two pieces of blue cotton, and one hundred pounds
+of tobacco. I advised my official, moreover, to inclose in the core of
+the 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 twenty
+miles in travel. In Africa things are done leisurely, for neither
+life, speculation, nor ambition is so exciting or exacting as to make
+any 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 existence
+is long enough, when it is made up of sleep, slave-trade, and
+mastication.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At sunset no town was in sight; so it was resolved to bivouac in the
+forest on the margin of a beautiful brook, where rice, tea, and beef,
+were speedily boiled and smoking on the mats. When I was about to
+stretch my weary limbs for the night on the ground, my boy gave me
+another instance of Ibrahim's true and heedful hospitality, by
+producing a grass hammock he had secretly ordered to be packed among
+my baggage. With a hammock and a horse I was on velvet in the forest!
+
+Delicious sleep curtained my swinging couch between two splendid
+cotton-woods until midnight, when the arm of our Fullah chief was
+suddenly laid on my shoulder with a whispered call to prepare for
+defence or flight. As I leaped to the ground the caravan was already
+afoot, though the profoundest silence prevailed throughout the wary
+crowd. The watch announced strangers in our neighborhood, and two
+guides 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 report
+that 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 delay
+till daylight; but Ali-Ninpha, who was a sagacious old fighter,
+thought it best to complete the enterprise by night, especially as the
+savages kept up a smouldering fire in the midst of their sleeping
+group, which would serve to guide us.
+
+Our little band was immediately divided into two squads, one under the
+lead of the Fullah, and the other commanded by Ali-Ninpha. The Fullah
+was 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 them
+from our camp. Half an hour probably elapsed before a faint call, like
+the cry of a child, was heard in the distant forest, upon which the
+squad of my landlord fell on all-fours, and crawled cautiously, like
+cats, through the short grass and brushwood, in the direction of the
+sound. The sleepers were quickly surrounded. The Mandingo gave the
+signal as soon as the ends of the two parties met and completed the
+circle; and, in an instant, every one of the runaways, except two, was
+in the grasp of a warrior, with a cord around his throat. Fourteen
+captives were brought into camp. The eldest of the party alleged that
+they 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 owner
+died, so that they came under the control of his brother, who
+threatened to change their destination, and sell them in the interior.
+In consequence of this they fled; and, as their master would surely
+slay them if restored to Tamisso, they besought us with tears not to
+take them thither.
+
+Another council was called, for we were touched by the earnest manner
+of the negroes. Ali-Ninpha and the Fullah were of opinion that the
+spoil was fairly ours, and should be divided in proportion to the men
+in both parties. Yet, as our road passed by the objectionable town, it
+was impossible to carry the slaves along, either in justice to
+ourselves or them. In this strait, which puzzled the Africans sorely,
+I came to their relief, by suggesting their dispatch to my factory
+with orders for the payment of their value in merchandise.
+
+The proposal was quickly assented to as the most feasible, and our
+fourteen captives were at once divided into two gangs, of seven each.
+Hoops of bamboo were soon clasped round their waists, while their
+hands were tied by stout ropes to the hoops. A long tether was then
+passed with a slip-knot through each rattan belt, so that the slaves
+were firmly secured to each other, while a small coil was employed to
+link them more securely in a band by their necks. These extreme
+precautions were needed, because we dared not diminish our party to
+guard the gang. Indeed, Ali-Ninpha was only allowed the two
+interpreters and four of my armed people as his escort to Kya, where,
+it was agreed, he should deliver the captives to Ibrahim, to be
+forwarded to my factory, while he hastened to rejoin us at the river
+Sanghu, where we designed tarrying.
+
+For three days we journeyed through the forest, passing occasionally
+along the beds of dried-up streams and across lonely tracts of wood
+which seemed never to have been penetrated, save by the solitary path
+we were treading. As we were anxious to be speedily reunited with our
+companions, our steps were not hastened; so that, at the end of the
+third day, we had not advanced more than thirty miles from the scene
+of capture, when we reached a small _Mandingo_ village, recently built
+by an upstart trader, who, with the common envy and pride of his
+tribe, gave our _Fullah_ caravan a frigid reception. A single hut was
+assigned to the chief and myself for a dwelling, and the rage of the
+Mahometan may readily be estimated by an insult that would doom him to
+sleep beneath the same roof with a Christian!
+
+I endeavored to avert an outburst by apprising the Mandingo that I was
+a bosom friend of Ali-Ninpha, his countryman and superior, and begged
+that he would suffer the "head-man" of our caravan to dwell in a
+house _alone_. But the impudent _parvenu_ sneered at my advice; "he
+knew no such person as Ali-Ninpha, and cared not a snap of his finger
+for a Fullah chief, or a beggarly white man!"
+
+My body-servant was standing by when this tart reply fell from the
+Mandingo's lips, and, before I could stop the impetuous youth, he
+answered 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 with
+the flat of a cutlass; and, in a twinkling, there was a general shout
+for "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 and
+followed the crowd; and when he reached the spot, seeing the trader
+still waving his cutlass in a menacing manner, he pulled both triggers
+at the inhospitable savage. Fortunately, however, it was always my
+custom on arriving in _friendly_ towns, to remove the copper caps from
+my weapons, so that, when the hammers fell, the gun was silent. Before
+the Fullah could club the instrument and prostrate the insulter, I
+rushed between them to prevent murder. This I was happy enough to
+succeed in; but I could not deter the rival tribe from binding the
+brute, hand and foot, to a post in the centre of his town, while the
+majority of our caravan cleared the settlement at once of its fifty or
+sixty inhabitants.
+
+Of course, we appropriated the dwellings as we pleased, and supplied
+ourselves with provisions. Moreover, it was thought preferable to wait
+in this village for Ali-Ninpha, than to proceed onwards towards the
+borders of the Sanghu. When he arrived, on the second day after the
+sad occurrence, he did not hesitate to exercise the prerogative of
+judgment and condemnation always claimed by superior chiefs over
+inferiors, whenever they consider themselves slighted or wronged. The
+process in this case was calmly and humanely formed. A regular trial
+was allowed the culprit. He was arraigned on three charges:--1. Want
+of hospitality; 2. Cursing and maltreating a Fullah chief and a white
+Mongo; 3. Disrespect to the name and authority of his countryman and
+superior, Ali-Ninpha. On all these articles the prisoner was found
+guilty; but, as there were neither slaves nor personal property by
+which the ruffian could be mulcted for his crimes, the tribunal
+adjudged him to be scourged with fifty lashes, and to have his
+"town-fence or stockade destroyed, never to be rebuilt." The blows
+were inflicted for the abuse, but the perpetual demolition of his
+defensive barrier was in punishment for refused hospitality. Such is
+the summary process by which social virtues are inculcated and
+enforced among these interior tribes of Africa!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It required three days for our refreshed caravan to reach the dry and
+precipitous bed of the Sanghu, which I found impossible to pass with
+my horse, in consequence of jagged rocks and immense boulders that
+covered its channel. But the men were resolved that my convenient
+animal should not be left behind. Accordingly, all hands went to work
+with alacrity on the trees, and in a day, they bridged the ravine with
+logs bound together by ropes made from twisted bark. Across this frail
+and swaying fabric I urged the horse with difficulty; but hardly had
+he reached the opposite bank, and recovered from his nervous tremor,
+when I was surprised by an evident anxiety in the beast to return to
+his swinging pathway. The guides declared it to be an instinctive
+warning of danger from wild beasts with which the region is filled;
+and, even while we spoke, two of the scouts who were in advance
+selecting ground for our camp, returned with the carcasses of a deer
+and leopard. Though meat had not passed our lips for five days, we
+were in no danger of starvation; the villages teemed with fruits and
+vegetables. Pine-apples, bananas, and a pulpy globe resembling the
+peach in form and flavor, quenched our thirst and satisfied our
+hunger.
+
+Besides these, our greedy natives foraged in the wilderness for
+nourishment unknown, or at least unused, by civilized folks. They
+found comfort in barks of various trees, as well as in buds, berries,
+and roots, some of which they devoured raw, while others were either
+boiled or made into palatable decoctions with water that gurgled from
+every hill. The broad valleys and open country supplied animal and
+vegetable "delicacies" which a white man would pass unnoticed. Many a
+time, when I was as hungry as a wolf, I found my vagabonds in a nook
+of the woods, luxuriating over a mess with the unctuous lips of
+aldermen; but when I came to analyze the stew, I generally found it to
+consist 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 it
+not so often endangered by the perils of war. The African may fairly
+be characterized as a shepherd, whose pastoral life is varied by a
+little agriculture, and the conflicts into which he is seduced, either
+by family quarrels, or the natural passions of his blood. His country,
+though uncivilized, is not so absolutely wild as is generally
+supposed. The gradual extension of Mahometanism throughout the
+interior is slowly but evidently modifying the Negro. An African
+Mussulman is _still_ a warrior, for the dissemination of faith as well
+as for the gratification of avarice; yet the Prophet's laws are so
+much more genial than the precepts of paganism, that, within the last
+half century, the humanizing influence of the Koran is acknowledged by
+all who are acquainted with the interior tribes.
+
+But in all the changes that may come over the spirit of _man_ in
+Africa, her magnificent external _nature_ will for ever remain the
+game. A little labor teems with vast returns. The climate exacts
+nothing but shade from the sun and shelter from the storm. Its
+oppressive heat forbids a toilsome industry, and almost enforces
+indolence as a law. With every want supplied, without the allurements
+of social rivalry, without the temptations of national ambition or
+personal pride, what has the African to do in his forest of palm and
+cocoa,--his grove of orange, pomegranate and fig,--on his mat of
+comfortable repose, where the fruit stoops to his lips without a
+struggle for the prize,--save to brood over, or gratify, the electric
+passions with which his soul seems charged to bursting!
+
+It is an interesting task to travel through a continent filled with
+such people, whose minds are just beginning, here and there, to emerge
+from the vilest heathenism, and to glimmer with a faith that bears
+wrapped in its unfolded leaves, the seeds of a modified civilization.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As I travelled in the "dry season," I did not encounter many of the
+discomforts that beset the African wayfarer in periods of rain and
+tempest. I was not obliged to flounder through lagoons, or swim
+against the current of perilous rivers. We met their traces almost
+every day; and, in many places, the soil was worn into parched ravines
+or the tracks of dried-up torrents. Whatever affliction I experienced
+arose from the wasting depression of heat. We did not suffer from lack
+of water or food, for the caravan of the ALI-MAMI commanded implicit
+obedience throughout our journey.
+
+In the six hundred miles I traversed, whilst absent from the coast, my
+memory, after twenty-six years, leads me, from beginning to end,
+through an almost continuous forest-path. We struck a trail when we
+started, and we left it when we came home. It was rare, indeed, to
+encounter a cross road, except when it led to neighboring villages,
+water, or cultivated fields. So dense was the forest foliage, that we
+often walked for hours in shade without a glimpse of the sun. The
+emerald light that penetrated the wood, bathed every thing it touched
+with mellow refreshment. But we were repaid for this partial bliss by
+intense suffering when we came forth from the sanctuary into the bare
+valleys, the arid _barrancas_, and marshy _savannas_ of an open
+region. There, the red eye of the African sun glared with merciless
+fervor. Every thing reflected its rays. They struck us like lances
+from above, from below, from the sides, from the rocks, from the
+fields, from the stunted herbage, from the bushes. All was glare! Our
+eyes seemed to simmer in their sockets. Whenever the path followed
+the channel of a brook, whose dried torrents left bare the scorched
+and broken rocks, our feet fled from the ravine as from heated iron.
+Frequently we entered extensive _prairies_, covered with blades of
+sword-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 by
+charming pictures of natural scenery that have fastened themselves for
+ever in my memory!
+
+As the traveller along the coast turns the prow of his canoe through
+the surf, and crosses the angry bar that guards the mouth of an
+African river, he suddenly finds himself moving calmly onward between
+sedgy shores, buried in mangroves. Presently, the scene expands in the
+unruffled mirror of a deep, majestic stream. Its lofty banks are
+covered by innumerable varieties of the tallest forest trees, from
+whoso summits a trailing network of vines and flowers floats down and
+sweeps the passing current. A stranger who beholds this scenery for
+the first time is struck by the immense size, the prolific abundance,
+and gorgeous verdure of every thing. Leaves, large enough for
+garments, lie piled and motionless in the lazy air: The bamboo and
+cane shake their slender spears and pennant leaves as the stream
+ripples among their roots. Beneath the massive trunks of forest trees,
+the country opens; and, in vistas through the wood, the traveller sees
+innumerable fields lying fallow in grass, or waving with harvests of
+rice and _cassava_, broken by golden clusters of Indian corn. Anon,
+groups of oranges, lemons, coffee-trees, plantains and bananas, are
+crossed by the tall stems of cocoas, and arched by the broad and
+drooping coronals of royal palm. Beyond this, capping the summit of a
+hill, may be seen the conical huts of natives, bordered by fresh
+pastures dotted with flocks of sheep and goats, or covered by numbers
+of the sleekest cattle. As you leave the coast, and shoot round the
+river-curves of this fragrant wilderness teeming with flowers, vocal
+with birds, and gay with their radiant plumage, you plunge into the
+interior, where the rising country slowly expands into hills and
+mountains.
+
+The forest is varied. Sometimes it is a matted pile of tree vine, and
+bramble, obscuring every thing, and impervious save with knife and
+hatchet. At others, it is a Gothic temple. The sward spreads openly
+for miles on every side, while, from its even surface, the trunks of
+straight and massive trees rise to a prodigious height, clear from
+every obstruction, till their gigantic limbs, like the capitals of
+columns, mingle their foliage in a roof of perpetual verdure.
+
+At length the hills are reached, and the lowland heat is tempered by
+mountain freshness. The scene that may be beheld from almost any
+elevation, is always beautiful, and sometimes grand. Forest, of
+course, prevails; yet, with a glass, and often by the unaided eye,
+gentle hills, swelling from the wooded landscape, may be seen covered
+with native huts, whose neighborhood is checkered with patches of
+sward and cultivation, and inclosed by massive belts of primeval
+wildness. Such is commonly the westward view; but north and east, as
+far as vision extends, noble outlines of hill and mountain may be
+traced 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 of
+rivers, a dense mist will be observed lying beneath the spectator in a
+solid stratum, refracting the light now breaking from the east. Here
+and there, in this lake of vapor, the tops of hills peer up like green
+islands 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 the
+fogs of the valley, like ghosts at cock-crow, flit from the dells they
+have haunted since nightfall. Presently, the sun is out in his
+terrible splendor. Africa unveils to her master, and the blue sky and
+green forest blaze and quiver with his beams.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+I felt so much the lack of scenery in my narrative, that I thought it
+well to group in a few pages the African pictures I have given in the
+last chapter. My story had too much of the bareness of the Greek
+stage, and I was conscious that landscape, as well as action, was
+required to mellow the subject and relieve it from tedium. After our
+dash through the wilderness, let us return to the slow toil of the
+caravan.
+
+Four days brought us to Tamisso from our last halt. We camped on the
+copious brook that ran near the town-walls, and while Ali-Ninpha
+thought proper to compliment the chief, Mohamedoo, by a formal
+announcement of our arrival, the caravan made ready for reception by
+copious, 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 they
+shone like polished ebony; ankles and arms were restrung with beads;
+and loins were girded with snowy waist-cloths. Ali-Ninpha knew the
+pride of his old Mandingo companions, and was satisfied that Mohamedoo
+would have been mortified had we surprised him within the precincts of
+his court, squatted, perhaps, on a dirty mat with a female scratching
+his head! Ali-Ninpha was a prudent gentleman, and knew the difference
+between the private and public lives of his illustrious countrymen!
+
+In the afternoon our interpreters returned to camp with Mohamedoo's
+son, accompanied by a dozen women carrying platters of boiled rice,
+calabashes filled with delicate sauce, and abundance of _ture_, or
+vegetable butter. A beautiful horse was also despatched for my
+triumphal entry into town.
+
+The food was swallowed with an appetite corresponding to our recent
+penitential fare; the tents were struck; and the caravan was forthwith
+advanced towards Tamisso. All the noise we could conveniently make, by
+way of _music_, was, of course, duly attempted. Interpreters and
+guides went ahead, discharging guns. Half a dozen tom-toms were struck
+with uncommon rapidity and vigor, while the unctuous women set up a
+chorus of melody that would not have disgraced a band of "Ethiopian
+Minstrels."
+
+Half-way to the town our turbulent mob was met by a troop of musicians
+sent out by the chief to greet us with song and harp. I was quickly
+surrounded by the singers, who chanted the most fulsome praise of the
+opulent Mongo, while a court-fool or buffoon insisted on leading my
+horse, and occasionally wiping my face with his filthy handkerchief!
+
+Presently we reached the gates, thronged by pressing crowds of curious
+burghers. Men, women, and children, had all come abroad to see the
+immense _Furtoo_, or white man, and appeared as much charmed by the
+spectacle as if I had been a banished patriot. I was forced to
+dismount at the low wicket, but here the _empressement_ of my
+inquisitive hosts became so great, that the "nation's guest" was
+forced to pause until some amiable bailiffs modified the amazement of
+their fellow-citizens by staves and whips.
+
+I lost no time in the lull, while relieved from the mob, to pass
+onward to "the palace" of Mohamedoo, which, like all royal residences
+in Africa, consisted of a mud-walled quadrangular inclosure, with a
+small gate, a large court, and a quantity of _adobe_ huts, surrounded
+by shady verandahs. The furniture, mats, and couches were of cane,
+while wooden platters, brass kettles, and common wash-basins, were
+spread out in every direction for show and service.
+
+On a coach, covered with several splendid leopard skins, reclined
+Mohamedoo, awaiting my arrival with as much stateliness as if he had
+been a scion of civilized royalty. The chief was a man of sixty at
+least. His corpulent body was covered with short Turkish trousers, and
+a large Mandingo shirt profusely embroidered with red and yellow
+worsted. 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 to
+this personage, who got up, shook hands, "snapped fingers," and
+welcomed me thrice. My Fullah chief and Mandingo companion then
+proceeded to "_make their dantica_," or declare the purpose of their
+visit; but when they announced that I was the guest of the Fullah
+Ali-Mami, and, accordingly, was _entitled_ to free passage every where
+without expense, I saw that the countenance of the veteran instantly
+fell, and that his welcome was dashed by the loss of a heavy duty
+which he designed exacting for my transit.
+
+The sharp eye of Ali-Ninpha was not slow in detecting Mohamedoo's
+displeasure; and, as I had previously prepared him in private, he took
+an early opportunity to whisper in the old man's ear, that Don Téodore
+knew he was compelled to journey through Tamisso, and, of course, had
+not come empty-handed. My object, he said, in visiting this region and
+the territory of the Fullah king, was not idle curiosity alone; but
+that I was prompted by a desire for liberal trade, and especially for
+the purchase of slaves to load the numerous vessels I had lingering on
+the coast, with immense cargoes of cloth, muskets, and powder.
+
+The clouds were dispersed as soon as a hint was thrown out about
+traffic. The old sinner nodded like a mandarin who knew what he was
+about, and, rising as soon as the adroit whisperer had finished, took
+me by the hand, and in a loud voice, presented me to the people as his
+"_beloved son_!" Besides this, the best house within the royal
+inclosure was fitted with fresh comforts for my lodging. When the
+Fullah chief withdrew from the audience, Ali-Ninpha brought in the
+mistress of Mohamedoo's harem, who acted as his confidential clerk,
+and we speedily handed over the six pieces of cotton and an abundant
+supply of tobacco with which I designed to propitiate her lord and
+master.
+
+Tired of the dust, crowd, heat, confinement and curiosity of an
+African town, I was glad to gulp down my supper of broiled chickens
+and milk, preparatory to a sleepy attack on my couch of rushes spread
+with mats and skins. Yet, before retiring for the night, I thought it
+well to refresh my jaded frame by a bath, which the prince had ordered
+to be prepared in a small court behind my chamber. But I grieve to
+say, 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 had
+been noised abroad among the dames of the harem, that the _Furtoo_
+would probably perform his ablutions before he slept; so that, when I
+entered the yard, my tub was surrounded by as many inquisitive eyes as
+the dinner table of Louis the Fourteenth, when sovereigns dined in
+public. As I could not speak their language, I made all the pantomimic
+signs of graceful supplication that commonly soften the hearts of the
+sex on the stage, hoping, by dumb-show, to secure my privacy. But
+gestures and grimace were unavailing. I then made hold to take off my
+shirt, leaving my nether garments untouched. Hitherto, the dames had
+seen only my bronzed face and hands, but when the snowy pallor of my
+breast and back was unveiled, many of them fled incontinently,
+shouting to their friends to "come and see the _peeled Furtoo_!" An
+ancient crone, the eldest of the crew, ran her hand roughly across the
+fairest portion of my bosom, and looking at her fingers with disgust,
+as if I reeked with leprosy, wiped them on the wall. As displeasure
+seemed to predominate over admiration, I hoped this experiment would
+have satisfied the inquest, but, as black curiosity exceeds all
+others, the wenches continued to linger, chatter, grin and feel, until
+I was forced to disappoint their anxiety for further disclosures, by
+an abrupt "good night."
+
+We tarried in Tamisso three days to recruit, during which I was
+liberally entertained on the prince's hospitable mat, where African
+stews of relishing flavor, and tender fowls smothered in snowy rice,
+regaled me at least twice in every twenty-four hours. Mohamedoo fed
+me with an European silver spoon, which, he said, came from among the
+effects of a traveller who, many years before, died far in the
+interior. In all his life, he had seen but _four_ of our race within
+the walls of Tamisso. Their names escaped his memory; but the last, he
+declared, was a poor and clever youth, probably from Senegal, who
+followed a powerful caravan, and "read the Koran like a _mufti_."
+
+Tamisso was entirely surrounded by a tall double fence of pointed
+posts. The space betwixt the inclosures, which were about seven feet
+apart, was thickly planted with smaller spear-headed staves, hardened
+by fire. If the first fence was leaped by assailants, they met a cruel
+reception from those impaling sentinels. Three gates afforded
+admission to different sections of the town, but the passage through
+them consisted of zig-zags, with loopholes cut judiciously in the
+angles, so as to command every point of access to the narrow streets
+of the suburbs.
+
+The parting between Mohamedoo and myself was friendly in the extreme.
+Provisions for four days were distributed by the prince to the
+caravan, and he promised that my return should be welcomed by an
+abundant supply of slaves.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+As our caravan approached the Fullah country, and got into the higher
+lands, where the air was invigorating, I found its pace improved so
+much that we often exceeded twenty miles in our daily journey. The
+next important place we were to approach was Jallica. For three days,
+our path coasted the southern edge of a mountain range, whose
+declivities and valleys were filled with rivers, brooks, and
+streamlets, affording abundant irrigation to fields teeming with
+vegetable wealth. The population was dense. Frequent caravans, with
+cattle and slaves, passed us on their way to various marts. Our
+supplies of food were plentiful. A leaf of tobacco purchased a fowl; a
+charge of powder obtained a basin of milk, or a dozen of eggs; and a
+large sheep cost only six cents, or a quart of salt.
+
+Five days after quitting Tamisso, our approach to Jallica was
+announced; and here, as at our last resting-place, it was deemed
+proper to halt half a day for notice and ablution before entering a
+city, 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 boom
+of the war-drum gave token that our message had been received with
+welcome. I was prepared, in some measure, for a display of no ordinary
+character at Jallica, because my Mandingo friend, Ali-Ninpha,
+inhabited the town in his youth, and had occupied a position which
+gave importance to his name throughout Soolimana. The worthy fellow
+had been absent many years from Jallica, and wept like a child when he
+heard the sound of the war-drum. Its discordant beat had the same
+effect on the savage that the sound of their village bells has on the
+spirit of returning wanderers in civilized lands. When the rattle of
+the drum was over, he told me that for five years he controlled that
+very instrument in Jallica, during which it had never sounded a
+retreat or betokened disaster. In peace it was never touched, save for
+public rejoicing; and the authorities allowed it to be beaten _now_
+only because an old commander of the tribe was to be received with the
+honors 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 the
+Mandingo and his companions."
+
+No _fanda_ or refreshments were sent with the welcome; but when the
+caravan got within fifty yards of the walls, a band of shouting
+warriors marched forth, and lifting Ali-Ninpha on their shoulders,
+bore him through the gates, singing war-songs, accompanied by all
+sorts of music and hubbub.
+
+I had purposely lingered with my men in the rear of the great body of
+Africans, so that nearly the whole caravan passed the portal before my
+complexion--though deeply bronzed by exposure--made me known to the
+crowd 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 completely
+excluded from guide and companions. But, in the midst of his exultant
+reception, Ali-Ninpha did not forget the Mongo of Kambia. Hardly had
+he attained the end of the street, when he heard the cry of exclusion,
+and observed the closing portal. By this time, my Fullah friend had
+wrought himself into an examplary fit of Oriental rage with the
+inhospitable Mandingoes, so that I doubt very much whether he would
+not have knocked the dust from his sandals on the gate of Jallica, had
+not Ali-Ninpha rushed through the wicket, and commanding the portal
+to be reopened, apologized contritely to the Mahometan and myself.
+
+This unfortunate mistake, or accident, not only caused considerable
+delay, but rather dampened the delight of our party as it defiled in
+the spacious square of Jallica, and entered the open shed which was
+called a "_palaver-house_." Its vast area was densely packed with a
+fragrant crowd of old and young, armed with muskets or spears. All
+wore knives or cutlasses, slung by a belt high up on their necks;
+while, in their midst surrounded by a court of veterans, stood
+Suphiana, the prince, waiting our arrival.
+
+In front marched Ali-Ninpha, preceded by a numerous band of shrieking
+and twanging minstrels. As he entered the apartment, Suphiana arose,
+drew his sword, and embracing the stranger with his left arm, waved
+the shining blade over his head, with the other. This peculiar
+_accolade_ was imitated by each member of the royal council; while, in
+the centre of the square, the war-drum,--a hollowed tree, four feet in
+diameter, covered with hides,--was beaten by two savages with
+slung-shot, until its thundering reverberations completely deafened
+us.
+
+You may imagine my joy and comfort when I saw the Mandingo take a seat
+near the prince, as a signal for the din's cessation. This, however,
+was only the commencement of another prolonged ceremonial; for now
+began 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 ancient
+drum-major; and, as each approached, he made his obeisance by pointing
+a spear or weapon at my landlord's feet. During this I remained on
+horseback without notice or relief from the authorities. Ali-Ninpha,
+however, saw my impatient discomfort, and once or twice despatched a
+sly message to preserve my good humor. The ceremony was one of
+absolute compulsion, and could not be avoided without discourtesy to
+the prince and his countrymen. As soon as he could escape, however, he
+hastened over the court-yard to assist me in dismounting; and dashing
+the rude crowd right and left, led me to his kinsman Suphiana. The
+prince extended his royal hand in token of amity; Ali-Ninpha declared
+me to be his "son;" while the long string of compliments and
+panegyrics he pronounced upon my personal qualities, moral virtues,
+and _wealth_, brought down a roar of grunts by way of applause from
+the toad-eating courtiers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Jallica was a fairer town than any I had hitherto encountered in my
+travels. Its streets were wider, its houses better, its people more
+civil. No one intruded on the friend of Ali-Ninpha, and guest of
+Suphiana. I bathed without visits from inquisitive females. My house
+was my castle; and, when I stirred abroad, two men preceded me with
+rattans to keep my path clear from women and children.
+
+After lounging about quietly for a couple of days, wearing away
+fatigue, and getting rid of the stains of travel, I thought it
+advisable to drop in one morning, unannounced, after breakfast, at
+Suphiana's with the presents that are customary in the east. As the
+guest,--during my whole journey,--of the Ali-Mami, or King of
+Footha-Yallon, I was entirely exempt by customary law from this
+species of tax, nor would my Fullah protector have allowed me to offer
+a tribute had he known it;--yet, I always took a secret opportunity to
+present a _voluntary gift_, for I wished my memory to smell sweet
+along my track in Africa. Suphiana fully appreciated my generosity
+under the circumstances, and returned the civility by an invitation to
+dinner at the house of his principal wife. When the savory feast with
+which he regaled me was over, female singers were introduced for a
+concert. Their harps were triangles of wood, corded with fibres of
+cane; their banjoes consisted of gourds covered with skin pierced by
+holes, and strung like the harps; but, I confess, that I can neither
+rave nor go into ecstasies over the combined effect which saluted me
+from 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. On
+these, strips of nicely trimmed bamboo, gradually diminishing in size
+from 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 was
+struck by two small wooden hammers softened by some delicate
+substance.
+
+One of the prettiest girls in the bevy had charge of this African
+piano, and was said to be renowned for uncommon skill. Her feet,
+hands, wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees, were strung with small
+silvery bells; and, as the gay damsel was dancer and singer as well as
+musician, she seemed to reek with sound from every pore. Many of her
+attitudes would probably have been, at least, more picturesque and
+decent for drapery; but, in Jallica, MADOO, the _ayah_, was considered
+a 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, as
+she 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 my
+Fullah guide from departing as soon as I desired; but while we were
+dallying with the planet, Ali-Ninpha became so ill that he was
+compelled to halt and end the journey in his favorite Jallica. I
+rather suspected the Mandingo to feign more suffering than he really
+experienced, and I soon discovered that his malady was nothing but a
+sham. In truth, Ali-Ninpha had duped so many Fullah traders on the
+beach, and owed them the value of so many slaves, that he found it
+extremely inconvenient; if not perilous, to enter the domain of the
+ALI-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 led
+over hill and dale, and through charming valleys, fed by gentle
+streamlets that nourished the vigorous vegetation of a mountain land.
+
+As we crossed the last summits that overlooked the territory of
+Footha-Yallon, a broad _plateau_, whence a wide range of country might
+be beheld, was filled with bands of armed men, afoot and on horseback,
+while a dozen animals were held in tether by their gayly dressed
+attendants. I dashed to the head of the caravan on my jaded beast, and
+reached it just in time to find the sable arms of Ahmah-de-Bellah
+opening to greet me! The generous youth, surrounded by his friends and
+escorted by a select corps of soldiers and slaves, had come thus far
+on the path to offer the prince's welcome!
+
+I greeted the Mahometan with the fervor of ancient love; and, in a
+moment, we were all dismounted and on our knees; while, at a signal
+from the chief, profound silence reigned throughout the troop and
+caravan. Every eye was turned across the distant plain to the east. An
+air of profoundest devotion subdued the multitude, and, in a loud
+chant, Ahmah-de-Bellah, with outstretched arms and upraised face, sang
+forth a psalm of gratitude to Allah for the safety of his "brother."
+
+The surprise of this complimentary reception was not only delightful
+as an evidence of African character among these more civilized tribes
+of the Mahometan interior, but it gave me an assurance of security and
+trade, which was very acceptable to one so far within the bowels of
+the land. We were still a day's journey from the capital.
+Ahmah-de-Bellah declared it impossible, with all the diligence we
+could muster, to reach Timbo without another halt. Nevertheless, as he
+was extremely solicitous to bring us to our travel's end, he not only
+supplied my personal attendants with fresh horses, but ordered
+carriers from his own guard to charge themselves with the entire
+luggage of our caravan.
+
+Thus relieved of burden, our party set forth on the path in a brisk
+trot, and resting after dark for several hours in a village, we
+entered Timbo unceremoniously before daybreak while its inhabitants
+were 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 my
+domicil on the Rio Pongo. Tables, sofas, plates, knives, forks,
+tumblers, pitchers, basins,--had all been purchased by my friend, and
+forwarded for this establishment, from other factories without my
+knowledge; while the centre of the main apartment was decorated with
+an "American rocking-chair," which the natives had ingeniously
+contrived of rattans and bamboo! Such pleasant evidences of refined
+attention were more remarkable and delicate, because most of the
+articles are not used by Mahometans. "These, I hope," said
+Ahmah-de-Bellah, as he led me to a seat, "will make you comparatively
+comfortable while you please to dwell with your brother in Timbo. You
+have no thanks to return, because I have not treated you like a
+_native_ Mussulman; for you were kind enough to remember all my own
+little nationalities when I was your guest on the beach. ALLAH be
+praised for your redemption and arrival;--and so, brother, take your
+rest in peace within the realm of the Ali-Mami, your father!"
+
+I embraced the generous fellow with as much cordiality as if he had
+been a kinsman from the sweet valley of Arno. During his visit to my
+factory he was particularly charmed with an old dressing-gown I used
+for my siestas, and when I resolved on this journey, I caused an
+improved copy of it to be made by one of the most skilful artists on
+the river. A flashy pattern of calico was duly cut into rather ampler
+form than is usual among our dandies. This was charmingly lined with
+sky-blue, and set off at the edges with broad bands of glaring yellow.
+The effect of the whole, indeed, was calculated to strike an African
+fancy; so that, when I drew the garment from my luggage, and threw it,
+together with a fine white ruffled shirt, over the shoulders of "my
+brother," I thought the pious Mussulman would have gone wild with
+delight. He hugged me a dozen times with the gripe of a tiger, and
+probably would have kissed quite as lustily, had I not deprecated any
+further ebullitions of bodily gratitude.
+
+A bath erased not only the dust of travel from my limbs, but seemed to
+extract even the memory of its toils from my bones and muscles.
+Ahmah-de-Bellah intimated that the Ali-Mami would soon be prepared to
+receive me without ceremony. The old gentleman was confined by dropsy
+in his lower extremities, and probably found it uncomfortable to
+sustain the annoyance of public life except when absolutely necessary.
+The burden of my entertainment and glorification, therefore, was cast
+on the shoulders of his younger kinsfolk, for which, I confess, I was
+proportionally grateful. Accordingly, when I felt perfectly refreshed,
+I arose from my matted sofa, and dressing for the first time in more
+than a month in a perfectly clean suit, I donned a snowy shirt, a pair
+of dashing drills, Parisian pumps, and a Turkish _fez_, tipped with a
+copious tassel. Our interpreters were clad in fresh Mandingo dresses
+adorned with extra embroidery. My body-servant was ordered to appear
+in a cast-off suit of my own; so that, when I gave one my
+double-barrelled gun to carry, and armed the others with my pistols,
+and a glittering regulation-sword,--designed as a gift for the
+Ali-Mami,--I presented a very respectable and picturesque appearance
+for a gentleman abroad on his travels in the East. The moment I issued
+with my train from the house, a crowd of Fullahs was ready to receive
+me with exclamations of chattering surprise; still I was not annoyed,
+as elsewhere, by the unfailing concourse that followed my footsteps or
+clogged my pathway.
+
+The "palace" of the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon, like all African
+palaces in this region, was an _adobe_ hovel, surrounded by its
+portico shed, and protected by a wall from the intrusion of the common
+herd. In front of the dwelling, beneath the shelter of the verandah,
+on a fleecy pile of sheepskin mats, reclined the veteran, whose
+swollen and naked feet were undergoing a cooling process from the
+palm-leaf fans of female slaves. I marched up boldly in front of him
+with my military _suite_, and, making a profound _salaam_, was
+presented by Ahmah-de-Bellah as his "white brother." The Ali at once
+extended both hands, and, grasping mine, drew me beside him on the
+sheepskin. Then, looking intently over my face and into the very depth
+of my eyes, he asked gently with a smile--"what was my name?"
+
+"AHMAH-DE-BELLAH!" replied I, after the fashion of the country. As I
+uttered the Mahometan appellation, for which I had exchanged my own
+with his son at Kambia, the old man, who still held my hands, put one
+of his arms round my waist, and pressed me still closer to his
+side;--then, lifting both arms extended to heaven, he repeated several
+times,--"God is great! God is great! God is great!--and Mahomet is his
+Prophet!"
+
+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? Were
+they warriors? Were they "book-men?" Why did I travel so far? What
+delay would I make in Footha-Yallon? Was my dwelling comfortable? Had
+I been treated with honor, respect and attention on my journey? And,
+last of all, the prince sincerely hoped that I would find it
+convenient to dwell with him during the whole of the "rainy season."
+
+Several times, in the midst of these interrogations, the patriarch
+groaned, and I could perceive, from the pain that flitted like a
+shadow over the nerves and muscles of his face, that he was suffering
+severely, and, of course, I cut the interview as short as oriental
+etiquette would allow. He pressed me once more to his bosom, and
+speaking 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 brother
+will take heed for his wants, and redress every complaint."
+
+The prince was a man of sixty at least. His stature was noble and
+commanding, if not absolutely gigantic,--_being several inches over
+six feet_,--while his limbs and bulk were in perfect proportion. His
+oval head, of a rich mahogany color, was quite bald to the temples,
+and covered by a turban, whose ends depended in twin folds along his
+cheeks. The contour of his features was remarkably regular, though his
+lips were rather full, and his nose somewhat flat, yet free from the
+disgusting depression and cavities of the negro race. His forehead was
+high and perpendicular, while his mouth glistened with ivory when he
+spoke or smiled. I had frequent opportunities to talk with the king
+afterwards, and was always delighted by the affectionate simplicity of
+his demeanor. As it was the country's custom to educate the first-born
+of royalty for the throne, the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon had been
+brought up almost within the precincts of the mosque. I found the
+prince, therefore, more of a meditative "book-man" than warrior; while
+the rest of his family, and especially his younger brothers, had never
+been exempt from military duties, at home or abroad. Like a good
+Mussulman, the sovereign was a quiet, temperate gentleman, never
+indulging in "bitters" or any thing stronger than a drink fermented
+from certain roots, and sweetened to resemble _mead_. His intercourse
+with me was always affable and solicitous for my comfort; nor did he
+utter half a dozen sentences without interlarding them with fluent
+quotations from the Koran. Sometimes, in the midst of a pleasant chat
+in which he was wondering at my curiosity and taste for information
+about new lands, he would suddenly break off because it was his hour
+for prayer; at others, he would end the interview quite as
+unceremoniously, because it was time for ablution. Thus, between
+praying, washing, eating, sleeping, slave-dealing, and fanning his
+dropsical feet, the life of the Ali-Mami passed monotonously enough
+even for an oriental prince; but I doubt not, the same childish
+routine is still religiously pursued, unless it has pleased Allah to
+summon the faithful prince to the paradise of "true believers." I
+could never make him understand how a ship might be built large enough
+to hold provisions for a six months' voyage; and, as to the _sea_, "it
+was 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 of
+Ahmah-de-Bellah's mother, after my presentation to the prince her
+husband, I urged the footsteps of my companion with no little
+impatience as soon as I got out of the royal hearing. My fast had been
+rather 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 face
+and bosom beneath a capacious cloth. Nevertheless, she welcomed me
+quite tenderly. She called me "Ahmah-de-Bellah-Theodoree,"--and, with
+her own hands, mixed the dainties on which we were to breakfast while
+cosily squatted on the mats of her verandah. Our food was simple enough
+for the most dyspeptic homoeopathist. Milk and rice were alternated
+with bonney-clabber and honey, seasoned by frequent words of hospitable
+encouragement. The frugal repast was washed down by calabashes of cool
+water, which were handed round by naked damsels, whose beautiful limbs
+might have served as models for an artist.
+
+When the meal was finished, I hoped that the day's ceremonial was
+over, but, to my dismay, I discovered that the most formal portion of
+my 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 robust
+campaigner, I would not have resisted the intimation, or desired a
+postponement of the "palaver;" so I "took my brother's" arm, and,
+followed by my _cortège_, proceeded to the interview that was to take
+place beyond the walls, in an exquisite grove of cotton-wood and
+tamarind-trees, appropriated to this sort of town-meeting. Here I
+found a vast assemblage of burghers; and in their midst, squatted on
+sheepskins, was a select ring of _patres conscripti_, presided by
+Sulimani-Ali, son of the king, and brother of my companion.
+
+As the Fullah presented me to his warrior-kinsman, he rose with a
+profound salutation, and taking my hand, led me to a rock, covered
+with a white napkin,--the seat of honor for an eminent stranger. The
+moment I was placed, the chiefs sprang up and each one grasped my
+hand, bidding me welcome _thrice_. Ahmah-de-Bellah stood patiently
+beside me until this ceremony was over, and each noble resumed his
+sheepskin. Then, taking a long cane from the eldest of the group, he
+stepped forward, saluted the assembly three times, thrice invoked
+Allah, and introduced me to the chiefs and multitude as his "brother."
+I came, he said, to Footha-Yallon on his invitation, and by the
+express consent of his beloved king and father, and of his beloved
+elder brother, Sulimani. He hoped, therefore, that every "head-man"
+present would see the rites of hospitality faithfully exercised to his
+white brother while he dwelt in Footha. There were many reasons that
+he could give why this should be done; but he would rest content with
+stating only three. First of all: I was nearly as good a Mussulman as
+many Mandingoes, and he knew the fact, because _he had converted me
+himself_! Secondly: I was entitled to every sort of courtesy from
+Fullahs, because I was a _rich_ trader from the Rio Pongo. And,
+thirdly: I had penetrated even to this very heart of Africa to
+purchase slaves for most liberal prices.
+
+It is the custom in African "palavers," as well as among African
+religionists, to give token of assent by a sigh, a groan, a slight
+exclamation, or a shout, when any thing affecting, agreeable, or
+touching is uttered by a speaker. Now, when my Fullah brother informed
+his friends of my arrival, my name, my demand for hospitality, and my
+wealth, the grunts and groans of the assembly augmented in number and
+volume 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, they
+shouted, "May the Lord of heaven be praised!"
+
+I smothered a laugh and strangled a smile as well as I could, when my
+interpreters expounded the "stump speech" of Ahmah-de-Bellah; and I
+lost no time in directing them to display the presents which some of
+my retainers, in the meanwhile, had brought to the grove. They
+consisted of several packages of blue and white calicoes, ten yards of
+brilliant scarlet cloth, six kegs of powder, three hundred pounds of
+tobacco, two strings of amber beads, and six muskets. On a beautiful
+rug, 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 proved
+the truth of Ahmah-de-Bellah's words, and that a rich man, indeed, had
+come to Footha-Yallon. Nay, more;--the rich man wanted slaves! Was I
+not 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 should
+daily be furnished for my caravan's support; and, as every chief would
+partake my bounty, each one should contribute to my comfort.
+
+This speech, like the former, was hailed with grunts; but I could not
+help noticing that the vote of supplies was not cheered half as
+lustily as the announcement of my _largesse_.
+
+The formalities being over, the inquisitive head-men crowded round the
+presents with as much eagerness as aspirants for office at a
+presidential 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 of
+cantharides were unpacked, and their contents announced, each of the
+chieftains insisted that his majesty should not monopolize the coveted
+stimulant. A sharp dispute on the subject arose between the princes
+and the councillors, so that I was forced to interfere through the
+interpreters, who could only quiet the rebels by the promise of a
+dozen additional flasks for their private account.
+
+In the midst of the wrangling, Sulimani and Ahmah ordered their
+father'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 I
+found Abdulmomen-Ali, another son of the king, waiting for his
+brothers to present him to the Mongo of Kambia. Abdulmomen was
+introduced as "a learned divine," and began at once to talk Koran in
+the most _mufti_-like manner. I had made such sorry improvement in
+Mahometanism since Ahmah-de-Bellah's departure from the Rio Pongo,
+that I thought it safest to sit silent, as if under the deepest fervor
+of Mussulman conviction. I soon found that Abdulmomen, like many more
+clergymen, was willing enough to do all the preaching, whenever he
+found an unresisting listener. I put on a look of very intelligent
+assent and thankfulness to all the arguments and commentaries of my
+black brother, and in this way I avoided the detection of my
+ignorance, as many a better man has probably done before me!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+
+Timbo lies on a rolling plain. North of it, a lofty mountain range
+rises at the distance of ten or fifteen miles, and sweeps eastwardly
+to the horizon. The landscape, which declines from these slopes to the
+south, is in many places bare; yet fields of plentiful cultivation,
+groves of cotton-wood, tamarind and oak, thickets of shrubbery and
+frequent villages, stud its surface, and impart an air of rural
+comfort to the picturesque scene.
+
+I soon proposed a gallop with my African kindred over the
+neighborhood; and, one fine morning, after a plentiful breakfast of
+stewed fowls, boiled to rags with rice, and seasoned with delicious
+"palavra sauce," we cantered off to the distant villages. As we
+approached the first brook, but before the fringe of screening bushes
+was passed, our cavalcade drew rein abruptly, while Ahmah-de-Bellah
+cried out: "Strangers are coming!" A few moments after, as we slowly
+crossed the stream, I noticed several women crouched in the underwood,
+having fled from the bath. This warning is universally given, and
+enforced by law, to guard the modesty of the gentler sex.
+
+In half an hour we reached the first suburban village; but fame had
+preceded us with my character, and as the settlement was cultivated
+either by serfs or negroes liable to be made so, we found the houses
+bare. The poor wretches had learned, on the day of my reception, that
+the principal object of my journey was to obtain slaves, and, of
+course, they imagined that the only object of my foray in their
+neighborhood, was to seize the gang and bear it abroad in bondage.
+Accordingly, we tarried only a few minutes in Findo, and dashed off to
+Furo; but here, too, the blacks had been panic struck, and escaped so
+hurriedly that they left their pots of rice, vegetables, and meat
+boiling in their sheds. Furo was absolutely stripped of inhabitants;
+the veteran chief of the village did not even remain to do the honors
+for his affrighted brethren. Ahmah-de-Bellah laughed heartily at the
+terror I inspired; but I confess I could not help feeling sadly
+mortified when I found my presence shunned as a pestilence.
+
+The native villages through which I passed on this excursion
+manifested the great comfort in which these Africans live throughout
+their prolific land, when unassailed by the desolating wars that are
+kept up for slave-trade. It was the height of the dry season, when
+every thing was parched by the sun, yet I could trace the outlines of
+fine plantations, gardens, and rice-fields. Every where I found
+abundance of peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and
+cassava; while tasteful fences were garlanded with immense vines and
+flowers. Fowls, goats, sheep, and oxen, stalked about in innumerable
+flocks, and from every domicil depended a paper, inscribed with a
+charm from the Koran to keep off thieves and witches.
+
+My walks through Timbo were promoted by the constant efforts of my
+entertainers to shield me from intrusive curiosity. Whenever I sallied
+forth, two townsfolk in authority were sent forward to warn the public
+that the Furtoo desired to promenade without a mob at his heels. These
+lusty criers stationed themselves at the corners with an iron
+triangle, which they rattled to call attention to the king's command;
+and, in a short time, the highways were so clear of people, who feared
+a _bastinado_, that I found my loneliness rather disagreeable than
+otherwise. _Every person I saw, shunned me._ When I called the
+children or little girls,--they fled from me. My reputation as a
+slaver in the villages, and the fear of a lash in the town, furnished
+me much more solitude than is generally agreeable to a sensitive
+traveller.
+
+Towards nightfall I left my companions, and wrapping myself closely in
+a Mandingo dress, stole away through bye-ways to a brook which runs by
+the town-walls. Thither the females resort at sunset to draw water;
+and, choosing a screened situation, where I would not be easily
+observed, I watched, for more than an hour, the graceful children,
+girls, and women of Timbo, as they performed this domestic task of
+eastern lands.
+
+I was particularly impressed by the general beauty of the sex, who, in
+many respects, resembled the Moor rather than the negro. Unaware of a
+stranger's presence, they came forth as usual in a simple dress which
+covers their body from waist to knee, and leaves the rest of the
+figure entirely naked. Group after group gathered together on the
+brink of the brook in the slanting sunlight and lengthening shadows of
+the plain. Some rested on their pitchers and water vessels; some
+chatted, or leaned on each other gracefully, listening to the chat of
+friends; some stooped to fill their jars; others lifted the brimming
+vessels to their sisters' shoulders--while others strode homeward
+singing, with their charged utensils poised on head or hand. Their
+slow, stately, swinging movement under the burden, was grace that
+might be envied on a Spanish _paseo_. I do not think the forms of
+these Fullah girls,--with their complexions of freshest bronze,--are
+exceeded in symmetry by the women of any other country. There was a
+slender delicacy of limb, waist, neck, hand, foot, and bosom, which
+seemed to be the type that moulded every one of them. I saw none of
+the hanging breast; the flat, expanded nostrils; the swollen lips, and
+fillet-like foreheads, that characterize the Soosoos and their sisters
+of the coast. None were deformed, nor were any marked by traces of
+disease. I may observe, moreover, that the male Fullahs of Timbo are
+impressed on my memory by a beauty of form, which almost equals that
+of the women; and, in fact, the only fault I found with them was their
+minute resemblance to the feminine delicacy of the other sex. They
+made up, however, in courage what they lacked in form, for their manly
+spirit has made them renowned among all the tribes they have so long
+controlled by distinguished bravery and perseverance.
+
+The patriarchal landscape by the brook, with the Oriental girls over
+their water-jars, and the lowing cattle in the pastures, brought
+freshly to my mind many a Bible scene I heard my mother read when I
+was a boy at home; and I do not know what revolution might have been
+wrought on my spirit had I not suddenly become critical! A stately
+dame passed within twenty feet of my thicket, whose _coiffure_ excited
+my mirth so powerfully that I might have been detected as a spy, had
+not a bitten lip controlled my laughter. Her ladyship belonged,
+perhaps, to the "upper-ten" of Timbo, whose heads had hitherto been
+hidden from my eyes by the jealous _yashmacks_ they constantly wear in
+a stranger's presence. In this instance, however, the woman's head,
+like that of the younger girls, was uncovered, so that I had a full
+view of the stately preparation. Her lower limbs were clad in ample
+folds of blue and white cotton, knotted in an immense mass at the
+waist, while her long crisp hair had been combed out to its fullest
+dimensions and spliced with additional wool. The ebony fleece was then
+separated in strands half an inch in diameter, and plaited all over
+her skull in a countless number of distinct braids. This quill-like
+structure was then adorned with amber beads, and copiously anointed
+with vegetable butter, so that the points gleamed with fire in the
+setting sunlight, and made her look as if she had donned for a
+bewitching headdress a porcupine instead of a "bird of paradise."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My trip to Timbo, I confess, was one of business rather than pleasure
+or scientific exploration. I did not make a record, at the moment, of
+my "impressions de voyage," and never thought that, a quarter of a
+century afterwards, I would feel disposed to chronicle the journey in
+a book, as an interesting _souvenir_ of my early life. Had I supposed
+that the day would come when I was to turn author, it is likely I
+might have been more inquisitive; but, being only "a slaver," I found
+Ahmah, Sulimani, Abdulmomen, the Ali-Mami, and all the quality and
+amusements of Timbo, dull enough, _when my object was achieved_.
+Still, while I was there, I thought I might as well see all that was
+visible. I strolled repeatedly through the town. I became excessively
+familiar with its narrow streets, low houses, mud walls, cul-de-sacs,
+and mosques. I saw no fine bazaars, market-places, or shops. The chief
+wants of life were supplied by peddlers. Platters, jars, and baskets
+of fruit, vegetables, and meat, were borne around twice or thrice
+daily. Horsemen dashed about on beautiful steeds towards the fields in
+the morning, or came home at nightfall at a slower pace. _I never saw
+man or woman bask lazily in the sun._ Females were constantly busy
+over their cotton and spinning wheels when not engaged in household
+occupations; and often have I seen an elderly dame quietly crouched in
+her hovel at sunset reading the Koran. Nor are the men of Timbo less
+thrifty. Their city wall is said to hem in about ten thousand
+individuals, representing all the social industries. They weave
+cotton, work in leather, fabricate iron from the bar, engage
+diligently in agriculture, and, whenever not laboriously employed,
+devote themselves to reading and writing, of which they are
+excessively fond.
+
+These are the faint sketches, which, on ransacking my brain, I find
+resting on its tablets. But I was tired of Timbo; I was perfectly
+refreshed from my journey; and I was anxious to return to my factory
+on the beach. Two "moons" only had been originally set apart for the
+enterprise, and the third was already waxing towards its full. I
+feared the Ali-Mami was not yet prepared with _slaves_ for my
+departure, and I dreaded lest objections might be made if I approached
+his royal highness with the flat announcement. Accordingly, I schooled
+my interpreters, and visited that important personage. I made a long
+speech, as full of compliments and blarney as a Christmas pudding is
+of plums, and concluded by touching the soft part in African royalty's
+heart--_slaves!_ I told the king that a vessel or two, with abundant
+freights, would be waiting me on the river, and that I must hasten
+thither with his choicest gangs if he hoped to reap a profit.
+
+The king and the royal family were no doubt excessively grieved to
+part with the Furtoo Mongo, but they were discreet persons and
+"listened to reason." War parties and scouts were forthwith despatched
+to blockade the paths, while press-gangs made recruits among the
+villages, and even in Timbo. Sulimani-Ali, himself, sallied forth,
+before daybreak, with a troop of horse, and at sundown, came back with
+forty-five splendid fellows, captured in Findo and Furo!
+
+The personal dread of me in the town itself, was augmented. If I had
+been a Pestilence before, I was Death now! When I took my usual
+morning walk the children ran from me screaming. Since the arrival of
+Sulimani with his victims, all who were under the yoke thought their
+hour of exile had come. The poor regarded me as the devil incarnate.
+Once or twice, I caught women throwing a handful of dust or ashes
+towards me, and uttering an invocation from the Koran to avert the
+demon or save them from his clutches. Their curiosity was merged in
+terror. _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 brother
+Ahmah-de-Bellah, and his kinsman Abdulmomen, lost no chance of
+lecturing me about my soul! We kidnapped the Africans all day and
+spouted Islamism all night! Our religion, however, was more
+speculative than practical. It was much more important, they thought,
+that we should embrace the faith of their peculiar theology, than that
+we should trouble ourselves about human rights that interfered with
+profits and pockets. We spared Mahometans and enslaved _only_ "_the
+heathen_;" so that, in fact, we were merely obedient to the behests of
+Mahomet 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 did
+not succeed in making me a very good Mussulman. Still, I managed to
+amuse him with the hope of my _future_ improvement in his creed, so
+that we were very good friends when the Ali-Mami summoned us for a
+final interview.
+
+The parting of men is seldom a maudlin affair. The king's relations
+presented me bullocks, cows, goats, and sheep. His majesty sent me
+five slaves. Sulimani-Ali offered a splendid white charger. The king's
+wife supplied me with an African quilt ingeniously woven of red and
+yellow threads unravelled from Manchester cottons; while
+Ahmah-de-Bellah, like a gentleman of taste, despatched for my
+consolation, the two prettiest handmaidens he could buy or steal in
+Timbo!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+
+I shall not weary the reader with a narrative of my journey homeward
+over the track I had followed on my way to Timbo. A grand Mahometan
+service was performed at my departure, and Ahmah-de-Bellah accompanied
+me as far as Jallica, whence he was recalled by his father in
+consequence 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, the
+worthy Mohamedoo had complied with his promise to furnish a similar
+addition to the caravan; so that when we set out for Kya, our troop
+was swelled to near a thousand strong, counting men, women, children
+and ragamuffins.
+
+At Kya I could not help tarrying four days with my jolly friend
+Ibrahim, who received the tobacco, charged with "bitters," during my
+absence, and was delighted to furnish a nourishing drop after my long
+abstinence. As we approached the coast, another halt was called at a
+favorable encampment, where Ali-Ninpha divided the caravan in four
+parts, reserving the best portion of slaves and merchandise for me.
+The division, before arrival, was absolutely necessary, in order to
+prevent disputes or disastrous quarrels in regard to the merchantable
+quality of negroes on the beach.
+
+I hoped to take my people by surprise at Kambia; but when the factory
+came in sight from the hill-tops back of the settlement, I saw the
+Spanish flag floating from its summit, and heard the cannon booming
+forth a welcome to the wanderer. Every thing had been admirably
+conducted in my absence. The Fullah and my clerk preserved their
+social relations and the public tranquillity unimpaired. My factory
+and warehouse were as neat and orderly as when I left them, so that I
+had nothing to do but go to sleep as if I had made a day's excursion
+to a neighboring village.
+
+Within a week I paid for the caravan's produce, despatched
+Mami-de-Yong, and made arrangements with the captain of a slaver in
+the river for the remainder of his merchandise. But the Fullah chief
+had not left me more than a day or two, when I was surprised by a
+traveller who dashed into my factory, with a message from
+Ahmah-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 by
+family quarrels. When he reached the paternal mat, he found his sister
+Beeljie bound hand and foot in prison, with orders for her prompt
+transportation to my factory as a slave. These were the irrevocable
+commands of his royal father, and of her half-brother, Sulimani. All
+his appeals, seconded by those of his mother, were unheeded. She must
+be _shipped_ from the Rio Pongo; and no one could be trusted with the
+task but the Ali-Mami's son and friend, the Mongo Téodor!
+
+To resist this dire command, Ahmah charged the messenger to appeal to
+my heart by our brotherly love _not_ to allow the maiden to be sent
+over sea; but, by force or stratagem, to retain her until he arrived
+on the beach.
+
+The news amazed me. I knew that African Mahometans never sold their
+caste or kindred into foreign slavery, unless their crime deserved a
+penalty severer than death. I reflected a while on the message,
+because I did not wish to complicate my relations with the leading
+chiefs of the interior; but, in a few moments, natural sensibility
+mastered every selfish impulse, and I told the envoy to hasten back on
+the path of the suffering brother, and assure him I would shield his
+sister, even at the risk of his kindred's wrath.
+
+About a week afterwards I was aroused one morning by a runner from a
+neighboring village over the hill, who stated that a courier reached
+his town the night before from Sulimani-Ali,--a prince of
+Timbo,--conducting a Fullah girl, who was to be sold by me
+_immediately_ to a Spanish slaver. The girl, he said, resisted with
+all her energy. She refused to walk. For the last four days she had
+been borne along in a litter. She swore never to "see the ocean;" and
+threatened to dash her skull against the first rock in her path, if
+they attempted to carry her further. The stanch refusal embarrassed
+her Mahometan conductor, inasmuch as his country's law forbade him to
+use extraordinary compulsion, or degrade the maiden with a whip.
+
+I saw at once that this delay and hesitation afforded an opportunity
+to interfere judiciously in behalf of the spirited girl, whose sins or
+faults were still unknown to me. Accordingly, I imparted the tale to
+Ali-Ninpha; and, with his consent, despatched a shrewd dame from the
+Mandingo'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. I
+warned her to be extremely cautious before the myrmidons of Sulimani,
+but to seize a secret moment when she might win the maiden's
+confidence, to inform her that I was the sworn friend of
+Ahmah-de-Bellah, and would save her _if she followed my commands
+implicitly_. She must cease resistance at once. She must come to the
+river, which was fresh water, and not salt; and she must allow her
+jailers to fulfil all the orders they received from her tyrannical
+kinsmen. Muffled in the messenger's garments, I sent the manuscript
+Koran of Ahmah-de-Bellah as a token of my truth, and bade the dame
+assure Beeljie that her brother was already far on his journey to
+redeem her in Kambia.
+
+The mission was successful, and, early next day, the girl was brought
+to my factory, _with a rope round her neck_.
+
+The preliminaries for her purchase were tedious and formal. As her
+sale was compulsory, there was not much question as to quality or
+price. Still, I was obliged to promise a multitude of things I did not
+intend to perform. In order to disgrace the poor creature as much as
+possible, her sentence declared she should be "sold for salt,"--the
+most contemptuous of all African exchanges, and used in the interior
+for the purchase of _cattle_ alone.
+
+Poor Beeljie stood naked and trembling before us while these
+ceremonies were performing. A scowl of indignation flitted like a
+shadow over her face, as she heard the disgusting commands. Tenderly
+brought up among the princely brood of Timbo, she was a bright and
+delicate type of the classes I described at the brook-side. Her limbs
+and features were stained by the dust of travel, and her expression
+was clouded with the grief of sensible degradation: still I would have
+risked more than I did, when I beheld the mute appeal of her face and
+form, to save her from the doom of Cuban exile.
+
+When the last tub of salt was measured, I cut the rope from Beeljie's
+neck, and, throwing over her shoulders a shawl,--in which she
+instantly shrank with a look of gratitude,--called the female who had
+borne my cheering message, to take the girl to her house and treat her
+as the sister of my Fullah brother.
+
+As I expected, this humane command brought the emissary of Sulimani to
+his feet with a bound. He insisted on the restitution of the woman! He
+swore I had deceived him; and, in fact, went through a variety of
+African antics which are not unusual, even among the most civilized of
+the tribes, when excited to extraordinary passion.
+
+It was my habit, during these outbursts of native ire, to remain
+perfectly quiet, not only until the explosion was over, but while the
+smoke was disappearing from the scene. I fastened my eye, therefore,
+silently, but intensely, on the tiger, following him in all his
+movements about the apartment, till he sank subdued and panting, on
+the mat. I then softly told him that this excitement was not only
+unbecoming a Mahometan gentleman, and fit for a savage alone, but that
+it was altogether wasted on the present occasion, _inasmuch as the
+girl should be put on board a slaver in his presence_. Nevertheless, I
+continued while the sister of Ahmah was under my roof, her blood must
+be respected, and she should be treated in every respect as a royal
+person.
+
+I was quite as curious as the reader may be to know the crime of
+Beeljie, for, up to that moment, I had not been informed of it.
+Dismissing the Fullah as speedily as possible, I hastened to
+Ali-Ninpha's dwelling and heard the sufferer's story.
+
+The Mahometan princess, whose age surely did not exceed eighteen, had
+been promised by the king and her half-brother, Sulimani, to an old
+relative, who was not only accused of cruelty to his harem's inmates,
+but was charged by Mussulmen with the heinous crime of eating "unclean
+flesh." The girl, who seemed to be a person of masculine courage and
+determination, resisted this disposal of her person; but, while her
+brother Ahmah was away, she was forced from her mother's arms and
+given to the filthy dotard.
+
+It is commonly supposed that women are doomed to the basest obedience
+in oriental lands; yet, it seems there is a Mahometan law,--or, at
+least, a Fullah custom,--which saves the purity of an unwilling bride.
+The delivery of Beeljie to her brutal lord kindled the fire of an
+ardent temper. She furnished the old gentleman with specimens of
+violence to which his harem had been a stranger, save when the master
+himself chose to indulge in wrath. In fact, the Fullah damsel--half
+acting, half in reality--played the virago so finely, that her
+husband, after exhausting arguments, promises and supplications, sent
+her back to her kindred _with an insulting message_.
+
+It was a sad day when she returned to the paternal roof in Timbo. Her
+resistance was regarded by the dropsical despot as rebellious
+disobedience to father and brother; and, as neither authority nor love
+would induce the outlaw to repent, her barbarous parent condemned her
+to be "_a slave to Christians_."
+
+Her story ended, I consoled the poor maiden with every assurance of
+protection and comfort; for, now that the excitement of sale and
+journey was over, her nerves gave way, and she sank on her mat,
+completely exhausted. I commended her to the safeguard of my landlord
+and the especial kindness of his women. Esther, too, stole up at night
+to comfort the sufferer with her fondling tenderness, for she could
+not speak the Fullah language;--and in a week, I had the damsel in
+capital condition ready for a daring enterprise that was to seal her
+fate.
+
+When the Spanish slaver, whose cargo I had just completed, was ready
+for sea, I begged her captain to aid me in the shipment of "_a
+princess_" who had been consigned to my wardship by her royal
+relations in the interior, but whom I dared not put on board his
+vessel _until she was beyond the Rio Pongo's bar_. The officer
+assented; and when the last boat-load of slaves was despatched from my
+_barracoon_, he lifted his anchor and floated down the stream till he
+got beyond the furthest breakers. Here, with sails loosely furled, and
+every thing ready for instant departure, he again laid to, awaiting
+the royal _bonne-bouche_.
+
+In the mean time, I hurried Beeljie with her friends and Fullah jailer
+to the beach, so that when the slaver threw his sails aback and
+brought his vessel to the wind, I lost not a moment in putting the
+girl in a canoe, with five Kroomen to carry her through the boiling
+surf.
+
+"Allah be praised!" sighed the Fullah, as the boat shot ahead into the
+sea; while the girls of the harem fell on the sand with wails of
+sorrow. The Kroomen, with their usual skill, drove the buoyant skiff
+swiftly towards the slaver; but, as they approached the breakers south
+of the bar, a heavy roller struck it on the side, and instantly, its
+freight was struggling in the surge.
+
+In a twinkling, the Fullah was on the earth, his face buried in the
+sand; the girls screamed and tore their garments; Ali-Ninpha's wife
+clung to me with the grasp of despair; while I, stamping with rage,
+cursed the barbarity of the maiden's parent, whose sentence had
+brought her to this wretched fate.
+
+I kicked the howling hypocrite beneath me, and bade him hasten with
+the news to Timbo, and tell the wicked patriarch that the Prophet
+himself had destroyed the life of his wretched child, sooner than
+suffer 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 group
+slowly 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 in
+Timbo when the Fullah returned with the tragic story. In fact, such
+was the distracted excitement both on the sea-shore and in the
+settlement, that none of my companions had eyes to observe an episode
+of 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 a
+smooth river and the angriest wave. They would as willingly be upset
+in the surf as stumble against a rock. I took advantage of this
+amphibious nature, to station a light canoe immediately on the edge of
+the breakers, and to order the daring swimmers it contained to grasp
+the girl the moment her canoe was _purposely upset_! I promised the
+divers a liberal reward if they lodged her in their boat, or swam with
+her to the nearest point of the opposite beach; and so well did they
+perform their secret task, that when they drew ashore her fainting
+body, it was promptly received by a trusty Bager, who was in waiting
+on the beach. Before the girl recovered her senses she was safely
+afloat in the fisherman's canoe. His home was in a village on the
+coast below; and, perhaps, it still remains a secret to this day, how
+it 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, I
+thought myself entitled to a long _siesta_; but my comfortable desires
+and anticipations were doomed to disappointment. I was suddenly
+stirred from this willing lethargy by a salute of twenty-one guns in
+the offing. Our wonder was almost insupportable as to the character of
+the ceremonious stranger who wasted powder so profusely, while a boy
+was despatched to the top of the look-out tree to ascertain his
+character. He reported a schooner anchored opposite Bangalang,
+sporting a long pendant at the main, and a white ensign at her peak. I
+took it for granted that no man-of-war would _salute_ a native chief,
+and so concluded that it was some pretentious Frenchman, unacquainted
+with the prudent customs of our demure coast.
+
+The conjecture was right. At nightfall Mr. Ormond--whose humor had
+somewhat improved since my return--apprised me that a Gallic slaver
+had arrived to his consignment with a rich cargo, and hoped I would
+join him at breakfast on board, by invitation of the commander.
+
+Next morning, at sunrise, the Mongo and myself met for the first time
+after our rupture with apparent cordiality on the deck of "La
+Perouse," where we were welcomed with all that cordiality of grimace
+for which a half-bred Frenchman is so justly celebrated. Captain
+Brulôt could not speak English, nor could Mr. Ormond express himself
+in French; so we wasted the time till breakfast was served in
+discussing his cargo and prospects, through my interpretation. Fine
+samples of gaudy calicoes, French guns, and superior brandy, were
+exhibited and dwelt on with characteristic eloquence; but the Gaul
+closed his bewitching catalogue with a shout of joy that made the
+cabin ring, as he announced the complement of his cargo to be _five
+hundred doubloons_. The scent of gold has a peculiar charm to African
+slavers, and it will readily be supposed that our appetite for the
+promised _déjeuner_ was not a little stimulated by the Spanish coin.
+As rapidly as we could, we summed up the doubloons and his
+merchandise; and, estimating the entire cargo at about $17,000,
+offered him three hundred and fifty negroes for the lot. The bid was
+no sooner made than accepted. Our private boats were sent ashore in
+search of canoes to discharge the goods, and, with a relish and spirit
+I never saw surpassed, we sat down to a piquant breakfast, spread on
+deck beneath the awning.
+
+I will not attempt to remember the dishes which provoked our appetites
+and teased our thirst. We were happy already on the delightful claret
+that washed down the viands; but, after the substantials were gone,
+coffee was served, and succeeded by half a dozen various cordials, the
+whole being appropriately capped by the foam of champagne.
+
+When the last bumper was quaffed in honor of "La Perouse" and "belle
+France," Captain Brulôt called for his writing-desk; when, at the
+instant, four men sprung up as if by enchantment behind the Mongo and
+myself, and grasping our arms with the gripe of a vice, held us in
+their clutches till the carpenter riveted a shackle on our feet.
+
+The scene passed so rapidly,--the transition from gayety to outrage
+was so sharp and violent, that my bewildered mind cannot now declare
+with certainty, whether mirth or anger prevailed at the clap-trap
+trick of this dramatic _denouement_. I am quite sure, however, that if
+I laughed at first, I very soon swore; for I have a distinct
+recollection of dashing my fist in the poltroon's face before he could
+extemporize an explanation.
+
+When our limbs were perfectly secure, the French scoundrel
+recommenced 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 a
+trifling 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 remember
+that, several years ago, his brother had left some _two hundred
+slaves_ in his hands until called for; and he would also please to
+take the trouble to recollect, that the said slaves had been twice
+sent for, and twice refused. _Monsieur le Mongo_ must know, he
+continued, that there was not much law on the coast of Africa; and
+that, as he had Monsieur le Mongo's promissory note, or due-bill, for
+the negroes, he thought this charming little _ruse_ would be the most
+amiable and practical mode of enforcing it! Did his friend, _le
+Mongo_, intend to honor this draft? It was properly endorsed, he would
+see, in favor of the bearer; and if the _esclaves_ were quickly
+forthcoming, the whole affair would pass off as agreeably and quickly
+as the bubbles from a champagne glass.
+
+By this time Ormond was so perfectly stupefied by drink, as well as
+the atrocity, that he simply burst into a maudlin laugh, when I looked
+at him for an explanation of the charge. _I_, surely, was not
+implicated in it; yet, when I demanded the cause of the assault upon
+_my_ person, in connection with the affair, Brulôt replied, with a
+shrug, 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 a
+factory of my own, it would doubtless be delightful to aid my ancient
+patron in the liquidation of a debt that I knew to be lawful.
+
+It was altogether useless to deny my presence in the factory, or
+knowledge of the transaction, which, in truth, had occurred long
+before my arrival on the Rio Pongo, during the clerkship of my
+predecessor. Still, I insisted on immediate release. An hour flew by
+in useless parley. But the Frenchman was firm, and swore that nothing
+would induce him to liberate either of us without payment of the bill.
+While we were talking, a crowd of canoes was seen shoving off from
+Bangalang, filled with armed men; whereupon the excited Gaul ordered
+his men to quarters, and double-shotted his guns.
+
+As the first boat came within striking distance, a ball was fired
+across her bows, which not only sent back the advance, but made the
+entire fleet tack ship and steer homeward in dismay. Soon after,
+however, I heard the war-drum beating in Bangalang, and could see the
+natives mustering in great numbers along the river banks; yet, what
+could undisciplined savages effect against the skinned teeth of our
+six-pounders? At sunset, however, my clerk came off, with a white
+flag, and the captain allowed him to row alongside to receive our
+orders in his presence. Ormond was not yet in a state to consult as to
+our appropriate means of rescue from the trickster's clutches; so I
+directed the young man to return in the morning with changes of
+raiment; but, in the mean while, to desire the villagers of both
+settlements to refrain from interference in our behalf. An excellent
+meal, with abundance of claret, was served for our entertainment, and,
+on a capital mattress, we passed a night of patient endurance in our
+iron stockings.
+
+At daylight, water and towels were served for our refreshment. After
+coffee and cigars were placed on the board, Brulôt put by his
+sarcasm, and, in an off-hand fashion, demanded whether we had come to
+our senses and intended to pay the debt? My Italian blood was in a
+fever, and I said nothing. Ormond, however,--now entirely sober, and
+who was enjoying a cigar with the habitual _insouciance_ of a
+mulatto,--replied quietly that he could make no promises or
+arrangements whilst confined on board, but if allowed to go ashore,
+he would fulfil his obligation in two or three days. An hour was
+spent by the Frenchman in pondering on the proposal; when it was
+finally agreed that the Mongo should be set at liberty, provided he
+left, as hostages, four of his children and two of the black chiefs
+who visited him in my boat. The compact was sealed by the hoisting of
+a flag under the discharge of a blank cartridge; and, in an hour, the
+pledges were in the cabin, under the eye of a sentry, while the Mongo
+was 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 proposal
+because I thought that Ormond would be better able than myself to find
+the requisite number of slaves at that moment. I ordered my clerk,
+however, to press all the indifferent and useless servants in my
+factory, and to aid the Mongo with every slave at present in my
+_barracoon_.
+
+Before sunset of that day, this young man came aboard with fifty
+negroes from my establishment, and demanded my release. It was
+refused. Next day forty more were despatched by the Mongo; but still
+my liberty was denied. I upbraided the scoundrel with his meanness,
+and bade him look out for the day of retribution. But he snapped his
+fingers at my threat as he exclaimed: "_Cher ami, ce n'est que la
+fortune de guerre!_"
+
+It was a task of difficulty to collect the remaining one hundred and
+ten slaves among factories which had been recently drained by Cuban
+vessels. Many domestic menials escaped to the forest when the story
+became known, as they did not wish to take the place of their betters
+in the "French service."
+
+Thrice had the sun risen and set since I was a prisoner. During all
+the time, my blood tingled for revenge. I was tricked, humbled and
+disgraced. Never did I cease to pray for the arrival of some
+well-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 into
+an 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 and
+spirit-room. Neither was he uncivil or unkind in his general demeanor.
+Indeed, he several times regretted that this was the only means in his
+power "to collect a promissory note on the coast of Africa;" yet, I
+was not Christian enough to sympathize with the sheriff, or to return
+his compliments with any thing but a curse. But, now that a Spaniard
+was within hail, I felt a sudden lifting of the weight that was on my
+heart. I shouted for champagne! The steward brought it with alacrity,
+and poured with trembling hand the bumpers I drained to Saint Jago and
+old Spain. The infection soon spread. They began to believe that a
+rescue 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 the
+foaming liquid, I pledged him to another "within twenty-four hours
+beneath the Spanish flag." The Gaul feigned a sort of hectic hilarity
+as he swallowed the wine and the toast, but he could not stand the
+flash of revenge in my eye and burning cheek, and retired to consult
+with his officers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+
+I slept soundly that night; but the sun was not clear of the forest
+when I hobbled on deck in my shackles, and was searching the seaward
+horizon for my beloved Castilian. Presently the breeze began to
+freshen, and the tall, raking masts of a schooner were seen gliding
+above 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, and
+an anchor was let go within musket shot of my prison, while springs
+were run out to the bushes to give range to her broadside. I saw at
+once, from her manoeuvres, that Ormond had communicated with the
+craft during the night.
+
+Brulôt felt that his day was over. The Spaniard's decks were crowded
+with an alert, armed crew; four charming little bull-dogs showed their
+muzzles from port holes; while a large brass swivel, amidships, gave
+token of its readiness to fight or salute. For a minute or two the
+foiled Frenchman surveyed the scene through his glass; then, throwing
+it over his shoulder, ordered the mate to strike off my "darbies." As
+the officer obeyed, a voice was heard from the Spaniard, commanding a
+boat to be sent aboard, under penalty of a shot if not instantly
+obeyed. The boat was lowered; but who would man her? The chief officer
+refused; the second declined; the French sailors objected; the
+Creoles and mulattoes from St. Thomas went below; so that no one was
+left to fulfil the slaver's order but Brulôt or myself.
+
+"_Bien!_" said my crest-fallen cock, "it's your turn to crow, Don
+Téodore. Fortune seems on your side, and you are again free. Go to the
+devil, if you please, _mon camarade_, and send your imps for the
+slaves 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 hailing
+my deliverer in Spanish, bade him desist. The request was obeyed as I
+threw myself into the yawl, cut the rope, and, alone, sculled the
+skiff to the slaver.
+
+A shout went up from the deck of my deliverer as I jumped aboard and
+received the cordial grasp of her commander. Ali-Ninpha, too, was
+there to greet and defend me with a chosen band of his people. While I
+was absorbed in the joy of welcome and liberation, the African stole
+with his band to the Frenchman's boat, and was rapidly filling it to
+board the foe, when my clerk apprised me of the impending danger. I
+was fortunate enough to control the enraged savage, else I know not
+what might have been the fate of Brulôt and the officers during the
+desertion of his mongrel and cowardly crew.
+
+The captain desired his mates to keep an eye on the Gaul while we
+retired to the cabin for consultation; and here I learned that I was
+on board the "Esperanza," consigned to me from Matanzas. In turn, I
+confirmed the account they had already heard of my mishap from the
+Mongo's messengers; but hoped the Cuban captain would permit me to
+take pacific revenge after my own fashion, inasmuch as my
+captor--barring the irons--had behaved with uncommon civility. I had
+no trouble, of course, in obtaining the commander's assent to this
+request, though he yielded it under the evident displeasure of his
+crew, whose Spanish blood was up against the Frenchman, and would
+willingly have inflicted a signal punishment on this neutral ground.
+
+After these preliminaries, Captain Escudero and myself returned to
+the "La Perouse" with two boat-loads of armed followers, while our
+approach was covered by the cannons and small arms of the "Esperanza."
+Brulôt received us in moody silence on the quarter-deck. His officers
+sat sulkily on a gun to leeward, while two or three French seamen
+walked to and fro on the forecastle.
+
+My first command was to spike the vessel's guns. Next, I decreed and
+superintended the disembarkation of the stolen slaves; and, lastly, I
+concluded the morning call with a request that Brulôt would _produce
+the five hundred doubloons and his "promissory note" for two hundred
+slaves_!
+
+The fatal document, duly indorsed, was quickly delivered, but no
+persuasion or threat induced the angry Gaul to show his gold, or a
+manifest 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 shipped
+in St. Thomas. Of course, their production was imperiously demanded;
+but Brulôt swore they had been landed, with his supercargo, in the
+neighboring Rio Nunez. I was near crediting the story, when a slight
+sneer 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 the
+cash. This demonstrated Brulôt's falsehood, and authorized a demand
+for 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 two
+hundred 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 put
+to considerable trouble in rescuing me from this outlaw, and hoped he
+would suffer his men to be recompensed for their extra toil under the
+rays of an African sun. I would not venture to judge the value of such
+devoted services; but requested him to fix his own price and receive
+payment on the spot.
+
+Escudero very naturally supposed that _about_ two hundred and fifty
+Mexican ounces would compensate him to a fraction, and, accordingly,
+the two hundred and fifty shiners, glistening on the deck, forthwith
+returned to their bag and went overboard into his boat.
+
+"_Adieu! mon cher_," said I, as I followed the gold; "_la fortune de
+guerre_ has many phases, you see; how do you like this one? The next
+game you play on the coast of Africa, my chicken, recollect that
+though a _knave_ can take a trick, yet the _knave may be trumped
+before the hand is played out_!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+
+La Esperanza discharged her cargo rapidly, but, before I was ready to
+send back a living freight, poor Escudero fell a victim to African
+fever.
+
+I had seen much of the country; I had made some money; my clerk was a
+reliable fellow; I was growing somewhat anxious for a change of scene;
+and, in fact, I only wanted a decent excuse to find myself once more
+aboard a "skimmer of the seas," for a little relaxation after the
+oppressive monotony of a slaver's life. Escudero's death seemed to
+offer 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 to
+take charge of the schooner and pay a visit to my friends in Cuba. In
+the mean time, however, a Danish brig arrived for negroes, so that it
+became necessary for me, with my multiplied duties, to bestir myself
+in the collection of slaves.
+
+Whilst I was dining one afternoon at Ormond's factory with the Danish
+captain of the trader, the boom of a gun, followed rapidly by two or
+three more, announced the arrival of another craft. We drank a toast
+to his advent, and were beginning to condole a little over our
+difficulty in procuring blacks, when the look-out ran into our room
+with the report that my Spaniard was firing into the Dane. We rushed
+to the piazza whence the scene of action might be beheld, and another
+shot from my vessel seemed to indicate that she was the aggressor. The
+Dane and myself hurried aboard our respective schooners, but when I
+reached the Esperanza, my crew were weighing anchor, while the
+quarter-deck was strewn with fire-arms. The mate stood on the heel of
+the bowsprit, urging his men to alacrity; the sailors hove at the
+windlass with mingled shouts of passion and oaths of revenge; on a
+mattress lay the bleeding form of my second officer, while a seaman
+groaned beside him with a musket ball in his shoulder.
+
+My arrival was the signal for a pause. As quickly as possible, I
+inquired into the affray, which had originated like many a sailor's
+dispute, on a question of precedence at the watering place in a
+neighboring brook. The Danes were seven, and we but three. Our
+Spaniards had been driven off, and my second mate, in charge of the
+yawl, received a _trenchant_ blow from an oar-blade, which cut his
+skull and felled him senseless on the sand.
+
+Of course, "the watering" was over for the day, and both boats
+returned to their vessels to tell their stories. The moment the Danes
+got on board, they imprudently ran up their ensign; and, as this act
+of apparent defiance occurred just as the Esperanza was receiving the
+lifeless form of her officer, my excited crew discharged a broadside
+in reply to the warlike token. Gun followed gun, and musketry rattled
+against musketry. The Dane miscalculated the range of the guns, and
+his grape fell short of my schooner, while our snarling sixes made sad
+havoc 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 for
+damage. At twenty-four our blood is not so diplomatically pacific as
+in later years, and this second aggression rekindled the lava in my
+Italian veins. There was no longer question of a white flag or a
+parley. In a twinkling, I slipped my cable and ran up the jib and
+mainsail, so as to swing the schooner into a raking position at short
+quarters; and before the Dane could counteract my manoeuvre, I gave
+him a dose of grape and cannister which tore his ensign to ribbons and
+spoiled the looks of his hull materially. My second shot splintered
+the edge of his mast; but while I was making ready for a third, to
+tickle him betwixt wind and water, down tumbled his impertinent
+pendant and the day was won.
+
+For a while there was a dead silence between the warriors. Neither
+hailed nor sent a boat on board of the other. Ormond perceived this
+cessation of hostilities from his piazza at Bangalang, and coming out
+in 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 was
+unadvised of the Mongo's views and temper in regard to the affray, I
+thought it well, before dark, to avoid treachery by quitting the river
+and 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 all
+night long; after which, I went on shore to protect the rear by
+placing my factory in a state of defence.
+
+But my precautions were needless. At daylight the guard brought us
+news of the Dane's departure, and when I descended the river to
+Bangalang, Ormond alleged that the slaver had sailed for Sierra Leone
+to 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 believe
+this story. No vessel, equipped for a slave cargo, would dare to enter
+the imperial colony. Yet the Northman had bitter cause for grief and
+anger. His vessel was seriously harmed by my grape-shot; his carpenter
+was slain during the action; and three of his seaman were lingering
+with desperate wounds. In a few days, however, he returned to the Rio
+Pongo from his airing on the Atlantic, where his wrath had probably
+been somewhat cooled by the sea-breeze. His craft was anchored higher
+up the river than my Spaniard, and thus our crews avoided intercourse
+for the future.
+
+But this was not the case with the captains. The Mongo's table was a
+sort of neutral ground, at which we met with cold salutations but
+without conversation. Ormond and the Dane, however, became exceedingly
+intimate. Indeed, the mulatto appeared to exhibit a degree of
+friendship for the Margaritan I had never seen him bestow on any one
+else. This singularity, together with his well-known insincerity, put
+me on my guard to watch his proceedings with increased caution.
+
+Personal observation is always a safe means of self-assurance; yet I
+have sometimes found it to be "a way of the world,"--not to be
+altogether scorned or disregarded,--to _purchase_ the good will of
+"confidential" persons. Accordingly, I made it "worth the while" of
+Ormond's body-servant to sift the secret of this sudden devotion; and
+in 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 of
+all his spare provisions and the balance of his cargo, had induced the
+Mongo to promise the delivery of his slaves before mine.
+
+Now, Ormond, by a specific contract,--made and paid for before the
+Dane's arrival,--owed me two hundred negroes on account of the
+Esperanza's cargo. The Dane knew this perfectly, but my severe
+chastisement rankled in his heart, and made him seek revenge in the
+most effectual way on the coast of Africa. He was bent upon depriving
+me of one hundred negroes, in the hands of Mr. Ormond.
+
+I said nothing of my discovery, nor did I make any remarks on the
+astonishing love that existed between these Siamese twins; still, I
+kept my eye on Ormond's _barracoon_ until I found his stock had
+gradually augmented to three hundred. Thereupon, I dropped in one
+morning unceremoniously, and, in a gentle voice, told him of his
+treacherous 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, or
+recompense for the damage I had inflicted on the Dane! We did not
+dream of arguing the propriety or impropriety of his conduct; nor did
+I think of upbraiding him with baseness, as I would have done any one
+who had dipped only his finger-tips in fraud. Still, ever and anon, I
+saw a glimmer of former spirit in the wretch, and thought I would
+attempt a counter-mine of interest, which Ormond might probably
+understand and grasp. I resolved, in fact, to _outbid_ the Dane, for I
+thought I possessed a card that could take him. Accordingly, I offered
+to surrender a bond for one hundred slaves he owed me on account of
+the Esperanza; I promised, moreover, one hundred and fifty negroes, to
+be delivered that evening,--and I tendered _Brulôt's promissory note
+for the missing two hundred darkies_,--if he would pledge himself _to
+load 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 without
+delay, and was specially desired _to drop down about fifteen miles
+towards the bar, so as to be off the moment his slaves were under
+hatches_!
+
+For the next six hours there was not a busier bee on the Rio Pongo
+than Don Téodore. My schooner was put in ship-shape for cargo. The
+mate was ordered to have his small arms and cutlasses in perfect
+condition. Our pivot gun was double-loaded with chain-shot. My factory
+was set in order, and written directions given the clerk in
+anticipation of a four months' absence. Ali-Ninpha was put in charge
+of the territorial domain, while my Spaniard was intrusted with the
+merchandise.
+
+It was encouraging to see, in the course of the afternoon, that my
+northern rival had swallowed the bait, for he borrowed a kedge to aid
+him, as he said, in descending the river against the tide, in order to
+"_get a better berth_." He found the trees and air uncomfortable
+sixteen miles from the bar, and wanted to approach it to be "nearer
+the sea-breeze!" The adroitness of his excuse made me laugh in my
+sleeve, as the clumsy trickster shot past me with his sails unbent.
+
+Well,--night came on, with as much darkness as ever robes the star-lit
+skies of Africa when the moon is obscured. My long boat was quickly
+filled with ten men, armed with pistol and cutlass; and in a short
+time, the canoes from Bangalang hove in sight with their sable burden.
+I boarded the first one myself, commanding the rowers to pull for my
+Spaniard. The second was seized by the mate, who followed in my wake.
+The third, fourth, fifth and sixth, shared the same fate in rapid
+succession; so that, in an hour, three hundred and seventy-five
+negroes were, safe beneath the Esperanza's deck. Thereupon, I
+presented the head-man of each canoe a document acknowledging the
+receipt of his slaves, _and wrote an order on the Mongo in favor of
+the Dane, for the full amount of the darkies I had borrowed_!
+
+The land wind sprang up and the tide turned when daylight warned me it
+was time to be off; and, as I passed the Dane snugly at anchor just
+inside the bar, I called all hands to give three cheers, and to wish
+him happiness in the "enjoyment of his sea-breeze."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+
+When the land-breeze died away, it fell entirely calm, and the sea
+continued an unruffled mirror for three days, during which the
+highlands remained in sight, like a faint cloud in the east. The
+glaring sky and the reflecting ocean acted and reacted on each other
+until the air glowed like a furnace. During night a dense fog
+enveloped the vessel with its clammy folds. When the vapor lifted on
+the fourth morning, our look-out announced a sail from the mast-head,
+and every eye was quickly sweeping the landward horizon in search of
+the stranger. Our spies along the beach had reported the coast clear
+of cruisers when I sailed, so that I hardly anticipated danger from
+men-of-war; nevertheless, we held it discreet to avoid intercourse,
+and accordingly, our double-manned sweeps were rigged out to impel us
+slowly towards the open ocean. Presently, the mate went aloft with his
+glass, and, after a deliberate gaze, exclaimed: "It is only the
+Dane,--I see his flag." At this my crew swore they would sooner fight
+than sweep in such a latitude; and, with three cheers, came aft to
+request that I would remain quietly where I was until the Northman
+overhauled us.
+
+We made so little headway with oars that I thought the difference
+trifling, whether we pulled or were becalmed. Perhaps, it might be
+better to keep the hands fresh, if a conflict proved inevitable. I
+passed quickly among the men, with separate inquiries as to their
+readiness for battle, and found all--from the boy to the
+mate--anxious, at every hazard, to do their duty. Our breakfast was as
+cold as could be served in such a climate, but I made it palatable
+with a case of claret.
+
+When a sail on the coast of Africa heaves in sight of _a slaver_, it
+is always best for the imperilled craft, especially if gifted with
+swift hull and spreading wings, to take flight without the courtesies
+that are usual in mercantile sea-life. At the present day, fighting
+is, of course, out of the question, and the valuable prize is
+abandoned by its valueless owners. At all times, however,--and as a
+guard against every risk, whether the cue be to fight or fly,--the
+prudent slaver, as soon as he finds himself in the neighborhood of
+unwholesome canvas, puts out his fire, nails his forecastle, sends his
+negroes 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 next
+stationed at his post, or where he might be most serviceable. The
+cannons were sponged and loaded with care; and, as I desired to
+deceive our new acquaintance, I ran up the Portuguese flag. The calm
+still continued as the day advanced;--indeed, I could not perceive a
+breath of air by our dog-vane, which veered from side to side as the
+schooner rolled slowly on the lazy swell. The stranger did not
+approach, 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 such
+circumstances. Slaves below; a blazing sun above; the boiling sea
+beneath; a withering air around; decks piled with materials of death;
+escape unlikely; a phantom in chase behind; the ocean like an
+unreachable eternity before; uncertainty every where; and, within your
+skull, a feverish mind, harassed by doubt and responsibility, yet
+almost 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 beneath
+the awning, when, seizing a telescope and mounting the rigging, I took
+deliberate aim at the annoyer. He was full seven or eight miles away
+from us, but very soon I saw, or fancied I saw, a row of ports, which
+the Dane had not: then sweeping the horizon a little astern of the
+craft, I distinctly made out three boats, fully manned, making for us
+with ensigns flying.
+
+Anxious to avoid a panic, I descended leisurely, and ordered the
+sweeps to be spread once more in aid of the breeze, which, within the
+last ten minutes, had freshened enough to fan us along about a knot an
+hour. Next, I imparted my discovery to the officers; and, passing once
+more among the men to test their nerves, I said it was likely they
+would have to encounter an angrier customer than the Dane. In fact, I
+frankly told them our antagonist was unquestionably a British cruiser
+of ten or twelve guns, from whose clutches there was no escape, unless
+we repulsed the boats.
+
+I found my crew as confident in the face of augmented risk as they had
+been when we expected the less perilous Dane. Collecting their votes
+for fight or surrender, I learned that all _but two_ were in favor of
+resistance. I had no doubt in regard _to the mates_, in our
+approaching trials.
+
+By this time the breeze had again died away to utter calmness, while
+the air was so still and fervent that our sweltering men almost sank
+at the sweeps. I ordered them in, threw overboard several water-casks
+that encumbered the deck, and hoisted our boat to the stern-davits to
+prevent boarding in that quarter. Things were perfectly ship-shape all
+over the schooner, and I congratulated myself that her power had been
+increased by two twelve pound carronades, the ammunition, and part of
+the crew of a Spanish slaver, abandoned on the bar of Rio Pongo a week
+before my departure. We had in all seven guns, and abundance of
+musketry, pistols and cutlasses, to be wielded and managed by
+thirty-seven hands.
+
+By this time the British boats, impelled by oars alone, approached
+within half a mile, while the breeze sprang up in cat's-paws all round
+the eastern horizon, but without fanning us with a single breath.
+Taking advantage of one of these slants, the cruiser had followed her
+boats, but now, about five miles off, was again as perfectly becalmed
+as _we_ had been all day. Presently, I observed the boats converge
+within the range of my swivel, and lay on their oars as if for
+consultation. I seized this opportunity, while the enemy was huddled
+together, to give him the first welcome; and, slewing the schooner
+round with my sweeps, I sent him a shot from my swivel. But the ball
+passed over their heads, while, with three cheers, they
+separated,--the largest boat making directly for our waist, while the
+others steered to cross our bow and attack our stern.
+
+During the chase my weapons, with the exception of the pivot gun, were
+altogether useless, but I kept a couple of sweeps ahead and a couple
+astern to play the schooner, and employed that loud-tongued instrument
+as the foe approached. The larger boat, bearing a small carronade, was
+my best target, yet we contrived to miss each other completely until
+my sixth discharge, when a double-headed shot raked the whole bank of
+starboard oar-blades, and disabled the rowers by the severe
+concussion. This paralyzed the launch's advance, and allowed me to
+devote my exclusive attention to the other boats; yet, before I could
+bring the schooner in a suitable position, a signal summoned the
+assailants aboard the cruiser to repair damages. I did not reflect
+until this moment of reprieve, that, early in the day, I had hoisted
+the Portuguese ensign _to deceive the Dane_, and imprudently left it
+aloft in the presence of _John Bull_! I struck the false flag at once,
+unfurled the Spanish, and refreshing the men with a double allowance
+of grog and grub, put them again to the sweeps. When the cruisers
+reached their vessels, the men instantly re-embarked, while the boats
+were allowed to swing alongside, which convinced me that the assault
+would be renewed as soon as the rum and roast-beef of Old England had
+strengthened the heart of the adversary. Accordingly, noon had not
+long passed when our pursuers again embarked. Once more they
+approached, divided as before, and again we exchanged ineffectual
+shots. I kept them at bay with grape and musketry until I hear three
+o'clock, when a second signal of retreat was hoisted on the cruiser,
+and answered by exultant _vivas_ from my crew. It grieved me, I
+confess, not to mingle my voice with these shouts, for I was sure that
+the lion retreated to make a better spring, nor was I less
+disheartened when the mate reported that nearly all the ammunition for
+our cannons was exhausted. Seven kegs of powder were still in the
+magazine, though not more than a dozen rounds of grape, cannister, or
+balls, remained in the locker. There was still an abundance of
+cartridges for pistols and musketry, but these were poor defences
+against resolute Englishmen whose blood was up and who would
+unquestionably renew the charge with reinforcements of vigorous men.
+Fore and aft, high and low, we searched for missiles. Musket balls
+were crammed in bags; bolts and nails were packed in cartridge paper;
+slave shackles were formed with rope-yarns into chain-shot; and, in an
+hour, we were once more tolerably prepared to pepper the foe.
+
+When these labors terminated, I turned my attention to the relaxed
+crew, portions of whom refused wine, and began to sulk about the
+decks. As yet only two had been slightly scratched by spent musket
+balls; but so much discontent began to appear among the
+passenger-sailors of the wrecked slaver, that my own hands could with
+difficulty restrain them from revolt. I felt much difficulty in
+determining how to act, but I had no time for deliberation. Violence
+was clearly not my _rôle_, but persuasion was a delicate game in such
+straits among men whom I did not command with the absolute authority
+of a master. I cast my eye over the taffrail, and seeing that the
+British boats were still afar, I followed my first impulse, and
+calling the whole gang to the quarter-deck, tried the effect of
+African palaver and Spanish gold. I spoke of the perils of capture and
+of the folly of surrendering _a slaver_ while there was the slightest
+_hope_ of escape. I painted the unquestionable result of being taken
+after such resistance as had already been made. I drew an accurate
+picture of a tall and dangerous instrument on which piratical
+gentlemen have sometimes been known to terminate their lives; and
+finally, I attempted to improve the rhythm of my oratory by a couple
+of golden ounces to each combatant, and the promise of a slave apiece
+at the end of our _successful_ voyage.
+
+My suspense was terrible, as there,--on the deck of a slaver, amid
+calm, heat, battle, and mutiny, with a volcano of three hundred and
+seventy-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 my
+shoulders, and took half a dozen turns up and down the deck. Then,
+turning to the crowd, I _doubled my bounty_, and offering a boat to
+take the recusants on board the enemy, swore that I would stand by the
+Esperanza with my unaided crew in spite of the _dastards_!
+
+The offensive word with which I closed the harangue seemed to touch
+the right string of the Spanish guitar, and in an instant I saw the
+dogged heads spring up with a jerk of mortified pride, while the
+steward and cabin-boy poured in a fresh supply of wine, and a shout of
+union went up from both divisions. I lost no time in confirming my
+converts; 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 during
+my 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, she
+despatched another squadron of boats under the guidance of the reports
+that boomed through the silent air.
+
+The first division of my old assailants was considerably in advance of
+the reinforcement; and, in perfect order, approached us in a solid
+body, with the apparent determination of boarding on the same side.
+Accordingly, I brought all my weapons and hands to that quarter, and
+told both gunners and musketeers not to fire without orders. Waiting
+their discharge I allowed them to get close; but the commander of the
+launch seemed to anticipate my plan by the reservation of his fire
+till he could draw mine, in order to throw his other boat-loads on
+board under the smoke of his swivel and small arms. It was odd to
+witness our mutual forbearance, nor could I help laughing, even in the
+midst 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 it
+best to give them the contents of my pivot, which I had crammed almost
+to the muzzle with bolts and bullets. The discharge paralyzed the
+advance, while my carronades flung a quantity of grape into the
+companion boats. In turn, however, they plied us so deftly with balls
+from swivels and musketry, that five of our most valuable defenders
+writhed in death on the deck.
+
+The rage of battle at closer quarters than heretofore, and the screams
+of bleeding comrades beneath their feet, roused to its fullest extent
+the ardent nature of my Spanish crew. They tore their garments;
+stripped to their waists; called for rum; and swore they would die
+rather than yield!
+
+By this time the consort's reinforcement was rapidly approaching; and,
+with hurrah after hurrah, the five fresh boats came on in double
+column. As they drew within shot, each cheer was followed with a fatal
+volley, 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, and
+enthusiastic shouts; but in the despairing confusion of the hour, the
+captain of our long gun rammed home his ball before the powder, so
+that when the priming burnt, the most reliable of our weapons was
+silent forever! At this moment a round shot from the launch dismounted
+a 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 at
+short quarters; but the crowded boats tumbled their enraged fighters
+over 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 the
+frenzied passion of despair. Presently an order went forth to split
+the gratings and release the slaves. I clung to my post and cheered
+the battle to the last; but when I heard this fatal command, which, if
+obeyed, might bury assailant and defender in common ruin, I ordered
+the remnant to throw down their arms, while I struck the flag and
+warned the rash and testy Englishman to beware.
+
+The senior officer of the boarding party belonged to the division from
+the cruiser's consort. As he reached the deck, his element eye fell
+sadly on the scene of blood, and he commanded "quarter" immediately.
+It was time. The excited boarders from the repulsed boats had mounted
+our deck brimming with revenge. Every one that opposed was cut down
+without mercy; and in another moment, it is likely I would have joined
+the throng of the departed.
+
+All was over! There was a hushed and panting crowd of victors and
+vanquished on the bloody deck, when the red ball of the setting sun
+glared through a crimson haze and filled the motionless sea with
+liquid fire. For the first time that day I became sensible of personal
+sufferings. A stifling sensation made me gasp for air as I sat down on
+the 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 the
+cruiser's name.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+
+After a brief pause, the commanding officers of both divisions
+demanded my papers, which, while I acknowledged myself _his_ prisoner,
+I yielded to the _senior_ personage who had humanely stopped the
+massacre. I saw that this annoyed the other, whom I had so frequently
+repulsed; yet I thought the act fair as well as agreeable to my
+feelings, for I considered my crew competent to resist the _first
+division successfully_, had it not been succored by the consort's
+boats.
+
+But my decision was not submitted to by the defeated leader without a
+dispute, which was conducted with infinite harshness, until the senior
+ended the quarrel by ordering his junior to tow the prize within reach
+of the corvette * * * *. My boat, though somewhat riddled with balls,
+was lowered, and I was commanded to go on board the captor, with my
+papers and servant under the escort of a midshipman. The captain stood
+at the gangway as I approached, and, seeing my bloody knee, ordered me
+not to climb the ladder, but to be hoisted on deck and sent below for
+the immediate care of my wound. It was hardly more than a severe
+laceration of flesh, yet was quite enough to prevent me from bending
+my knee, though it did not deny locomotion with a stiff leg.
+
+The dressing over,--during which I had quite a pleasant chat with the
+amiable surgeon,--I was summoned to the cabin, where numerous
+questions were put, all of which I answered frankly and _truly_.
+Thirteen of my crew were slain, and nearly all the rest wounded. My
+papers were next inspected, and found to be Spanish. "How was it,
+then," exclaimed the commander, "that you fought under the Portuguese
+flag?"
+
+Here was the question I always expected, and for which I had in vain
+taxed my wit and ingenuity to supply a reasonable excuse! I had
+nothing to say for the daring violation of nationality; so I resolved
+to tell the truth boldly about my dispute with the Dane, and my desire
+to deceive him early in the day, but I cautiously omitted the
+adroitness with which I had deprived him of his darkies. I confessed
+that I forgot the flag when I found I had a different foe from the
+Dane to contend with, and I flattered myself with the hope that, had I
+repulsed the first unaided onset, I would have been able to escape
+with the usual sea-breeze.
+
+The captain looked at me in silence a while, and, in a sorrowful
+voice, asked if I was aware that my defence under the Portuguese
+ensign, no matter what tempted its use, could only be construed as an
+act of _piracy_!
+
+A change of color, an earnest gaze at the floor, compressed lips and
+clenched teeth, were my only replies.
+
+This painful scrutiny took place before the surgeon, whose looks and
+expressions strongly denoted his cordial sympathy with my situation.
+"Yes," said Captain * * * *, "it is a pity for a sailor who fights as
+bravely as you have done, in defence of what he considers his
+property, to be condemned for a combination of mistakes and
+forgetfulness. However, let us not hasten matters; you are hungry and
+want rest, and, though we are navy-men, and on the coast of Africa, we
+are not savages." I was then directed to remain where I was till
+further orders, while my servant came below with an abundant supply of
+provisions. The captain went on deck, but the doctor remained.
+Presently, I saw the surgeon and the commander's steward busy over a
+basket of biscuits, meat and bottles, to the handle of which a cord,
+several yards in length, was carefully knotted. After this was
+arranged, the doctor called for a lamp, and unrolling a chart, asked
+whether I knew the position of the vessel. I replied affirmatively,
+and, at his request, measured the distance, and noted the course to
+the nearest land, which was Cape Verga, about thirty-seven miles off.
+
+"Now, Don Téodore, if I were in your place, with the prospect of a
+noose and tight-rope dancing before me, I have not the slightest
+hesitation in saying that I would make an attempt to know what Cape
+Verga is made of before twenty-four hours were over my head! And see,
+my good fellow, how Providence, accident, or fortune favors you! First
+of all, your own boat _happens_ to be towing astern beneath these very
+cabin windows; secondly, a basket of provisions, water and brandy,
+stands packed on the transom, almost ready to slip into the boat by
+itself; next, your boy is in the neighborhood to help you with the
+skiff; and, finally, it is pitch dark, perfectly calm, and there isn't
+a sentry to be seen aft the cabin door. Now, good night, my clever
+fighter, and let me never have the happiness of seeing your face
+again!"
+
+As he said this, he rose, shaking my hand with the hearty grasp of a
+sailor, and, as he passed my servant, slipped something into his
+pocket, which proved to be a couple of sovereigns. Meanwhile, the
+steward 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 the
+corvette. Presently, I crawled softly to the stern window, and lying
+flat 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 the
+rush of my breath in the profound silence,--I lowered my boy into
+the boat. The basket followed. The negro fastened the boat-hook to
+the cabin window, and on this, lame as I was, I followed the
+basket. Fortunately, not a plash, a crack, or a footfall disturbed
+the silence. I looked aloft, and no one was visible on the
+quarter-deck. A slight jerk brought the boat-rope softly into the
+water, 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 out
+the oars and pulled quietly towards the east. At day-dawn I was
+apparently alone on the ocean.
+
+My appetite had improved so hugely by the night's exercise, that my
+first devotion was to the basket, which I found crammed with bologña
+sausages, 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 no
+doubt inserted to serve as a sail.
+
+The humbled _slaver_ and the _slave_, for the first time in their
+lives, broke bread from the same basket, and drank from the same
+bottle! Misfortune had strangely and suddenly levelled us on the basis
+of common humanity. The day before, he was the most servile of
+menials; to-day he was my equal, and, probably, my superior in certain
+physical 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 as
+I lay extended in the stern-sheets. By noon a breeze sprang up from
+the south-west, so that the oars and table-cloth supplied a square
+sail which wafted us about three miles an hour, while my boy rigged
+an awning with the blankets and boat-hooks. Thus, half reclining, I
+steered landward till midnight, when I took in the sail and lay-to on
+the calm ocean till morning. Next day the breeze again favored us;
+and, by sundown, I came up with the coasting canoe of a friendly
+Mandingo, into which I at once exchanged my quarters, and falling
+asleep, 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 isles
+for ten days during which I despatched a native canoe some thirty five
+or forty miles to the Rio Pongo with news of my disaster, and orders
+for a boat with an equipment of comforts. As my clerk neglected to
+send a suit of clothes, I was obliged to wear the Mandingo habiliments
+till I reached my factory, so that during my transit, this dress
+became the means of an odd encounter. As I entered the Rio Pongo, a
+French brigantine near the bar was the first welcome of civilization
+that cheered my heart for near a fortnight. Passing her closely, I
+drifted alongside, and begged the commander for a bottle of claret. My
+brown skin, African raiment, and savage companions satisfied the
+skipper that I was a native, so that, with a sneer, he, of course,
+became very solicitous to know "where I drank claret _last_?" and
+pointing to the sea, desired me to quench my thirst with brine!
+
+It was rather hard for a suffering Italian to be treated so cavalierly
+by a Gaul; but I thanked the fellow for his civility in such excellent
+French, that his tone instantly changed, and he asked--"_au nom de
+Dieu_, where I had learned the language!" It is likely I would have
+rowed off without detection, had I not just then been recognized by
+one of his officers who visited my factory the year before.
+
+In a moment the captain was in my boat with a bound, and grasping my
+hands with a thousand pardons, insisted I should not ascend the river
+till I had dined with him. He promised a plate of capital soup;--and
+where, I should like to know, is the son of France or Italy who is
+ready to withstand the seduction of such a provocative? Besides this,
+he insisted on dressing me from his scanty wardrobe; but as he
+declined all subsequent remuneration, I confined my bodily improvement
+to a clean shirt and his wiry razors.
+
+While the _bouillon_ was bubbling in the coppers, I got an insight
+into the condition of Rio Pongo concerns since my departure. The Dane
+was off after a quarrel with Ormond, who gave him but a hundred
+negroes for his cargo; and a Spanish brig was waiting my arrival,--for
+the 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 _bouillon
+gras_, while a heaping dish of toasted bread stood in the middle. The
+captain loaded my plate with two slices of this sunburnt material,
+which he deluged with a couple of ladles of savory broth. A long fast
+is a good sauce, and I need not assert that I began _sans façon_. My
+appetite was sharp, and the vapor of the liquid inviting. For a while
+there was a dead silence, save when broken by smacking and relishing
+lips. Spoonful after spoonful was sucked in as rapidly as the heat
+allowed; and, indeed, I hardly took time to bestow a blessing on the
+cook. Being the guest of the day, my plate had been the first one
+served, and of course, was the first one finished. Perhaps I rather
+hurried myself, for lenten diet made me greedy and I was somewhat
+anxious to anticipate the calls of my companions on the tureen.
+Accordingly, I once more ballasted my plate with toast, and, with a
+charming bow and a civil "_s'il vous plait_," applied, like Oliver
+Twist, "for more."
+
+As the captain was helping me to the second ladle, he politely
+demanded whether I was "fond of the thick;" and as I replied in the
+affirmative, he made another dive to the bottom and brought up the
+instrument with a heaping mass in whose centre was a diminutive
+African skull, face upwards, gaping at the guests with an infernal
+grin!
+
+My plate fell from my hand at the tureen's edge. The boiling liquid
+splashed over the table. I stood fascinated by the horrible apparition
+as the captain continued to hold its dreadful bones in view. Presently
+my head swam; a painful oppression weighed at my heart; I was ill;
+and, in a jiffy, the appalling spectre was laid beneath the calm
+waters of the Rio Pongo.
+
+Before sundown I made a speedy retreat from among the _anthropophagi_;
+but all their assurances, oaths, and protestations, could not satisfy
+me that the broth did not owe its substance to something more human
+than an African _baboon_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+
+There was rejoicing that night in Kambia among my people, for it is
+not 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 of
+my capture and misery, the settlement had been keenly astir until it
+was known that Mongo Téodore was safe and sound among his protectors.
+
+I had a deep, refreshing sleep after a glorious bath. Poor Esther
+stole over the palisades of Bangalang to hear the story from my own
+lips; and, in recompense for the narrative, gave me an account of the
+river gossip during my adventure. Next morning, bright and early, I
+was again in my boat, sweeping along towards the "FELIZ" from
+Matanzas, which was anchored within a bowshot of Bangalang. As I
+rounded a point in sight of her, the Spanish flag was run up, and as I
+touched the deck, a dozen cheers and a gun gave token of a gallant
+reception in consequence of my battle with the British, which had been
+magnified into a perfect Trafalgar.
+
+The Feliz was originally consigned to me from Cuba, but in my absence
+from the river her commander thought it best not to intrust so
+important a charge to my clerk, and addressed her to Ormond. When my
+arrival at the Isles _de Loss_ was announced on the river, his
+engagement with the Mongo had neither been entirely completed, nor
+had any cargo been delivered. Accordingly, the skipper at once taxed
+his wit for a contrivance by which he could escape the bargain. In
+Africa such things are sometimes done with ease on small pretexts, so
+that when I reached Kambia my one-hundred-and-forty-ton brig was ready
+for her original consignee.
+
+I found that remittances in money and merchandise covered the value of
+three hundred and fifty slaves, whom I quickly ordered from different
+traders;--but when I applied to the Mongo to furnish his share, the
+gentleman indignantly refused under the affront of his recalled
+assignment. I tried to pacify and persuade him; yet all my efforts
+were unavailing. Still, the results of this denial did not affect the
+Mongo personally and alone. When a factor either declines or is unable
+to procure trade at an African station, the multitude of hangers-on,
+ragamuffins, servants and villagers around him suffer, at least, for a
+time. They cannot understand and are always disgusted when "trade is
+refused." In this case the people of Bangalang seemed peculiarly
+dissatisfied with their Mongo's obstinacy. They accused him of
+indolent disregard of their interests. They charged him with culpable
+neglect. Several free families departed forthwith to Kambia. His
+brothers, who were always material sufferers in such cases, upbraided
+him with arrogant conceit. His women, headed by Fatimah,--who supplied
+herself and her companions with abundant presents out of every fresh
+cargo,--rose in open mutiny, and declared they would run off unless he
+accepted a share of the contract. Fatimah was the orator of the harem
+on this as well as on all other occasions of display or grievance, and
+of course she did not spare poor Ormond. Age and drunkenness had made
+sad inroads on his constitution and looks during the last half year.
+His fretful irritability sometimes amounted almost to madness, when
+thirty female tongues joined in the chorus of their leader's assault.
+They boldly charged him, singly and in pairs, with every vice and
+fault that injured matrimony habitually denounces; and as each item of
+this abusive litany was screamed in his ears, the chorus responded
+with a deep "amen!" They boasted of their infidelities, lauded their
+lovers, and producing their children, with laughs of derision, bade
+him note the astounding resemblance!
+
+The poor Mongo was sorely beset by these African witches, and
+summoned his villagers to subdue the revolt; but many of the
+town-folks were pets of the girls, so that no one came forth to obey
+his bidding.
+
+I visited Ormond at his request on the evening of this rebellion, and
+found him not only smarting with the morning's insult, but so drunk as
+to be incapable of business. His revengeful eye and nervous movements
+denoted a troubled mind. When our hands met, I found the Mongo's cold
+and clammy. I refused wine under a plea of illness; and when, with
+incoherent phrases and distracted gestures, he declared his
+willingness to retract his refusal and accept a share of the Felix's
+cargo, I thought it best to adjourn the discussion until the following
+day. Whilst on the point of embarking, I was joined by the faithless
+servant, whom I bribed to aid me in my affair with the Dane, and was
+told 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 my
+life. That morning, he said, while the women were upbraiding him, my
+name had been mentioned by one with peculiar favor,--when Ormond burst
+forth with a torrent of passion, and accusing me as the cause of all
+his troubles, felled the girl to the earth with his fist.
+
+That night I was roused by my watchman to see a stranger, and found
+Esther at my gate with three of her companions. Their tale was brief.
+Soon after dark, Ormond entered the harem with loaded pistol, in
+search of Fatimah and Esther; but the wretch was so stupefied by
+liquor and rage, that the women had little trouble to elude his grasp
+and escape from Bangalang. Hardly had I bestowed them for the night,
+when another alarm brought the watchman once more to my chamber, with
+the 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 dawn
+found me at Bangalang. There lay the Mongo as he fell. No one
+disturbed his limbs or approached him till I arrived. He never stirred
+after the death-wound.
+
+It seems he must have forgotten that the bottle had been specially
+medicated for me, as it was found nearly drained; but the last thing
+distinctly known of him by the people, was his murderous entrance into
+the harem to despatch Esther and Fatimah. Soon after this the crack of
+a pistol was heard in the garden; and there, stretched among the
+cassava plants, with a loaded pistol grasped in his left, and a
+discharged one at a short distance from his right hand, laid Jack
+Ormond, the mulatto! His left breast was pierced by a ball, the wad of
+which still clung to the bloody orifice.
+
+Bad as this man was, I could not avoid a sigh for his death. He had
+been my first friend in Africa, and I had forfeited his regard through
+no fault of mine. Besides this, there are so few on the coast of
+Africa in these lonely settlements among the mangrove swamps, who have
+tasted European civilization, and can converse like human beings, that
+the loss even of the worst is a dire calamity. Ormond and myself had
+held each other for a long time at a wary distance; yet business
+forced us together now and then, and during the truce, we had many a
+pleasant 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 neighboring
+chiefs and relations send gifts of food and beverage for the orgies of
+death. Messengers had been despatched for Ormond's brothers and
+kinsfolk, so that the native ceremony of interment was postponed till
+the third day; and, in the interval, I was desired to make all the
+preparations in a style befitting the suicide's station. Accordingly,
+I issued the needful orders; directed a deep grave to be dug under a
+noble cotton-wood tree, aloof from the village; gave the body in
+charge to women, who were to watch it until burial, with cries of
+sorrow,--and then retired to Kambia.
+
+On the day of obsequies I came back. At noon a salute was fired by the
+guns of the village, which was answered by minute guns from the Feliz
+and my factory. Seldom have I heard a sadder sound than the boom of
+those cannons through the silent forest and over the waveless water.
+
+Presently, all the neighboring chiefs, princes and kings came in with
+their retainers, when the body was brought out into the shade of a
+grove, so that all might behold it. Then the procession took up its
+line of march, while the thirty wives of the Mongo followed the
+coffin, clad in rags, their heads shaven, their bodies lacerated with
+burning iron, and filling the air with yells and shrieks until the
+senseless clay was laid in the grave.
+
+I could find no English prayer-book or Bible in the village, from
+which I might read the service of his church over Ormond's remains,
+but I had never forgotten the _Ave Maria_ and _Pater Noster_ I learned
+when an infant, and, while I recited them devoutly over the self
+murderer, I could not help thinking they were even more than
+sufficient for the savage surroundings.
+
+The brief prayer was uttered; but it could not be too brief for the
+impatient crowd. Its _amen_ was a signal for _pandemonium_. In a
+twinkling, every foot rushed back to the dwelling in Bangalang. The
+grove was alive with revelry. Stakes and rocks reeked with roasting
+bullocks. Here and there, kettles steamed with boiling rice. Demijohn
+after demijohn of _rum_, was served out. Very soon a sham battle was
+proposed, and parties were formed. The divisions took their grounds;
+and, presently, the scouts appeared, crawling like reptiles on the
+earth till they ascertained each other's position, when the armies
+rallied forth with guns, bows, arrows, or lances, and, after firing,
+shrieking and shouting till they were deaf, retired with captives, and
+the war was done. Then came a reinforcement of rum, and then a dance,
+so that the bewildering revel continued in all its delirium till rum
+and humanity gave out together, and reeled to the earth in drunken
+sleep! Such was the requiem of
+
+    THE MONGO OF BANGALANG!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+
+Slaves dropped in slowly at Kambia and Bangalang, though I still had
+half the cargo of the Feliz to make up. Time was precious, and there
+was no foreigner on the river to aid me. In this strait, I suddenly
+resolved on a foray among the natives on my own account; and equipping
+a couple of my largest canoes with an ample armament, as well as a
+substantial store of provisions and merchandise, I departed for the
+Matacan river, a short stream, unsuitable for vessels of considerable
+draft. I was prepared for the purchase of fifty slaves.
+
+I reached my destination without risk or adventure, but had the
+opportunity of seeing some new phases of Africanism on my arrival.
+Most of the coast negroes are wretchedly degraded by their
+superstitions and _sauvagerie_, and it is best to go among them with
+power to resist as well as presents to purchase. Their towns did not
+vary from the river and bush settlements generally. A house was given
+me for my companions and merchandise; yet such was the curiosity to
+see the "white man," that the luckless mansion swarmed with sable bees
+both inside and out, till I was obliged to send for his majesty to
+relieve my sufferings.
+
+After a proper delay, the king made his appearance in all the
+paraphernalia of African court-dress. A few fathoms of check girded
+his loins, while a blue shirt and red waistcoat were surmounted by a
+dragoon's cap with brass ornaments. His countenance was characteristic
+of Ethiopia and royalty. A narrow forehead retreated rapidly till it
+was lost in the crisp wool, while his eyes were wide apart, and his
+prominent cheek-bones formed the base of an inverted cone, the apex of
+which was his braided beard, coiled up under his chin. When earnest in
+talk, his gestures were mostly made with his head, by straining his
+eyes to the rim of their sockets, stretching his mouth from ear to
+ear, grinning like a baboon, and throwing out his chin horizontally
+with a sudden jerk. Notwithstanding these personal oddities, the
+sovereign was kind, courteous, hospitable, and disposed for trade.
+Accordingly, I "dashed," or presented him and his head-men a few
+pieces of cottons, with some pipes, beads, and looking-glasses, by way
+of 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 of
+equality; but fell to the lot of the stoutest scramblers. As soon as
+the goods were deposited, the various gangs seized my snowy cottons,
+dragging them right and left to their several huts, while they
+shrieked, yelled, disputed, and fought in true African fashion. Some
+lucky dog would now and then leap between two combatants who had
+possession of the ends of a piece, and whirling himself rapidly around
+the middle, slashed the sides with his jack-knife and was off to the
+bush. The pipes, beads, and looking-glasses, were not bestowed more
+tenderly, while the tobacco was grabbed and appropriated by leaves or
+handfuls.
+
+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 were
+brought for sale, who, I am sure, never dreamed at rising from last
+night's sleep, that they were destined for Cuban slavery! My
+merchandise revived the memory of peccadilloes that had been long
+forgotten, and sentences that were forgiven. Jealous husbands, when
+they tasted my rum, suddenly remembered their wives' infidelities, and
+sold their better halves for more of the oblivious fluid. In truth I
+was exalted into a magician, unroofing the village, and baring its
+crime and wickedness to the eye of _justice_. Law became profitable,
+and virtue had never reached so high a price! Before night the town
+was in a turmoil, for every man cudgelled his brain for an excuse to
+kidnap his neighbor, so as to share my commerce. As the village was
+too small to supply the entire gang of fifty, I had recourse to the
+neighboring settlements, where my "barkers," or agents, did their work
+in a masterly manner. Traps were adroitly baited with goods to lead
+the unwary into temptation, when the unconscious pilferer was caught
+by his ambushed foe, and an hour served to hurry him to the beach as a
+slave for ever. In fact, five days were sufficient to stamp my image
+permanently on the Matacan settlements, and to associate my memory
+with 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 this
+region, and took advantage of the last day of my detention to inquire
+his whereabouts. The impostor was renowned for his wonderful tricks of
+legerdemain, as well as for cures, necromancy, and fortune-telling.
+The ill came to him by scores; credulous warriors approached him with
+valuable gifts for _fetiches_ against musket balls and arrows; while
+the humbler classes bought his charms against snakes, alligators,
+sharks, evil spirits, or sought his protection for their unborn
+children.
+
+My interpreter had already visited this fellow, and gave such charming
+accounts of his skill, that all my people wanted their fates divined,
+for which I was, of course, obliged to advance merchandise to purchase
+at least a gratified curiosity. When they came back I found every one
+satisfied with his future lot, and so happy was the chief of my
+Kroomen that he danced around his new _fetiche_ of cock's feathers and
+sticks, and snapped his fingers at all the sharks, alligators, and
+swordfish 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, a
+brilliant bandanna, and a lot of tobacco, wherewith I resolved to
+attack the soothsayer's den. My credulity was not involved to the
+expedition, but I was sincerely anxious to comprehend the ingenuity or
+intelligence by which a negro could control the imagination of African
+multitudes.
+
+The wizard chose his abode with skilful and romantic taste. Quitting
+the town by a path which ascended abruptly from the river, the
+traveller was forced to climb the steep by a series of dangerous
+zig-zags among rocks and bushes, until he reached a deep cave in an
+elevated cliff that bent over the stream. As we approached, my
+conductor warned the inmate of our coming by several whoops. When we
+reached the entrance I was directed to halt until the demon announced
+his willingness to receive us. At length, after as much delay as is
+required in the antechamber of a secretary of state, a growl, like the
+cry of a hungry crocodile, gave token of the wizard's coming.
+
+As he emerged from the deep interior, I descried an uncommonly tall
+figure, bearing in his arms a young and living leopard. I could not
+detect a single lineament of his face or figure, for he was covered
+from head to foot in a complete dress of monkey skins, while his face
+was hidden by a grotesque white mask. Behind him groped a delicate
+blind boy.
+
+We seated ourselves on hides along the floor, when, at my bidding, the
+interpreter, unrolling my gifts, announced that I came with full hands
+to his wizardship, for the purpose of learning my fortune.
+
+The impostor had trained his tame leopard to fetch and carry like a
+dog, so that, without a word, the docile beast bore the various
+presents to his master. Every thing was duly measured, examined, or
+balanced in his hands to ascertain its quality and weight. Then,
+placing a bamboo between his lips and the blind boy's ear, he
+whispered the words which the child repeated aloud. First of all, he
+inquired what I wished to know? As one of his follower's boasts was
+the extraordinary power he possessed of speaking various languages, I
+addressed him in Spanish, but as his reply displayed an evident
+ignorance of what I said, I took the liberty to reprimand him sharply
+in his native tongue. He waved me off with an imperious flourish of
+his hand, and ordered me to wait, as he perfectly comprehended my
+Spanish, but the magic power would not suffer him to answer save in
+regular 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, and
+requested a translation of my sentence into Spanish. But this was a
+puzzler; though it required but a moment for him to assure me that a
+foreign language could only be spoken by wizards of his degree _at the
+full of the moon_!
+
+I thought it time to shift the scene to fortune-telling, and begged my
+demon to begin the task by relating the past, in order to confirm my
+belief in his mastery over the future. But the nonsense he uttered was
+so insufferable, that I dropped the curtain with a run, and commanded
+"the hereafter" to appear. This, at least, was more romantic. As
+usual, I was to be immensely rich. I was to become a great prince. I
+was to have a hundred wives; but alas! before six months elapsed, my
+factory would be burnt and I should lose a vessel!
+
+Presently, the interpreter proposed an exhibition of legerdemain, and
+in this I found considerable amusement to make up for the preceding
+buffoonery. He knotted a rope, and untied it with a jerk. He sank a
+knife deep in his throat, and poured in a vessel of water. Other
+deceptions followed this skilful trick, but the cleverest of all was
+the handling of red hot iron, which, after covering his hands with a
+glutinous paste, was touched in the most fearless manner. I have seen
+this trick performed by other natives, and whenever ignited coals or
+ardent metal was used, the hands of the operator were copiously
+anointed with the pasty unguent.
+
+A valedictory growl, and a resumption of the leopard, gave token of
+the wizard's departure, and closed the evening's entertainments.
+
+If the ease with which a man is amused, surprised, or deluded, is a
+fair measure of intellectual grade, I fear that African minds will
+take a very moderate rank in the scale of humanity. The task of
+self-civilization, which resembles the self-filtering of water, has
+done but little for Ethiopia in the ages that have passed
+simultaneously over her people and the progressive races of other
+lands. It remains to be seen what the _infused_ civilization of
+Christianity and Islamism will effect among these benighted nations.
+JESUS, MAHOMET, and the FETICHE, will, perhaps, long continue to be
+their types of distinctive separation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+
+The Esperanza's capture made it absolutely necessary that I should
+visit Cuba, so that, when the Feliz was preparing to depart, I began
+to put my factory and affairs in such order as would enable me to
+embark in her and leave me master of myself for a considerable time. I
+may as well record the fact here that the unlucky Esperanza was sent
+to 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 galleys
+for five years. I understand they were subsequently released by the
+clemency of Don Pedro de Braganza when he arrived from Brazil.
+
+Every thing was ready for our departure. My rice was stored and about
+to be sent on board; when, about three o'clock in the morning of the
+25th of May, 1828, the voice of my servant roused me from pleasant
+dreams, to fly for life! I sprang from the cot with a bound to the
+door, where the flickering of a bright flame, reflected through the
+thick, misty air, gave token of fire. The roof of my house was in a
+blaze, and one hundred and fifty kegs of powder were close at hand
+beneath a thatch! They could not be removed, and a single spark from
+the frail and tinder-like materials might send the whole in an instant
+to the skies.
+
+A rapid discharge from a double-barrelled gun brought my people to
+the spot with alacrity, and enabled me to rescue the two hundred and
+twenty slaves stowed in the _barracoon_, and march them to a
+neighboring wood, where they would be secure under a guard. In my
+haste to rescue the slaves I forgot to warn my body-servant of his
+peril from the powder. The faithful boy made several trips to the
+dwelling to save my personal effects, and after removing every thing
+he had strength to carry, returned to unchain the bloodhound that
+always slept beside my couch in Africa. But the dog was as ignorant of
+his danger as the youth. _He knew no friend but myself_, and tearing
+the 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 shook
+the earth, _and the prediction of the Matacan wizard was
+accomplished_! Not even the red coals of my dwelling smouldered on the
+earth. Every thing was swept as by the breath of a whirlwind. My
+terrified boy, bleeding at nose and ears, was rescued from the ruins
+of a shallow well in which he fortunately fell. The bamboo sheds,
+barracoons, and hovels,--the _adobe_ dwelling and the comfortable
+garden--could all spring up again in a short time, as if by
+enchantment,--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 heaviest
+loss I experienced was that of the rice designed for the voyage, which
+I could not replace in consequence of the destruction of my
+merchandise. In my difficulty, I was finally obliged to swap some of
+my two hundred and twenty negroes for the desired commodity, which
+enabled me to despatch the Feliz, though I was, of course, obliged to
+abandon the voyage in her.
+
+My mind was greatly exercised for some time in endeavors to discover
+the origin of this conflagration. The blaze was first observed at the
+top of one of the gable ends, which satisfied Ali-Ninpha as well as
+myself that it was the work of a malicious incendiary. We adopted a
+variety of methods to trace or trap the scoundrel, but our efforts
+were fruitless, until a strange negro exhibited one of my
+double-barrelled guns for sale at a neighboring village, whose chief
+happened to recognize it. When the seller was questioned about his
+possession of the weapon, he alleged that it was purchased from inland
+negroes in a distant town. His replies were so unsatisfactory to the
+inquisitive chief, that he arrested the suspected felon and sent him
+to Kambia.
+
+I had but little remorse in adopting any means in my power to extort a
+confession from the negro, who very soon admitted that my gun was
+stolen by a runner from the wizard of Matacan, who was still hanging
+about the outskirts of our settlement. I offered a liberal reward and
+handsome bribes to get possession of the necromancer himself, but such
+was the superstitious awe surrounding his haunt, that no one dared
+venture to seize him in his sanctuary, or seduce him within reach of
+my revenge. This, however, was not the case in regard to his emissary.
+I was soon in possession of the actual thief, and had little
+difficulty in securing his execution on the ruins he had made. Before
+we launched him into eternity, I obtained his confession after an
+obstinate resistance, and found with considerable pain that a brother
+of Ormond, the suicide, was a principal mover in the affair. The last
+words of the Mongo had been reported to this fellow as an injunction
+of revenge against me, and he very soon learned from personal
+experience that Kambia was a serious rival, if not antagonist, to
+Bangalang. 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 position
+to pay him back at the moment, yet I made a vow to give the new Mongo
+a free passage in irons to Cuba before many moons. But this, like
+other rash promises, I never kept.
+
+Sad as was the wreck of my property, the conflagration was fraught
+with a misfortune that affected my heart far more deeply than the loss
+of merchandise. Ever since the day of my landing at Ormond's factory,
+a gentle form had flitted like a fairy among my fortunes, and always
+as the minister of kindness and hope. Skilled in the ways of her
+double blood, she was my discreet counsellor in many a peril; and,
+tender as a well-bred dame of civilized lands, she was ever disposed
+to promote my happiness by disinterested offices. But, when we came
+to number the survivors of the ruin, ESTHER was nowhere to be found,
+nor could I ever trace, among the scattered fragments, the slightest
+relic of the Pariah's form!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Of course, I had very little beside my domestics to leave in charge of
+any one at Kambia, and intrusting them to the care of Ali-Ninpha, I
+went in my launch to Sierra Leone, where I purchased a schooner that
+had 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 were
+somewhat like playing a hand,--taking the tricks, reshuffling the same
+cards, and dealing again to take more tricks! Accordingly, I fitted
+the schooner to receive a cargo of negroes immediately on quitting
+port. 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 British
+colony, when the mate fell into chat with a clever lad, who was
+hanging lazily over the helm. They spoke of voyages and mishaps, and
+this led the sailor to declare his recent escape from a vessel, then
+in the Rio Nunez, whose mate had poisoned the commander to get
+possession of the craft. She had been fitted, he said, at St. Thomas
+with 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 other
+vessel, while she ventured to the continent _without_ papers.
+
+I have cause to believe that the slave-trade was rarely conducted upon
+the honorable principles between man and man, which, of course, are
+the only security betwixt owners, commanders and consignees whose
+commerce is exclusively contraband. There were men, it is true,
+engaged in it, with whom the "point of honor" was more omnipotent than
+the dread of law in regular trade. But innumerable cases have occurred
+in which the spendthrifts who appropriated their owners' property on
+the coast of Africa, availed themselves of such superior force as
+they happened to control, in order to escape detection, or assure a
+favorable reception in the West Indies. In fact, the slaver sometimes
+ripened into something very like a pirate!
+
+In 1828 and 1829, severe engagements took place between Spanish
+slavers and this class of contrabandists. Spaniards would assail
+Portuguese when the occasion was tempting and propitious. Many a
+vessel has been fitted in Cuba for these adventures, and returned to
+port with a living cargo, purchased by cannon-balls and boarding-pikes
+exclusively.
+
+Now, I confess that my notions had become at this epoch somewhat
+relaxed by my traffic on the coast, so that I grew to be no better
+than folks of my cloth. I was fond of excitement; my craft was sadly
+in want of a cargo; and, as the mate narrated the helmsman's story,
+the Quixotic idea naturally got control of my brain that I was
+destined to become the _avenger_ of the poisoned captain. I will not
+say that I was altogether stimulated by the noble spirit of justice;
+for it is quite possible I would never have thought of the dead man
+had not the sailor apprised us that his vessel was half full of
+negroes!
+
+As we drifted slowly by the mouth of my old river, I slipped over the
+bar, and, while I fitted the schooner with a splendid nine-pounder
+amidships, I despatched a spy to the Rio Nunez to report the facts
+about the poisoning, as well as the armament of the unregistered
+slaver. In ten days the runner verified the tale. She was still in the
+stream, with one hundred and eighty-five human beings in her hold, but
+would soon be off with an entire cargo of two hundred and twenty-five.
+
+The time was extraordinarily propitious. Every thing favored my
+enterprise. The number of slaves would exactly fit my schooner. Such a
+windfall could not be neglected; and, on the fourth day, I was
+entering the Rio Nunez under the Portuguese flag, which I unfurled by
+virtue of a pass from Sierra Leone to the Cape de Verd Islands.
+
+I cannot tell whether my spy had been faithless, but when I reached
+Furcaria, I perceived that my game had taken wing from her anchorage.
+Here was a sad disappointment. The schooner drew too much water to
+allow a further ascent, and, moreover, I was unacquainted with the
+river.
+
+As it was important that I should keep aloof from strangers, I
+anchored in a quiet spot, and seizing the first canoe that passed,
+learned, for a small reward, that the object of my search was hidden
+in a bend of the river at the king's town of Kakundy, which I could
+not reach without the pilotage of a certain mulatto, who was alone fit
+for the enterprise.
+
+I knew this half-breed as soon as his person was described, but I had
+little hope of securing his services, either by fair means or promised
+recompense. He owed me five slaves for dealings that took place
+between 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 my
+presence on the river. Accordingly, I kept my canoemen on the schooner
+by an abundant supply of "bitters," and at midnight landed half a
+dozen, who proceeded to the mulatto's cabin, where he was seized _sans
+ceremonie_. The terror of this ruffian was indescribable when he found
+himself in my presence,--a captive, as he supposed, for the debt of
+flesh. But I soon relieved him, and offered a liberal reward for his
+prompt, secret and safe pilotage, to Kakundy. The mulatto was willing,
+but the stream was too shallow for my keel. He argued the point so
+convincingly, that in half an hour, I relinquished the attempt, and
+resolved 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 kept
+constantly under the lee of my pistols--we fell like vampyres on our
+prey in the darkness.
+
+With a wild hurrah and a blaze of our pistols in the air, we leaped on
+board, driving every soul under hatches without striking a blow!
+Sentries were placed at the cabin door, forecastle and hatchway. The
+cable was slipped, my launch took her in tow, the pilot and myself
+took charge of the helm, and, before daylight, the prize was alongside
+my 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 morning
+to the vacant anchorage, after a night of debauch with the king of
+Kakundy. First of all, he imagined we were regular cruisers, and that
+the captain's death was about to be avenged. But when it was
+discovered 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 blustering
+down the stream, filled with negroes and headed by his majesty. I did
+not wait for a salutation, but, giving the warriors a dose of
+bellicose grape, tripped my anchor, sheeted home my sails, and was off
+like an albatross!
+
+The feat was cleverly achieved; but, since then, I have very often
+been taxed by my conscience with doubts as to its strict morality! The
+African slave-trade produces singular notions of _meum and tuum_ in
+the minds and hearts of those who dwell for any length of time on that
+blighting coast; and it is not unlikely that I was quite as prone to
+the infection as better men, who perished under the malady, while I
+escaped!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+
+It was a sweltering July, and the "rainy season" proved its tremendous
+power by almost incessant deluges. In the breathless calms that held
+me spell-bound on the coast, the rain came down in such torrents that
+I often thought the solid water would bury and submerge our schooner.
+Now and then, a south-wester and the current would fan and drift us
+along; yet the tenth day found us rolling from side to side in the
+longitude of the Cape de Verds.
+
+Day broke with one of its customary squalls and showers. As the cloud
+lifted, my look-out from the cross-trees announced a sail under our
+lee. It was invisible from deck, in the folds of the retreatingmain,
+but, in the dead calm that followed, the distant whistle of a
+boatswain was distinctly audible. Before I could deliberate all my
+doubts were solved by a shot in our mainsail, and the crack of a
+cannon. There could be no question that the unwelcome visitor was a
+man-of-war.
+
+It was fortunate that the breeze sprang up after the lull, and enabled
+us to carry every thing that could be crowded on our spars. We dashed
+away before the freshening wind, like a deer with the unleashed hounds
+pursuing. The slaves were shifted from side to side--forward or
+aft--to aid our sailing. Head-stays were slackened, wedges knocked off
+the masts, and every incumbrance cast from the decks into the sea.
+Now and then, a fruitless shot from his bow-chasers, reminded the
+fugitive that the foe was still on his scent. At last, the cruiser got
+the range of his guns so perfectly, that a well-aimed ball ripped away
+our rail and tore a dangerous splinter from the foremast, three feet
+from deck. It was now perilous to carry a press of sail on the same
+tack with the weakened spar, whereupon I put the schooner about, and,
+to my delight, found we ranged ahead a knot faster on this course than
+the former. The enemy "went about" as quickly as we did, but her balls
+soon fell short of us, and, before noon, we had crawled so nimbly to
+windward, 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, until
+we approached the Antilles. Here, where every thing on a slaver
+assumes the guise of pleasure and relief, I remarked not only the
+sullenness of my crew, but a disposition to disobey or neglect. The
+second mate,--shipped in the Rio Nunez, and who replaced my lost
+officer,--was noticed occasionally in close intercourse with the
+watch, while his deportment indicated dissatisfaction, if not mutiny.
+
+A slaver's life on shore, as well as at sea, makes him wary when
+another would not be circumspect, or even apprehensive. The sight of
+land is commonly the signal for merriment, for a well-behaved cargo is
+invariably released from shackles, and allowed free intercourse
+between the sexes during daytime on deck. Water tanks are thrown open
+for unrestricted use. "The cat" is cast into the sea. Strict
+discipline is relaxed. The day of danger or revolt is considered over,
+and the captain enjoys a new and refreshing life till the hour of
+landing. Sailors, with proverbial generosity, share their biscuits and
+clothing with the blacks. The women, who are generally without
+garments, appear in costume from the wardrobes of tars, petty
+officers, mates, and even captains. Sheets, table-cloths, and spare
+sails, 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 would
+have converted my schooner into a theatre for such a display; but the
+moodiness of my companions was so manifest, that I thought it best to
+meet rebellion half way, by breaking the suspected officer, and
+sending 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 of
+the youngest sailors to my assistance in navigating the schooner. I
+knew 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 felt
+competent to control my vessel. From that moment, I suffered no one to
+approach the quarter-deck nearer than the mainmast.
+
+It was a sweet afternoon when we were floating along the shores of
+Porto Rico, tracking our course upon the chart. Suddenly, one of my
+new assistants approached, with the sociability common among
+Spaniards, and, in a quiet tone, asked whether I would take a
+_cigarillo_. As I never smoked, I rejected the offer with thanks, when
+the youth immediately dropped the twisted paper on my map. In an
+instant, 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 head
+over the stern, so as to open the paper unseen. It disclosed the
+organization of a mutiny, under the lead of the broken mate. Our
+arrival 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 were
+implicated with the villain, and the boatswain, who was ill in the
+slave-hospital, was to share my fate.
+
+My resolution was promptly made. In a few minutes, I had cast a hasty
+glance into the arm-chest, and seen that our weapons were in order.
+Then, mustering ten of the stoutest and cleverest of my negroes on the
+quarter-deck, I took the liberty to invent a little strategic fib, and
+told them, in the Soosoo dialect, that there were bad men on board,
+who wanted to run the schooner ashore among rocks and drown the slaves
+while below. At the same time, I gave each a cutlass from the
+arm-chest, and supplying my trusty whites with a couple of pistols and
+a knife apiece, without saying a word, I seized the ringleader and his
+colleagues! Irons and double-irons secured the party to the mainmast
+or deck, while a drum-head court-martial, composed of the officers,
+and presided over by myself, arraigned and tried the scoundrels in
+much less time than regular boards ordinarily spend in such
+investigations. During the inquiry, we ascertained beyond doubt that
+the death of the mate was due to false play. He had been wilfully
+murdered, as a preliminary to the assault on me, for his colossal
+stature and powerful muscles would have made him a dangerous adversary
+in the seizure of the craft.
+
+There was, perhaps, a touch of the old-fashioned Inquisition in the
+mode of our judicial researches concerning this projected mutiny. We
+proceeded very much by way of "confession," and, whenever the culprit
+manifested reluctance or hesitation, his memory was stimulated by a
+"cat." Accordingly, at the end of the trial, the mutineers were
+already pretty well punished; so that we sentenced the six accomplices
+to receive an additional flagellation, and continue ironed till we
+reached Cuba. But the fate of the ringleader was not decided so
+easily. Some were in favor of dropping him overboard, as he had done
+with the mate; others proposed to set him adrift on a raft, ballasted
+with chains; but I considered both these punishments too cruel,
+notwithstanding his treachery, and kept his head beneath the pistol of
+a sentry till I landed him in shackles on Turtle Island, with three
+days food and abundance of water.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[4] The forecastle and cabin of a slaver are given up to the living
+freight, 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 before
+I got to land, by one of the perils of the sea, for which I blame
+myself that I was not better prepared.
+
+It was the afternoon of a fine day. For some time, I had noticed on
+the horizon a low bank of white cloud, which rapidly spread itself
+over the sky and water, surrounding us with an impenetrable fog. I
+apprehended danger; yet, before I could make the schooner snug to meet
+the squall, a blast--as sudden and loud as a thunderbolt--prostrated
+her nearly on her beam. The shock was so violent and unforeseen, that
+the unrestrained slaves, who were enjoying the fine weather on deck,
+rolled to leeward till they floundered in the sea that inundated the
+scuppers. There was no power in the tiller to "keep her away" before
+the blast, for the rudder was almost out of water; but, fortunately,
+our mainsail burst in shreds from the bolt-ropes, and, relieving us
+from its pressure, allowed the schooner to right under control of the
+helm. The West Indian squall abandoned us as rapidly as it assailed,
+and I was happy to find that our entire loss did not exceed two
+slave-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. It
+became necessary, therefore, that I should exercise a very unusual
+degree of circumspection, not only in landing my human cargo, but in
+selecting a spot from which I might communicate with proper persons. I
+had never been in Cuba, save on the occasion already described, nor
+were 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 a
+leading breeze along the southern coast of Cuba, and as the time
+seemed favorable, I thought I might as well cut the Gordian knot of
+dilemma by landing my cargo in a secluded cove that indented the beach
+about nine miles east of Sant' Iago. If I had been consigned to the
+spot, I could not have been more fortunate in my reception. Some sixty
+yards from the landing I found the comfortable home of a _ranchero_
+who proffered the hospitality usual in such cases, and devoted a
+spacious barn to the reception of my slaves while his family prepared
+an abundant meal.
+
+As soon as the cargo was safe from the grasp of cruisers, I resolved
+to disregard the flagless and paperless craft that bore it safely from
+Africa, and being unacquainted in Sant' Iago, to cross the island
+towards the capital, in search of a consignee. Accordingly I mounted a
+spirited little horse, and with a _montero_ guide, turned my face once
+more towards the "ever faithful city of Havana."
+
+My companion had a thousand questions for "the captain," all of which
+I answered with so much _bonhommie_, that we soon became the best
+friends imaginable, and chatted over all the scandal of Cuba. I
+learned from this man that a cargo had recently been "run" in the
+neighborhood of Matanzas, and that its disposal was most successfully
+managed by a Señor * * *, from Catalonia.
+
+I slapped my thigh and shouted _eureka_! It flashed through my mind to
+trust this man without further inquiry, and I confess that my decision
+was based exclusively upon his _sectional_ nationality. I am partial
+to the Catalans.
+
+Accordingly, I presented myself at the counting-room of my future
+consignee in due time, and "made a clean breast" of the whole
+transaction, disclosing the destitute state of my vessel. In a very
+short period, his Excellency the Captain-General was made aware of my
+arrival and furnished a list of "the Africans,"--by which name the
+Bosal slaves are commonly known in Cuba. Nor was the captain of the
+port neglected. A convenient blank page of his register was inscribed
+with the name of my vessel as having sailed from the port six months
+before, and this was backed by a register and muster-roll, in order to
+secure my unquestionable entry into a harbor.
+
+Before nightfall every thing was in order with Spanish despatch when
+stimulated either by doubloons or the smell of African blood;--and
+twenty-four hours afterwards, I was again at the landing with a suit
+of clothes and blanket for each of my "domestics." The schooner was
+immediately put in charge of a clever pilot, who undertook the formal
+duty and _name_ of her commander, in order to elude the vigilance of
+all the minor officials whose conscience had not been lulled by the
+golden anodyne.
+
+In the meanwhile every attention had been given to the slaves by my
+hospitable _ranchero_. The "head-money" once paid, no body,--civil,
+military, foreign, or Spanish--dared interfere with them. Forty-eight
+hours of rest, ablution, exercise and feeding, served to recruit the
+gang and steady their gait. Nor had the sailors in charge of the party
+omitted the performance of their duty as "_valets_" to the gentlemen
+and "_ladies' maids_" to the females; so that when the march towards
+Sant' 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 finding
+purchasers at retail for the entire venture. The returns were, of
+course, in cash; and so well did the enterprise turn out, that I
+forgot the rebellion of our mutineers, and allowed them to share my
+bounty with the rest of the crew. In fact, so pleased was I with the
+result on inspecting the balance-sheet, that I resolved to divert
+myself with the _dolce far niente_ of Cuban country life for a month
+at least.
+
+But while I was making ready for this delightful repose, a slight
+breeze passed over the calmness of my mirror. I had given, perhaps
+imprudently, but certainly with generous motives, a double pay to my
+men in recompense of their perilous service on the Rio Nunez. With the
+usual recklessness of their craft, they lounged about Havana, boasting
+of their success, while a Frenchman of the party,--who had been
+swindled of his wages at cards,--appealed to his Consul for relief. By
+dint of cross questions the Gallic official extracted the tale of our
+voyage from his countryman, and took advantage of the fellow's
+destitution to make him a witness against a certain Don Téodore Canot,
+who _was alleged to be a native of France_! Besides this, the
+punishment of my mate was exaggerated by the recreant Frenchman into a
+most unjustifiable as well as cruel act.
+
+Of course the story was promptly detailed to the Captain-General, who
+issued an order for my arrest. But I was too wary and flush to be
+caught so easily by the guardian of France's lilies. No person bearing
+my name could be found in the island; and as the schooner had entered
+port with Spanish papers, Spanish crew, and was regularly sold, it
+became manifest to the stupefied Consul that the sailor's "yarn" was
+an entire fabrication. That night a convenient press-gang, in want of
+recruits for the royal marine, seized the braggadocio crew, and as
+there were no witnesses to corroborate the Consul's complaint, it was
+forthwith 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 a
+residence in Cuba for a season, aloof from traders and their
+transactions, might wean me from Africa; but three months had hardly
+elapsed, before I found myself sailing out of the harbor of St. Jago
+de Cuba to take, in Jamaica, a cargo of merchandise for the coast, and
+then to return and refit for slaves in Cuba.
+
+My voyage began with a gale, which for three days swept us along on a
+tolerably good course, but on the night of the third, after snapping
+my mainmast on a lee shore, I was forced to beach the schooner in
+order to save our lives and cargo from destruction. Fortunately, we
+effected our landing with complete success, and at dawn I found my
+gallant little craft a total wreck on an uninhabited key. A large tent
+or pavilion was quickly built from our sails, sweeps, and remaining
+spars, beneath which every thing valuable and undamaged was stored
+before nightfall. Parties were sent forth to reconnoitre, while our
+remaining foremast was unshipped, and planted on the highest part of
+the sandbank with a signal of distress. The scouts returned without
+consolation. Nothing had been seen except a large dog, whose neck was
+encircled with a collar; but as he could not be made to approach by
+kindness, I forbade his execution. Neither smoke nor tobacco freed us
+of the cloudy swarms of mosquitoes that filled the air after sunset,
+and so violent was the irritation of their innumerable stings, that a
+delicate boy among the crew became utterly insane, and was not
+restored till long after his return to Cuba.
+
+Several sad and weary days passed over us on this desolate key, where
+our mode of life brought to my recollection many a similar hour spent
+by me in company with Don Rafael and his companions. Vessel after
+vessel passed the reef, but none took notice of our signal. At last,
+on the tenth day of our imprisonment, a couple of small schooners
+fanned their way in a nonchalant manner towards our island, and
+knowing that we were quite at their mercy, refused our rescue unless
+we assented to the most extravagant terms of compensation. After a
+good deal of chaffering, it was agreed that the salvors should land us
+and our effects at Nassau, New Providence, where the average should be
+determined by the lawful tribunal. The voyage was soon accomplished,
+and our amiable liberators from the mosquitoes of our island prison
+obtained a judicial award of seventy per cent. for their extraordinary
+trouble!
+
+The wreck and the wreckers made so formidable an inroad upon my
+finances, that I was very happy when I reached Cuba once more, to
+accept the berth of sailing-master in a slave brig which was fitting
+out at St. Thomas's, under an experienced Frenchman.
+
+My new craft, the SAN PABLO, was a trim Brazil-built brig, of rather
+more than 300 tons. Her hold contained sixteen twenty-four carronades,
+while her magazine was stocked with abundance of ammunition, and her
+kelson lined, fore and aft, with round shot and grape. Captain * * *,
+who had been described as a Tartar and martinet, received me with much
+affability, and seemed charmed when I told him that I conversed
+fluently not only in French but in English.
+
+I had hardly arrived and begun to take the dimensions of my new
+equipage, when a report ran through the harbor that a Danish cruiser
+was about to touch at the island. Of course, every thing was instantly
+afloat, and in a bustle to be off. Stores and provisions were tumbled
+in pell-mell, tanks were filled with water during the night; and,
+before dawn, fifty-five ragamuffins of all castes, colors, and
+countries, were shipped as crew. By "six bells," with a coasting flag
+at our peak, we were two miles at sea with our main-topsail aback,
+receiving six kegs of specie and several chests of clothing from a
+lugger.
+
+When we were fairly on "blue water" I discovered that our voyage,
+though a slaver's, was not of an ordinary character. On the second
+day, the mariners were provided with two setts of uniform, to be worn
+on Sundays or when called to quarters. Gold-laced caps, blue coats
+with anchor buttons, single epaulettes, and side arms were distributed
+to the officers, while a brief address from the captain on the
+quarter-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 his
+purpose with more security, he had provided the brig with an armament
+sufficient to repel a man-of-war of equal size--(a fancy I never gave
+way to)--and on all occasions, except in presence of a French cruiser,
+he intended to hoist the Bourbon lilies, wear the Bourbon uniform, and
+conduct 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 to
+double salary, certificates of which were handed to me for myself and
+my two subordinates. A memorandum book was then supplied, containing
+minute instructions for each day of the ensuing week, and I was
+specially charged, as second in command, to be cautiously punctual in
+all my duties, and severely just towards my inferiors.
+
+I took some pride in acquitting myself creditably in this new military
+phase of a slaver's life. Very few days sufficed to put the rigging
+and sails in perfect condition; to mount my sixteen guns; to drill the
+men 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 the
+multitude we met, until off the Cape of Good Hope we encountered a
+stranger who was evidently bent upon being sociable. Nevertheless, our
+inhospitable spirit forced us to hold our course unswervingly, till
+from peak and main we saw the white flag and pennant of France
+unfurled to the wind.
+
+Our drum immediately beat to quarters, while the flag chest was
+brought on deck. Presently, the French _transport_ demanded our
+private 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 all
+hazards;--our guns were double-shotted, our matches lighted, our small
+arms distributed. The moment we came within hail, our captain,--who
+claimed precedence of the lieutenant of a transport,--spoke the
+Frenchman; and, for a while, carried on quite an amiable chat in
+Portuguese. At last the stranger requested leave to send his boat
+aboard with letters for the Isle of France; to which we consented with
+the greatest pleasure, though our captain thought it fair to inform
+him that we dared not prudently invite his officers on deck, inasmuch
+as 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 our
+visitor with more dismay or horror. The words were hardly spoken when
+her decks were in a bustle,--her yards braced sharply to the
+wind,--and her prow boiling through the sea, without so much as the
+compliment of a "_bon voyage_!"
+
+Ten days after this _ruse d'esclave_ we anchored at Quillimane, among
+a lot of Portuguese and Brazilian slavers, whose sails were either
+clewed up or unbent as if for a long delay. We fired a salute of
+twenty guns and ran up the French flag. The salvo was quickly
+answered, while our captain, in the full uniform of a naval commander,
+paid his respects to the Governor. Meantime orders were given me to
+remain carefully in charge of the ship; to avoid all intercourse with
+others; 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; but
+especially to get underway and meet the captain at a small beach off
+the port, the instant I saw a certain flag flying from the fort.
+
+I have rarely seen matters conducted more skilfully than they were by
+this daring Gaul. Next morning early the Governor's boat was sent for
+the specie; the fourth day disclosed the signal that called us to the
+beach; the fifth, sixth, and seventh, supplied us with _eight hundred
+negroes_; and, on the ninth, we were underway for our destination.
+
+The success of this enterprise was more remarkable because fourteen
+vessels, waiting cargoes, were at anchor when we arrived, some of
+which had been detained in port over fifteen months. To such a pitch
+had their impatience risen, that the masters made common cause against
+all new-comers, and agreed that each vessel should take its turn for
+supply according to date of arrival. But the astuteness of my veteran
+circumvented all these plans. His anchorage and non-intercourse as _a
+French man-of-war_ lulled every suspicion or intrigue against him, and
+he adroitly took advantage of his kegs of specie to win the heart of
+the authorities and factors who supplied the slaves.
+
+But wit and cleverness are not all in this world. Our captain returned
+in high spirits to his vessel; but we hardly reached the open sea
+before he was prostrated with an ague which refused to yield to
+ordinary remedies, and finally ripened into fever, that deprived him
+of reason. Other dangers thickened around us. We had been several days
+off the Cape of Good Hope, buffeting a series of adverse gales, when
+word was brought me after a night of weary watching, that several
+slaves were ill of small-pox. Of all calamities that occur in the
+voyage of a slaver, this is the most dreaded and unmanageable. The
+news appalled me. Impetuous with anxiety I rushed to the captain, and
+regardless of fever or insanity, disclosed the dreadful fact. He
+stared at me for a minute as if in doubt; then opening his bureau and
+pointing to a long coil of combustible material, said that it
+communicated through the decks with the powder magazine, and ordered
+me to--"_blow up the brig!_"
+
+The master's madness sobered his mate. I lost no time in securing
+both the dangerous implement and its perilous owner, while I called
+the officers into the cabin for inquiry and consultation as to our
+desperate state.
+
+The gale had lasted nine days without intermission, and during all
+this time with so much violence that it was impossible to take off the
+gratings, release the slaves, purify the decks, or rig the wind-sails.
+When the first lull occurred, a thorough inspection of the eight
+hundred was made, and _a death announced_. As life had departed during
+the tempest, a careful inspection of the body was made, and it was
+this that first disclosed the pestilence in our midst. The corpse was
+silently thrown into the sea, and the malady kept secret from crew and
+negroes.
+
+When breakfast was over on that fatal morning, I determined to visit
+the 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 negroes
+infected by the disease. We took counsel as to the use of laudanum in
+ridding ourselves speedily of the sufferers,--a remedy that is seldom
+and secretly used in _desperate_ cases to preserve the living from
+contagion. But it was quickly resolved that it had already gone too
+far, when nine were prostrated, to save the rest by depriving them of
+life. Accordingly, these wretched beings were at once sent to the
+forecastle as a hospital, and given in charge to the vaccinated or
+innoculated as nurses. The hold was then ventilated and limed; yet
+before the gale abated, our sick list was increased to thirty. The
+hospital 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 still
+the gale held on. At last, when the wind and waves had lulled so much
+as to allow the gratings to be removed from our hatches, our
+consternation knew no bounds when we found that nearly all the slaves
+were dead or dying with the distemper. I will not dwell on the scene
+or our sensations. It is a picture that must gape with all its horrors
+before the least vivid imagination. Yet there was no time for languor
+or sentimental sorrow. Twelve of the stoutest survivors were ordered
+to drag out the dead from among the ill, and though they were
+constantly drenched with rum to brutalize them, still we were forced
+to aid the gang by reckless volunteers from our crew, who, arming
+their hands with tarred mittens, flung the foetid masses of
+putrefaction 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 courage
+that became a better cause. At length death was satisfied, but not
+until the eight hundred beings we had shipped in high health had
+dwindled to four hundred and ninety-seven skeletons!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+
+The San Pablo might have been considered entitled to a "clean bill of
+health" by the time she reached the equator. The dead left space,
+food, and water for the living, and very little restraint was imposed
+on the squalid remnant. None were shackled after the outbreak of the
+fatal plague, so that in a short time the survivors began to fatten
+for the market to which they were hastening. But such was not the fate
+of our captain. The fever and delirium had long left him, yet a
+dysenteric tendency,--the result of a former malady,--suddenly
+supervened, and the worthy gentleman rapidly declined. His nerves gave
+way so thoroughly, that from fanciful weakness he lapsed into helpless
+hypochondria. One of his pet ideas was that a copious dose of calomel
+would ensure his restoration to perfect health. Unfortunately,
+however, during the prevalence of the plague, our medicine chest had
+one day been accidentally left exposed, and our mercury was
+abstracted. Still there was no use to attempt calming him with the
+assurance that his _nostrum_ could not be had. The more we argued the
+impossibility of supplying him, the more was he urgent and imperative
+for the sanative mineral.
+
+In this dilemma I ordered a bright look-out to be kept for merchantmen
+from whom I hoped to obtain the desirable drug. At last a sail was
+reported two points under our lee, and as her canvas was both patched
+and dark, I considered her a harmless Briton who might be approached
+with impunity.
+
+It proved to be a brig from Belfast, in Ireland; but when I overhauled
+the skipper and desired him to send a boat on board, he declined the
+invitation and kept his course. A second and third command shared the
+same fate. I was somewhat nettled by this disregard of my flag,
+pennant, and starboard epaulette, and ordering the brig to be run
+alongside, I made her fast to the recusant, and boarded with ten men.
+
+Our reception was, of course, not very amicable, though no show of
+resistance was made by officers or crew. I informed the captain that
+my object in stopping him was entirely one of mercy, and repeated the
+request I had previously made through the speaking trumpet. Still, the
+stubborn Scotchman persisted in denying the medicine, though I offered
+him payment in silver or gold. Thereupon, I commanded the mate to
+produce his log-book, and, under my dictation, to note the visit of
+the San Pablo, my request, and its churlish denial. This being done to
+my satisfaction, I ordered two of my hands to search for the medicine
+chest, which turned out to be a sorry receptacle of stale drugs,
+though fortunately containing an abundance of calomel. I did not
+parley about appropriating a third of the mineral, for which I counted
+five silver dollars on the cabin table. But the metal was no sooner
+exhibited than my Scotchman refused it with disdain. I handed it,
+however, to the mate, and exacted a receipt, which was noted in the
+log-book.
+
+As I put my leg over the taffrail, I tried once more to smooth the
+bristles of the terrier, but a snarl and a snap repaid me for my good
+humor. Nevertheless, I resolved "to heap coals of fire on the head" of
+the ingrate; and, before I cast off our lashings, threw on his deck a
+dozen yams, a bag of frijoles, a barrel of pork, a couple of sacks of
+white Spanish biscuits,--and, with a cheer, bade him adieu.
+
+But there was no balm in calomel for the captain. Scotch physic could
+not save him. He declined day by day; yet the energy of his hard
+nature kept him alive when other men would have sunk, and enabled him
+to command even from his sick bed.
+
+It was always our Sabbath service to drum the men to quarters and
+exercise them with cannons and small arms. One Sunday, after the
+routine was over, the dying man desired to inspect his crew, and was
+carried to the quarter-deck on a mattress. Each sailor marched in
+front of him and was allowed to take his hand; after which he called
+them around in a body, and announced his apprehension that death would
+claim him before our destination was reached. Then, without previously
+apprising 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 officer
+and mariner should be paid the promised bounty, and that the proceeds
+of cargo should be sent to his family in Nantz. But, if it happened
+that we were attacked by a cruiser, and the brig was saved by the risk
+and valor of a defence,--then, he directed that one half the voyage's
+avails should be shared between officers and crew, while one quarter
+was sent to his friends in France, and the other given to me. His
+sailing-master and Cuban consignees were to be the executors of this
+salt water document.
+
+We were now well advanced north-westwardly on our voyage, and in every
+cloud could see a promise of the continuing trade-wind, which was
+shortly to end a luckless voyage. From deck to royal,--from flying-jib
+to ring-tail, every stitch of canvas that would draw was packed and
+crowded on the brig. Vessels were daily seen in numbers, but none
+appeared suspicious till we got far to the westward, when my glass
+detected a cruising schooner, jogging along under easy sail. I ordered
+the helmsman to keep his course; and taughtening sheets, braces, and
+halyards, went into the cabin to receive the final orders of our
+commander.
+
+He received my story with his usual bravery, nor was he startled when
+a boom from the cruiser's gun announced her in chase. He pointed to
+one of his drawers and told me to take out its contents. I handed him
+three flags, which he carefully unrolled, and displayed the ensigns of
+Spain, Denmark, and Portugal, in each of which I found a set of papers
+suitable for the San Pablo. In a feeble voice he desired me to select
+a 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 the
+utmost speed. She outsailed us--two to one. Escape was altogether out
+of the question; yet I resolved to show the inquisitive stranger our
+mettle, by keeping my course, firing a gun, and hoisting my Spanish
+signals at peak and main.
+
+At this time the San Pablo was spinning along finely at the rate of
+about six knots an hour, when a shot from the schooner fell close to
+our stern. In a moment I ordered in studding-sails alow and aloft, and
+as my men had been trained to their duty in man-of-war fashion, I
+hoped to impose on the cruiser by the style and perfection of the
+manoeuvre. Still, however, she kept her way, and, in four hours
+after discovery, was within half gun-shot of the brig.
+
+Hitherto I had not touched my armament, but I selected this moment to
+load under the enemy's eyes, and, at the word of command, to fling
+open the ports and run out my barkers. The act was performed to a
+charm by my well-drilled gunners; yet all our belligerent display had
+not the least effect on the schooner, which still pursued us. At last,
+within hail, her commander leaped on a gun, and ordered me to "heave
+to, 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 of
+my broadside might have sunk or seriously damaged our antagonist, but
+the consequences would have been terrible if he boarded me, which I
+believed to be his aim.
+
+Accordingly, I paid no attention to the threat, but taughtened my
+ropes and surged ahead. Presently, my racing chaser came up _under my
+lee_ within pistol-shot, when a reiterated command to heave to or be
+fired on, was answered for the first time by a faint "_no
+intiendo_,"--"I don't understand you,"--while the man-of-war shot
+ahead 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, carrying
+away her foremast and bowsprit. Such was the stranger's surprise at my
+daring trick that not a musket was fired or boarder stirred, till we
+were clear of the wreck. It was then too late. The loss of my jib-boom
+and a few rope-yarns did not prevent me from cracking on my
+studding-sails, and leaving the lubber to digest his stupid
+_forbearance_!
+
+This adventure was a fitting epitaph for the stormy life of our poor
+commander, who died on the following night, and was buried under a
+choice selection of the flags he had honored with his various
+nationalities. A few days after the blue water had closed over him for
+ever, our cargo was safely ensconced in the _hacienda_ nine miles east
+of St. Jago de Cuba, while the San Pablo was sent adrift and burnt to
+the water's edge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+
+The beneficent disposition of my late commander, though not a regular
+testament, was carried out in Cuba, and put me in possession of twelve
+thousand dollars as my share of the enterprise. Yet my restless spirit
+did not allow me to remain idle. Our successful voyage had secured me
+scores of friends among the Spanish slavers, and I received daily
+applications for a fresh command.
+
+But the plans of my French friend had so bewitched me with a desire
+for imitation, that I declined subordinate posts and aspired to
+ownership. Accordingly, I proposed to the proprietor of a large
+American clipper-brig, that we should fit her on the same system as
+the San Pablo; yet, wishing to surpass my late captain in commercial
+success, I suggested the idea of fighting for our cargo, or, in
+plainer language, of relieving another slaver of her living freight, a
+project which promptly found favor with the owner of "LA CONCHITA."
+The vessel in question originally cost twelve thousand dollars, and I
+proposed 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 again
+at night. As the manoeuvre was a trick of my accomplice, who
+privately gained by the operation, I took no notice of what was
+delivered or taken away.
+
+Finally, all was ready. Forty-five men were shipped, and the Conchita
+cleared. Next day, at daybreak, I was to sail with the land-breeze.
+
+A sailor's last night ashore is proverbial, and none of the customary
+ceremonies were omitted on this occasion. There was a parting supper
+with plenty of champagne; there was a visit to the _café_; a farewell
+call here, another there, and a bumper every where. In fact, till two
+in the morning, I was busy with my adieus; but when I got home at
+last, with a thumping headache, I was met at the door by a note from
+my partner, stating that our vessel was seized, and an order issued
+for 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 accomplice
+was lodged in prison for his fraud, the vessel confiscated, her outfit
+sold, and my purse cropped to the extent of twelve thousand dollars. I
+had barely time to escape before the officers were in my lodgings; and
+I finally saved myself from an acquaintance with the interior of a
+Cuban prison, by taking another name, and playing _ranchero_ among the
+hills for several weeks.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My finances were at low-water mark, when I strolled one fine morning
+into Matanzas, and, after some delay, again obtained command of a
+slaver, through the secret influence of my old and trusty friends. The
+new craft was a dashing schooner, of one hundred and twenty tons,
+fresh from the United States, and intended for Ayudah on the Gold
+Coast. It was calculated that we might bring home at least four
+hundred and fifty slaves, for whose purchase, I was supplied
+plentifully with rum, powder, English muskets, and rich cottons from
+Manchester.
+
+In due time we sailed for the Cape de Verds, the usual "port of
+despatch" on such excursions; and at Praya, exchanged our flag for the
+Portuguese, before we put up our helm for the coast. A British cruiser
+chased us fruitlessly for two days off Sierra Leone, and enabled me
+not only to test the sailing qualities, but to get the _sailing trim_
+of the "Estrella," in perfection. So confident did I become of the
+speed and bottom of my gallant clipper, that I ventured, with a
+leading wind, to chase the first vessel I descried on the horizon, and
+was altogether deceived by the tri-color displayed at her peak.
+Indeed, I could not divine this novel nationality, till the speaking
+trumpet apprised us that the lilies of France had taken triple hues in
+the hands of Louis Philippe! Accordingly, before I squared away for
+Ayudah, I saluted the _royal republican_, by lowering my flag thrice
+to the new divinity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I consigned the Estrella to one of the most remarkable traders that
+ever expanded the African traffic by his genius.
+
+Señor Da Souza,--better known on the coast and interior as
+Cha-cha,--was said to be a native mulatto of Rio Janeiro, whence he
+emigrated to Dahomey, after deserting the arms of his imperial master.
+I do not know how he reached Africa, but it is probable the fugitive
+made part of some slaver's crew, and fled from his vessel, as he had
+previously abandoned the military service in the delicious clime of
+Brazil. His parents were poor, indolent, and careless, so that Cha-cha
+grew up an illiterate, headstrong youth. Yet, when he touched the soil
+of Africa, a new life seemed infused into his veins. For a while, his
+days are said to have been full of misery and trouble, but the
+Brazilian slave-trade happened to receive an extraordinary impetus
+about that period; and, gradually, the adventurous refugee managed to
+profit by his skill in dealing with the natives, or by acting as
+broker among his countrymen. Beginning in the humblest way, he stuck
+to trade with the utmost tenacity till he ripened into an opulent
+factor. The tinge of native blood that dyed his complexion, perhaps
+qualified him peculiarly for this enterprise. He loved the customs of
+the people. He spoke their language with the fluency of a native. He
+won the favor of chief after chief. He strove to be considered a
+perfect African among Africans; though, among whites, he still
+affected 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 regarded
+and protected as a prime favorite by the warlike king of Dahomey.
+Indeed, it is alleged that this noted sovereign formed a sort of
+devilish compact with the Portuguese factor, and supplied him with
+every thing he desired during life, in consideration of inheriting his
+wealth when dead.
+
+But Cha-cha was resolved, while the power of enjoyment was still
+vouchsafed him, that all the pleasures of human life, accessible to
+money, should not be wanting in Ayudah. He built a large and
+commodious dwelling for his residence on a beautiful spot, near the
+site of an abandoned Portuguese fort. He filled his establishment with
+every luxury and comfort that could please the fancy, or gratify the
+body. Wines, food, delicacies and raiment, were brought from Paris,
+London, and Havana. The finest women along the coast were lured to his
+settlement. Billiard tables and gambling halls spread their wiles, or
+afforded distraction for detained navigators. In fine, the mongrel
+Sybarite 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 considerable
+ceremony. An officer preceded him to clear the path; a fool or buffoon
+hopped beside him; a band of native musicians sounded their discordant
+instruments, and a couple of singers screamed, at the top of their
+voices, the most fulsome adulation of the mulatto.
+
+Numbers of vessels were, of course, required to feed this African
+nabob with doubloons and merchandise. Sometimes, commanders from Cuba
+or Brazil would be kept months in his perilous nest, while their craft
+cruised along the coast, in expectation of human cargoes. At such
+seasons, no expedient was left untried for the entertainment and
+pillage of wealthy or trusted idlers. If Cha-cha's board and wines
+made 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 the
+sirens of his harem betrayed a cargo for their favor over cards, a
+convenient fire destroyed the frail warehouse after its merchandise
+was 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 it
+himself,--he became almost irresistible in his _empressement_. Yet I
+declined the invitation with firm politeness, and took up my quarters
+on shore, at the residence of a native _manfuca_, or broker. I was
+warned of his allurements before I left Matanzas, and resolved to keep
+myself and property so clear of his clutches, that our contract would
+either be fulfilled or remain within my control. Thus, by avoiding his
+table, his "hells," and the society of his dissipated sons, I
+maintained my business relations with the slaver, and secured his
+personal respect so effectually, that, at the end of two months, four
+hundred 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 book
+on Dahomey, says that a boy and girl were decapitated and buried with
+him, and that three men were sacrificed on the beach at Whydah. He
+alleges that, although this notorious slaver died in May, the funeral
+honors to his memory were not yet closed in October. "The town," he
+says, "is still in a ferment. Three hundred of the Amazons are daily
+in the square, firing and dancing; bands of Fetiche people parade the
+streets, headed by guinea-fowls, fowls, ducks, goats, pigeons, and
+pigs, on poles, alive, for sacrifice. Much rum is distributed, and all
+night there is shouting, firing and dancing."--_Dahomey and the
+Dahomans_, vol. i, 49.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+
+If I had dreamed that these recollections of my African career would
+ever be made public, it is probable I should have taxed my memory with
+many events and characteristic anecdotes, of interest to those who
+study the progress of mankind, and the singular manifestations of
+human intellect in various portions of Ethiopia.
+
+During my travels on that continent, I always found the negro a
+believer in some superior creative and controlling power, except among
+the marshes at the mouth of the Rio Pongo, where the Bagers, as I
+already stated, imagine that death is total annihilation. The
+Mandingoes and Fullahs have their Islamism and its Koran; the Soosoo
+has his good spirits and bad; another nation has its "pray-men" and
+"book-men," with their special creeds; another relies on the
+omnipotence of _juju_ priests and _fetiche_ worship;[6] some believe
+in the immortality of spirit; while others confide in the absolute
+translation of body. The Mahometan tribes adore the Creator, with an
+infinitude of ablutions, genuflexions, prayers, fasts, and by strictly
+adhering to the laws of the Prophet; while the heathen nations resort
+to their adroit priests, who shield them from the devil by charms of
+various degree, which are exclusively in their gift, and may
+consequently be imposed on the credulous for enormous prices.
+
+At Ayudah I found the natives addicted to a very grovelling species
+of idolatry. It was their belief that the Good as well as the Evil
+spirit existed in living Iguanas. In the home of the _manfuca_, with
+whom I dwelt, several of these animals were constantly fed and
+cherished as _dii penates_, nor was any one allowed to interfere with
+their freedom, or to harm them when they grew insufferably offensive.
+The death of one of these crawling deities is considered a calamity in
+the household, and grief for the reptile becomes as great as for a
+departed parent.
+
+Whilst I tarried at Ayudah, an invitation came from the King of
+Dahomey, soliciting the presence of Cha-cha and his guests at the
+yearly sacrifice of human beings, whose blood is shed not only to
+appease an irritated god but to satiate the appetite of departed
+kings. I regret that I did not accompany the party that was present at
+this dreadful festival. Cha-cha despatched several of the captains who
+were waiting cargoes, under the charge of his own interpreters and the
+royal _manfucas_; and from one of these eye-witnesses, whose curiosity
+was painfully satiated, I received a faithful account of the horrid
+spectacle.
+
+For three days our travellers passed through a populous region, fed
+with abundant repasts prepared in the native villages by Cha-cha's
+cooks, and resting at night in hammocks suspended among the trees. On
+the fourth day the party reached the great capital of Abomey, to which
+the king had come for the bloody festival from his residence at
+Cannah. My friends were comfortably lodged for repose, and next
+morning presented to the sovereign. He was a well-built negro, dressed
+in the petticoat-trowsers of a Turk, with yellow morocco boots, while
+a profusion of silk shawls encircled his shoulders and waist, and a
+lofty _chapeau_, with trailing plumes, surmounted his wool. A vast
+body-guard of _female_ soldiers or amazons, armed with lances and
+muskets, surrounded his majesty. Presently, the _manfucas_ and
+interpreters, crawling abjectly on their hands and knees to the royal
+feet, deposited Cha-cha's tribute and the white men's offering. The
+first consisted of several pieces of crape, silks, and taffeta, with a
+large pitcher and basin of silver; while the latter was a trifling
+gift of twenty muskets and one hundred pieces of blue _dungeree_. The
+present was gracefully accepted, and the donors welcomed to the
+sacrifice, which was delayed on account of the scarcity of victims,
+though orders had been given to storm a neighboring tribe to make up
+three hundred slaves for the festival. In the mean while, a spacious
+house, furnished in European style, and altogether better than the
+ordinary dwellings of Africa, was assigned to the strangers. Liberty
+was also given them to enter wherever they pleased, and take what they
+wished, inasmuch as all his subjects, male and female, were slaves
+whom he placed at the white men's disposal.
+
+The sixth of May was announced as the beginning of the sacrificial
+rites, which were to last five days. Early in the morning, two hundred
+females of the amazonian guard, naked to the waist, but richly
+ornamented with beads and rings at every joint of their oiled and
+glistening limbs, appeared in the area before the king's palace, armed
+with blunt cutlasses. Very soon the sovereign made his appearance,
+when the band of warriors began their manoeuvres, keeping pace, with
+rude but not unmartial skill, to the native drum and flute.
+
+A short distance from the palace, within sight of the square, a fort
+or inclosure, about nine feet high, had been built of _adobe_, and
+surrounded by a pile of tall, prickly briers. Within this barrier,
+secured to stakes, stood fifty captives who were to be immolated at
+the opening of the festival. When the drill of the amazons and the
+royal review were over, there was, for a considerable time, perfect
+silence in the ranks and throughout the vast multitude of spectators.
+Presently, at a signal from the king, one hundred of the women
+departed at a run, brandishing their weapons and yelling their
+war-cry, till, heedless of the thorny barricade, they leaped the
+walls, lacerating their flesh in crossing the prickly impediment. The
+delay was short. Fifty of these female demons, with torn limbs and
+bleeding faces, quickly returned, and offered their howling victims to
+the king. It was now the duty of this personage to begin the sacrifice
+with his royal hand. Calling the female whose impetuous daring had led
+her foremost across the thorns, he took a glittering sword from her
+grasp, and in an instant the head of the first victim fell to the
+dust. The weapon was then returned to the woman, who, handing it to
+the white men, desired them to unite in the brutal deed! The
+strangers, however, not only refused, but, sick at heart, abandoned
+the scene of butchery, which lasted, they understood, till noon, when
+the amazons were dismissed to their barracks, reeking with rum and
+blood.
+
+I have limited the details of this barbarity to the initial cruelties,
+leaving the reader's imagination to fancy the atrocities that followed
+the 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 as
+a 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 the
+storming amazons as they assailed the fort for fresh victims. On the
+sixth the sacrifice was over:--the divinity was appeased, and quiet
+reigned again in the streets of Abomey.
+
+Our travellers were naturally anxious to quit a court where such
+abominations were regarded as national and religious duties; but
+before they departed, his majesty proposed to accord them a parting
+interview. He received the strangers with ceremonious politeness, and
+called their attention to the throne or royal seat upon which he had
+coiled his limbs. The chair is said to have been an heir-loom of at
+least twenty generations. Each leg of the article rests on the skull
+of some native king or chief, and such is the fanatical respect for
+the brutal usages of antiquity, that every three years the people of
+Dahomey are obliged to renew the steadiness of the stool by the fresh
+skulls of some noted princes!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I was not long enough at Ayudah to observe the manners and customs of
+the natives with much care, still, as well as I now remember, there
+was great similarity to the habits of other tribes. The male lords it
+over the weaker sex, and as a man is valued according to the quantity
+of his wives; polygamy, even among civilized residents, is carried to
+a greater excess than elsewhere. Female chastity is not insisted on as
+in the Mandingo and Soosoo districts, but the husband contents himself
+with the seeming continence of his mistresses. Sixty or seventy miles
+south of Ayudah, the adulterous wife of a chief is stabbed in the
+presence of her relations. Here, also, superstition has set up the
+altar of human sacrifice, but the divinity considers the offering of a
+single virgin sufficient for all its requirements.
+
+Some years after my visit to Ayudah, it happened that my traffic
+called me to Lagos at the season of this annual festival, so that I
+became an unwilling witness of the horrid scene.
+
+When the slender crescent of the November moon is first observed, an
+edict goes forth from the king that his _Juju-man_, or high-priest,
+will go his annual round through the town, and during his progress it
+is strictly forbidden for any of his subjects to remain out of doors
+after sunset. Such is the terror with which the priests affect to
+regard the sacred demon, that even the fires are extinguished in their
+houses.
+
+Towards midnight the _Juju-man_ issued from a sacred _gree-gree_ bush
+or grove, the entrance to which is inhibited to all negroes who do not
+belong to the religious brotherhood. The costume of the impostor is
+calculated to inspire his countrymen with fear. He was clad in a
+garment that descended from his waist to his heels like a petticoat or
+skirt, made of long black fur; a cape of the same material was clasped
+round his neck and covered his elbows; a gigantic hood which bristled
+with all the ferocity of a grenadier's cap, covered his head; his
+hands were disguised in tiger's paws, while a frightful mask, with
+sharp nose, thin lips, and white color, concealed his face. He was
+accompanied by ten stout barbarians, dressed and masked like himself,
+each sounding some discordant instrument. Every door, by law, is
+required to be left ajar for the free access of the _Juju_, but as
+soon as the horrid noise is heard approaching from the _tabooed
+grove_, each inhabitant falls to the ground, with eyes in the dust, to
+avoid even a look from the irritated spirit.
+
+A victim is always agreed upon by the priests and the authorities
+before they leave the _gree-gree bush_, yet to instil a greater
+degree of superstitious terror, the frightful _Juju_, as if in doubt,
+promenades the town till daylight, entering a house now and then, and
+sometimes committing a murder or two to augment the panic. At dawn the
+home of the victim,--who, of course, is always the handsomest virgin
+in the settlement,--is reached, and the _Juju_ immediately seizes and
+carries her to a place of concealment. Under pain of death her parents
+and friends are denied the privilege of uttering a complaint, or even
+of lifting their heads from the dust. Next day the unfortunate mother
+must seem ignorant of her daughter's doom, or profess herself proud of
+the _Juju's_ choice. Two days pass without notice of the victim. On
+the third, at the river side, the king meets his fanatical subjects,
+clad in their choicest raiment, and wearing their sweetest smiles. A
+hand of music salutes the sovereign, and suddenly the poor victim, _no
+longer a virgin and perfectly denuded_, is brought forward by a
+wizard, who is to act the part of executioner. The living sacrifice
+moves slowly with measured steps, but is no more to be recognized even
+by her nearest relatives, for face, body, and limbs, are covered
+thickly with chalk. As soon as she halts before the king, her hands
+and feet are bound to a bench near the trunk of a tree. The
+executioner then takes his stand, and with uplifted eyes and arms,
+seems to invoke a blessing on the people, while with a single blow of
+his blade, her head is rolled into the river. The bleeding trunk, laid
+carefully on a mat, is placed beneath a large tree to remain till a
+spirit shall bear it to the land of rest, and at night it is secretly
+removed by the priesthood.
+
+It is gratifying to know that these _Jujus_, who in Africa assume the
+prerogatives of divinity, are only the principals of a religious
+fraternity who from time immemorial have constituted a secret society
+in this part of Ethiopia, for the purpose of sustaining their kings
+and ruling the people through their superstition. By fear and
+fanaticism these brutal priests exact confessions from ignorant
+negroes, which, in due time, are announced to the public as
+divinations of the oracle. The members of the society are the
+depositories of many secrets, tricks, and medical preparations, by
+which they are enabled to paralyze the body as well as affect the mind
+of their victim. The king and his chiefs are generally supreme in this
+brotherhood of heathen superstition, and the purity of the sacrificed
+virgin, in the ceremony just described was unquestionably yielded to
+her brutal prince.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[6] From the Portuguese _feitiço_--witchcraft.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+
+I have always regretted that I left Ayudah on my homeward voyage
+without interpreters to aid in the necessary intercourse with our
+slaves. There was no one on board who understood a word of their
+dialect. Many complaints from the negroes that would have been
+dismissed or satisfactorily adjusted, had we comprehended their
+vivacious tongues and grievances, were passed over in silence or
+hushed with the lash. Indeed, the whip alone was the emblem of La
+Estrella's discipline; and in the end it taught me the saddest of
+lessons.
+
+From the beginning there was manifest discontent among the slaves. I
+endeavored at first to please and accommodate them by a gracious
+manner; but manner alone is not appreciated by untamed Africans. A few
+days after our departure, a slave leaped overboard in a fit of
+passion, and another choked himself during the night. These two
+suicides, in twenty-four hours, caused much uneasiness among the
+officers, and induced me to make every preparation for a revolt.
+
+We had been at sea about three weeks without further disturbance, and
+there was so much merriment among the gangs that were allowed to come
+on deck, that my apprehensions of danger began gradually to wear away.
+Suddenly, however, one fair afternoon, a squall broke forth from an
+almost cloudless sky; and as the boatswain's whistle piped all hands
+to take in sail, a simultaneous rush was made by the confined slaves
+at 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 a
+scythe, 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 with
+his knife before he could drive them below again.
+
+About forty stalwart devils, yelling and grinning with all the savage
+ferocity of their wilderness, were now on deck, armed with staves of
+broken water-casks, or billets of wood, found in the hold. The
+suddenness of this outbreak did not appal me, for, in the dangerous
+life of Africa, a trader must be always admonished and never off his
+guard. The blow that prostrated the first white man was the earliest
+symptom I detected of the revolt; but, in an instant, I had the
+arm-chest open on the quarter-deck, and the mate and steward beside me
+to protect it. Matters, however, did not stand so well forward of the
+mainmast. Four of the hands were disabled by clubs, while the rest
+defended themselves and the wounded as well as they could with
+handspikes, or whatever could suddenly be clutched. I had always
+charged the cook, on such an emergency, to distribute from his coppers
+a liberal supply of scalding water upon the belligerents; and, at the
+first sign of revolt, he endeavored to baptize the heathen with his
+steaming slush. But dinner had been over for some time, so that the
+lukewarm liquid only irritated the savages, one of whom laid the
+unfortunate "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 with
+its flying sails, and the revolt with its raving blacks, we would soon
+be 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 such
+an occasion, so that the first two discharges brought several of the
+rebels to their knees. Still, the unharmed neither fled or ceased
+brandishing their weapons. Two more discharges drove them forward
+amongst the mass of my crew, who had retreated towards the bowsprit;
+but, being reinforced by the boatswain and carpenter, we took command
+of the hatches so effectually, that a dozen additional discharges
+among the ebony legs, drove the refractory to their quarters below.
+
+It was time; for sails, ropes, tacks, sheets, and blocks, were
+flapping, dashing, and rolling about the masts and decks, threatening
+us with imminent danger from the squall. In a short time, every thing
+was made snug, the vessel put on our course, and attention paid to the
+mutineers, 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 descending
+through the hatches. Accordingly, we discharged the women from their
+quarters under a guard on deck, and sent several resolute and
+well-armed hands to remove a couple of boards from the bulk-head, that
+separated the cabin from the hold. When this was accomplished, a party
+entered, on hands and knees, through the aperture, and began to press
+the mutineers forward towards the bulk-head of the forecastle. Still,
+the rebels were hot for fight to the last, and boldly defended
+themselves with their staves against our weapons.
+
+By this time, our lamed cook had rekindled his fires, and the water
+was once more boiling. The hatches were kept open but guarded, and all
+who did not fight were suffered to come singly on deck, where they
+were tied. As only about sixty remained below engaged in conflict, or
+defying my party of sappers and miners, I ordered a number of
+auger-holes to be bored in the deck, as the scoundrels were forced
+forward near the forecastle, when a few buckets of boiling water,
+rained on them through the fresh apertures, brought the majority to
+submission. Still, however, two of the most savage held out against
+water as well as fire. I strove as long as possible to save their
+lives, but their resistance was so prolonged and perilous, that we
+were 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 were
+seriously wounded, while twenty-eight balls and buck-shot were
+extracted, 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 unto
+death.
+
+I could never account for this mutiny, especially as the blacks from
+Ayudah and its neighborhood are distinguished for their humble manners
+and docility. There can be no doubt that the entire gang was not
+united or concerned in the original outbreak, else we should have had
+harder work in subduing them, amid the risk and turmoil of a West
+Indian squall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII.
+
+
+There was very little comfort on board La Estrella, after the
+suppression of this revolt. We lived with a pent-up volcano beneath
+us, and, day and night, we were ceaselessly vigilant. Terror reigned
+supreme, and the lash was its sceptre.
+
+At last, we made land at Porto Rico, and were swiftly passing its
+beautiful shores, when the inspector called my attention to the
+appearance of one of our attendant slaves, whom we had drilled as a
+sort of cabin-boy. He was a gentle, intelligent child, and had won the
+hearts 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 sent
+immediately to the forecastle, free from contact with any one else,
+and left there, cut off from the crew, till I could guard against
+pestilence. It was small-pox!
+
+The boy passed a wretched night of fever and pain, developing the
+malady with all its horrors. It is very likely that I slept as badly
+as the sufferer, for my mind was busy with his _doom_. Daylight found
+me on deck in consultation with our veteran boatswain, whose
+experience in the trade authorized the highest respect for his
+opinion. Hardened as he was, the old man's eyes filled, his lips
+trembled, and his voice was husky, as he whispered the verdict in my
+ear. I guessed it before he said a word; yet I hoped he would have
+counselled against the dread alternative. As we went aft to the
+quarter-deck, all eyes were bent upon us, for every one conjectured
+the 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 each
+one personally. It was true; the child was _alone_ infected!
+
+For half an hour, I trod the deck to and fro restlessly, and caused
+the crew to subject themselves to inspection. But my sailors were as
+healthy as the slaves. There was no symptom that indicated approaching
+danger. I was disappointed again. A single case--a single sign of
+peril in any quarter, would have spared the poison!
+
+That evening, in the stillness of night, a trembling hand stole
+forward to the afflicted boy with a potion that knows no waking. In a
+few hours, all was over. Life and the pestilence were crushed
+together; for a necessary murder had been committed, and the poor
+victim was beneath the blue water!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I am not superstitious, but a voyage attended with such calamities
+could not end happily. Incessant gales and head winds, unusual in this
+season and latitude, beset us so obstinately, that it became doubtful
+whether our food and water would last till we reached Matanzas. To add
+to our risks and misfortunes, a British corvette espied our craft, and
+gave chase off Cape Maize. All day long she dogged us slowly, but, at
+night, I tacked off shore, with the expectation of eluding my pursuer.
+Day-dawn, however, revealed her again on our track, though this time
+we had unfortunately fallen to leeward. Accordingly, I put La Estrella
+directly before the wind, and ran till dark with a fresh breeze, when
+I again dodged the cruiser, and made for the Cuban coast. But the
+Briton seemed to scent my track, for sunrise revealed him once more in
+chase.
+
+The wind lulled that night to a light breeze, yet the red clouds and
+haze in the east betokened a gale from that quarter before meridian. A
+longer pursuit must have given considerable advantage to the enemy, so
+that my best reliance, I calculated, was in making the small harbor
+near St. Jago, now about twenty miles distant, where I had already
+landed two cargoes. The corvette was then full ten miles astern.
+
+My resolution to save the cargo and lose the vessel was promptly
+made;--orders were issued to strike from the slaves the irons they had
+constantly worn since the mutiny; the boats were made ready; and every
+man prepared his bag for a rapid launch.
+
+On dashed the cruiser, foaming at the bows, under the impetus of the
+rising gale, which struck him some time before it reached us. We were
+not more than seven miles apart when the first increased pressure on
+our sails was felt, and every thing was set and braced to give it the
+earliest welcome. Then came the tug and race for the beach, three
+miles ahead. But, under such circumstances, it was hardly to be
+expected that St. George could carry the day. Still, every nerve was
+strained to effect the purpose. Regardless of the gale, reef after
+reef was let out while force pumps moistened his sails; yet nothing
+was gained. Three miles against seven were too much odds;--and, with a
+slight move of the helm, and "letting all fly," as we neared the line
+of 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 one
+was injured, in a twinkling the boats were overboard, crammed with
+women and children, while a stage was rigged from the bows to the
+strand, so that the males, the crew and the luggage were soon in
+charge of my old _haciendado_.
+
+Prompt as we were, we were not sufficiently so for the cruiser. Half
+our cargo was ashore when she backed her topsails off the mouth of the
+little bay, lowered her boats, filled them with boarders, and steered
+towards our craft. The delay of half a mile's row gave us time to
+cling still longer to the wreck, so that, when the boats and corvette
+began to fire, we wished them joy of their bargain over the remnant of
+our least valuable negroes. The rescued blacks are now, in all
+likelihood, citizens of Jamaica; but, under the influence of the gale,
+La Estrella made a very picturesque bonfire, as we saw it that night
+from the _azotéa_ of our landlord's domicile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII.
+
+
+Disastrous as was this enterprise, both on the sea and in the
+counting-house, a couple of months found me on board a splendid
+clipper,--born of the famous waters of the Chesapeake,--delighting in
+the name of "AGUILA DE ORO," or "Golden Eagle," and spinning out of
+the Cape de Verds on a race with a famous West Indian privateer.
+
+The "Montesquieu" was the pride of Jamaica for pluck and sailing, when
+folks of her character were not so unpopular as of late among the
+British Islands; and many a banter passed between her commander and
+myself, while I was unsuccessfully waiting till the governor resolved
+his conscientious difficulties about the _exchange of flags_. At last
+I offered a bet of five hundred dollars against an equal sum; and next
+day a bag with the tempting thousand was tied to the end of my
+mainboom, with an invitation for the boaster to "follow and take." It
+was understood that, once clear of the harbor, the "Aguila" should
+have five minutes' start of the Montesquieu, after which we were to
+crowd sail and begin the race.
+
+The contest was quickly noised throughout the port, and the captains
+smacked their lips over the _déjeuner_ promised by the boaster out of
+the five hundred dollars won from the "Yankee nutshell." Accordingly,
+when all was ready and the breeze favored, the eastern cliffs of the
+Isle were crowded with spectators to witness the regatta.
+
+As we were first at sea and clear of the harbor, we delayed for our
+antagonist; 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 most
+favorable trim and kept her two points free. The Montesquieu did the
+same, but confident of her speed, did not spread all her canvas that
+would draw. The error, however, was soon seen. Our Chesapeake clipper
+crawled off as if her opponent was at anchor; and in a jiffy every
+thing that could be carried was sheeted home and braced to a hair. The
+breeze was steady and strong. Soon the island was cleared entirely;
+and by keeping away another point, I got out of the Aguila her utmost
+capacity as a racer. As she led off, the Montesquieu followed,--but
+glass by glass, and hour by hour, the distance between us increased,
+till at sunset the boaster's hull was below the horizon, and my bag
+taken in as a lawful prize.
+
+I did not return to Praya after this adventure, but keeping on towards
+the coast, in four days entered the Rio Salum, an independent river
+between the French island of Goree and the British possessions on the
+Gambia. No slaver had haunted this stream for many a year, so that I
+was obliged to steer my mosquito pilot-boat full forty miles in the
+interior, through mangroves and forests, till I struck the trading
+ground of "the king."
+
+After three days' parley I had just concluded my bargain with his
+breechless majesty, when a "barker" greeted me with the cheerless
+message that the "Aguila" was surrounded by man-of-war boats! It was
+true; but the mate refused an inspection of his craft _on neutral
+ground_, and the naval folks departed. Nevertheless, a week after,
+when I had just completed my traffic, I was seized by a gang of the
+treacherous king's own people; delivered to the second lieutenant of a
+French corvette--"La Bayonnaise;"--and my lovely little Eagle caged as
+her lawful prey!
+
+I confess I have never been able to understand the legal merits of
+this seizure, so far as the act of the French officers was concerned,
+as no treaty existed between France and Spain for the suppression of
+slavery. The reader will not be surprised to learn, therefore, that
+there was a very loud explosion of wrath among my men when they found
+themselves prisoners; nor was their fury diminished when our whole
+band was forced into a dungeon at Goree, which, for size, gloom, and
+closeness, vied with the celebrated black hole of Calcutta.
+
+For three days were we kept in this filthy receptacle, in a burning
+climate, without communication with friends or inhabitants, and on
+scanty fare, till it suited the local authorities to transfer us to
+San Luis, on the Senegal, in charge of a file of marines, _on board
+our own vessel_!
+
+San Luis is the residence of the governor and the seat of the colonial
+tribunal, and here again we were incarcerated in a military _cachôt_,
+till several merchants who knew me on the Rio Pongo, interfered, and
+had us removed to better quarters in the military hospital. I soon
+learned that there was trouble among the natives. A war had broken out
+among some of the Moorish tribes, some two hundred miles up the
+Senegal, and my Aguila was a godsend to the Frenchmen, who needed just
+such a light craft to guard their returning flotilla with merchandise
+from Gatam. Accordingly, the craft was armed, manned, and despatched
+on this expedition _without waiting the decree of a court as to the
+lawfulness of her seizure_!
+
+Meanwhile, the sisters of charity--those angels of devoted mercy, who
+do not shun even the heats and pestilence of Africa,--made our prison
+life as comfortable as possible; and had we not seen gratings at the
+windows, or met a sentinel when we attempted to go out, we might have
+considered ourselves valetudinarians instead of convicts.
+
+A month oozed slowly away in these headquarters of suffering, before a
+military sergeant apprised us that he had been elevated to the dignity
+of 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 the
+best, had not his superiors often imposed silence on him during the
+argument.
+
+By this time the nimble Aguila had made two most serviceable trips
+under the French officers, and proved so valuable to the Gallic
+government that no one dreamed of recovering her. The colonial
+authorities had two alternatives under the circumstances,--either to
+pay for or condemn her,--and as they knew I would not be willing to
+take the craft again after the destruction of my voyage, the formality
+of a trial was determined to legalize the condemnation. It was
+necessary, however, even in Africa, to show that I had violated the
+territory of the French colony by trading in slaves, and that the
+Aguila had been caught in the act.
+
+I will not attempt a description of the court scene, in which my
+military friend was browbeaten by the prosecutor, the prosecutor by
+the judge, and the judge by myself. After various outrages and
+absurdities, a Mahometan _slave_ was allowed to be sworn as a witness
+against me; whereupon I burst forth with a torrent of argument,
+defence, abuse, and scorn, till a couple of soldiers were called to
+keep 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 men
+were condemned to two, my officers to five, and Don Téodor himself, to
+ten years' confinement in the central prisons of _la belle France_!
+
+Such was the style of colonial justice in the reign of _le roi
+bourgeois_!
+
+My sentence aroused the indignation of many respectable merchants at
+San Luis; and, of course, I did not lack kindly visits in the
+stronghold to which I was reconducted. It was found to be entirely
+useless to attack the sympathy of the tribunal, either to procure a
+rehearing of the cause or mitigation of the judgment. Presently, a
+generous friend introduced _a saw_ suitable to discuss the toughness
+of iron bars, and hinted that on the night when my window gratings
+were severed, a boat might be found waiting to transport me to the
+opposite shore of the river, whence an independent chief would convey
+me on camels to Gambia.
+
+I know not how it was that the government got wind of my projected
+flight, but it certainly did, and we were sent on board a station ship
+lying in the stream. Still my friends did not abandon me. I was
+apprised that a party,--bound on a shooting frolic down the river on
+the first _foggy_ morning,--would visit the commander of the hulk,--a
+noted _bon vivant_,--and while the vessel was surrounded by a crowd of
+boats, I might slip overboard amid the confusion. Under cover of the
+dense mist that shrouds the surface of an African river at dawn, I
+could easily elude even a ball if sent after me, and when I reached
+the shore, a canoe would be ready to convey me to a friendly ship.
+
+The scheme was peculiarly feasible, as the captain happened to be a
+good fellow, and allowed me unlimited liberty about his vessel.
+Accordingly, when the note had been duly digested, I called my
+officers apart, and proposed their participation in my escape. The
+project was fully discussed by the fellows; but the risk of swimming,
+even in a fog, under the muzzles of muskets, was a danger they feared
+encountering. I perceived at once that it would be best to free myself
+entirely from the encumbrance of such chicken-hearted lubbers, so I
+bade them take their own course, but divided three thousand francs in
+government bills among the gang, and presented my gold pocket
+chronometer 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 of
+approaching oars, till five boats, with a sudden rush, dashed
+alongside us with their noisy and clamorous crews.
+
+Just at this very moment a friendly hand passed through my arm, and a
+gentle tone invited me to a quarter-deck promenade. It was our
+captain!
+
+There was, of course, no possibility of declining the proffered
+civility, for during the whole of my detention on board, the commander
+had treated me with the most assiduous politeness.
+
+"_Mon cher Canot_," said he, as soon as we got aft,--"you seem to take
+considerable interest in these visitors of ours, and I wish from the
+bottom of my heart that you could join the sport; _but, unfortunately
+for you, these gentlemen will not effect their purpose_!"
+
+As I did not entirely comprehend,--though I rather guessed,--his
+precise meaning, I made an evasive answer; and, arm in arm I was led
+from the deck to the cabin. When we were perfectly alone, he pointed
+to a seat, and frankly declared that I had been betrayed by a Judas to
+his sergeant of marines! I was taken perfectly aback, as I imagined
+myself almost free, yet the loss of liberty did not paralyze me as
+much as the perfidy of my men. Like a stupid booby, I stood gazing
+with a fixed stare at the captain, when the cabin door burst open, and
+with a shout of joyous merriment the hunters rushed in to greet their
+comrade.
+
+My dress that morning was a very elaborate _negligé_. I had purposely
+omitted coat, braces, stockings and shoes, so that my privateer
+costume of trowsers and shirt was not calculated for the reception of
+strangers. It was natural, therefore, that the first sally of my
+friendly liberators should be directed against my toilette; I parried
+it, however, as adroitly as my temper would allow, by reproaching them
+with 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 the
+entire tale. No man, he said, would have been happier than he, had I
+escaped before the treachery. My friends were entreated not to risk
+further attempts, which might subject me to severe restraints; and my
+base comrades were forthwith summoned to the cabin, where, in presence
+of the merchants, they were forced to disgorge the three thousand
+francs and the chronometer.
+
+"But this," said Captain Z----, "is not to be the end of the
+comedy,--_en avant, messieurs_!" as he led the way to the mess-room,
+where a sumptuous _déjeuner_ was spread for officers and huntsmen, and
+over its fragrant fumes my disappointment was, for a while, forgotten.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV.
+
+
+For fifteen days more the angry captive bit his thumbs on the taffrail
+of the guard-ship, and gazed either at vacancy or the waters of the
+Senegal. At the end of that period, a gunboat transferred our convict
+party to the frigate Flora, whose first lieutenant, to whom I had been
+privately recommended, separated me immediately from my men. The
+scoundrels were kept close prisoners during the whole voyage to
+France, while my lot was made as light as possible, under the severe
+sentence awarded at San Luis.
+
+The passage was short. At Brest, they landed me privately, while my
+men and officers were paraded through the streets at mid-day, under a
+file of _gens d'armes_. I am especially grateful to the commander of
+this frigate, who alleviated my sufferings by his generous demeanor in
+every respect, and whose representations to the government of France
+caused my sentence to be subsequently modified to simple imprisonment.
+
+I have so many pleasant recollections of this voyage as a convict in
+the Flora, that I am loth to recount the following anecdote; yet I
+hardly think it ought to be omitted, for it is characteristic in a
+double aspect. It exhibits at once the chivalric courtesy and the
+coarse boorishness of some classes in the naval service of France, at
+the period I am describing.
+
+On board our frigate there were two Sisters of Charity, who were
+returning to their parent convent in France, after five years of
+colonial self-sacrifice in the pestilential marshes of Africa. These
+noble women lodged in a large state-room, built expressly for their
+use and comfort on the lower battery-deck, and, according to the
+ship's rule, were entitled to mess with the lieutenants in their
+wardroom. It so happened, that among the officers, there was one of
+those vulgar dolts, whose happiness consists in making others as
+uncomfortable as possible, both by bullying manners and lewd
+conversation. He seemed to delight in losing no opportunity to offend
+the ladies while at table, by ridiculing their calling and piety; yet,
+not content with these insults, which the nuns received with silent
+contempt, he grew so bold on one occasion, in the midst of dinner, as
+to burst forth with a song so gross, that it would have disgraced the
+orgies of a _cabaret_. The Sisters instantly arose, and, next morning,
+refused their meals in the wardroom, soliciting the steward to supply
+them a sailor's ration in their cabin, where they might be free from
+dishonor.
+
+But the charitable women were soon missed from mess, and when the
+steward's report brought the dangerous idea of a court-martial before
+the terrified imagination of the vulgarians, a prompt resolve was made
+to implore pardon for the indecent officer, before the frigate's
+captain could learn the outrage. It is needless to add that the
+surgeon--who was appointed ambassador--easily obtained the mercy of
+these 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 strong
+stone lock-up, to which they conducted me in the stern and ugly old
+rendezvous 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 fortified
+towards the land, looked to me like passing through the throat of a
+monster, who was to swallow me for ever. But I had little time for
+observation or reflection on external objects,--my business was with
+_interiors_: and when the polite midshipman with whom I landed bade
+farewell, it was only to transfer me to the _concièrge_ of a prison
+within the royal arsenal. Here I was soon joined by the crew and
+officers. For a while, I rejected their penitence; but a man who is
+suddenly swept from the wild liberty of Africa, and doomed for ten
+years to penitential seclusion, becomes wonderfully forgiving when
+loneliness eats into his heart, and eternal silence makes the sound of
+his own voice almost insupportable. One by one, therefore, was
+restored at least to sociability; so that, when I embraced the
+permission of our keeper to quit my cell, and move about the prison
+bounds, I found myself surrounded by seventy or eighty marines and
+seamen, who were undergoing the penalties of various crimes. The whole
+establishment was under the _surveillance_ of a naval commissary,
+subject to strict regulations. In due time, two spacious rooms were
+assigned for my gang, while the jailer, who turned out to be an
+amphibious scamp,--half sailor, half soldier,--assured us, "on the
+honor of a _vieux militaire_," that his entire jurisdiction should be
+our limits so long as we behaved with propriety.
+
+Next day I descended to take exercise in a broad court-yard, over
+whose lofty walls the fresh blue sky looked temptingly; and was
+diligently chewing the cud of bitter fancies, when a stout elderly
+man, 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 it
+has been his lot to enjoy the accommodations of a French prison, prior
+to the unlucky mischance which gives us the delight of his society!"
+
+"No," said I, sulkily.
+
+"_Encore_," continued the questioner, "will it be disagreeable, if I
+improve this opportunity, by apprising Monsieur _le capitaine_, on
+the part of our companions and comrades, of the regulations of this
+royal institution?"
+
+"By no means," returned I, somewhat softer.
+
+"Then, _mon cher_, the sooner you are initiated into the mysteries of
+the craft the better, and no one will go through the ceremony more
+explicitly, briefly and satisfactorily, than myself--_le Caporal
+Blon_. First of all, _mon brâve_, and most indispensable, as your good
+sense will teach you, it is necessary that every new comer is bound to
+pay his footing among the '_government boarders_;' and as you,
+Monsieur le capitaine, seem to be the honored _chef_ of this charming
+little squadron, I will make bold to thank you for a _Louis d'or_, or
+a _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 regulation
+which no clever chap disregards. We are companions in misery; we sleep
+beneath one roof; we eat out of one kettle;--in fact, _nous sommes
+frères_, 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 eyes
+scrutinizingly into mine, and laying his finger on his lip, brought
+his right hand once more, with a salute, to the oily remnant of a
+military cap.
+
+I was initiated. I gave the required pledge for my party, and, in
+return, was assured that, in any enterprise undertaken for our
+escape,--which seemed to be the great object and concern of every
+body's prison-life,--we should be assisted and protected by our
+fellow-sufferers.
+
+Most of this day was passed in our rooms, and, at dark, after being
+mustered and counted, we were locked up for the night. For some time
+we 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 bad
+bargain.
+
+I soon fell into a pleasant habit of chatting familiarly with old
+Corporal Blon, who was grand chamberlain, or master of ceremonies, to
+our penal household, and turned out to be a good fellow, though a
+frequent offender against "_le coq de France_." Blon drew me to a seat
+in the sunshine, which I enjoyed, after shivering in the cold
+apartments of the prison; and, stepping off among the prisoners, began
+to bring them up for introduction to Don Téodor, separately. First of
+all, I had the honor of receiving Monsieur Laramie, a stout, stanch,
+well-built marine, who professed to be _maître d'armes_ of our "royal
+boarding-house," and tendered his services in teaching me the use of
+rapier and broadsword, at the rate of a _franc_ per week. Next came a
+burly, beef-eating bully, half sailor, half lubber, who approached
+with a swinging gait, and was presented as _frère_ Zouche, teacher of
+single stick, who was also willing to make me skilful in my encounters
+with footpads for a reasonable salary. Then followed a dancing-master,
+a tailor, a violin-teacher, a shoemaker, a letter-writer, a barber, a
+clothes-washer, and various other useful and reputable tradespeople or
+professors, all of whom expressed anxiety to inform my mind, cultivate
+my taste, expedite nay correspondence, delight my ear, and improve my
+appearance, for weekly stipends.
+
+I did not, at first, understand precisely the object of all their
+ceremonious appeals to my purse, but I soon discovered from Corporal
+Blon,--_who desired an early discount of his note_,--that I was looked
+on as a sort of Don Magnifico from Africa, who had saved an immense
+quantity 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, and
+promised to accept their offers when I became a little more familiar
+with my quarters.
+
+After breakfast, I made a tour of the corridors, to see whether the
+representations of my morning courtiers were true; and found the
+shoemakers and tailors busy over toeless boots and patchwork garments.
+One alcove contained the violinist and dancing-master, giving lessons
+to several scapegraces in the _terpsichorean_ art; in another was the
+letter-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 of
+Monsieur Laramie at _quart_ and _tièrce_; in the corridors I came upon
+a string of tables, filled with cigars, snuff, writing-paper, ink,
+pens, wax, wafers, needles and thread; while, in the remotest cell, I
+discovered a pawnbroker and gambling-table. Who can doubt that a real
+Gaul knows how to kill time, when he is unwillingly converted into a
+"government boarder," and transfers the occupations, amusements, and
+vices of life, to the recesses of a prison!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Very soon after my incarceration at Brest, I addressed a memorial to
+the Spanish consul, setting forth the afflictions of twenty-two of his
+master's subjects, and soliciting the interference of our ambassador
+at Paris. We were promptly visited by the consul and an eminent
+lawyer, who asserted his ability to stay proceedings against the
+ratification of our sentence; but, as the Spanish minister never
+thought fit to notice our misfortunes, the efforts of the lawyer and
+the good will of our consul were ineffectual. Three months glided by,
+while I lingered at Brest; yet my heart did not sink with hope
+delayed, for the natural buoyancy of my spirit sustained me, and I
+entered with avidity upon all the schemes and diversions of our
+stronghold.
+
+Blon kept me busy discounting his twenty _sous_ notes, which I
+afterwards always took care to lose to him at cards. Then I patronized
+the dancing-master; took two months' lessons with Laramie and Zouche;
+caused my shoes to be thoroughly mended; had my clothes repaired and
+scoured; and, finally, patronized all the various industries of my
+comrades, to the extent of two hundred francs.
+
+Suddenly, in the midst of these diversions, an order came for our
+immediate transfer to the _civil prison_ of Brest, a gloomy tower in
+the walled _chateau_ of that detestable town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLV.
+
+
+I was taken from one prison to the other in a boat, and once more
+spared the mortification of a parade through the streets, under a
+guard of soldiers.
+
+A receipt was given for the whole squad to the _brigadier_ who
+chaperoned us. My men were summarily distributed by the jailer among
+the cells already filled with common malefactors; but, as the
+appearance of the _officers_ indicated the possession of cash, the
+turnkey offered "_la salle de distinction_" for our use, provided we
+were satisfied with a monthly rent of ten _francs_. I thought the
+French government was bound to find suitable accommodations for an
+involuntary guest, and that it was rather hard to imprison me first,
+and make me pay board afterwards; but, on reflection, I concluded to
+accept the offer, hard as it was, and, accordingly, we took possession
+of a large apartment, with two grated windows looking upon a narrow
+and sombre court-yard.
+
+We had hardly entered the room, when a buxom woman followed with the
+deepest curtseys, and declared herself "most happy to have it in her
+power to supply us with beds and bedding, at ten sous per day." She
+apprised us, moreover, that the daily prison fare consisted of two
+pounds and a half of black bread, with water _à discretion_, but if we
+wished, she might introduce the _vivandière_ of the regiment,
+stationed in the chateau, who would supply our meals twice a day from
+the mess of the petty officers.
+
+My money had not been seriously moth-eaten during our previous
+confinement, so that I did not hesitate to strike a bargain with
+Madame Sorret, and to request that _la vivandière_ might make her
+appearance on the theatre of action as soon as possible. Presently,
+the door opened again, and the dame reappeared accompanied by two
+Spanish women, wives of musicians in the corps, who had heard that
+several of their countrymen had that morning been incarcerated, and
+availed themselves of the earliest chance to visit and succor them.
+
+For the thousandth time I blessed the noble heart that ever beats in
+the breast of a Spanish woman when distress or calamity appeals, and
+at once proceeded to arrange the diet of our future prison life. We
+were to have two meals a day of three dishes, for each of which we
+were to pay fifteen _sous in advance_. The bargain made, we sat down
+on the floor for a chat.
+
+My brace of Catalan visitors had married in this regiment when the
+Duke d'Angoulême marched his troops into Spain; and like faithful
+girls, followed their husbands in all their meanderings about France
+since the regiment's return. As two of my officers were Catalonians by
+birth, a friendship sprang up like wildfire between us, and from that
+hour, these excellent women not only visited us daily, but ran our
+errands, attended to our health, watched us like sisters, and procured
+all those little comforts which the tender soul of the sex can alone
+devise.
+
+I hope that few of my readers have personal knowledge of the treatment
+or fare of civil prisons in the provinces of France during the
+republican era of which I am writing. I think it well to set down a
+record of its barbarity.
+
+As I before said, the _regular ration_ consisted exclusively of black
+bread and water. Nine pounds of straw were allowed weekly to each
+prisoner for his _lair_. Neither blankets nor covering were furnished,
+even in the winter, and as the cells are built without stoves or
+chimneys, the wretched convicts were compelled to huddle together in
+heaps to keep from perishing. Besides this, the government denied all
+supplies of fresh raiment, so that the wretches who were destitute of
+friends or means, were alive and hideous with vermin in a few days
+after incarceration. No amusement was allowed in the fresh air save
+twice a week, when the prisoners were turned out on the flat roof of
+the tower, where they might sun themselves for an hour or two under
+the muzzle of a guard.
+
+Such was the treatment endured by twelve of my men during the year
+they continued in France. There are some folks who may be charitable
+enough to remark--_that slavers deserved no better!_
+
+I believe that convicts in the central prisons of France, where they
+were either made or allowed to work, fared better in every respect
+than 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 culprits
+were simply doomed to confinement without labor.
+
+Often did my heart bleed for the poor sailors, whom I aided to the
+extent of prudence from my slender means, when I knew not how long it
+might be my fate to remain an inmate of the chateau. After these
+unfortunate men had disposed of all their spare garments to obtain now
+and then a meagre soup to moisten their stony loaves, they were nearly
+a year without tasting either meat or broth! Once only,--on the
+anniversary of ST. PHILIPPE,--the Sisters of Charity gave them a pair
+of bullock's heads to make a _festival_ in honor of the Good King of
+the French!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVI.
+
+
+As the apartment rented by us from the jailer was the only one in the
+prison he had a right to dispose of for his own benefit, several other
+culprits, able to pay for comfortable lodgings, were from time to time
+locked up in it. These occasional visitors afforded considerable
+entertainment for our seclusion, as they were often persons of quality
+arrested for petty misdemeanors or political opinions, and sometimes
+_chevaliers d'industrie_, whose professional careers were rich with
+anecdote and adventure.
+
+It was probably a month after we began our intimacy with this
+"government boarding-house" that our number was increased by a
+gentleman of cultivated manners and foppish costume. He was, perhaps,
+a little too much over-dressed with chains, trinkets, and perfumed
+locks, to be perfectly _comme il faut_, yet there was an intellectual
+power about his forehead and eyes, and a bewitching smile on his lips,
+that insinuated themselves into my heart the moment I beheld him. He
+was precisely the sort of man who is considered by nine tenths of the
+world as a very "fascinating individual."
+
+Accordingly, I welcomed the stranger most cordially in French, and was
+still more bewitched by the retiring shyness of his modest demeanor.
+As the jailer retired, a wink signified his desire to commune with me
+apart in his office, where I learned that the new comer had been
+arrested under a charge of _counterfeiting_, but on account of his
+genteel appearance and blood, was placed in our apartment. I had no
+doubt that neither appearance nor blood had been the springs of
+sympathy in the jailer's heart, but that the artificial money-maker
+had judiciously used certain lawful coins to insure better quarters.
+Nevertheless, I did not hesitate to approve the turnkey's disposal of
+the suspected felon, and begged him to make no apologies or give
+himself concern as to the quality of the article that could afford us
+a 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 most
+important of our domestic rites on such occasions, imperatively
+required three or four bottles of first-rate claret.
+
+By this time we had acquired a tolerable knack of "slaughtering the
+evening." Our Spanish girls supplied us with guitars and violins,
+which my comrades touched with some skill. We were thus enabled to
+give an occasional _soirée dansante_, assisted by la Vivandière, her
+companions Dolorescita, Concha, Madame Sorret, and an old maid who
+passed for her sister. The arrival of the counterfeiter enabled us to
+make up a full cotillon without the musicians. Our _soirées_,
+enlivened by private contributions and a bottle or two of wine, took
+place on Thursdays and Sundays, while the rest of the week was passed
+in playing cards, reading romances, writing petitions, flirting with
+the girls, and cursing our fate and the French government. Fits of
+wrath against the majesty of Gaul were more frequent in the early
+morning, when the pleasant sleeper would be suddenly roused from happy
+dreams by the tramp of soldiers and grating bolts, which announced the
+unceremonious entrance of our inspector to count his cattle and sound
+our window gratings.
+
+But time wastes one's cash as well as one's patience in prison. The
+more we grumbled, danced, drank, and eat, the more we spent or
+lavished, so that my funds looked very like a thin sediment at the
+bottom of the purse, when I began to reflect upon means of
+replenishing. I could not beg; I was master of no handicraft; nor was
+I willing to descend among the vermin of the common chain-gang. Shame
+prevented an application to my relatives in France or Italy; and when
+I addressed my old partner or former friends in Cuba, I was not even
+favored with a reply. At last, my little trinkets and gold chronometer
+were sacrificed to pay the lawyer for a _final memorial_ and to
+liquidate a week's lodging in advance.
+
+"Now, _mon enfant_," said Madame Sorret, as she took my
+money,--trimming her cap, and looking at me with that thrifty interest
+that a Frenchwoman always knows how to turn to the best
+account;--"now, mon enfant,--this is your last _franc_ and your last
+week in my apartment, you say;--your last week in a room where you and
+I, and Babette, Dolorescita, and Concha, and _Monsieur_, have had such
+good 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 it
+do you a vast deal more good,--if instead of _sacré-ing le bon Louis
+Philippe_,--paying lawyers for memorials that are never read,--hoping
+for letters from the Spanish envoy which never come, and eating your
+heart up in spite and bitterness--you look the matter plump in the
+face like a man, and not like a _polisson_, and turn to account those
+talents which it has pleased _le bon Dieu_ to give you? Voyez vous,
+_Capitaine Téodore_,--you speak foreign languages like a native; and
+it was no longer than yesterday that Monsieur Randanne, your advocate,
+as he came down from the last interview with you, stopped at my
+bureau, and--'Ah! Madame Sorret,' said he, 'what a linguist poor Canot
+is,--how delightfully he speaks English, and how glad I should be if
+he had any place in which he could teach my sons the noble tongue of
+the 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 box
+that is sunned in our prison yard. In fact, I have fixed the matter
+perfectly. You shall have my bed-room for a schoolhouse; and, if you
+will, 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 joy
+of industrial deliverance! The heart of woman--that noble heart! burn
+it in the fire of Africa; steep it in the snow of Sweden; lap it in
+the listless elysium of Indian tropics; cage it in the centre of
+dungeons, as the palpitating core of that stony rind,--yet every where
+and always, throughout my wild career, has it been the last
+sought--but surest, sweetest, and truest of devoted friends!
+
+_Aide toi, et Dieu t'aidera!_--was my motto from that moment. For
+years it was the first lesson of intellectual power and self-reliance
+that had checkered a life of outlawry, in which adventurous impatience
+preferred the gambling risks of fortune to the slow accretions of
+regular toil. I was a schoolmaster!
+
+Madame Sorret's plan was perfectly successful. In less than a week I
+was installed in her chamber, with a class formed of my lady's lads, a
+son and friend of my lawyer, and a couple of sons of officers in the
+chateau; the whole producing a monthly income of fifty francs. As I
+assumed my vocation with the spirit of a needy professor, I gained the
+good will of all the parents by assiduous instruction of their
+children. Gradually I extended the sphere of my usefulness, by adding
+penmanship to my other branches of tuition; and so well did I please
+the 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 as
+a companion. My scheme of instruction was not modelled upon that of
+other pedagogues; for I simply contented myself, in the small class,
+with reasoning out each lesson thoroughly, and never allowing the boys
+to depart till they comprehended every part of their task. After this,
+it was my habit to engage their interest _in language_, by familiar
+dialogues, which taught them the names of furniture, apparel,
+instruments, implements, animals, occupations, trades; and thus I led
+them insensibly from the most simple nomenclature to the most
+abstract. I deprived the interview, as much as I could, of task-like
+formality; and invariably closed the school with a story from my
+travels or adventures. I may not have ripened my scholars into
+classical Anglo-Saxons, but I have the happiness to know that I earned
+an honest living, supported my companions, and obtained the regard of
+my pupils to such a degree, that the little band accompanied me with
+tears to the ship, when, long afterwards, I was sent a happy exile
+from France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVII.
+
+
+I have said that our genteel felon was not only refined in manners but
+shy towards his new companions; nor, for several weeks, could all our
+efforts rub off his reserve. I was not surprised that he kept aloof
+from the coarser inmates, but I was not prepared to find that all my
+own advances to confidence and companionship, were repulsed with even
+more decision than those of my officers. At last, some passing event
+disclosed my _true_ character to him, when I learned for the first
+time that he had mistaken me for _a government spy_; inasmuch as he
+could not otherwise account for my intimacy with Madame Sorret and her
+spouse.
+
+Our first move towards confidence was owing to the following
+circumstance. I had been engaged one forenoon in writing a letter to
+my mother, when Madame Sorret sent for me to see the Sisters of
+Charity, who were making their rounds with a few comforts for the
+convicts. I made my toilette and repaired to the parlor, where the
+charitable 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 room
+read Italian, I again took up my pen to finish a paragraph. But, as I
+observed the page, it seemed that I had not written so much, yet the
+sheet was nearly full of words, and all in my handwriting. I
+reperused the document and found several lines, which, though in
+perfect keeping with the sense and context of the composition, were
+certainly not in my natural style. I was sure I had not used the
+complimentary language, to which I am always so averse. Still I read
+the page again--again--and again! I got up; walked about the room;
+took the paper to the window; put it down; walked about again, and
+then reperused the letter. For my life, I could not detect the precise
+difficulty that puzzled me. The paper was, perhaps, bewitched! It was
+mine, 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 a
+postscript, while I was deep in literature with the Sisters of
+Charity!
+
+The ice was broken! Monsieur Germaine was not yet convicted, so we
+gave him the benefit of the British law, and resolving to "consider
+the fellow innocent till proved to be guilty," we raised him to the
+dignity of companionship. His education was far superior to mine, and
+his conversational powers were wonderful. He seemed perfectly familiar
+with Latin and Greek, and had a commanding knowledge of history,
+theology, mathematics, and astronomy. I never met his equal in
+penmanship, drawing, and designing.
+
+A few days of sociability sufficed to win a mutual confidence, and to
+demand 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 predominated
+in his blood. The troubles and wars of the region impoverished his
+parents, who had been gentlefolks in better times; yet they managed to
+bestow the culture that made him the accomplished person I have
+described. No opportunity offered, however, for his advancement as he
+reached maturity, and it was thought best that he should go abroad in
+search of fortune. For a while the quiet and modest youth was
+successful in the humbler employments to which he stooped for bread;
+but his address and talents, and especially his skill in designing and
+penmanship, attracted the notice of a sharper, with whom he
+accidentally became intimate; so that, before he knew it, the adroit
+scrivener was both _used_ and _compromised_ by the knave. In truth, I
+do not suppose that Germaine's will was made of stern and tough
+materials. Those soft and gentle beings are generally disposed to
+grasp the pleasures of life without labor; and whenever a relaxed
+conscience has once allowed its possessor to tamper with crime, its
+success is not only a stimulant but a motive for farther enterprise.
+Germaine was soon a successful forger. He amassed twenty or thirty
+thousand _francs_ by practices so perfect in their execution, that he
+never dreamed of detection. But, at last, a daring speculation made
+him our companion in the tower.
+
+Three days before his introduction to the _chateau_ of Brest, and a
+few hours before the regular departure of the Paris mail, Germaine
+called on an exchange broker with seventeen thousand _francs_ in gold,
+with which he purchased a sight draft on the capital. Soon after he
+called a second time on the broker, and exhibiting a letter of orders,
+bearing a regular post-mark, from his principals, who were alleged to
+be oil merchants at Marseilles, desired to countermand the
+transaction, and receive back his gold for the bill of exchange which
+he tendered. The principal partner of the brokers did not happen to be
+within at the moment, and the junior declined complying till his
+return. _En attendant_, Monsieur Germaine sallied forth, and offered a
+neighboring broker an additional half per cent, on the current value
+of gold for the cash. He expressed, as the cause of this sacrifice,
+extreme anxiety to depart by the four o'clock _diligence_, but the
+urgency aroused the broker's suspicion, and led him to request
+Germaine's return in half an hour, which he required to collect the
+specie.
+
+The incautious forger went off to his hotel with the promise in his
+ear, while the wary broker dropped in on the drawers of the draft to
+compare notes. The result of the interview was a visit to the _bureau
+de police_, whence a couple of officers were despatched to Germaine's
+hotel. They entered the dandy's room in disguise, but they were not
+quick enough to save from destruction several _proof impressions_ of
+blank drafts, which the counterfeiter cast into the fire the moment he
+heard 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 were
+duly noted and preserved, while Monsieur Germaine was committed to the
+_chateau_.
+
+In those days there were no electric wires, and as the weather became
+thick and cloudy, the old-fashioned semaphore or telegraph was useless
+in giving notice to the Parisian police to stop the payment of a
+suspected draft, and arrest the forger's accomplice in the capital.
+
+Soon after the mail _of that day_ from Brest reached the metropolis, a
+lady of most respectable appearance, clad in mourning, presented
+herself at the counter of the broker's Parisian correspondent, and
+exhibiting an unquestionable draft, drew seventeen thousand francs.
+From the rapidity with which the whole of this adroit scheme was
+accomplished in Brest and Paris, it seems that Germaine required but
+four hours to copy, engrave, print and fill up the forged bill; and
+yet, so perfectly did he succeed, that when the discharged draft came
+back to Brest, neither drawers, brokers, nor police could distinguish
+between the true one and the false! No one had seen Germaine at work,
+or could prove complicity with the lady. The mourning dame was nowhere
+to be found in Paris, Brest or Marseilles; so that when I finally
+quitted the _chateau_, the adroit _chevalier_ was still an inmate, but
+detained only _on suspicion_!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII.
+
+
+This charming young soldier of fortune was our room-mate for nine
+months, and engaged in several of our enterprises for escape. But
+Germaine was more a man of _finesse_ than action, and his imprisonment
+was the first mishap of that nature in his felonious career; so that I
+cannot say I derived much advantage, either from his contrivances or
+suggestions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I always cultivated a sneaking fondness for the sex, and was, perhaps,
+especially devoted to those who _might_ aid me if they pleased, when I
+got into difficulties. Into this category, under existing
+circumstances, fell that very worthy person, Mademoiselle Babette,
+whom I have heretofore rather ungallantly reported as an "antique
+virgin." It is true that Babette was, perhaps, not as young as she had
+been; but an unmarried Frenchwoman is unquestionably possessed of an
+elixir against age,--some _eau restoratif_,--with which she defies
+time, preserves her outlines, and keeps up that elastic gayety of
+heart, which renders her always the most delightful of companions.
+Now, I do not pretend, when I flirted with Babette, and sometimes made
+downright love to the damsel, that I ever intended leading her to any
+of the altars of Brest, when it should please the "king of the
+barricades" to release me from prison. No such design ever possessed
+my mind, at the age of twenty-seven, towards a maid of thirty. Yet, I
+confess that Babette bewitched the sting and memory from many an hour
+of prison-life, and played the comedy of love _à la Francaise_ to such
+perfection, that I doubt not her heart rebounded from the encounter as
+scarless as my own.
+
+Germaine joked me very often about the tender passion, the danger of
+trifling with youthful hearts, and the risk I ran from encounters with
+such glittering eyes; till, one day, he suggested that we should take
+advantage of the flirtation, by turning it to our benefit in flight.
+Sorret and his wife often went out in the afternoon, and left the gate
+and the keys solely in charge of Babette, who improved their absence
+by spending half the time in our apartment. Now, Germaine proposed
+that, during one of these absences, I should, in my capacity as
+teacher, feign some excuse to leave our room, and, if I found the
+lieutenant porteress unwilling to yield the keys to my passionate
+entreaty, we would unhesitatingly seize, gag, and muffle the damsel so
+securely, that, with the keys in our possession, we might open the
+gates, and pass without question the only sentinels who guarded the
+exterior 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 violence
+the innocent girl I had trifled with, and because I would not dishonor
+the kindness of Sorret and his wife, by compromising their _personal_
+vigilance.
+
+Next morning, Germaine turned over to me long before daylight, and
+whispered his delight that I had discarded his scheme, for it "never
+could have been perfected without passports to quit the town!" This
+deficiency, he said, had absorbed his mind the livelong night, and, at
+last, 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 am
+afraid she will not be able to accompany us in our enterprise. First
+and 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 to
+prepare them. Dolores, who is by far the cleverest of the party, is to
+go with Concha boldly to the prefecture of police, and demand
+passports for Paris. These, in all likelihood, will be furnished
+without question. The passports once in hand, our _demoiselles_ must
+be off to an apothecary's for such acids as I shall prescribe; and
+then, _mon capitaine_, leave the rest to me!"
+
+I turned the matter over in my mind, pretending to finish a morning
+nap, and, while we were dressing, assented. The Spanish women, who
+never refused their countrymen a favor, daringly obtained the
+passports, and smuggled them into prison with the required acids.
+Before night the deed was done; the gender of the documents was
+changed; Germaine was metamorphosed into "_Pietro Nazzolini_" a
+tailor, and I was turned into a certain "_Dominico Antonetti_," by
+trade a carpenter!
+
+How to escape was our next concern. This could not be effected without
+breaking prison,--a task of some enterprise, as our apartment was
+above a store-room, always closed, barred, and locked. The door of our
+room opened on a long passage, broken at intervals by several iron
+gates before the main portal was reached; so that our only hope was
+the single window, that illuminated our apartment and looked into a
+small 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 new
+Nazzolini were inventing plans. Pietro had schemes enough, for his
+imagination was both vivid and ceaseless; but whenever he came to
+reduce them to words, it was always found that they required a little
+more "_polishing_ in certain links," which he forthwith retired to
+perform.
+
+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 a
+long time; but, considering that they were sick of long confinement
+and bereft of future comfort without my labor we resolved to let them
+partake our flight, though, once outside the chateau, we would
+abandon 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 all
+our spare garments, so that we might not issue bare into the
+censorious 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 had
+carefully kept and secreted the saw received from my Goree friends, we
+possessed a most valuable implement; so that it was resolved to attack
+a bar the moment we had been mustered and locked up on that auspicious
+night. At eleven, a descent into the court beneath the window was to
+be commenced, and, if this proved successful, there was no doubt we
+could reach the beach across the parade. But the sentinel still
+required "polishing" out of the court-yard! This was a tremendous
+obstacle; still, Germaine once more put on his fancy-wings, and
+recommended that our fair Catalans, whose occupation made them
+familiar with the whole regiment, should ascertain the sentinels for
+the night in question, and, as it was a festival, they might easily
+insinuate a few bottles of brandy into the guard-house, and prepare
+the soldiery for sleep instead of vigilance. But the success and merit
+of this plan were considered so doubtful, that another scheme was kept
+in reserve to silence the soldier whose duty required a continual
+march beneath our window. If the women failed to accomplish our wishes
+with liquor, and if the sentry persisted in a vigilant promenade, it
+was 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 hope
+or preparation; the women carried off our garments; then they brought
+us an abundance of fishing lines, hidden beneath their petticoats;
+and, finally, a rope, strong enough to hang a man, was spun in
+darkness by the whole detachment.
+
+The wished-for day at length came, with the jollity, merriment, and
+drunkenness, that attend it almost universally throughout _la belle
+France_. But there was not so sober a party in the kingdom as that
+which was anxiously gathered together over a wineless meal in the
+chateau 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, dashing
+ribbons, and abundant claret, visited their fluttering birds in the
+cage, and _assured_ success. The sergeant of the guard was married to
+one of their intimate friends, and, _in her_ company, they were
+confident, on such a night, of reaching the guard-room. A long
+embrace, perhaps a kiss, and a most affectionate farewell!
+
+Supper was over. Muster passed. Oh! how slowly was drawn the curtain
+of darkness over that shortest of days. Would night _never_ come? It
+did. By eight o'clock the severed bar hung by threads, while the
+well-greased _lazo_ lay coiled on the sill. Nine o'clock brought the
+sentinel, who began his customary tramp with great regularity, but
+broke forth in a drinking song as soon as the sergeant was out of
+hearing.
+
+So impatient were my comrades for escape, that they declined waiting
+till the appointed hour of eleven, and, at ten, ranged themselves
+along the floor, with the end of the rope firmly grasped, ready for a
+strong and sudden pull, while the intrepid Germaine stood by, bar in
+hand, ready to strike, if necessary. At a signal from me, after I had
+dropped the _lazo_, they were to haul up, make fast, and follow us
+through the aperture by a longer rope, which was already fastened for
+our 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, he
+came 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 served
+for signal to the halliards, and up flew the pendant against the
+window-sill. But, alas! it was not the sentinel. The noose had not
+slipped or caught with sufficient rapidity, and escaping the soldier's
+neck, it only grasped and secured his _chako_ and musket. In an
+instant, I saw the fatal misfortune, and, clearing the weapon, dropped
+it, _plumb_, on the head of the tipsy and terrified guardsman. Its
+fall must have stunned and prostrated the poor fellow, for not a word
+or groan escaped from the court-yard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIX.
+
+
+Silent as was the sentinel after the restoration of his musket, it
+was, nevertheless, unanimously voted that our enterprise was a
+failure. Accordingly, the bar was replaced, the window closed, our
+implements stowed in the mattresses, and ourselves packed beneath the
+blankets, in momentary expectation of a visit from the jailer and
+military commander. We passed the night in feverish expectation, but
+our bolts remained undrawn.
+
+Bright and early, with a plenteous breakfast, appeared our spirited
+Spaniards, and, as the turnkey admitted and locked them in, they burst
+into a fit of uproarious laughter at our maladroit adventure. The poor
+sentinel, they said, was found, at the end of his watch, stretched on
+the ground in a sort of fainting fit and half frozen. He swore, in
+accounting for a bleeding skull, that an invisible hand from the
+store-room beneath us, had dealt him a blow that felled him to the
+earth! His story was so silly and maudlin, that the captain of the
+guard, who remembered the festival and knew the tipsiness of the
+entire watch, gave no heed to the tale, but charged it to the account
+of New Year and _eau de vie_. We were sadly jeered by the lasses for
+our want of pluck, in forsaking the advantage fortune had thrown in
+our way, and I was specially charged to practise my hand more
+carefully with the _lazo_, when I next got a chance on the
+plantations of Cuba, or among the _vaqueros_ of Mexico.
+
+As we expected the daily visit from the punctual inspector, to try our
+bars with his iron rod, we hastened to secure our window, and stuffing
+all the fissures with straw and rags, so as almost to exclude light,
+we complained bitterly to the official of the cold wind to which the
+apertures exposed us, and thus prevented him from touching the sash.
+Besides this precaution, we thought it best to get rid of our tools
+and cord in the same way we received them; and thus terminated our
+project of escape.
+
+Soon after, I heard from a relative in Paris, that my petition had
+been presented to Louis Philippe, whose reception of it encouraged a
+hope for my pardon. The news somewhat restored us to the good humor
+that used to prevail in our party, but which had been sadly dashed
+since our failure. Even Monsieur Germaine, saw in our anticipated
+liberation, a phantom of encouragement for himself, and began to talk
+confidentially of his plans. He fancied that I had been gradually
+schooled _into a taste for misdemeanor_, so that he favored me with
+innumerable anecdotes of swindling, and countless schemes of future
+robbery. By making me an incipient accomplice, he thought to secure my
+aid either for his escape or release.
+
+I will take the liberty to record a single specimen of Germaine's
+prolific fancy in regard to the higher grades of elegant felony, and
+will leave him to the tender mercy of the French government, which
+allows no _bail_ for such _chevaliers_ but chastises their crime with
+an iron hand.
+
+We had scarcely recovered from our trepidation, when the forger got up
+one morning, with a radiant face, and whispered that the past night
+was fruitful to his brain, for he had planned an enterprise which
+would yield a fortune for _any two_ who were wise and bold enough to
+undertake it.
+
+Germaine was a philosophic felon. It was perhaps the trick of an
+intellect naturally astute, and of a spirit originally refined, to
+reject the vulgar baseness of common pilfering. Germaine never stole
+or defrauded;--he only outwitted and outgeneralled. If he spoke of the
+world, either in politics or trade, he insisted that shams,
+forgeries, and counterfeits were quite as much played off in the
+language, address and dealings of statesmen, merchants, parsons,
+doctors, and lawyers, as they were by himself and his accomplices. The
+only difference between the felon and the jury, he alleged, existed in
+the fact that the jury was in the majority and the felon in the
+vocative. He advocated the worst forms of liberty and equality; he was
+decidedly in favor of a division of property, which he was sure would
+end what _the law called_ crime, because all would be supplied on the
+basis of a common balance. Whenever he told his ancient exploits or
+suggested new ones, he glossed them invariably with a rhetorical
+varnish about the laws of nature, social contracts, human rights,
+_meum and tuum_; and concluded, to his perfect satisfaction, with a
+favorite axiom, that "he had quite as much _right_ to the world's
+goods as they who possessed them."
+
+A hypocritical farrago of this character always prefaced one of
+Germaine's tales, so that I hardly ever interrupted the rogue when he
+became fluent about social theories, but waited patiently, in
+confidence that I was shortly to be entertained with an adventure or
+enterprise.
+
+The forger began his story on this occasion with a most fantastical
+and exaggerated account of the celebrated _Santissima Casa_ of
+Loretto, which he imagined was still endowed with all the treasures it
+possessed anterior to its losses during the pontificate of Pius VI. He
+asserted that it was the richest tabernacle in Europe, and that the
+adornments of the altar were valued at several millions of
+crowns,--the votive offerings and legacies of devotees during a long
+period of time.
+
+This holy and opulent shrine, the professor of
+politico-economico-equality proposed to rob at some convenient period;
+and, to effect it, he had "polished" the following plan during the
+watches of the night.
+
+On some stormy day of winter, he proposed to leave Ancona, as a
+traveller from South America, and approaching the convent attached to
+the church of the Madonna of Loretto, demand hospitality for a
+penitent who had made the tiresome pilgrimage on a vow to the Virgin.
+There could be no doubt of his admission. For three days he would
+most devoutly attend _matins_ and vespers, and crave permission to
+serve as an _acolyte_ at the altar, the duties of which he perfectly
+understood. When the period of his departure arrived, he would be
+seized with sudden illness, and, in all likelihood, the brethren would
+lodge him in their infirmary. As his malady increased, he would call a
+confessor, and, pouring into the father's credulous ear a tale of
+woes, sorrows, superstition and humbug, he would make the convent a
+donation of _all his estates in South America_, and pray for a
+remission of his sins!
+
+When this comedy was over, convalescence should supervene; but he
+would adhere with conscientious obstinacy to his dying gift, and
+produce documents showing the immense value of the bequeathed
+property. Presently, he would be suddenly smitten with a love for
+monastic life; and, on his knees, the Prior was to be interceded for
+admission to the brotherhood. All this, probably, would require time,
+as well as playacting of the adroitest character; yet he felt
+confident he could perform the drama.
+
+At last, when a vow had sealed his novitiate, no one of the fraternity
+should exceed him in fervent piety and bodily mortification. Every
+hour would find him at the altar before the Virgin, missal in hand,
+_and eyes intent on the glittering image_. This incessant and
+unwatched devotion, he calculated, would enable him in two months to
+take an impression of all the locks in the _sacristy_; and, as his
+confederate would call every market-day at the convent gate, in the
+guise of a pedler, he could easily cause the keys to be fabricated in
+different villages by common locksmiths.
+
+Germaine considered it indispensable that his colleague in this
+enterprise should be _a sailor_; for the flight with booty was to be
+made over sea from Ancona. As soon, therefore, as the keys were
+perfected, and in the hands of the impostor, the mariner was to cause
+a _felucca_, to cruise off shore, in readiness for immediate
+departure. Then, at a fixed time, the pedler should lurk near the
+convent, with a couple of mules; and, in the dead of night, the
+sacrilege would be accomplished.
+
+When he finished his story, the pleasant villain, rubbed his hands
+with glee, and skipping about the floor like a dancing-master, began
+to whistle "_La Marsellaise_." That night, he retired earlier than
+usual, "to polish," as he said; but before dawn he again aroused me,
+with a pull, and whispered a sudden fear that his "Loretto
+masterpiece" would prove an abortion!
+
+"I have considered," said he, "that the Virgin's jewels are probably
+nothing 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 have
+sold the gems, substituted imitations, and bought property for their
+opulent convents!"--As I felt convinced of this fact, and had some
+inkling of a recollection about losses during a former reign, I was
+happy to hear that the swindler's fancy had "polished" the crime to
+absolute 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 the
+Emperor of Russia was to be victim and paymaster. As my liberation
+occurred before the finishing touches were given by the artist, I am
+unable to say how it fared with Nicholas; but I doubt, exceedingly,
+whether the galleys of Brest contained a greater scoundrel, both in
+deeds and imaginings, than the metaphysical dandy--Monsieur
+Germaine.[7]
+
+At length, my pardon and freedom came; but this was the sole
+reparation I received at the hands of Louis Philippe, for the unjust
+seizure and appropriation of my vessel in the neutral waters of
+Africa. When Sorret rushed in, followed by his wife, Babette, and the
+children, to announce the glorious news, the good fellow's emotion
+was so great, that he stood staring at me like a booby, and for a long
+while could not articulate. Then came La Vivandière Dolores, and my
+pretty Concha. Next arrived Monsieur Randanne, with the rest of my
+pupils; so that, in an hour, I was overwhelmed with sunshine and
+tears. I can still feel the grasp of Sorret's hand, as he led me
+beyond the bolts and bars, to read the act of royal grace. May we not
+feel a _spasm_ of regret at leaving even a prison?
+
+Next day, an affectionate crowd of friends and pupils followed the
+emancipated slaver to a vessel, which, by order of the king, was to
+bear me, a willing exile, from France for ever.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[7] I know not what was his fate; but he has probably long since
+realized his dream of equality, though, in all likelihood, it was the
+equality 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 on
+the quay of Brest to an "emancipated _slaver_;" for _slaver_ I was
+determined to continue, notwithstanding the capture of my vessel, and
+the tedious incarceration of my body. Had the seizure and sentence
+been justly inflicted for a violation of local or international law, I
+might, perhaps, have become penitent for early sins, during the long
+hours of reflection afforded me in the _chateau_. But, with all the
+fervor of an ardent and thwarted nature, I was much more disposed to
+rebel and revenge myself when opportunity occurred, than to confess my
+sins with a lowly and obedient heart. Indeed, most of my time in
+prison had been spent in cursing the court and king, or in reflecting
+how I should get back to Africa in the speediest manner, if I was ever
+lucky enough to elude the grasp of the model monarch.
+
+The vessel that bore me into perpetual banishment from France, was
+bound to Lisbon; but, delaying in Portugal only long enough to procure
+a 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, in
+consequence of the frightful prevalence of cholera, all mercantile
+adventures were temporarily suspended. In fact, such was the panic,
+that no one dreamed of despatching the vessel in which I was promised
+a passage, until the pestilence subsided. Till this occurred, as my
+means were of the scantiest character, I took lodgings in an humble
+hotel.
+
+The dreadful malady was then apparently at its height, and nearly all
+the hotels were deserted, for most of the regular inhabitants had
+fled; while the city was unfrequented by strangers except under
+pressing duty. It is altogether probable that the lodging-houses and
+hotels would have been closed entirely, so slight was their patronage,
+had not the prefect issued an order, depriving of their licenses, for
+the space of two years, all who shut their doors on strangers.
+Accordingly, even when the scourge swept many hundred victims daily to
+their graves, every hotel, café, grocery, butcher shop, and bakery,
+was regularly opened in Marseilles; so that a dread of famine was not
+added to the fear of cholera.
+
+Of course, the lowly establishment where I dwelt was not thronged at
+this epoch; most of its inmates or frequenters had departed for the
+country before my arrival, and I found the house tenanted alone by
+three boarders and a surly landlord, who cursed the authorities for
+their compulsory edict. My reception, therefore, was by no means
+cordial. I was told that the proclamation had not prevented the _cook_
+from departing; and that I must be content with whatever the master of
+the house could toss up for my fare.
+
+A sailor--especially one fresh from the _chateau_ of Brest,--is not
+apt to be over nice in the article of cookery, and I readily
+accompanied 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 and
+guests, while five human visages clustered around its end.
+
+I took my seat opposite a trim dashing brunette, with the brightest
+eyes and rosiest cheeks imaginable. Her face was so healthily
+refreshing in the midst of malady and death, that I altogether forgot
+the cholera under the charm of her ardent gaze. Next me sat a comical
+sort of fellow, who did not delay in scraping an acquaintance, and
+jocularly insisted on introducing all the company.
+
+"It's a case of emergency," said the droll, "we have no time to lose
+or to stand on the ceremony of fashionable etiquette. Here to-day,
+gone to-morrow--is the motto of Marseilles! _Hola!_ _Messieurs_, shall
+we 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 this
+world, either of property or friends, that I feared the cholera quite
+as slightly as any of the company. "A thousand thanks," said I,
+"Monsieur, for your politeness; I'll bury you to-morrow, if it is the
+cholera's pleasure, with ten times more pleasure now that I have had
+the honor of an introduction. A fashionable man hardly cares to be
+civil to a stranger--even if he happens to be a corpse!"
+
+There was so hearty a cheer at this sally, that, in spite of the
+shallow soundings of my purse, I called for a fresh bottle, and
+pledged the party in a bumper all round.
+
+"And now," continued my neighbor, "as it may be necessary for some one
+of us to write your epitaph in a day or two, or, at least, to send a
+message of condolence and sympathy to your friends; pray let us know a
+bit of your history, and what the devil brings you to Marseilles when
+the cholera thermometer is up to 1000 degrees per diem?"
+
+Very few words were necessary to impart such a name and tale as I
+chose to invent for the company's edification. "Santiago Ximenes," and
+my tawny skin betokened my nationality and profession, while my
+threadbare garments spoke louder than words that I was at suit with
+Fortune.
+
+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 a
+personage than _le Docteur_ Du Jean, a medical practitioner fresh from
+Metropolitan 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 I
+ever saw out of Cuba.
+
+"_C'est ma chère amie_," whispered he confidentially in my ear,
+strongly emphasizing the word "friend" and nodding very knowingly
+towards the lady herself. "At the present moment the dear little
+creature is exclusively under my charge and protection, for she is _en
+route_ 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 this
+cursed pestilence blockades Marseilles! Do you know the man on your
+right?--No! _Bien!_ that's the celebrated S----, the oratorical
+advocate about whom the papers rang when Louis Philippe began his
+assault on the press. He's on his way to Algiers too, and will be more
+successful in liberalizing the Arabs than the French. That old chap
+over yonder with the snuffy nose, the snuffy wig, and snuffy coat, is
+a grand speculator in horses, on his way to the richest cavalry corps
+of the army; and, as for our _maître d'hotel_ at the head of this
+segment, _pauvre diable_, you see what he is without a revelation. The
+pestilence has nearly used him up. He sits half the day in his bureau
+on the stairs looking for guests who never come, reading the record
+which adds no name, cursing the cholera, counting a penitential _ave_
+and _pater_ on his rosary, and flying from the despair of silence and
+desertion to his pans to stew our wretched fare. _Voila mon cher, la
+carte 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 affairs
+upon strangers, and makes bold to monopolize their time with his
+unasked confidence. Such persons are always silly and vulgar
+pretenders; and before Doctor Du Jean got through his description of
+the lady, I had already classified him among my particular aversions.
+
+When the doctor nodded so patronizingly to the dame, and spoke of his
+friendly protectorate, I thought I saw that the quick-witted woman not
+only comprehended his intimation, but denied it by the sudden glance
+she gave me from beneath her thin and arching eyebrows. So, when
+dinner was over, without saying a word to the doctor, I made a slight
+inclination of the head to Madame Duprez, and rising before the other
+guests, passed to her side and tendered my arm for a promenade on the
+balcony.
+
+"_Mon docteur_," said I as we left the room, "life, you know, is too
+short and precarious to suffer a monopoly of such blessings,"--looking
+intently into the lady's eyes,--"besides which, we sailors, in
+defiance of you landsmen, go in for the most 'perfect freedom of the
+seas.'"
+
+Madame Duprez declared I was entirely right; that I was no
+pirate.--"Mais, mon capitaine," said the fair one, as she leaned with
+a fond pressure on my arm, "I'd have no objection if you were, so that
+you'd capture me from that frightful gallipot! Besides, you sailors
+are always so gallant towards the ladies, and tell us such delightful
+stories, and bring us such charming presents when you come home, and
+love us so much while you're in port, because you see so few when you
+are away! Now isn't that a delightful _catalogue raisonné_ of
+arguments 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's
+match. In France, you know, the old folks marry us; but we take the
+liberty 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 of
+coquettes, whose fence of tongue was as beautiful a game of thrust and
+parry as I ever saw played with Parisian foils. Du Jean had been
+horribly mortified by the contemptuous manner in which the threadbare
+Spaniard bore off his imaginary prize; and would probably have
+assailed me on the spot, before he knew my temper or quality, had not
+the lawyer drawn him aside on a plea of medical advice and given his
+inflamed honor time to cool.
+
+But the wit of Madame Duprez was not so satisfied by a single specimen
+of our mutual folly, as to allow the surgeon to resume the undisputed
+post of _cavaliere serviente_ which he occupied before my arrival. It
+was her delight to see us at loggerheads for her favor, and though we
+were both aware of her arrant coquetry, neither had moral courage
+enough, in that dismal time, to desist from offering the most servile
+courtesies. We mined and counter-mined, marched and counter-marched,
+deceived and re-deceived, for several days, without material advantage
+to either, till, at last, the affair ended in a battle.
+
+The prefecture's bulletin announced at dinner-time twelve hundred
+deaths! but, in spite of the horror, or perhaps to drown its memory,
+our undiminished party called for several more bottles, and became
+uproariously gay.
+
+The conversation took a physiological turn; and gradually the modern
+science of phrenology, which was just then becoming fashionable, came
+on the carpet. Doctor Du Jean professed familiarity with its
+mysteries. Spurzheim, he said, had been his professor in Paris. He
+could read our characters on our skulls as if they were written in a
+book. Powers, passions, propensities, and even thoughts, could not be
+hidden from him;--and, "who dared try his skill?"
+
+"_C'est moi!_" said Madame Duprez, as she drew her chair to the centre
+of the room, and accepting the challenge, cast loose her beautiful
+hair, 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 the
+charming head, whose wicked mouth and teasing eyes shot glances of
+defiance at me. Several organs were disclosed and explained to the
+company; but then came others which he ventured to whisper in her ears
+alone, and, as he did so, I noticed that his mouth was pressed rather
+deeper than I thought needful among the folds of her heavy locks. I
+took the liberty to hint rather jestingly that the doctor "_cut quite
+too deep_ with his lips;" but the coquette at once saw my annoyance,
+and persisted with malicious delight in making Du Jean whisper--heaven
+knows what--in her ear. In fact, she insisted that some of the organs
+should be repeated to her three or four times over, while, at each
+rehearsal, the doctor grew bolder in his dives among the curls, and
+the lady louder and redder in her merriment.
+
+At last, propriety required that the scene should be closed, and no
+one knew better than this arch coquette the precise limit of decency's
+bounds. Next came the lawyer's cranium; then followed the horse-jockey
+and tavern-keeper; and finally, it was _my_ turn to take the stool.
+
+I made every objection I could think of against submitting to
+inspection, for I was sure the surgeon had wit enough not to lose so
+good a chance of quizzing or ridiculing me; but a whispered word from
+Madame forced an assent, with the stipulation that Du Jean should
+allow _me_ to examine his skull afterwards, pretending that if he had
+studied with Spurzheim, I had learned the science from Gall.
+
+The doctor accepted the terms and began his lecture. First of all my
+Jealousy was enormous, and only equalled by my Conceit and Envy. I was
+altogether destitute of Love, Friendship, or the Moral sentiments. I
+was an immoderate wine-bibber; extremely avaricious; passionate,
+revengeful, and blood-thirsty; in fine, I was a monstrous conglomerate
+of every thing devilish and dreadful. The first two or three essays of
+the doctor amused the company and brought down a round of laughter;
+but as he grew coarser and coarser, I saw the increasing disgust of
+our comrades by their silence, though I preserved my temper most
+admirably till he was done. Then I rose slowly from the seat, and
+pointing the doctor silently to the vacant chair,--for I could not
+speak with rage,--I took my stand immediately in front of him, gazing
+intently into his eyes. The company gathered eagerly round, expecting
+I would retaliate wittily, or pay him back in his coin of abuse.
+
+After a minute's pause I regained my power of speech, and inquired
+whether the phrenologist was ready. He replied affirmatively;
+whereupon my right hand discovered the bump of impudence with a
+tremendous slap on his left cheek, while my left hand detected the
+organ of blackguardism with equal prominence on his right!
+
+It was natural that this new mode of scientific investigation was as
+novel and surprising as it was disagreeable to poor Du Jean; for, in
+an instant, we were exchanging blows with intense zeal, and would
+probably have borrowed a couple of graves from the cholera, had not
+the boarders interfered. All hands, however, were unanimous in my
+favor, asserting that Du Jean had provoked me beyond endurance; and,
+as _la belle Duprez_ joined heartily in the verdict, the doctor gave
+up the contest, and, ever after, "cut" the lady.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LI.
+
+
+In the first lull of the pestilence, the French merchantman was
+despatched from Marseilles, and, in twenty-seven days, I had the
+pleasure to shake hands with the generous friends, who, two years
+before, labored so hard for my escape. The colonial government soon
+got wind of my presence notwithstanding my disguise, and warning me
+from Goree, cut short the joys of an African welcome.
+
+I reached Sierra Leone in time to witness the arbitrary proceeding of
+the British government towards Spanish traders and coasters, by virtue
+of the treaty for the suppression of the slave-trade. _Six months_
+after this compact was signed and ratified in London and Madrid, it
+was made known with the proverbial despatch of Spain, in the Islands
+of Cuba and Porto Rico. Its stipulations were such as to allow very
+considerable latitude of judgment in captures; and when prizes were
+once within the grasp of the British lion, that amiable animal was
+neither prompt to release nor anxious to acquit. Accordingly, when I
+reached Sierra Leone, I beheld at anchor under government guns, some
+thirty or forty vessels seized by cruisers, several of which I have
+reason to believe were captured in the "Middle Passage," bound from
+Havana to Spain, but entirely free from the taint or design of
+slavery.
+
+I was not so inquisitive or patriotic in regard to treaty rights and
+violations, as to dally from mere curiosity in Sierra Leone. My chief
+object was employment. At twenty-eight, after trials, hazards, and
+chances enough to have won half a dozen fortunes, I was utterly
+penniless. The Mongo of Kambia,--the Mahometan convert of
+Ahmah-de-Bellah,--the pet of the Ali-Mami of Footha-Yallon,--the
+leader of slave caravans,--the owner of barracoons,--and the bold
+master of clippers that defied the British flag, was reduced to the
+humble situation of coast-pilot and interpreter on board an American
+brig bound to the celebrated slave mart of Gallinas! We reached our
+destination safely; but I doubt exceedingly whether the "Reaper's"
+captain knows to this day that his brig was guided by a marine
+adventurer, who knew nothing of the coast or port save the little he
+gleaned in half a dozen chats with a Spaniard, who was familiar with
+this 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 more
+touching, tragic, and _profitable_ incidents than the one to which
+fortune had now directed my feet.
+
+Before the generous heart and far-seeing mind of America perceived _in
+Colonization_, the true secret of Africa's hope, the whole of its
+coast, from the Rio Gambia to Cape Palmas, without a break except at
+Sierra Leone, was the secure haunt of daring slavers. The first
+impression on this lawless disposal of full fifteen hundred miles of
+beach 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 the
+windward coast, north and west of Cape Palmas, was mainly confined to
+Portuguese settlements at Bissaos, on the Rios Grande, Nunez, and
+Pongo, at Grand and Little Bassa, New Sestros and Trade-town; but the
+lordly establishment at Gallinas was the heart of the slave marts, to
+which, in fact, Cape Mesurado was only second in importance.
+
+Our concern is now with Gallinas. Nearly one hundred miles north-west
+of Monrovia, a short and sluggish river, hearing this well-known name,
+oozes lazily into the Atlantic; and, carrying down in the rainy season
+a rich alluvion from the interior, sinks the deposit where the tide
+meets the Atlantic, and forms an interminable mesh of spongy islands.
+To one who approaches from sea, they loom up from its surface, covered
+with reeds and mangroves, like an immense field of _fungi_, betokening
+the damp and dismal field which death and slavery have selected for
+their grand metropolis. A spot like this, possessed, of course, no
+peculiar advantages for agriculture or commerce; but its dangerous
+bar, and its extreme desolation, fitted it for the haunt of the outlaw
+and slaver.
+
+Such, in all likelihood, were the reasons that induced Don Pedro
+Blanco, a well-educated mariner from Malaga, to select Gallinas as the
+field of his operations. Don Pedro visited this place originally in
+command of a slaver; but failing to complete his cargo, sent his
+vessel back with one hundred negroes, whose value was barely
+sufficient to pay the mates and crew. Blanco, however, remained on the
+coast with a portion of the Conquistador's cargo, and, on its basis,
+began a trade with the natives and slaver-captains, till, four years
+after, he remitted his owners the product of their merchandise, and
+began to flourish on his own account. The honest return of an
+investment long given over as lost, was perhaps the most active
+stimulant of his success, and for many years he monopolized the
+traffic of the Vey country, reaping enormous profits from his
+enterprise.
+
+Gallinas was not in its prime when I came thither, yet enough of its
+ancient power and influence remained to show the comprehensive mind
+of Pedro Blanco. As I entered the river, and wound along through the
+labyrinth of islands, I was struck, first of all, with the vigilance
+that made this Spaniard stud the field with look-out seats, protected
+from sun and rain, erected some seventy-five or hundred feet above
+the ground, either on poles or on isolated trees, from which the
+horizon was constantly swept by telescopes, to announce the approach
+of cruisers or slavers. These telegraphic operators were the keenest
+men on the islands, who were never at fault, in discriminating
+between friend and foe. About a mile from the river's mouth we found
+a group of islets, on each of which was erected the factory of some
+particular slave-merchant belonging to the grand confederacy.
+Blanco's establishments were on several of these marshy flats. On
+one, near the mouth, he had his place of business or trade with
+foreign vessels, presided over by his principal clerk, an astute and
+clever gentleman. On another island, more remote, was his residence,
+where the only white person was a sister, who, for a while, shared
+with Don Pedro his solitary and penitential domain. Here this man of
+education and refined address surrounded himself with every luxury
+that could be purchased in Europe or the Indies, and dwelt in a sort
+of oriental but semi-barbarous splendor, that suited an African
+prince rather than a Spanish grandee. Further inland was another
+islet, devoted to his seraglio, within whose recesses each of his
+favorites inhabited her separate establishment, after the fashion of
+the natives. Independent of all these were other islands, devoted to
+the barracoons or slave-prisons, ten or twelve of which contained
+from one hundred to five hundred slaves in each. These barracoons
+were made of rough staves or poles of the hardest trees, four or six
+inches in diameter, driven five feet in the ground, and clamped
+together by double rows of iron bars. Their roofs were constructed of
+similar wood, strongly secured, and overlaid with a thick thatch of
+long and wiry grass, rendering the interior both dry and cool. At the
+ends, watch-houses--built near the entrance--were tenanted by
+sentinels, with loaded muskets. Each barracoon was tended by two or
+four Spaniards or Portuguese; but I have rarely met a more wretched
+class of human beings, upon whom fever and dropsy seemed to have
+emptied their vials.
+
+Such were the surroundings of Don Pedro in 1836, when I first saw his
+slender figure, swarthy face, and received the graceful welcome, which
+I hardly expected from one who had passed fifteen years without
+crossing the bar of Gallinas! Three years after this interview, he
+left the coast for ever, with a fortune of near a million. For a
+while, he dwelt in Havana, engaged in commerce; but I understood that
+family difficulties induced him to retire altogether from trade; so
+that, if still alive, he is probably a resident of "Geneva la
+Superba," whither he went from the island of Cuba.
+
+The power of this man among the natives is well-known; it far exceeded
+that of Cha-cha, of whom I have already spoken. Resolved as he was to
+be successful in traffic, he left no means untried, with blacks as
+well as whites, to secure prosperity. I have often been asked what was
+the character of a mind which could voluntarily isolate itself for
+near a lifetime amid the pestilential swamps of a burning climate,
+trafficking in human flesh, exciting wars, bribing and corrupting
+ignorant negroes; totally without society, amusement, excitement, or
+change; living, from year to year, the same dull round of seasons and
+faces; without companionship, save that of men at war with law; cut
+loose from all ties except those which avarice formed among European
+outcasts who were willing to become satellites to such a luminary as
+Don Pedro? I have always replied to the question, that this African
+enigma puzzled _me_ as well as those orderly and systematic persons,
+who would naturally be more shocked at the tastes and prolonged career
+of a resident slave-factor in the marshes of Gallinas.
+
+I heard many tales on the coast of Blanco's cruelty, but I doubt them
+quite as much as I do the stories of his pride and arrogance. I have
+heard it said that he shot a sailor for daring to ask him for
+permission to light his cigar at the _puro_ of the Don. Upon another
+occasion, it is said that he was travelling the beach some distance
+from Gallinas, near the island of Sherbro, where he was unknown, when
+he approached a native hut for rest and refreshment. The owner was
+squatted at the door, and, on being requested by Don Pedro to hand him
+fire to light his cigar, deliberately refused. In an instant Blanco
+drew back, seized a carabine from one of his attendants, and slew the
+negro on the spot. It is true that the narrator apologized for Don
+Pedro, by saying, that to deny a Castilian _fire for his tobacco_ was
+the gravest insult that can be offered him; yet, from my knowledge of
+the person in question, I cannot believe that he carried etiquette to
+so frightful a pitch, even among a class whose lives are considered of
+trifling value _except in market_. On several occasions, during our
+subsequent intimacy, I knew him to chastise with rods, even to the
+brink of death, servants who ventured to infringe the sacred limits of
+his _seraglio_. But, on the other hand, his generosity was
+proverbially ostentatious, not only among the natives, whom it was his
+interest to suborn, but to the whites who were in his employ, or
+needed his kindly succor. I have already alluded to his mental
+culture, which was decidedly _soigné_ for a Spaniard of his original
+grade and time. His memory was remarkable. I remember one night, while
+several of his _employés_ were striving unsuccessfully to repeat the
+Lord's prayer in Latin, upon which they had made a bet, that Don Pedro
+joined the party, and taking up the wager, went through the petition
+without faltering. It was, indeed, a sad parody on prayer to hear its
+blessed accents fall perfectly from such lips on a bet; but when it
+was won, the slaver insisted on receiving _the slave which was the
+stake_, and immediately bestowed him in charity on a captain, who had
+fallen into the clutches of a British cruiser!
+
+Such is a rude sketch of the great man merchant of Africa, the
+Rothschild of slavery, whose bills on England, France, or the United
+States, 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 fly
+that 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 the
+establishment of Don Pedro, I found his Castilian plumage ruffled,
+and, though we were received with formal politeness, he declined to
+purchase, because we had failed to address _him_ in advance of any
+other factor on the river.
+
+The folks at Sierra Leone dwelt so tenderly on the generous side of
+Blanco's character, that I was still not without hope that I might
+induce him to purchase a good deal of our rum and tobacco, which would
+be drugs on our hands unless he consented to relieve us. I did not
+think it altogether wrong, therefore, to concoct a little _ruse_
+whereby I hoped to touch the pocket through the breast of the Don. In
+fact, I addressed him a note, in which I truly related my recent
+mishaps, adventures, and imprisonments; but I concluded the narrative
+with a hope that he would succor one so destitute and unhappy, by
+allowing him to win an honest _commission_ allowed by the American
+captain on any sales I could effect. The bait took; a prompt, laconic
+answer returned; I was bidden to come ashore with the invoice of our
+cargo; and, _for my sake_, Don Pedro purchased from the Yankee brig
+$5000 worth of rum and tobacco, all of which was paid by drafts on
+London, _of which slaves were, of course, the original basis_! My
+imaginary commissions, however, remained in the purse of the owners.
+
+An accident occurred in landing our merchandise, which will serve to
+illustrate the character of Blanco. While the hogsheads of tobacco
+were discharging, our second mate, who suffered from _strabismus_ more
+painfully than almost any cross-eyed man I ever saw, became
+excessively provoked with one of the native boatmen who had been
+employed in the service. It is probable that the negro was insolent,
+which the mate thought proper to chastise by throwing staves at the
+Krooman's head. The negro fled, seeking refuge on the other side of
+his canoe; but the enraged officer continued the pursuit, and, in his
+double-sighted blundering, ran against an oar which the persecuted
+black suddenly lifted in self-defence. I know not whether it was rage
+or blindness, or both combined, that prevented the American from
+seeing the blade, but on he dashed, rushing impetuously against the
+implement, severing his lip with a frightful gash, and knocking four
+teeth from his upper jaw.
+
+Of course, the luckless negro instantly fled to "the bush;" and, that
+night, in the agony of delirium, caused by fever and dreaded
+deformity, the mate terminated his existence by laudanum.
+
+The African law condemns the man who _draws blood_ to a severe fine in
+slaves, proportioned to the harm that may have been inflicted.
+Accordingly, the culprit Krooman, innocent as he was of premeditated
+evil, 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 he
+inflicted was reported to have caused that white man's ruin. But,
+luckily, before the sentence was executed, _I_ came ashore, and, as
+the transaction occurred in my presence, I ventured to appeal from the
+verdict of public opinion to Don Pedro, with the hope that I might
+exculpate the Krooman. My simple and truthful story was sufficient.
+An order was instantly given for the black's release, and, in spite of
+native chiefs and grumbling whites, who were savagely greedy for the
+fellow's blood, Don Pedro persisted in his judgment and sent him back
+on board the "Reaper."
+
+The character manifested by Blanco on this occasion, and the admirable
+management of his factory, induced me to seize a favorable moment to
+offer my services to the mighty trader. They were promptly accepted,
+and in a short time I was employed as _principal_ in one of Don
+Pedro's branches.
+
+The Vey natives on this river and its neighborhood were not numerous
+before the establishment of Spanish factories, but since 1813, the
+epoch of the arrival of several Cuban vessels with rich, merchandise,
+the neighboring tribes flocked to the swampy flats, and as there was
+much similarity in the language and habits of the natives and
+emigrants, they soon intermarried and mingled in ownership of the
+soil.
+
+In proportion as these upstarts were educated in slave-trade under the
+influence of opulent factors, they greedily acquired the habit of
+hunting their own kind and abandoned all other occupations but war and
+kidnapping. As the country was prolific and the trade profitable, the
+thousands and tens of thousands annually sent abroad from Gallinas,
+soon began to exhaust the neighborhood; but the appetite for plunder
+was neither satiated nor stopped by distance, when it became necessary
+for the neighboring natives to extend their forays and hunts far into
+the interior. In a few years war raged wherever the influence of this
+river extended. The slave factories supplied the huntsmen with powder,
+weapons, and enticing merchandise, so that they fearlessly advanced
+against ignorant multitudes, who, too silly to comprehend the benefit
+of alliance, fought the aggressors singly, and, of course, became
+their prey.
+
+Still, however, the demand increased. Don Pedro and his satellites had
+struck a vein richer than the gold coast. His flush barracoons became
+proverbial throughout the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and his
+look-outs were ceaseless in their signals of approaching vessels. New
+factories were established, as branches, north and south of the
+parent den. Mana Rock, Sherbro, Sugarei, Cape Mount, Little Cape
+Mount, and even Digby, at the door of Monrovia, all had depots and
+barracoons of slaves belonging to the whites of Gallinas.
+
+But this prosperity did not endure. The torch of discord, in a civil
+war which was designed for revengeful murder rather than slavery, was
+kindled by a black Paris, who had deprived his uncle of an Ethiopian
+Helen. Every bush and hamlet contained its Achilles and Ulysses, and
+every town rose to the dignity of a Troy.
+
+The geographical configuration of the country, as I have described
+it, isolated almost every family of note on various branches of the
+river, so that nearly all were enabled to fortify themselves within
+their islands or marshy flats. The principal parties in this family
+feud were the Amarars and Shiakars. Amarar was a native of Shebar,
+and, through several generations, had Mandingo blood in his
+veins;--Shiakar, born on the river, considered himself a noble of the
+land, and being aggressor in this conflict, disputed his prize with
+the wildest ferocity of a savage. The whites, who are ever on the
+watch for native quarrels, wisely refrained from partisanship with
+either of the combatants, but continued to purchase the prisoners
+brought to their factories by both parties. Many a vessel bore across
+the Atlantic two inveterate enemies shackled to the same bolt, while
+others met on the same deck a long-lost child or brother who had been
+captured in the civil war.
+
+I might fill a volume with the narrative of this horrid conflict
+before it was terminated by the death of Amarar. For several months
+this savage had been blockaded in his stockade by Shiakar's warriors.
+At length a sortie became indispensable to obtain provisions, but the
+enemy were too numerous to justify the risk. Upon this, Amarar called
+his soothsayer, and required him to name a propitious moment for the
+sally. The oracle retired to his den, and, after suitable
+incantations, declared that the effort should be made as soon as the
+hands of Amarar were stained in the blood of his own son. It is said
+that the prophet intended the victim to be a youthful son of Amarar,
+who had joined his mother's family, and was then distant; but the
+impatient and superstitious savage, seeing a child of his own, two
+years old, at hand, when the oracle announced the decree, snatched the
+infant from his mother's arms, threw it into a rice mortar, and, with
+a pestle, mashed it to death!
+
+The sacrifice over, a sortie was ordered. The infuriate and starving
+savages, roused by the oracle and inflamed by the bloody scene, rushed
+forth tumultuously. Amarar, armed with the pestle, still warm and
+reeking with his infant's blood, was foremost in the onset. The
+besiegers gave way and fled; the town was re-provisioned; the
+fortifications of the enemy demolished, and the soothsayer rewarded
+with a slave for his barbarous prediction!
+
+At another time, Amarar was on the point of attacking a strongly
+fortified town, when doubts were intimated of success. Again the
+wizard was consulted, when the mysterious oracle declared that the
+chief "_could not conquer till he returned once more to his mother's
+womb_!" That night Amarar committed the blackest of incests; but his
+party was repulsed, and the false prophet stoned to death!
+
+These are faint incidents of a savage drama which lasted several
+years, until Amarar, in his native town, became the prisoner of
+Shiakar's soldiery. Mana, his captor, caused him to be decapitated;
+and while the blood still streamed from the severed neck, the
+monster's head was thrust into the fresh-torn bowels of his mother!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIII.
+
+
+The first expedition upon which Don Pedro Blanco despatched me
+revealed a new phase of Africa to my astonished eyes. I was sent in a
+small Portuguese schooner to Liberia for tobacco; and here the trader
+who had never contemplated the negro on the shores of his parent
+country except as a slave or a catcher of slaves, first beheld the
+rudiments of an infant state, which in time may become the wedge of
+Ethiopian civilization. The comfortable government house, neat public
+warerooms, large emigration home, designed for the accommodation of
+the houseless; clean and spacious streets, with brick stores and
+dwellings; the twin churches with their bells and comfortable
+surroundings; the genial welcome from well dressed negroes; the
+regular wharves and trim craft on the stocks, and last of all, a visit
+from a colored collector with a _printed_ bill for twelve dollars
+"anchor dues," all convinced me that there was, in truth, something
+more in these ebony frames than an article of commerce and labor. I
+paid the bill eagerly,--considering that a document _printed in Africa
+by Negroes_, under North American influence, would be a curiosity
+among the infidels of Gallinas!
+
+My engagements with Blanco had been made on the basis of familiarity
+with the slave-trade in all its branches, but my independent spirit
+and impatient temper forbade, from the first, the acceptance of any
+subordinate position at Gallinas. Accordingly, as soon as I returned
+from the new Republic, Don Pedro desired me to prepare for the
+establishment of a branch factory, under my exclusive control, at New
+Sestros, an independent principality in the hands of a Bassa chief.
+
+I lost no time in setting forth on this career of comparative
+independence, and landed with the trading cargo provided for me, at
+the Kroomen's town, where I thought it best to dwell till a factory
+could 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 its
+mysteries are acquired, like the mysteries of commerce generally, with
+much more facility by some tribes than others. I found this signally
+illustrated by the prince and people of New Sestros, and very soon
+detected their great inferiority to the Soosoos, Mandingoes, and Veys.
+For a time their conduct was so silly, arrogant, and trifling, that I
+closed my chests and broke off communication. Besides this, the slaves
+they offered were of an inferior character and held at exorbitant
+prices. Still, as I was commanded to purchase rapidly, I managed to
+collect about seventy-five negroes of medium grades, all of whom I
+designed sending to Gallinas in the schooner that was tugging at her
+anchor off the beach.
+
+At the proper time I sent for the black prince _to assist me in
+shipping the slaves_, and to receive the head-money which was his
+export duty on my cargo. The answer to my message was an illustration
+of the character and insolence of the ragamuffins with whom I had to
+deal. "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 to
+entertain a greater degree of respect than was my wont, for black men,
+yet my contempt for the original, unmodified race was so great, that
+when the prince's son, a boy of sixteen, delivered this reply on
+behalf of his father, I did not hesitate to cram it down his throat by
+a back-handed blow, which sent the sprig of royalty bleeding and
+howling home.
+
+It may be easily imagined what was the condition of the native town
+when the boy got back to the "palace," and told his tale of Spanish
+boxing. In less than ten minutes, another messenger arrived with an
+order for my departure from the country "before next day at noon;"--an
+order which, the envoy declared, would be _enforced_ by the outraged
+townsfolk 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 order
+to teach the upstart a lesson of civilized manners. Accordingly, I
+made suitable preparations for resistance, and, when my hired servants
+and _barracooniers_ fled in terror at the prince's command, I landed
+some whites from my schooner, to aid in protecting our slaves.
+
+By this time, my house had been constructed of the frail bamboos and
+matting which are exclusively used in the buildings of the Bassa
+country. I had added a cane verandah or piazza to mine, and protected
+it from the pilfering natives, by a high palisade, that effectually
+excluded all intruders. Within the area of this inclosure was slung my
+hammock, 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 my
+sofa_, which was a long trade-chest. I covered the deal table with a
+blanket, beneath whose pendent folds I concealed a keg of powder _with
+the head out_. Hard by, under a broad-brimmed _sombrero_, lay a pair
+of double-barrelled pistols. With these dispositions of my volcanic
+armory, I swung myself asleep in the hammock, and leaving the three
+whites to take turns in watching, never stirred till an hour after
+sunrise, 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 armed
+and gibbering savages, while his majesty, in the red coat of a British
+drummer, but without any trowsers, strutted pompously into my
+presence. Of course, I assumed an air of humble civility, and leading
+the potentate to one end of the guarded piazza, where he was
+completely isolated from his people, I stationed myself between the
+table and the _sombrero_. Some of the prince's relations attempted to
+follow 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 some
+minutes. I looked calmly and firmly into the prince's eyes, and waited
+for him to speak. Still he was silent. At last, getting tired of
+dumb-show, I asked the negro if he had "come to assist me in shipping
+my slaves; the sun is getting rather high," said I, "and we had better
+begin 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 New
+Sestros at my leisure, I intend to go away when it suits me. Besides
+this, Prince Freeman, I have no fear that you will do me the least
+harm, especially as I shall be _before_ you in any capers of that
+sort."
+
+Then, by a sudden jerk, I threw off the blanket that hid the exposed
+powder, and, with pistols in hand, one aimed at the keg and the other
+at the king, I dared him to give an order for my expulsion.
+
+It is inconceivable how _moving_ this process proved, not only to
+Freeman, but to the crowd comprising his body-guard. The poor
+blusterer, entirely cut off from big companions, was in a laughable
+panic. His tawny skin became ashen, as he bounded from his seat and
+rushed to the extremity of the piazza; and, to make a long story
+short, 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 the
+odorous crowd out of my inclosure. Before the negroes departed,
+however, I made him swear eternal fidelity and friendship in their
+presence, after which I sealed the compact with a couple of demijohns
+of 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 of
+gunpowder physic!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LIV.
+
+
+The summary treatment of this ebony potentate convinced the Kroo and
+Fishmen of New Sestros that they would find my breakfast parties no
+child's play. Bold _bravado_ had the best effect on the adjacent
+inland as well as the immediate coast. The free blacks not only
+treated my person and people with more respect, but began to supply me
+with better grades of negroes; so that when Don Pedro found my success
+increasing, he not only resolved to establish a permanent factory, but
+enlarged my commission to ten slaves for every hundred I procured.
+Thereupon, I at once commenced the erection of buildings suitable for
+my personal comfort and the security of slaves. I selected a pretty
+site closer to the beach. A commodious two-story house, surrounded by
+double verandahs, was topped by a look-out which commanded an
+ocean-view of vast extent, and flanked by houses for all the
+necessities of a first-rate factory. There were stores, a private
+kitchen, a rice house, houses for domestic servants, a public
+workshop, a depot for water, a slave-kitchen, huts for single men, and
+sheds under which gangs were allowed to recreate from time to time
+during daylight. The whole was surrounded by a tall hedge-fence,
+thickly planted, and entered by a double gate, on either side of which
+were long and separate _barracoons_ for males and females. The
+entrance of each slave-pen was commanded by a cannon, while in the
+centre of the square, I left a vacant space, whereon I have often
+seen 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 rather
+difficult of pronunciation, while they know very little of the
+Christian calendar, to baptize a new comer with some title, for which,
+any chattel or merchandise that strikes their fancy, is apt to stand
+godfather. My exploit with the prince christened me "Powder" on the
+spot; but when they saw my magnificent establishment, beheld the
+wealth of my warehouse, and heard the name of "store," I was forthwith
+whitewashed into "_Storee_."
+
+And "_Storee_," without occupying a legislative seat in Africa, was
+destined to effect a rapid change in the motives and prospects of that
+quarter. In a few months, New Sestros was alive. The isolated beach,
+which before my arrival was dotted with half a dozen Kroo hovels, now
+counted a couple of flourishing towns, whose inhabitants were supplied
+with merchandise and labor in my factory. The neighboring princes and
+chiefs, confident of selling their captives, struggled to the
+sea-shore through the trackless forest; and in a very brief period,
+Prince Freeman, who "no likee war" over my powder-keg, sent expedition
+after expedition against adjacent tribes, to redress imaginary
+grievances, or to settle old bills with his great-grandfather's
+debtors. There was no absolute idea of "extending the area of freedom,
+or of territorial annexation," but it was wonderful to behold how keen
+became the sovereign's sensibility to national wrongs, and how
+patriotically he labored to vindicate his country's rights. It is
+true, this African metamorphosis was not brought about without some
+sacrifice of humanity; still I am confident that during my stay,
+greater strides were made towards modern civilization than during the
+visit of any other factor. When I landed among the handful of savages
+I found them given up to the basest superstition. All classes of males
+as well as females, were liable to be accused upon any pretext by the
+_juju-men_ or priests, and the dangerous _saucy-wood_ potion was
+invariably administered to test their guilt or innocence. It
+frequently happened that accusations of witchcraft or evil practices
+were purchased from these wretches in order to get rid of a sick wife,
+an imbecile parent, or an opulent relative; and, as the poisonous
+draught was mixed and graduated by the _juju-man_, it rarely failed to
+prove fatal when the drinker's death was necessary.[F] Ordeals of this
+character occurred almost daily in the neighboring country, of course
+destroying numbers of innocent victims of cupidity or malice. I very
+soon observed the frequency of this abominable crime, and when it was
+next attempted in the little settlement that clustered around my
+factory, I respectfully requested that the accused might be locked up
+_for safety in my barracoon_, till the fatal liquid was prepared and
+the hour for its administration arrived.
+
+It will be readily understood that the saucy-wood beverage, like any
+other, may be prepared in various degrees of strength, so that the
+operator has entire control of its noxious qualities. If the accused
+has friends, either to pay or tamper with the medicator, the draft is
+commonly made weak enough to insure its harmless rejection from the
+culprit's stomach; but when the victim is friendless, time is allowed
+for the entire venom to exude, and the drinker dies ere he can drink
+the second bowl.
+
+Very soon after the offer of my _barracoon_ as a prison for the
+accused, a Krooman was brought to it, accused of causing his nephew's
+death by fatal incantations. The _juju_ had been consulted and
+confirmed 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's
+strength. As I had reason to believe that especial enmity was
+entertained against the imprisoned uncle, I called at the _juju's_
+hovel while the medication was proceeding, and, with the bribe of a
+bottle, requested him to impart triple power to the noxious draught.
+My own _juju_, I said, had nullified his by pronouncing the accused
+innocent, and I was exceedingly anxious to test the relative truth of
+our soothsayers.
+
+The rascal promised implicit compliance, and I hastened back to the
+_barracoon_ to await the fatal hour. Up to the very moment of the
+draught's administration, I remained alone with the culprit, and
+administering a double dose of tartar-emetic just before the gate was
+opened, I led him forth loaded with irons. The daring negro, strong in
+his truth, and confident of the white man's superior witchcraft,
+swallowed the draught without a wink, and in less than a minute, the
+rejected venom established his innocence, and covered the African
+wizard with confusion.
+
+This important trial and its results were of course noised abroad
+throughout so superstitious and credulous a community. The released
+Krooman told his companions of the "white-man-saucy-wood,"
+administered by me in the _barracoon_; and, ever afterwards, the
+accused were brought to my sanctuary where the conflicting charm of my
+emetic 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 by
+British cruisers, and, for as many months, had not shipped a single
+slave,--five hundred of whom were now crowded in my _barracoons_, and
+demanded our utmost vigilance for safe keeping. In the gang, I found a
+family consisting of a man, his wife, three children and a sister, all
+sold under an express obligation of exile and slavery among
+Christians. The luckless father was captured by my blackguard friend
+Prince Freeman in person, and the family had been secured when the
+parents' village was subsequently stormed. Barrah was an outlaw and an
+especial offender in the eyes of an African, though his faults were
+hardly greater than the deeds that bestowed honor and knighthood in
+the palmy days of our ancestral feudalism. Barrah was the discarded
+son of a chief in the interior, and had presumed to blockade the
+public path towards the beach, and collect duties from transient
+passengers or caravans. This interfered with Freeman and his revenues;
+but, in addition to the pecuniary damage, the alleged robber ventured
+on several occasions to defeat and plunder the prince's vagabonds, so
+that, in time, he became rich and strong enough to build a town and
+fortify it with a regular stockade, _directly on the highway_! All
+these offences were so heinous in the sight of my beach prince, that
+no foot was suffered to cool till Barrah was captured. Once within his
+power, Freeman would not have hesitated to kill his implacable enemy
+as soon as delivered at New Sestros; but the interference of friends,
+and, perhaps, the laudable conviction that a live negro was worth more
+than a dead one, induced his highness to sell him under pledge of
+Cuban banishment.
+
+Barrah made several ineffectual attempts to break my _barracoon_ and
+elude the watchfulness of my guards, so that they were frequently
+obliged to restrict his liberty, deprive him of comforts, or add to
+his shackles. In fact, he was one of the most formidable savages I
+ever encountered, even among the thousands who passed in terrible
+procession before me in Africa. One day he set fire to the
+bamboo-matting with which a portion of the _barracoon_ was sheltered
+from the sun, for which he was severely lashed; but next day, when
+allowed, under pretence of ague, to crawl with his heavy irons to the
+kitchen fire, he suddenly dashed a brand into the thatch, and, seizing
+another, sprang towards the powder-house, which his heavy shackles did
+not allow him to reach before he was felled to the earth.
+
+Freeman visited me soon afterwards, and, in spite of profit and
+liquor, insisted on taking the brutal savage back; but, in the mean
+time, the Bassa chief, to whom my prince was subordinate, heard of
+Barrah's attempt on my magazine, and demanded the felon to expiate his
+crime, according to the law of his country, at the stake. No argument
+could appease the infuriate judges, who declared that a cruel death
+would alone satisfy the people whose lives had been endangered by the
+robber. Nevertheless, I declined delivering the victim for such a
+fate, so that, in the end, we compromised the sentence by shooting
+Barrah in the presence of all the slaves and townsfolk,--the most
+unconcerned spectators among whom were his wife and sister!
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[F] _Saucy-wood_ is the reddish bark of the _gedu_ tree, which when
+ground and mixed with water, makes a poisonous draught, believed to be
+infallible in the detection of crime. It is, in fact, "a trial by
+ordeal;" 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 projected
+one on charts and maps. Two miles from the short and perilous beach
+where I built my _barracoons_, there was a slender stream, which, in
+consequence of its shallow bed, and narrow, rock-bound entrance, the
+natives call "Poor River;" but my factory was at New Sestros _proper_;
+and there, as I have said, there was no water outlet from the
+interior; in fact, nothing but an embayed strand of two hundred yards,
+flanked by dangerous cliffs. Such a beach, open to the broad ocean and
+for ever exposed to the fall rage of its storms, is of course more or
+less dangerous at all times for landing; and, even when the air is
+perfectly calm, the common surf of the sea pours inward with
+tremendous and combing waves, which threaten the boats of all who
+venture among them without experienced skill. Indeed, the landing at
+New Sestros would be impracticable were it not for the dexterous
+Kroomen, whose canoes sever and surmount the billows in spite of their
+terrific power.
+
+Kroomen and Fishmen are different people from the Bushmen. The two
+former classes inhabit the sea-shore exclusively, and living apart
+from other African tribes, are governed by their elders under a
+somewhat democratic system. The Bushmen do not suffer the Kroos and
+Fishes to trade with the interior; but, in recompense for the
+monopoly of traffic with the strongholds of Africa's heart, these
+expert boatmen maintain despotic sway along the beach in trade with
+the shipping. As European or Yankee boats cannot live in the surf I
+have described, the Kroo and Fishmen have an advantage over their
+brothers of the Bush, as well as over the whites, which they are not
+backward in using to their profit. In fact, the Bushmen fight, travel,
+steal and trade, while the Kroos and Fishes, who for ages have fringed
+at least seven hundred miles of African coast, constitute the
+mariners, without whose skill and boldness slaves would be drugs in
+caravans or _barracoons_. And this is especially the case since
+British, French, and American cruisers have driven the traffic from
+every nook and corner of the west coast that even resembled _a
+harbor_, and forced the slavers to lay in wait in open roadsteads for
+their prey.
+
+The Kroo canoe, wedge-like at both ends, is hollowed from the solid
+trunk of a tree to the thickness of an inch. Of course they are so
+light and buoyant that they not only lie like a feather on the surface
+of the sea, so as to require nothing but freedom from water for their
+safety, but a canoe, capable of containing four people, may be borne
+on 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; while
+no one dwelling on the shore, engaged in commerce, is particularly
+anxious to merit or receive their displeasure.
+
+When I landed at New Sestros, I promptly supplied myself with a little
+fleet of these amphibious natives; and, as the news of my liberality
+spread north and south along the shore, the number of my retainers
+increased with rapidity. Indeed, in six months a couple of rival
+towns,--one of Kroos and the other of Fishes,--hailed me severally as
+their "Commodore" and "Consul." With such auxiliaries constantly at
+hand, I rarely feared the surf when the shipment of slaves was
+necessary. At Gallinas, under the immediate eye of Don Pedro, the most
+elaborate care was taken to secure an ample supply of these people and
+their boats, and I doubt not that the multitude employed in the
+establishment's prime, could, at a favorable moment, despatch at least
+a thousand slaves within the space of four hours. Yet I have heard
+from Kroomen at Gallinas the most harrowing tales of disaster
+connected with the shipment of negroes from that perilous bar. Even in
+the dry season, the mouth of this river is frequently dangerous, and,
+with all the adroitness they could display, the Kroos could not save
+boat-load after boat-load from becoming food for the ravenous sharks!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I was quite afloat at New Sestros on the tide of success, when the
+cruiser that for a while had annoyed me with a blockade, became short
+of food, and was obliged to bear away for Sierra Leone. My well paid
+spy--a Krooman who had been employed by the cruiser--soon apprised me
+of the brig's departure and its cause; so that in an hour the beach
+was in a bustle, despatching a swift canoe to Gallinas with a message
+to Don Pedro:--"The coast is clear:--send me a vessel:--relieve my
+plethora!"
+
+Forty-eight hours were hardly over when the twin masts of a clipper
+brig were seen scraping along the edge of the horizon, with the
+well-known signal for "embarkation." I was undoubtedly prepared to
+welcome my guest, for Kroos, Fishes, Bushmen, Bassas and all, had been
+alert since daybreak, ready to hail the craft and receive their fees.
+There had been a general embargo on all sea-going folks for a day
+before, so that there was not a fish to be had for love or money in
+the settlement. Minute precautions like these are absolutely necessary
+for all prudent slavers, for it was likely that the cruiser kept a spy
+in her pay among _my_ people, as well as I did among _hers_!
+
+All, therefore, was exceedingly comfortable, so far as ordinary
+judgment could foresee; but alas! the moon was full, and the African
+surf at such periods is fearfully terrific. As I listened from my
+piazza or gazed from my _bellevue_, it roared on the strand like the
+charge of interminable cavalry. My watchful enemy had been several
+days absent, and I expected her return from hour to hour. The
+shipment, though extremely perilous, was, therefore indispensable; and
+four short hours of daylight alone remained to complete it. I saw the
+risk, yet, taking counsel with the head Kroo and Fishmen, I persuaded
+them, under the provocation of triple reward, to attempt the
+enterprise with the smallest skiffs and stoutest rowers, while a band
+of lusty youths stood by to plunge in whenever the breakers capsized a
+canoe.
+
+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 young
+gale, and driving the rollers with greater rapidity, upset almost
+every alternate cockleshell set adrift with its living freight. It was
+fortunate that our sharks happened that evening to be on a frolic
+elsewhere, so that negro after negro was rescued from the brine,
+though the sun was rapidly sinking when but two thirds of my slaves
+were safely shipped.
+
+I ran up and down the beach, in a fever of anxiety, shouting,
+encouraging, coaxing, appealing, and _refreshing_ the boatmen and
+swimmers; but as the gangs came ashore, they sank exhausted on the
+beach, refusing to stir. Rum, which hitherto roused them like
+electricity, was now powerless. Powder they did not want, nor muskets,
+nor ordinary trade stuff, for they never engaged in kidnapping or
+slave wars.
+
+As night approached the wind increased. _There_ was the brig with
+topsails aback, signalling impatiently for despatch; but never was
+luckless factor more at fault! I was on the eve of giving up in
+despair, when a bright flash brought to recollection a quantity of
+Venetian beads of mock coral which I had stowed in my chest. They
+happened, 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. Now
+the 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 the
+dames and damsels of Sestros to my aid. Such a shower of chatter was
+never heard out of a canary cage. Mothers, sisters, daughters, wives,
+sweethearts, took charge of the embarkation by coaxing or commanding
+their respective gentlemen; and, before the sun's rim dipped below the
+horizon, 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 beauty
+was over: Three slaves found a tomb in the sharks, or a grave in the
+deep, while the brig took flight in the darkness without the remaining
+one hundred and twenty I had designed for her hold.
+
+Next morning the cruiser loomed once more in the offing, and, in a fit
+of impetuous benevolence, I hurried a Krooman aboard, with the offer
+of my compliments, and a _sincere_ hope that I could render some
+service!
+
+
+
+
+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 little
+roadstead with a letter from Blanco. The Spaniard had been chartered
+by the Don to bring from the Grain Coast a cargo of rice, which he was
+to collect under my instructions.
+
+My _barracoons_ happened to be just then pretty bare, and as the
+season did not require my presence in the factory for trade, it struck
+me that I could not pass a few weeks more agreeably, and ventilate my
+jaded faculties more satisfactorily, than by throwing my carpet-bag on
+the Brilliant, and purchasing the cargo myself.
+
+In the prosecution of this little adventure, I called along the coast
+with cash at several English factories, where I obtained rice; and on
+my return anchored off the river to purchase sea-stores. Here I found
+Governor Findley, chief of the colony, laboring under a protracted
+illness which refused yielding to medicine, but might, probably, be
+relieved by a voyage, even of a few days, in the pure air of old
+Neptune. Slaver as I was, I contrived never to omit a civility to
+gentlemen on the coast of Africa; and I confess I was proud of the
+honorable service, when Governor Findley accepted the Brilliant for a
+trip along the coast. He proposed visiting Monrovia and Bassa; and
+after landing at some port in that quarter to await the captain's
+return from windward.
+
+I fanned along the coast as slowly as I could, to give the Governor
+every possible chance to recruit his enervated frame by change of air;
+but, as I looked in at New Sestros in passing, I found three trading
+vessels with cargoes of merchandise to my consignment, so that I was
+obliged to abandon my trip and return to business. I left the
+Governor, however, in excellent hands, and directed the captain to
+land him at Bassa, await his pleasure three days, and finally, to bear
+him to Monrovia, the last place he desired visiting.
+
+The Rio San Juan or Grand Bassa, is only fourteen miles north-west of
+New Sestros, yet it was near nightfall when the Brilliant approached
+the river landing. The Spaniard advised his guest not to disembark
+till next morning, but the Governor was so restless and anxious about
+delay, that he declined our captain's counsel, and went ashore at a
+native town, with the design of crossing on foot the two miles of
+beach 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 given
+him either to hide his money or leave it on board. But the Governor
+smiled at the caution, and disregarding it entirely, threw himself
+into 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, my
+delayed mariner became impatient if not anxious, and despatched one of
+my servants who spoke English, in search of Mr. Findley at the
+American Settlement. _No one had seen or heard of him!_ But, hurrying
+homeward from his fruitless errand, my boy followed the winding beach,
+and half way to the vessel found a human body, its head gashed with a
+deep wound, floating and beating against the rocks. He could not
+recognize the features of the battered face; but the well-remembered
+garments left no doubt on the servant's mind that the corpse was
+Findley's.
+
+The frightful story was received with dismay on the Brilliant, whose
+captain, unfamiliar with the coast and its people, hesitated to land,
+with the risk of treachery or ambush, even to give a grave to the dust
+of his wretched passenger. In this dilemma he thought best to run the
+fourteen miles to New Sestros, where he might counsel with me before
+venturing ashore.
+
+Whatever personal anxiety may have flashed athwart my mind when I
+heard of the death of a colonial governor while enjoying the
+hospitality of myself,--a slaver,--the thought vanished as quickly as
+it was conceived. In an instant I was busy with detection and revenge.
+
+It happened that the three captains had already landed the cargoes to
+my consignment, so that their empty vessels were lying at anchor in
+the roads, and the officers ready to aid me in any enterprise I deemed
+feasible. 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 the
+Portuguese skipper, we assembled the crew. I dwelt earnestly and
+heartily on the insult the Castilian flag had received by the murder
+of an important personage while protected by its folds. I demonstrated
+the necessity there was for prompt chastisement of the brutal crime,
+and concluded by informing the crowd, that their captains had resolved
+to aid me in vindicating our banner. When I ventured to hope that _the
+men_ would not hesitate to back their officers, a general shout went
+up that they were ready to land and punish the negroes.
+
+As soon as the enterprise was known on board the American, her captain
+insisted on volunteering in the expedition; and by noon, our little
+squadron was under way, with fifty muskets in the cabins.
+
+The plan I roughly proposed, was, under the menacing appearance of
+this force, to demand the murderer or murderers of Governor Findley,
+and to execute them, either on his grave, or the spot where his corpse
+was 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 past
+the native towns along the fatal beach, and displayed our flags and
+pennants. Off the Rio San Joan, we tacked in man-of-war fashion, and
+returning southward, each vessel took post opposite a different town
+as if to command it.
+
+While I had been planning and executing these manoeuvres, the
+colonial settlers had heard of the catastrophe, and found poor
+Findley's mangled corpse. At the moment of our arrival off the river's
+mouth, an anxious council of resolute men was discussing the best
+means of chastising the savages. When my servant inquired for the
+governor he had spoken of him as a passenger in the Spanish craft, so
+that the parade of our vessels alongshore and in front of the native
+towns, betokened, they thought, co-operation on the part of the Mongo
+of New Sestros.
+
+Accordingly, we had not been long at anchor before Governor Johnson
+despatched 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 forces
+in the intended punishment.
+
+In the interval, however, the cunning savages who soon found out that
+we had no cannons, flocked to the beach, and as they were beyond
+musket shot, insulted us by gestures, and defied a battle.
+
+Of course no movement was made against the blacks that night, but it
+was 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 the
+towns.
+
+Punctual to the moment, the colonial flag, with drum and fife,
+appeared on the sea-shore at nine in the morning, followed by some
+forty armed men, dragging their cannon. Five boats, filled with
+sailors instantly left our vessels to support the attack, and, by this
+time, the colonists had reached a massive rock which blocked the beach
+like a bulwark, and was already possessed by the natives. My position,
+in flank, made my force most valuable in dislodging the foe, and of
+course I hastened my oars to open the passage. As I was altogether
+ignorant of the numbers that might be hidden and lurking in the dense
+jungle that was not more than fifty feet from the water's edge, I kept
+my men afloat within musket shot, and, with a few rounds of ball
+cartridge purged the rock of its defenders, though but a single savage
+was mortally wounded.
+
+Upon this, the colonists advanced to the vacant bulwark, and were
+joined by our reinforcement. Wheeler, who commanded the Americans,
+proposed that we should march in a compact body to the towns, and give
+battle to the blacks if they held out in their dwellings. But his plan
+was not executed, for, before we reached the negro huts, we were
+assailed from the bushes and jungle. Their object was to keep hidden
+within the dense underwood; to shoot and run; while we, entirely
+exposed on the ocean shore, were obliged to remain altogether on the
+defensive by dodging the balls, or to fire at the smoke of an unseen
+enemy. Occasionally, large numbers of the savages would appear at a
+distance beyond musket range, and tossing their guns and lances, or
+brandishing their cutlasses, would present their naked limbs to our
+gaze, slap their shining flanks, and disappear! But this diverting
+exercise was not repeated very often. A sturdy colonist, named Bear,
+who carried a long and heavy old-fashioned _rifle_, took rest on my
+shoulder, and, when the next party of annoying jokers displayed their
+personal charms, laid its leader in the dust by a Yankee ball. Our
+cannon and blunderbusses were next brought into play to scour the
+jungle and expel the marksmen, who, confident in the security of their
+impervious screen, began to fire among us with more precision than was
+desirable. A Krooman of our party was killed, and a colonist severely
+wounded. Small sections of our two commands advanced at a run, and
+fired a volley into the bushes, while the main body of the expedition
+hastened along the beach towards the towns. By repeating this process
+several times, we were enabled, without further loss, to reach the
+first settlement.
+
+Here, of course, we expected to find the savages arrayed in force to
+defend their roof-trees, but when we entered the place cautiously, and
+crept to the first dwelling in the outskirt, it was empty. So with the
+second, third, fourth,--until we overran the whole settlement and
+found 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 the
+superstitious charm did not save them. The brand was lighted; and, in
+an hour, five of these bamboo confederacies were given to the flames.
+
+We discovered while approaching the towns, that our assault had made
+so serious an inroad on the slim supply of ammunition, that it was
+deemed advisable to send a messenger to the colony for a
+reinforcement. By neglect or mishap, the powder and ball never reached
+us; so that when the towns were destroyed, no one dreamed of
+penetrating the forest to unearth its vermin with the remnant of
+cartridges in our chest and boxes. I never was able to discover the
+cause of this unpardonable neglect, or the officer who permitted it to
+occur in such an exigency; but it was forthwith deemed advisable to
+waste no time in retreating after our partial revenge.
+
+Till now, the Africans had kept strictly on the defensive, but when
+they saw our faces turned towards the beach, or colony, every bush and
+thicket became alive again with aggressive foes. For a while, the
+cannon kept them at bay, but its grape soon gave out; and, while I was
+in the act of superintending a fair division of the remaining ball
+cartridges, I was shot in the right foot with an iron slug. At the
+moment of injury I scarcely felt the wound, and did not halt, but, as
+I trudged along in the sand and salt water, my wound grew painful, and
+the loss of blood which tracked my steps, soon obliged me to seek
+refuge in the canoe of my Kroomen.
+
+The sight of my bleeding body borne to the skiff, was hailed with
+shouts and gestures of joy and contempt by the savages. As I crossed
+the last breaker and dropped into smooth water, my eyes reverted to
+the beach, where I heard the exultant war-drum and war bells, while
+the colonists were beheld in full flight, leaving their artillery in
+the hands of our foe! It was subsequently reported that the commander
+of the party had been panic struck by the perilous aspect of affairs,
+and ordered the precipitate and fatal retreat, which that very night
+emboldened the negroes to revenge the loss of their towns by the
+conflagration of Bassa-Cove.
+
+Next day, my own men, and the volunteers from our Spanish, Portuguese
+and American vessels, were sent on board, eight of them bearing marks
+of the fray, which fortunately proved neither fatal nor dangerous. The
+shameful flight of my comrades not only gave heart to the blacks, but
+spread its cowardly panic among the resident colonists. The
+settlement, they told me, was in danger of attack, and although my
+wound and the disaster both contributed to excite me against the
+fugitives, I did not quit the San Juan without reinforcing Governor
+Johnson with twenty muskets and some kegs of powder.
+
+I have dwelt rather tediously perhaps on this sad occurrence--but I
+have a reason. Governor Findley's memory was, at this time, much
+vilified on the coast, because that functionary had accepted the boon
+of a passage in the Brilliant, which was falsely declared to be "a
+Spanish slaver." There were some among the overrighteous who even went
+so far as to proclaim his death "a judgment for venturing on the deck
+of such a vessel!"
+
+As no one took the trouble to investigate the facts and contradict the
+malicious lie, I have thought it but justice to tell the entire story,
+and exculpate a gentleman who met a terrible death in the bold
+prosecution of his duty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LVII.
+
+
+I took the earliest opportunity to apprise Don Pedro Blanco of the
+mishap that had befallen his factor's limb, so that I might receive
+the prompt aid of an additional clerk to attend the more active part
+of our business. Don Pedro's answer was extremely characteristic. The
+letter opened with a draft for five hundred dollars, which he
+authorized me to bestow on the widow and orphans of Governor Findley,
+if he left a family. The slaver of Gallinas then proceeded to comment
+upon my Quixotic expedition; and, in gentle terms, intimated a decided
+censure for my immature attempt to chastise the negroes. He did not
+disapprove my _motives_; but considered any revengeful assault on the
+natives unwise, unless every precaution had previously been taken to
+insure complete success. Don Pedro hoped that, henceforth, I would
+take things more coolly, so as not to hazard either my life or his
+property; 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, for
+nine months, kept me a prisoner on crutches. During the long and
+wearying confinement which almost broke my restless heart, I had
+little to do save to superintend the general fortunes of our factory.
+Now and then, an incident occurred to relieve the monotony of my sick
+chair, and make me forget, for a moment, the pangs of my crippled
+limb. One of these events flashes across my memory as I write, in the
+shape of a letter which was mysteriously delivered at my landing by a
+coaster, and came from poor Joseph, my ancient partner on the Rio
+Pongo. Coomba's spouse was in trouble! and the ungrateful scamp,
+though forgetful of my own appeals from the _Chateau of Brest_, did
+not hesitate to claim my brotherly aid. Captured in a Spanish slaver,
+and compromised beyond salvation, Joseph had been taken into Sierra
+Leone, where he was now under sentence of transportation. The letter
+hinted that a liberal sum might purchase his escape, even from the
+tenacious jaws of the British lion; and when I thought of old times,
+the laughable marriage ceremony, and the merry hours we enjoyed at
+Kambia, I forgave his neglect. A draft on Don Pedro was readily cashed
+at Sierra Leone, notwithstanding the paymaster was a slaver and the
+jurisdiction that of St. George and his Cross. The transaction, of
+course, was "purely commercial," and, therefore, sinless; so that, in
+less than a month, Joseph and the bribed turnkey were on their way to
+the Rio Pongo.
+
+By this time the sub-factory of New Sestros was somewhat renowned in
+Cuba and Porto Rico. Our dealings with commanders, the character of my
+cargoes, and the rapidity with which I despatched a customer and his
+craft were proverbial in the islands. Indeed, the third year of my
+lodgment had not rolled over, before the slave-demand was so great,
+that in spite of rum, cottons, muskets, powder, kidnapping and Prince
+Freeman's wars, the country could not supply our demand.
+
+To aid New Sestros, I had established several _nurseries_, or junior
+factories, at Little Bassa and Digby; points a few miles from the
+limits of Liberia. These "chapels of ease" furnished my parent
+_barracoons_ with young and small negroes, mostly kidnapped, I
+suppose, in the neighborhood of the beach.
+
+When I was perfectly cured of the injury I sustained in my first
+philanthropic fight, I loaded my spacious cutter with a choice
+collection of trade-goods, and set sail one fine morning for this
+outpost at Digby. I designed, also, if advisable, to erect another
+receiving _barracoon_ under the lee of Cape Mount.
+
+But my call at Digby was unsatisfactory. The pens were vacant, and our
+merchandise squandered _on credit_. This put me in a very
+uncomfortable passion, which would have rendered an interview between
+"Mr. Powder" and his agent any thing but pleasant or profitable, had
+that personage been at his post. Fortunately, however, for both of us,
+he was abroad carousing with "a _king_;" so that I refused landing a
+single yard of merchandise, and hoisted sail for the next village.
+
+There I transacted business in regular "ship-shape." Our rum was
+plenteously distributed and established an _entente cordiale_ which
+would have charmed a diplomatist at his first dinner in a new capital.
+The naked blackguards flocked round me like crows, and I clothed their
+loins in parti-colored calicoes that enriched them with a plumage
+worthy of parrots. I was the prince of good fellows in "every body's"
+opinion; and, in five days, nineteen newly-"_conveyed_" darkies were
+exchanged for London muskets, Yankee grog, and Manchester cottons!
+
+My cutter, though but twenty-seven feet long, was large enough to stow
+my gang, considering that the voyage was short, and the slaves but
+boys and girls; so I turned my prow homeward with contented spirit and
+promising skies. Yet, before night, all was changed. Wind and sea rose
+together. The sun sank in a long streak of blood. After a while, it
+rained in terrible squalls; till, finally, darkness caught me in a
+perfect gale. So high was the surf and so shelterless the coast, that
+it became utterly impossible to make a lee of any headland where we
+might ride out the storm in safety. Our best hope was in the cutter's
+ability to keep the open sea without swamping; and, accordingly, under
+the merest patch of sail, I coasted the perilous breakers, guided by
+their roar, till day-dawn. But, when the sun lifted over the
+horizon,--peering for an instant through a rent in the storm-cloud,
+and then disappearing behind the gray vapor,--I saw at once that the
+coast offered no chance of landing our blacks at some friendly town.
+Every where the bellowing shore was lashed by surf, impracticable even
+for the boats and skill of Kroomen. On I dashed, therefore, driving
+and almost burying the cutter, with loosened reef, till we came
+opposite Monrovia; where, safe in the absence of cruisers, I crept at
+dark under the lee of the cape, veiling my cargo with our useless
+sails.
+
+Sunset "killed the wind," enabling us to be off again at dawn; yet
+hardly were we clear of the cape, when both gale and current freshened
+from the old quarter, holding us completely in check. Nevertheless, I
+kept at sea till evening, and then sneaked back to my protecting
+anchorage.
+
+By this time, my people and slaves were well-nigh famished, for their
+sole food had been a scant allowance of raw _cassava_. Anxiety, toil,
+rain, and drenching spray, broke their spirits. The blacks, from the
+hot interior, and now for the first time off their mother earth,
+suffered not only from the inclement weather, but groaned with the
+terrible pangs of sea-sickness. I resolved, therefore, if possible, to
+refresh the drooping gang by a hot meal; and, beneath the shelter of a
+tarpaulin, contrived to cook a mess of rice. Warm food comforted us
+astonishingly; but, alas! the next day was a picture of the past! A
+slave--cramped and smothered amid the crowd that soaked so long in the
+salt water at our boat's bottom--died during the darkness. Next
+morning, the same low, leaden, coffin-lid sky, hung like a pall over
+sea and shore. Wind in terrific blasts, and rain in deluging squalls,
+howled and beat on us. Come what might, I resolved not to stir! All
+day I kept my people beneath the sails, with orders to move their
+limbs as much as possible, in order to overcome the benumbing effect
+of moisture and packed confinement. The incessant drenching from sea
+and sky to which they had been so long subjected, chilled their
+slackened circulation to such a degree, that death from torpor seemed
+rapidly 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 bold
+encounter of hazard would save either lives or property. Before dark
+my mind was made up as to the enterprise. I would land in the
+neighborhood of the colony, and cross its territory during the shadow
+of night!
+
+I do not suppose that the process by which I threw my stiffened crew
+on the beach, and revived them with copious draughts of brandy, would
+interest the reader; _but midnight did not strike before my cargo,
+under the escort of Kroo guides, was boldly marched through the
+colonial town, and safe on its way to New Sestros!_ Fortunately for my
+dare-devil adventure, the tropical rain poured down in ceaseless
+torrents, compelling the unsuspicious colonists to keep beneath their
+roofs. Indeed, no one dreamed of a forced march by human beings on
+that dreadful night of tempest, else it might have gone hard had I
+been detected in the desecration of colonial soil. Still I was
+prepared for all emergencies. I never went abroad without the two
+great keys of Africa--gold and fire-arms; and had it been my lot to
+encounter a colonist, he would either have learned the value of
+silence, 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 interior
+path to Little Bassa, where one of my branches could furnish it with
+necessaries to cross the other colony of Bassa San Juan, so as to
+reach my homestead in the course of three days. Meanwhile I retraced
+my way to Monrovia, and, reaching it by sunrise, satisfied the amiable
+colonists that I had just taken shelter in their harbor, and was fresh
+from my dripping cutter. It is very likely that no one in the colony
+to the present day knows the true story of this adventure, or would
+believe it unless _confessed_ by me.
+
+It was often my fate in Africa, and elsewhere, to hear gossips declare
+that colonists were no better than others who dwelt amid coast
+temptations, and that they were sometimes even willing to back a
+certain Don Theodore Canot, if not absolutely to share his
+slave-trade! I never thought it prudent to exculpate those honorable
+emigrants who were consolidating the first colonial lodgments from the
+United States; for I believed that _my_ denial would only add
+sarcastic venom to the scandal of vilifiers. But now that my African
+career is over, and the slave-trade a mere tradition in the
+neighborhood of Liberia, I may assure the friends of colonization,
+that, in all my negro traffic, no American settler gave assistance or
+furnished merchandise which I could not have obtained at the most
+loyal establishments of Britain or France. I think it will be granted
+by unprejudiced people, that the colonist who sold me a few pieces of
+cloth, lodged me in travelling, or gave me his labor for my
+flesh-colored gold, participated no more in the African slave-trade
+than 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-known
+cupidity 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 in
+the roadstead of New Sestros, to despatch my canoe with "Captain
+Canot's compliments;" nor did I omit this graceful courtesy when his
+Britannic Majesty's cruisers did me the honor of halting in my
+neighborhood to watch or destroy my operations. At such times I
+commonly increased the politeness by an offer of my services, and a
+tender of provisions, or of any commodity the country could supply!
+
+I remember an interesting rencounter of this sort with the officers of
+the brig of war Bonito. My note was forwarded by a trusty Krooman,
+even before her sails were furled, but the courteous offer was
+respectfully declined "_for the present_." The captain availed
+himself, however, of my messenger's return, to announce that the
+"commodore in command of the African squadron had specially deputed
+the Bonito _to blockade_ New Sestros, for which purpose she was
+provisioned for _six months_, and ordered not to budge from her
+anchorage till relieved by a cruiser!"
+
+This formidable announcement was, of course, intended to strike me
+with awe. The captain hoped in conclusion, that I would see the folly
+of prosecuting my abominable traffic in the face of such a disastrous
+_vis à vis_; nor could he refrain from intimating his surprise that a
+man of my reputed character and ability, would consent to manacle and
+starve the unfortunate negroes who were now suffering in my
+_barracoons_.
+
+I saw at once from this combined attack of fear and flattery, backed
+by blockade, that his majesty's officer had either been grossly
+misinformed, or believed that a scarcity of rice prevailed in my
+establishment as well as elsewhere along the coast.
+
+The suspicion of _starving blacks in chains_, was not only pathetic
+but mortifying! It was part of the sentimental drapery of British
+reports and despatches, to which I became accustomed in Africa. I did
+not retort upon my dashing captain with a sneer at his ancestors who
+had taught the traffic to Spaniards, yet I resolved not to let his
+official communications reach the British admiralty with a fanciful
+tale about _my_ barracoons and starvation. Accordingly, without more
+ado, I sent a second _billet_ to the Bonito, desiring her captain or
+any of her officers to visit New Sestros, and ascertain personally the
+condition of my establishment.
+
+Strange to tell, my invitation was accepted; and at noon a boat with a
+white flag, appeared on the edge of the surf, conveying two officers
+to my beach. The surgeon and first lieutenant were my visitors. I
+welcomed them most cordially to my cottage, and as soon as the
+customary refreshments were despatched, proposed a glance at the
+dreadful _barracoons_.
+
+As well as I now remember, there must have been at least five hundred
+slaves in my two pens, sleek in flesh, happy in looks, and ready for
+the first customer who could outwit the cruiser. I quietly despatched
+a notice of our advent to the _barracooniers_, with directions as to
+their conduct, so that the moment my naval friends entered the stanch
+inclosures, full two hundred and fifty human beings, in each, rose to
+their feet and saluted the strangers with long and reiterated
+clapping. This sudden and surprising demonstration somewhat alarmed my
+guests at its outburst, and made them retreat a pace towards the
+door,--perhaps in fear of treachery;--but when they saw the smiling
+faces and heard the pleased chatter of my people, they soon came
+forward to learn that the compliment was worth a customary _demijohn
+of rum_.
+
+The adventure was a fortunate one for the reputation of New Sestros,
+Don Pedro my employer, and Don Téodor, his clerk. Our establishment
+happened just then to be at a summit of material comfort rarely
+exceeded or even reached by others. My pens were full of slaves; my
+granary, of rice; my stores, of merchandise.
+
+From house to house,--from hut to hut,--the sailor and saw-bones
+wandered with expressions of perfect admiration, till the hour for
+dinner approached. I ordered the meal to be administered with minute
+attention 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 slave
+life in _barracoons_, but ventured to hint that I must have got up the
+drama for their special diversion, and that it was impossible for
+such to be the ordinary drill and demeanor of Africans. Our dapper
+little surgeon, with almost dissective inquisitiveness, pried into
+every nook and corner; and at length reached the slave kitchen, where
+a caldron was full and bubbling with the most delicious rice. Hard by
+stood a pot, simmering with meat and soup, and in an instant the
+doctor had a morsel between his fingers and brought his companion to
+follow his example.
+
+Now, in sober truth, this was no casual display got up for effect, but
+the common routine of an establishment conducted with prudent
+foresight, for the profit of its owners as well as the comfort of our
+people. And yet, such was the fanatical prepossession of these
+Englishmen, whose idea of Spanish _factories_ and _barracoons_ was
+formed exclusively from exaggerated reports, that I could not satisfy
+them of my truth till I produced our journal, in which I noted
+minutely every item of daily expenditure. It must be understood,
+however, that it was not my habit to give the slaves _meat_ every day
+of the week. Such a diet would not be prudent, because it is not
+habitual with the majority of negroes. Two bullocks were slaughtered
+each 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 customary
+day of our butchering.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A stinging appetite was the natural result of our review, and while
+the naval guests were whetting it still more, I took the opportunity
+to slip out of my verandah with orders for our harbor-pilot to report
+the beach "impracticable for boats,"--a report which no prudent sailor
+on the coast ever disregards. Meanwhile, I despatched a Krooman with a
+note to the Bonito's captain, notifying that personage of the marine
+hazard that prevented his officers' immediate return, and fearing they
+might even find it necessary to tarry over night. This little _ruse_
+was an _impromptu_ device to detain my inspectors, and make us better
+acquainted over the African _cuisine_, which, by this time was smoking
+in 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 melted
+enough under the blaze of the bottle to admit, _as a philosopher_,
+that Cuffee was happier in the hands of white men than of black, and
+that he would even support the institution if it could be carried on
+with a little more humanity and less bloodshed. The lieutenant saw
+nothing, even through the "Spiritual Medium" of our flagons, save
+prize-money and obedience to the Admiral; while Don Téodor became
+rather tart on the service, and confessed that his incredulity of
+British philanthropy would never cease till England abandoned her
+Indian wars, her opium smuggling, and her persecution of the Irish!
+
+In truth, these loyal subjects of the King, and the Spanish slaver
+became most excellent friends before bed-time, and ended the evening
+by a visit to Prince Freeman, who forthwith got up a negro dance and
+jollification for our special entertainment.
+
+I have not much recollection after the end of this savage frolic till
+my "look-out" knocked at the door with the news that our brig was
+firing for her officers, while a suspicious sail flitted along the
+horizon.
+
+All good sailors sleep with one eye and ear open, so that in a
+twinkling the lieutenant was afoot making for the beach, and calling
+for the surgeon to follow. "A canoe! a canoe! a canoe!" shouted the
+gallant blade, while he ran to and fro on the edge of the surf,
+beholding signal after signal from his vessel. But alas! for the
+British navy,--out of all the Kroo spectators not one stirred hand or
+foot for the royal officer. Next came the jingle of dollars, and the
+offer of twenty to the boatmen who would launch their skiff and put
+them on board. "No savez! No savez! ax Commodore! ax Consul!"
+
+"Curse your Commodore and Consul!" yelled the Lieutenant, as the
+surgeon 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 no
+threats, lieutenant. One's just as useless as the other. First of all,
+the Bonito's off about her business;--and next, my dear fellow, the
+chase she's after is one of Canot's squadron, and, of course, there's
+an 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 in
+my bellevieu, watching the progress of the chase; and as both vessels
+kept steadily northward they soon disappeared behind the land.
+
+By this time it was near breakfast, and, with a good appetite, I
+descended to the verandah, with as unconcerned an air as if nothing
+had 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 look
+on me which was designed to annihilate; striding up and down the
+piazza, "a _very_ pretty business, I repeat! Pray, Commodore, Consul,
+Don, Señor, Mister, Monsieur, Theodore Canot, or whatever the devil
+else you please to call yourself, how long do you intend to keep
+British officers prisoners in your infernal slave den?"
+
+Now it is very likely that some years before, or if I had not
+contrived the plot of this little naval _contre temps_, I might have
+burst forth in a beautiful rage, and given my petulant and foiled
+visitor a specimen of my Spanish vocabulary, which would not have
+rested 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 my
+physic.
+
+"Sit down, sit down, lieutenant!" returned I very composedly, "we're
+about to have coffee, and you are my _guest_. Nothing, lieutenant,
+ever permits me to neglect the duties of hospitality in such an
+out-of-the-way and solitary place as Africa. Sit down, doctor! Calm
+yourselves, gentlemen. Take example by _me_! Your Bonito is probably
+playing the devil with one of Don Pedro's craft by this time; but that
+don't put me out of temper, or _make me unmannerly_ to gentlemen who
+honor my bamboo hut with their presence!" I laid peculiar stress, by
+way of accent, on the word "unmannerly," and in a moment I saw the
+field was in my hands.
+
+"Yes, gentlemen," continued I, "I comprehend very well both your duty
+and responsibility; but, now that I see you are calmer, have the
+kindness 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 willing
+to take you on board? Nay, did either of you apprise me, as is
+customary when folks go visiting, that you designed leaving my
+quarters at so early an hour as to afford me the pleasure of seeing
+every thing in order for your accommodation? Come now, my good
+fellows, New Sestros is _my_ flagship, as the Bonito is _yours_! No
+body stirs from this beach without the wink from its Commodore; and I
+shall be much surprised to hear such excellent disciplinarians dispute
+the propriety of my rule. Nevertheless, as you feel anxious to be gone
+on an independent cruise, you shall be furnished with a canoe
+_instanter_!"
+
+"An offer," interjected the surgeon, "which it would be d----d
+nonsense to accept! Have done with your infernal sneering, Don Téodor;
+strike your flag, Mr. Lieutenant; and let the darkies bring in the
+breakfast!"
+
+I have narrated this little anecdote to show that Spanish slavers
+sometimes ventured to have a little fun with the British lion, and
+that when we got him on his haunches, his month full of beef and his
+fore paws in air, he was by no means the unamiable beast he is
+described 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 was
+now the turn of the former to be exalted for a while by way of revenge
+for my forced hospitality.
+
+Our friends of the Bonito held on with provoking pertinacity in front
+of my factory, so that I was troubled but little with company from
+Cuba for several months. At last, however, it became necessary that I
+should visit a neighboring colony for supplies, and I took advantage
+of a Russian trader along the coast to effect my purpose. But when we
+were within sight of our destination, a British cruiser brought us to
+and visited the "Galopsik." As her papers were in order, and the
+vessel altogether untainted, I took it for granted that Lieutenant
+Hill would make a short stay and be off to his "Saracen." Yet, a
+certain "slave deck," and an unusual quantity of water-casks, aroused
+the officer's suspicions, so that instead of heading for our port, we
+were unceremoniously favored with a prize crew, and ordered to Sierra
+Leone!
+
+I did not venture to protest against these movements, inasmuch as I
+had no interest whatever in the craft, but I ventured to suggest that
+"as I was only a _passenger_, there could be no objection to my
+landing before the new voyage was commenced."
+
+"By no means, sir," was the prompt reply, "_your presence is a
+material fact for the condemnation of the vessel_!" Indeed, I soon
+found 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 Russian
+craft!
+
+At Sierra Leone matters became worse. The Court did not venture to
+condemn the Russian, but resolved on ordering her to England; and when
+I re-stated my reasonable appeal for release, I was told that I must
+accompany the vessel on her visit to Great Britain.
+
+This arbitrary decision of our captors sadly disconcerted my plans. A
+voyage to England would ruin New Sestros. My _barracoons_ were alive
+with blacks, but I had not a month's provisions in my stores. The
+clerk, temporarily in charge, was altogether unfit to conduct a
+factory during a prolonged absence,--and all my personal property, as
+well as Don Pedro's, was at the hazard of his judgment during a period
+of considerable difficulty.
+
+I resolved to take "French leave."
+
+Three men-of-war were anchored astern and on our bows. No boats were
+allowed to approach us from shore; at night two marines and four
+sailors paraded the deck, so that it was a thing of some peril to
+dream of escape in the face of such Arguses. Yet there was no help for
+it. I could not afford an Admiralty or Chancery suit in England, while
+my _barracoons_ were foodless in Africa.
+
+No one had been removed from the Russian since her seizure, nor were
+we denied liberty of motion and intercourse so long as suspicion had
+not ripened into legal condemnation. The captain, by birth a Spaniard,
+was an old acquaintance, while the steward and boatswain were good
+fellows who professed willingness to aid me in any exploit I might
+devise for my liberty.
+
+I hit upon the plan of a regular carouse; and at once decided that my
+Spanish skipper was bound to keep his birthday with commendable
+merriment and abundant grog. There was to be no delay; one day was as
+good as another for his festival, while all that we needed, was time
+enough to obtain the requisite supplies of food and fluid.
+
+This was soon accomplished, and the "fatted pig" slaughtered for the
+feast. As I never left home unprovided with gold, means were not
+wanting to stock our pantry with champagne as well as brandy.
+
+Every thing went off to a charm. We fed like gluttons and drank like
+old-fashioned squires. Bumper after bumper was quaffed to the captain.
+Little by little, the infection spread, as it always does, from the
+wardroom to the cabin, and "goodfellowship" was the watchword of the
+night. Invitations were given and accepted by our prize crew. Bull and
+the Lion again relaxed under the spell of beef and brandy, so that by
+sundown every lip had tasted our _eau de vie_, and watered for more.
+The "first watch" found every soul on board, with the exception of our
+corporal of marines, as happy as lords.
+
+This corporal was a regular "character;" and, from the first, had been
+feared as our stumbling-block. He was a perfect martinet; a prim,
+precise, black-stock'd, military, Miss Nancy. He neither ate nor
+drank, neither talked nor smiled, but paraded the deck with a grim air
+of iron severity, as if resolved to preserve his own "discipline" if
+he could not control that of any one else. I doubt very much whether
+her Majesty has in her service a more dutiful loyalist than Corporal
+Blunt, if that excellent functionary has not succumbed to African
+malaria.
+
+I hoped that something would occur to melt the corporal's heart during
+the evening, and had prepared a little vial in my pocket, which, at
+least, would have given him a stirless nap of twenty-four hours. But
+nothing broke the charm of his spell-bound sobriety. There he marched,
+to and fro, regular as a drum tap, hour after hour, stiff and
+inexorable as a ramrod!
+
+But who, after the fall of Corporal Blunt, shall declare that there is
+a living man free from the lures of betrayal? And yet, he only
+surrendered to an enemy in disguise!
+
+"God bless me, corporal," said our prize lieutenant, "in the name of
+all that's damnable, why don't you let out a reef or two from those
+solemn cheeks of yours, and drink a bumper to Captain Gaspard and Don
+Téodor? You ain't afraid of _cider_, are you?"
+
+"_Cider_, captain?" said the corporal, advancing to the front and
+throwing up his hand with a military salute.
+
+"Cider and be d----d to you!" returned the lieutenant. "Cider--of
+course, corporal; what other sort of pop can starving wretches like us
+drink in Sary-loney?"
+
+"Well, lieutenant," said the corporal, "if so be as how them fizzing
+bottles which yonder Spanish gentleman is a-pourin' down is _only
+cider_; 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 I
+have 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 a
+draught. 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 your
+honor."
+
+"But it ain't, Blunt, by any means; the rule is universal among
+gentlemen on ship and ashore, that whenever a fellow's glass is
+filled, he must drink it to the dregs, though he may leave a drop in
+the 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 sweetheart
+you 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 a
+thing this twenty years, since one warm summer's afternoon, when
+Jane----"
+
+"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 a
+mutinous example!"
+
+"Oh! God bless me, lieutenant, the thought never entered my brain!"
+
+But the third tumbler of champagne _did_, in the apple-blossom
+disguise of "_cider_;" and, in half an hour, there wasn't an odder
+figure on deck than the poor corporal, whose vice-like stock steadied
+his neck, though there was nothing that could make him toe the plank
+which he pertinaciously insisted on promenading. Blunt the immaculate,
+was undeniably drunk!
+
+In fact,--though I say it with all possible respect for her Majesty's
+naval officers, _while on duty_,--there was, by this time, hardly a
+sober man on deck or in the cabin except myself and the Spanish
+captain, who left me to engage the prize-officer in a game of
+backgammon or dominoes. The crew was dozing about the decks, or
+nodding over the taffrail, while my colleague, the boatswain, prepared
+an oar on the forecastle to assist me in reaching the beach.
+
+It was near midnight when I stripped in my state-room, leaving my
+garments in the berth, and hanging my watch over its pillow. In a
+small bundle I tied a flannel shirt and a pair of duck pantaloons,
+which I fastened behind my neck as I stood on the forecastle; and
+then, placing the oar beneath my arm, I glided from the bows into the
+quiet 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 the
+stream from sharks. I was not long in reaching a native town, where a
+Krooman from below, who had known me at Gallinas, was prepared for my
+reception 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 still
+rested in comfortable oblivion of last night's carouse. But the bird
+had flown! There were my trunk, my garments, my watch,--undisturbed as
+I left them when preparing for bed. There was the linen of my couch
+turned down and tumbled during repose. The inquest had no doubt of my
+fate:--_I had fallen overboard during the night_, and was doubtless,
+by this time, well digested in the bowels of African sharks! Folks
+shook their heads with surprise when it was reported that the
+notorious slaver, Canot, had fallen a victim to _mania à potu_!
+
+The _report_ of my death soon reached shore; the British townsfolk
+believed it, but I never imagined for a moment that the warm-hearted
+tar who commanded the prize had been deceived by such false signals.
+
+During eight days I remained hidden among the friendly negroes, and
+from my loophole, saw the Russian vessel sail under the Saracen's
+escort. I was not, however, neglected in my concealment by the worthy
+tradesmen of the British colony, who knew I possessed money as well as
+credit. This permitted me to receive visits and make purchases for the
+factory, so that I was enabled, on the eighth day, with a full
+equipment of all I desired, to quit the British jurisdiction in a
+Portuguese vessel.
+
+On our way to New Sestros, I made the skipper heave his main-yard
+aback at Digby, while I embarked thirty-one "darkies," and a couple of
+stanch canoes with their Kroomen, to land my human freight in case of
+encountering a cruiser.
+
+And well was it for me that I took this precaution. Night fell around
+us, dark and rainy,--the wind blowing in squalls, and sometimes dying
+away altogether. It was near one o'clock when the watch announced two
+vessels 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 personal
+attention. Ten of the slaves still remained on board, and as it was
+perilous to risk them in our own launch, we capsized it over the
+squad, burying the fellows in its bowels under the lee of a sailor's
+pistol to keep them quiet if we were searched.
+
+Our lights had hardly been extinguished in cabin and binnacle, when we
+heard the measured stroke of a man-of-war oar. In a few moments more
+the boat was alongside, the officer on deck, and a fruitless
+examination concluded. The blacks beneath the launch were as silent as
+death; nothing was found to render the "Maria" suspicious; and we were
+dismissed with a left-handed blessing for rousing gentlemen from their
+bunks on so comfortless a night. Next morning at dawn we reached New
+Sestros, 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 as
+to claim her for a prize! In the darkness and confusion of shipping
+the twenty slaves who were first of all despatched in canoes, one of
+them slipped overboard with a paddle, and sustained himself till
+daylight, when he was picked up by the cruiser whose jaws we had
+escaped during the night! The negro's story of our trick aroused the
+ire of her commander, and the poor "Maria" was obliged to pay the
+forfeit by revisiting Sierra Leone in custody of an officer.
+
+There were great rejoicings on my return to New Sestros. The coast was
+full of odd and contradictory stories about our capture. When the tale
+of my death at Sierra Leone by drowning, in a fit of drunkenness, was
+told to my patron Don Pedro, that intelligent gentleman denied it
+without hesitation, because, in the language of the law, "_it proved
+too much_." It was _possible_, he said, that I might have been
+drowned; but when they told him I had come to my death by strong
+drink, they declared what was not only improbable, but altogether out
+of the question. Accordingly, he would take the liberty to discredit
+the entire story, being sure that I would turn up before long.
+
+But poor Prince Freeman was not so clever a judge of nature as Don
+Pedro. Freeman had heard of my death; and, imbued as he was with the
+superstitions of his country, nobody could make him credit my
+existence till he despatched a committee to my factory, headed by his
+son, to report the facts. But then, on the instant, the valiant prince
+paid me a visit of congratulation. As I held out both hands to welcome
+him, 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 men
+tell too many lies 'bout the commodore! White man say, John Bull catch
+commodore, and cut him fingers all off, so commodore no more can
+'makee book' for makee fool of John Bull!" Which, being translated
+into English, signifies that it was reported my fingers had been cut
+off by my British captors to prevent me from writing letters by which
+the innocent natives believed I so often bamboozled and deceived the
+cruisers of her Majesty.
+
+During my absence, a French captain, who was one of our most
+attentive friends, had left a donkey which he brought from the Cape de
+Verds for my especial delectation, by way of an occasional _promenade
+à cheval_! I at once resolved to bestow the "long-eared convenience"
+on Freeman, not only as a type, but a testimonial; yet, before a week
+was over, the unlucky quadruped reappeared at my quarters, with a
+message from the prince that it might do well enough for a bachelor
+like me, but its infernal voice was enough to cause the miscarriage of
+an entire harem, if not of every honest woman throughout his
+jurisdiction! The superstition spread like wildfire. The women were up
+in arms against the beast; and I had no rest till I got rid of its
+serenades by despatching it to Monrovia, where the dames and damsels
+were not afraid of donkeys of any dimensions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LX.
+
+
+It was my habit to employ at New Sestros a clerk, store-keeper, and
+four seamen, all of whom were whites of reliable character, competent
+to aid me efficiently in the control of my _barracoons_.
+
+One of these sailors died of dropsy while in my service; and, as I
+write, the memory of his death flashes across my mind so vividly, that
+I cannot help recording it among the characteristic events of African
+coast-life.
+
+Sanchez, I think, was by birth a Spaniard; at least his perfect
+familiarity with the language, as well as name and appearance, induced
+me to believe that the greater part of his life must have been spent
+under the shield of Saint Iago. The poor fellow was ill for a long
+time, but in Africa, existence is so much a long-drawn malady, that we
+hardly heeded his bloated flesh or cadaverous skin, as he sat, day
+after day, musket in hand, at the gate of our barracoon. At last,
+however, his confinement to bed was announced, and every remedy within
+our knowledge applied for relief. This time, however, the summons was
+peremptory; 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 who
+watched faithfully at his bedside, explained that he felt his end
+approaching, yet could not depart without easing his soul by
+_confession_!
+
+"Here, Don Téodor," said he, "are five ounces of gold--all I have
+saved in this world,--the lees of my life,--which I want you to take
+care 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 cannot
+absolve your sins; and, as for my _prayers_, poor fellow, alas! what
+can they do for your sins when I fear they will hardly avail for my
+own!"
+
+"It's all one, _mi capitan_" answered the dying man; "it makes not the
+least difference, Don Téodor, if you are a clergyman or any thing
+else; it is the law of our church; and when confession is over, a
+man'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 winds
+of heaven. Listen,--it will be short.
+
+"It is many years since I sailed from Havana with that notorious
+slaver, Miguel ----, whose murder you may have heard of on the coast.
+Our vessel was in capital order for speed as well as cargo, and we
+reached Cape Mount after a quick voyage. The place, however, was so
+bare of slaves, that we coasted the reefs till we learned from a
+Mesurado Krooman that, in less than a month, the supply at Little
+Bassa would be abundant. We shipped the savage with his boatman, and
+next day reached our destination.
+
+"Miguel was welcomed warmly by the chiefs, who offered a choice lot of
+negroes for a portion of our cargo, inviting the captain to tarry with
+the rest of his merchandise and establish a factory. He assented; our
+brig was sent home with a short cargo, while I and two others landed
+with the captain, to aid in the erection and defence of the requisite
+buildings.
+
+"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 by
+American blacks.
+
+"Our captain was no niggard in housekeeping. Bountiful meals every
+day supplied his friends and factory. No man went from his door hungry
+or dissatisfied. When the colonists came up in their boats with goods,
+or walked the beach from the Cape to our settlement, Miguel was always
+alert with a welcome. A great intimacy, of course, ensued; and, among
+the whole crowd of traffickers, none were higher in our chief's
+estimation 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 the
+Cape de Verds to change her flag. In the interval, the Mesurado
+colonists picked a quarrel with the Trade-Town chiefs, and, aided by
+an American vessel, under Colombian colors, landed a division of
+colonial troops and destroyed the Spanish barracoons.[G]
+
+"The ruin of a Spanish factory could not be regarded by our captain
+with any other feeling than that of resentment. Still, he manifested
+his sensibility by coolness towards the colonists, or by refraining
+from that _profitable_ welcome to which they had hitherto been
+accustomed. But the Monrovians were not to be rebuffed by disdain.
+They had heard, I suppose, of the box of doubloons, and Miguel was 'a
+good fellow,' in spite of his frigidity. They were _his_ friends for
+ever, and all the harm that had been done his countrymen was
+attributable 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 was
+the earnestness of his manner, that Miguel, by degrees, restored him
+to confidence.
+
+"Thus, for a while, all things went smoothly, till T---- reached our
+anchorage, with several passengers in his craft, bound, as they said,
+to Grand Bassa. As usual on such visits, the whole party dined with
+Miguel at four in the afternoon, and, at six, retired towards their
+vessel, with a gift of provisions and liquor for their voyage.
+
+"About eight o'clock, a knocking at our gates--closed invariably at
+dark, according to custom--gave notice that our recent guests had
+returned. They craved hospitality for the night. They had dallied a
+couple of hours on the beach, with the hope of getting off, but the
+surf was so perilous that no Kroomen would venture to convey them
+through the breakers.
+
+"Such an appeal was, of course, enough for the heart of a courteous
+Spaniard,--and, on the coast, you know, it is imperative. Miguel
+opened the door, and, in an instant, fell dead on the threshold, with
+a ball in his skull. Several guns were discharged, and the house
+filled with colonists. At the moment of attack I was busy in the
+_barracoon_; but, as soon as I came forth, the assailants approached
+in such numbers that I leaped the barriers and hid myself in the
+forest till discovered by some friendly natives.
+
+"I remained with these Africans several weeks, while a canoe was
+summoned from Gallinas for my rescue. From thence I sailed to Cuba,
+and was the first to apprise our owners of the piratical onslaught by
+which the factory had been destroyed.
+
+"After this, I made several successful voyages to the coast; and, at
+last, sauntering one evening along the _paseo_ at Havana, I met Don
+Miguel's brother, who, after a sorrowful chat about the tragedy,
+offered me a quarter-master's berth in a brig he was fitting out for
+Africa. It was accepted on the spot.
+
+"In a month we were off Mesurado, and cruised for several days from
+the cape to Grand Bassa, avoiding every square-rigged vessel that
+loomed above the horizon. At length, we espied a small craft beating
+down the coast. We bore the stranger company for several hours, till,
+suddenly taking advantage of her long tack out to sea, we gave chase
+and cut off her return towards land.
+
+"It was a fine afternoon, and the sun was yet an hour in the sky when
+we intercepted the schooner. As we ran alongside, I thought I
+recognized the faces of several who, in days of old, wore familiar in
+our factory,--but what was my surprise, when T---- himself came to
+the gangway, and hailed us in Spanish!
+
+"I pointed out the miscreant to my comrade, and, in an instant, he was
+in our clutches. We let the sun go down before we contrived a proper
+death for the felon. His five companions, double-ironed, were nailed
+beneath the hatches in the hold. After this, we riveted the murderer,
+in chains, to the mainmast, and, for better security, fastened his
+spread arms to the deck by spikes through his hands. Every sail was
+then 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. For
+a while, the schooner was held by a hawser till we saw the flames
+spread from stern to cut-water, and then, with a cheer, _adios_! It
+was a beautiful sight,--that _auto-da-fé_, on the sea, in the
+darkness!
+
+"My confession, Don Téodor, is over. From that day, I have never been
+within a church or alongside a _padre_; but I could not die without
+sending the gold to my sister, and begging a mass in some parish for
+the rest of my soul!"
+
+I felt very conscious that I was by no means the person to afford
+ghostly consolation to a dying man under such circumstances, but while
+I promised to fulfil his request carefully, I could not help inquiring
+whether he sincerely repented these atrocious deeds?
+
+"Ah! yes, Don Téodor, a thousand times! Many a night, when alone on my
+watch at sea, or in yonder stockade, marching up and down before the
+_barracoon_, I have wept like a child for the innocent crew of that
+little schooner; but, as for the murderer of _Don Miguel_--!" He
+stared wildly for a minute into my eyes--shuddered--fell back--was
+dead!
+
+I have no doubt the outlaw's story contained exaggerations, or fell
+from a wrecked mind that was drifting into eternity on the current of
+delirium. I cannot credit his charge against the Monrovian colonists;
+yet I recount the narrative as an illustration of many a bloody scene
+that has stained the borders of Africa.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[G] The reader will recollect this is not CANOT'S story, but the
+sailor's.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXI.
+
+
+During my first visit to Digby, I promised my trading friends--perhaps
+rather rashly--that I would either return to their settlement, or, at
+least, send merchandise and a clerk to establish a factory. This was
+joyous news for the traffickers, and, accordingly, I embraced an early
+occasion to despatch, in charge of a clever young sailor, such stuffs
+as would be likely to tickle the negro taste.
+
+There were two towns at Digby, governed by cousins who had always
+lived in harmony. My mercantile venture, however, was unhappily
+destined to be the apple of discord between these relatives. The
+establishment of so important an institution as a slave-factory within
+the jurisdiction of the younger savage, gave umbrage to the elder. His
+town could boast neither of "merchandise" nor a "white man;" there was
+no profitable tax to be levied from foreign traffic; and, in a very
+short time, this unlucky partiality ripened the noble kinsmen into
+bitter enemies.
+
+It is not the habit in Africa for negroes to expend their wrath in
+harmless words, so that preparations were soon made in each settlement
+for defence as well as hostility. Both towns were stockaded and
+carefully watched by sentinels, day and night. At times, forays were
+made into each other's suburbs, but as the chiefs were equally
+vigilant and alert, the extent of harm was the occasional capture of
+women or children, as they wandered to the forest and stream for wood
+and 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 had
+acquired renown for his barbarous ferocity throughout the
+neighborhood. Jen-ken and his chiefs were _cannibals_, and never trod
+the war-path without a pledge to return laden with human flesh to
+gorge their households.
+
+Several assaults were made by this savage and his _bushmen_ on the
+dissatisfied cousin, but as they produced no significant results, the
+barbarians withdrew to the interior. A truce ensued. Friendly
+proposals were made by the younger to the elder, and again, a couple
+of months glided by in seeming peace.
+
+Just at this time business called me to Gallinas. On my way thither I
+looked in at Digby, intending to supply the displeased chieftain with
+goods and an agent if I found the establishment profitable.
+
+It was sunset when I reached the beach; too late, of course, to land
+my merchandise, so that I postponed furnishing both places until the
+morning. As might fairly be expected, there was abundant joy at my
+advent. The neglected rival was wild with satisfaction at the report
+that he, too, at length was favored with a "white-man." His "town"
+immediately became a scene of unbounded merriment. Powder was burnt
+without stint. Gallons of rum were distributed to both sexes; and
+dancing, 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 children
+aroused me from profound torpor! Shrieks were followed by volleys of
+musketry. Then came a loud tattoo of knocks at my door, and appeals
+from the negro chief to rise and fly. "The town was besieged:--the
+head-men were on the point of escaping:--resistance was vain:--they
+had 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 from
+departing, with the confident assurance that our assailants were
+unquestionably composed of the rival townsfolk, who had only
+temporarily discharged the bushmen to deceive my entertainer. The Kroo
+insisted that I had nothing to fear. We might, they said, be seized
+and even imprisoned; but after a brief detention, the captors would be
+glad enough to accept our ransom. If we fled, we might be slaughtered
+by mistake.
+
+I had so much confidence in the sense and fidelity of the band that
+always accompanied me,--partly as boatmen and partly as
+body-guard,--that I experienced very little personal alarm when I
+heard the shouts as the savages rushed through the town murdering
+every one they encountered. In a few moments our own door was battered
+down by the barbarians, and Jen-ken, torch in hand, made his
+appearance, 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 have
+been overwhelmed by a single wave of the infuriated crowd. The
+barbarian chief instantly selected our house for his headquarters, and
+despatched his followers to complete their task. Prisoner after
+prisoner was thrust in. At times the heavy mash of a war club and the
+cry of strangling women, gave notice that the work of death was not
+yet ended. But the night of horror wore away. The gray dawn crept
+through our hovel's bars, and all was still save the groans of wounded
+captives, 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 general
+rendezvous; and scarcely a _bushman_ appeared without the body of
+some maimed and bleeding victim. The mangled but living captives were
+tumbled on a heap in the centre, and soon, every avenue to the square
+was crowded with exulting savages. Rum was brought forth in abundance
+for the chiefs. Presently, slowly approaching from a distance, I
+heard the drums, horns, and war-bells; and, in less than fifteen
+minutes, a procession of women, whose naked limbs were smeared with
+chalk and ochre, poured into the palaver-house to join the beastly
+rites. Each of these devils was armed with a knife, and bore in her
+hand some cannibal trophy. Jen-ken's wife, a corpulent wench of
+forty-five,--dragged along the ground, by a single limb, the slimy
+corpse of an infant ripped alive from its mother's womb. As her eyes
+met those of her husband the two fiends yelled forth a shout of
+mutual joy, while the lifeless babe was tossed in the air and caught
+as it descended on the point of a spear. Then came the _refreshment_,
+in the shape of rum, powder, and blood, which was quaffed by the
+brutes till they reeled off, with linked hands, in a wild dance
+around the pile of victims. As the women leaped and sang, the men
+applauded and encouraged. Soon, the ring was broken, and, with a
+yell, each female leaped on the body of a wounded prisoner and
+commenced the final sacrifice with the mockery of lascivious
+embraces!
+
+In my wanderings in African forests I have often seen the tiger pounce
+upon its prey, and, with instinctive thirst, satiate its appetite for
+blood and abandon the drained corpse; but these African negresses were
+neither as decent nor as merciful as the beast of the wilderness.
+Their malignant pleasure seemed to consist in the invention of
+tortures, that would agonize but not slay. There was a devilish spell
+in the tragic scene that fascinated my eyes to the spot. A slow,
+lingering, tormenting mutilation was practised on the living, as well
+as on the dead; and, in every instance, the brutality of the women
+exceeded that of the men. I cannot picture the hellish joy with which
+they 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 the
+brains from each severed skull as a _bonne-bouche_ for the approaching
+feast!
+
+After the last victim yielded his life, it did not require long to
+kindle a fire, produce the requisite utensils, and fill the air with
+the odor of _human flesh_. Yet, before the various messes were half
+broiled, every mouth was tearing the dainty morsels with shouts of
+joy, denoting the combined satisfaction of revenge and appetite! In
+the midst of this appalling scene, I heard a fresh cry of exultation,
+as a pole was borne into the apartment, on which was impaled the
+living body of the conquered chieftain's wife. A hole was quickly dug,
+the stave planted and fagots supplied; but before a fire could be
+kindled the wretched woman was dead, so that the barbarians were
+defeated in their hellish scheme of burning her alive.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I do not know how long these brutalities lasted, for I remember very
+little after this last attempt, except that the bush men packed in
+plantain leaves whatever flesh was left from the orgie, to be conveyed
+to their friends in the forest. This was the first time it had been my
+lot _to behold the most savage development of African nature under the
+stimulus of war_. The butchery made me sick, dizzy, paralyzed. I sank
+on the earth benumbed with stupor; nor was I aroused till nightfall,
+when my Kroomen bore me to the conqueror's town, and negotiated our
+redemption for the value of twenty slaves.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXII.
+
+
+I hope that no one will believe I lingered a moment in Digby, or ever
+dealt again with its miscreants, after the dreadful catastrophe I have
+described in the last chapter. It is true that this tragedy might
+never have happened within the territory of the rival kinsmen had not
+the temptations of slave-trade been offered to their passionate
+natures; yet the event was so characteristic, not only of slave-war
+but of indigenous barbarity, that I dared not withhold it in these
+sketches of my life.
+
+Light was not gleaming over the tops of the forest next morning before
+I was on the beach ready to embark for Gallinas. But the moon was
+full, 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 at
+all hazards; and divesting myself of my outer garments, I stepped into
+a native canoe with one man only to manage it, and dashed through the
+breakers. Our provisions consisted of three bottles of gin, a jug of
+water, and a basket of raw cassava, while a change of raiment and my
+accounts were packed in an air-tight keg. Rough as was the sea, we
+succeeded in reaching the neighborhood of Gallinas early next morning.
+My Spanish friends on shore soon detected me with their excellent
+telescopes, by my well-known cruising dress of red flannel shirt and
+Panama hat; but, instead of running to the beach with a welcome, they
+hoisted the black flag, which is ever a signal of warning to slavers.
+
+My Krooman at once construed the telegraphic despatch as an intimation
+that the surf was impassable. Indeed, the fact was visible enough even
+to an uninstructed eye, as we approached the coast. For miles along
+the bar at the river's mouth, the breakers towered up in tall masses,
+whitening the whole extent of beach with foam. As our little canoe
+rose on the top of the swell, outside the rollers, I could see my
+friends waving their hats towards the southward, as if directing my
+movements towards Cape Mount.
+
+In my best days on the coast I often swam in perilous seasons a far
+greater distance than that which intervened betwixt my boat and the
+shore. 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, and
+I began to feel that dare-devil resistance which often goads us to
+acts of madness which make us heroes if successful, but fools if we
+fail.
+
+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 approaching
+peril, I saw the black flag thrice lowered in token of adieu.
+Immediately afterward it was again hoisted _over the effigy of an
+enormous shark_!
+
+In a twinkling, I understood the _real_ cause of danger, which no
+alacrity or courage in the water could avoid, and comprehended that my
+only hope was in the open sea. A retreat to Cape Mount was a toilsome
+task for my weary _Krooman_, who had been incessantly at work for
+twenty-four hours. Yet, there were but two alternatives,--either to
+await the subsidence of the surf, or the arrival of some friendly
+vessel. In the mean time, I eat my last morsel of cassava, while the
+_Krooman_ stretched himself in the bottom of the canoe,--half in the
+water and half in the glaring sun,--and went comfortably to sleep.
+
+I steered the boat with a paddle, as it drifted along with tide and
+current, till the afternoon, when a massive pile of clouds in the
+south-east gave warning of one of those tornadoes which deluge the
+coast of Africa in the months of March and April. A stout punch in the
+Krooman's ribs restored him to consciousness from his hydropathic
+sleep; but he shivered as he looked at the sky and beheld a token of
+that greatest misfortune that can befall a negro,--a wet skin at sea
+from a shower of rain.
+
+We broached our last bottle to battle the chilling element. Had we
+been in company with other canoes, our first duty would have been to
+lash the skiffs together so as to breast the gusts and chopping sea
+with more security; but as I was entirely alone, our sole reliance was
+on the expert arm and incessant vigilance of my companion.
+
+I will not detain the reader by explaining the simple process that
+carried us happily through the deluge. By keeping the canoe bow on, we
+nobly resisted the shock of every wave, and gradually fell back under
+the impulse of each undulation. Thus we held on till the heavy clouds
+discharged their loads, beating down the sea and half filling the
+canoe with rain water. While the Krooman paddled and steered, I
+conducted the bailing, and as the African dipper was not sufficient to
+keep us free, I pressed my Panama hat into service as an extra hand.
+
+These savage squalls on the African coast, at the beginning of the
+rainy season, are of short duration, so that our anxiety quickly left
+us to the enjoyment of soaking skins. A twist at my red flannel
+relieved it of superabundant moisture, but as the negro delighted in
+no covering except his flesh, an additional kiss of the bottle was the
+only comfort I could bestow on his shivering limbs.
+
+This last dram was our forlorn hope, but it only created a passing
+comfort, which soon went off leaving our bodies more chill and
+dejected than before. My head swam with feverish emptiness. I seemed
+suddenly possessed by a feeling of wild independence--seeing nothing,
+fearing nothing. Presently, this died away, and I fell back in utter
+helplessness, wholly benumbed.
+
+I do not remember how long this stupor lasted, but I was aroused by
+the Krooman with the report of a land-breeze, and a sail which he
+declared to be a cruiser. It cost me considerable effort to shake off
+my lethargy, nor do I know whether I would have succeeded had there
+not been a medical magic in the idea of a man-of-war, which flashed
+athwart my mind a recollection of the slave accounts in our keg!
+
+I had hardly time to throw the implement overboard before the craft
+was within hail; but instead of a cruiser she turned out to be a
+slaver, destined, like myself, for Gallinas. A warm welcome awaited me
+in the cabin, and a comfortable bed with plenty of blankets restored
+me for a while to health, though in all likelihood my perilous flight
+from Digby and its horrors, will ache rheumatically in my limbs till
+the hour of my death.
+
+It was well that I did not venture through the breakers on the day
+that the dead shark was hoisted _in terrorem_ as a telegraph. Such was
+the swarm of these monsters in the surf of Gallinas, that more than a
+hundred slaves had been devoured by them in attempting a shipment a
+few nights before!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIII.
+
+
+"Don Pedro Blanco had left Gallinas,--a retired _millionnaire_!" When
+I heard this announcement at the factory, I could with difficulty
+restrain the open expression of my sorrow. It confirmed me in a desire
+that for some time had been strengthening in my mind. Years rolled
+over my head since, first of all, I plunged accidentally into the
+slave-trade. My passion for a roving life and daring adventure was
+decidedly cooled. The late barbarities inflicted on the conquered in a
+war of which I was the involuntary cause, appalled me with the
+traffic; and humanity called louder and louder than ever for the
+devotion of my remaining days to honest industry.
+
+As I sailed down the coast to restore a child to his father,--the King
+of Cape Mount,--I was particularly charmed with the bold promontory,
+the beautiful lake, and the lovely islands, that are comprised in this
+enchanting region. When I delivered the boy to his parent, the old
+man's gratitude knew no bounds for his offspring's redemption from
+slavery. Every thing was tendered for my recompense; and, as I seemed
+especially to enjoy the delicious scenery of his realm, he offered me
+its best location as a gift, if I desired to abandon the slave-trade
+and establish a _lawful_ factory.
+
+I made up my mind on the spot that the day should come when I would be
+lord and master of Cape Mount; and, nestling under the lee of its
+splendid headland, might snap my fingers at the cruisers. Still I
+could not, at once, retreat from my establishment at New Sestros. Don
+Pedro's departure was a sore disappointment, because it left my
+accounts unliquidated and my release from the trade dependent on
+circumstances. Nevertheless, I resolved to risk his displeasure by
+quitting the factory for a time, and visiting him at Havana after a
+trip to England.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was in the summer of 1839 that I arranged my affairs for a long
+absence, and sailed for London in the schooner Gil Blas. We had a dull
+passage till we reached the chops of the British Channel, whence a
+smart south-wester drove us rapidly towards our destination.
+
+Nine at night was just striking from the clocks of Dover when a bustle
+on deck, a tramping of feet, a confused sound of alarm, orders,
+obedience and anxiety, was followed by a tremendous crash which
+prostrated me on the cabin floor, whence I bounded, with a single
+spring, to the deck. "A steamer had run us down!" Aloft, towered a
+huge black wall, while the intruder's cut-water pressed our tiny craft
+almost beneath the tide. There was no time for deliberation. The
+steamer's headway was stopped. The Gil Blas, like her scapegrace
+godfather, was in peril of sinking; and as the wheels began to revolve
+and clear the steamer from our wreck, every one scrambled in the best
+way he could on board the destroyer.
+
+Our reception on this occasion by the British lion was not the most
+respectful or hospitable that might be imagined. In fact, no notice
+was taken of us by these "hearts of oak," till a clever Irish soldier,
+who happened to be journeying to Dublin, invited us to the forward
+cabin. Our mate, however, would not listen to the proposal, and
+hastening to the quarter-deck, coarsely upbraided the steamer's
+captain with his misconduct, and demanded suitable accommodations for
+his wounded commander and passengers.
+
+In a short time the captain of the Gil Blas and I were conducted to
+the "gentlemen's cabin," and as I was still clad in the thin cotton
+undress in which I was embarking for the land of dreams when the
+accident occurred, a shirt and trowsers were handed me fresh from the
+slop-shop. When my native servant appeared in the cabin, a shower of
+coppers greeted him from the passengers.
+
+Next morning we were landed at Cowes, and as the steward claimed the
+restitution of a pair of slippers in which I had encased my toes, I
+was forced to greet the loyal earth of England with bare feet as well
+as uncovered head. Our sailors, however, were better off. In the
+forecastle they had fallen into the hands of Samaritans. A profusion
+of garments was furnished for all their wants, while a subscription,
+made up among the soldiers and women, supplied them with abundance of
+coin for their journey to London.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An economical life in Africa, and a series of rather profitable
+voyages, enabled me to enjoy my wish to see London, "above stairs as
+well as below."
+
+I brought with me from Africa a body-servant named Lunes, an active
+youth, whose idea of city-life and civilization had been derived
+exclusively from glimpses of New Sestros and Gallinas. I fitted him
+out on my arrival in London as a fashionable "tiger," with red
+waistcoat, corduroy smalls, blue jacket and gold band; and trotted him
+after me wherever I went in search of diversion. It may be imagined
+that I was vastly amused by the odd remarks and the complete
+amazement, with which this savage greeted every object of novelty or
+interest. After he became somewhat acquainted with the streets of
+London, Lunes occasionally made explorations on his own account, yet
+he seldom came back without a tale that showed the African to have
+been quite as much a curiosity to the cockneys as the cockneys were to
+the darkey.
+
+It happened just at this time that "Jim Crow" was the rage at one of
+the minor theatres, and as I felt interested to know how the
+personification would strike the boy, I sent him one night to the
+gallery with orders to return as soon as the piece was concluded. But
+the whole night passed without the appearance of my valet. Next
+morning I became anxious about his fate, and, after waiting in vain
+till 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 most
+desolate condition. His clothes were in rags, and his gold-lace gone.
+It appeared that "Jim Crow" had outraged his sense of African
+character so greatly that he could not restrain his passion; but
+vented it in the choicest _billingsgate_ with which his vocabulary had
+been furnished in the forecastle of the "Gil Blas." His criticism of
+the real Jim was by no means agreeable to the patrons of the
+fictitious one. In a moment there was a row; and the result was, that
+Lunes after a thorough dilapidation of his finery departed in custody
+of the police, more, however, for the negro's protection than his
+chastisement.
+
+The loss of his dashing waistcoat, and the sound thrashing he received
+at the hands of a London mob while asserting the dignity of his
+country, and a night in the station house, spoiled my boy's opinion of
+Great Britain. I could not induce him afterwards to stir from the
+house without an escort, nor would he believe that every policeman was
+not specially on the watch to apprehend him. I was so much attached to
+the fellow, and his sufferings became so painful, that I resolved to
+send him back to Africa; nor shall I ever forget his delight when my
+decision was announced. The negro's joy, however, was incomprehensible
+to my fellow-lodgers, and especially to the gentle dames, who could
+not 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 on
+this subject in my presence in the parlor, yet nothing could make him
+revoke his trip to the land of palm-trees and _malaria_. London was
+too cold for him;--he hated stockings;--shoes were an abomination!
+
+"Yet, tell me, Lunes," said one of the most bewitching of my fair
+friends,--"how is it that you go home to be a slave, when you may
+remain 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 a
+slave or work, I want to do so for a true _Spaniard_. I don't like
+this thing, Miss,"--pointing to his shirt collar,--"it cuts my
+ears;--I don't like this thing"--pointing to his trowsers; "I like my
+country's fashion better than yours;"--and, taking out a large
+handkerchief, he gave the inquisitive dame a rapid demonstration of
+African economy in concealing nakedness, by twisting it round those
+portions of the human frame which modesty is commonly in the habit of
+hiding!
+
+There was a round of applause and a blaze of blushes at this
+extemporaneous pantomime, which Lunes concluded with the assurance
+that he especially loved his master, because,--"when he grew to be a
+proper man, I would give him plenty of wives!"
+
+I confess that my valet's philanthropic audience was not exactly
+prepared for this edifying culmination in favor of Africa; but, while
+my friends were busy in obliterating the red and the wrinkles from
+their cheeks, I took the liberty to enjoy, from behind the shadow of
+my tea cup, the manifest disgust they felt for the bad taste of poor
+Lunes!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIV.
+
+
+By this time my curiosity was not only satiated by the diversions of
+the great metropolis, but I had wandered off to the country and
+visited the most beautiful parts of the islands. Two months thus
+slipped by delightfully in Great Britain when a sense of duty called
+me to Havana; yet, before my departure, I resolved, if possible, to
+secure the alliance of some opulent Englishman to aid me in the
+foundation and maintenance of lawful commerce at Cape Mount. Such a
+person I found in Mr. George Clavering Redman, of London, who owned
+the Gil Blas, which, with two other vessels, he employed in trade
+between England and Africa.
+
+I had been introduced to this worthy gentleman as "a lawful trader on
+the coast," still, as I did not think that business relations ought to
+exist between us while he was under so erroneous an impression, I
+seized an early opportunity to unmask myself. At the same time, I
+announced my unalterable resolution to abandon a slaver's life for
+ever; to establish a trading post at some fortunate location; and,
+while I recounted the friendship and peculiar bonds between the king
+and myself, offered to purchase Cape Mount from its African
+proprietor, if such an enterprise should be deemed advisable.
+
+Redman was an enterprising merchant. He heard my proposal with
+interest, and, after a few days' consideration, assented to a
+negotiation, as soon as I gave proofs of having abandoned the slave
+traffic for ever. It was understood that no contract was to be entered
+into, or document signed, till I was at liberty to withdraw completely
+from Don Pedro Blanco and all others concerned with him. This
+accomplished, I was to revisit England and assume my lawful functions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When I landed in the beautiful Queen of the Antilles I found Don Pedro
+in no humor to accede to these philanthropic notions. The veteran
+slaver regarded me, no doubt, as a sort of cross between a fool and
+zealot. An American vessel had been recently chartered to carry a
+freight to the coast; and, accordingly, instead of receiving a release
+from servitude, I was ordered on board the craft as supercargo of the
+enterprise! In fact, on the third day after my arrival at Havana, I
+was forced to re-embark for the coast without a prospect of securing
+my independence.
+
+The reader may ask why I did not burst the bond, and free myself at a
+word from a commerce with which I was disgusted? The question is
+_natural_--but the reply is _human_. I had too large an unliquidated
+interest at New Sestros, and while it remained so, I was not entitled
+to 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 were
+concerned, and my services were too valuable to be surrendered by him
+voluntarily.
+
+A voyage of forty-two days brought me once more to New Sestros,
+accompanied by a couple of negro women, who paid their passage and
+were lodged very comfortably in the steerage. The elder was about
+forty and extremely corpulent, while her companion was younger as well
+as more comely.
+
+This respectable dame, after an absence of twenty-four years, returned
+to her native Gallinas, on a visit to her father, king Shiakar. At the
+age of fifteen, she had been taken prisoner and sent to Havana. A
+Cuban confectioner purchased the likely girl, and, for many years,
+employed her in hawking his cakes and pies. In time she became a
+favorite among the townsfolk, and, by degrees, managed to accumulate
+a sufficient amount to purchase her freedom. Years of frugality and
+thrift made her proprietor of a house in the city and an egg-stall in
+the market, when chance threw in her way a cousin, lately imported
+from Africa, who gave her news of her father's family. A quarter of a
+century had not extinguished the natural fire in this negro's heart,
+and she immediately resolved to cross the Atlantic and behold once
+more the savage to whom she owed her birth.
+
+I sent these adventurous women to Gallinas by the earliest trader that
+drifted past New Sestros, and learned that they were welcomed among
+the islands with all the ceremony common among Africans on such
+occasions. 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 token
+of gratitude for his attention.
+
+When her elder brother was presented to the retired egg-merchant, he
+extended his arms to embrace his kinswoman; but, to the amazement of
+all, she drew back with a mere offer of her hand, refusing every
+demonstration of affection _till he should appear dressed with
+becoming decency_. This rebuke, of course, kept the rest of her
+relatives at bay, for there was a sad deficiency of trowsers in the
+gang, and it was the indispensable garment that caused so unsisterly a
+reception.
+
+But Shiakar's daughter, travelled as she was, could neither set the
+fashions nor reform the tastes of Gallinas. After a sojourn of ten
+days, 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 of
+Liberia had been feeling the pulse of my African friend, Freeman, in
+order to secure the co-operation of that distinguished personage in
+the suppression of the slave traffic. Freeman professed his
+willingness to conclude a treaty of commerce and amity with Governor
+Buchanan, but respectfully declined to molest the factories within his
+domain.
+
+Still, Buchanan was not to be thwarted by a single refusal, and
+enlisted the sympathy of an officer in command of a United States
+cruiser, who accompanied the governor to the anchorage at New Sestros.
+As soon as these personages reached their destination, a note was
+despatched to the negro potentate, desiring him to expel from his
+territory all Spaniards who were possessed of factories. To this, it
+is said, the chief returned a short and tart rebuke for the
+interference with his independence; whereupon the following singular
+missive 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 few
+evenings since; but I wish it to be understood that this
+communication is intended for all or any persons who are now in New
+Sestros, engaged in the slave-trade.
+
+"I have received information that you now have, in your establishments
+on shore, several hundred negroes confined in barracoons, waiting for
+an opportunity to ship them. Whether you are Americans, English,
+French, Spaniards, or Portuguese, you are acting in violation of the
+established laws of your respective countries, and, therefore, are not
+entitled to any protection from your governments. You have placed
+yourselves beyond the protection of any civilized nation, as you are
+engaged in a traffic which has been made _piracy_ by most of the
+Christian nations of the world.
+
+"As I have been sent by my government to root out, if possible, this
+traffic on and near our settlements on the coast, I must now give you
+notice, that you must break up your establishment at this point, in
+two weeks from this date; failing to do so, I shall take such measures
+as I conceive necessary to attain this object. I will thank you to
+send a reply to this communication immediately, stating your
+intentions, and also sending an account of the number of slaves you
+have 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 was
+not retained; but when my clerk handed me the original letter from
+Lieutenant Bell, on my arrival from Cuba I lost no time in forwarding
+the following answer to Col. Hicks, at Monrovia, to be despatched by
+him 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 New
+Sestros, was handed me on my return to this country, and I am sorry I
+can make but the following short answer.
+
+"First, sir, you seem to assume a supremacy over the most civilized
+nations of the world, and, under the doubtful pretext of your nation's
+authority, threaten to land and destroy our property on these neutral
+shores. Next, you are pleased to inform us that all Christian nations
+have declared the slave-trade _piracy_, and that we are not entitled
+to any protection from our government. Why, then, do the Southern
+States of your great confederacy allow slavery, public auctions,
+transportation from one State to another,--not only of civilized black
+native subjects,--but of nearly white, American, Christian citizens?
+Such is the case in your free and independent country; and, though the
+slave-trade is carried on in the United States of America with more
+brutality than in any other colony, I still hope you are a Christian!
+
+"To your third article, wherein you observe, having 'been sent by your
+government to root out this traffic, if possible, near your own
+settlements on the coast,'--allow me to have my doubts of such orders.
+Your government could not have issued them without previously making
+them publicly known;--and, permit me to say, those Christian nations
+you are pleased to mention, are not aware that your nation had set up
+colonies on the coast of Africa. They were always led to believe that
+these Liberian settlements were nothing but Christian beneficial
+societies, humanely formed by private philanthropists, to found a
+refuge for the poor blacks born in America, who cannot be protected in
+their native country by the free and independent laws and institutions
+of the United States.
+
+"If my argument cannot convince you that you are not justified in
+molesting a harmless people on these desolate shores, allow me to
+inform you that, should you put your threats in execution and have the
+advantage over us, many factories would suffer by your unjust attack,
+which would give them an indisputable right to claim high damages from
+your government.
+
+"Most of the white residents here, are, and have been, friendly to
+Americans at large; some have been educated in your country, and it
+would be the saddest day of their lives, if obliged to oppose by force
+of arms the people of a nation they love as much as their own
+countrymen. The undersigned, in particular, would wish to observe that
+the same spirit that led him to avenge Governor Findley's murder, will
+support him in defence of his property, though much against his
+inclination.
+
+  "I remain, very respectfully,
+    "Your obedient servant,
+      "THEODORE CANOT."
+
+This diplomatic encounter terminated the onslaught. Buchanan, who was
+over hasty with military display on most occasions, made a requisition
+for volunteers to march against New Sestros. But the troops were never
+set in motion. In the many years of my residence in the colonial
+neighborhood, this was the only occasion that menaced our friendship
+or verged upon hostilities.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Whilst I was abroad in England and Cuba, my _chargé d'affaires_ at New
+Sestros sent off a cargo of three hundred negroes, nearly all of whom
+were safely landed in the West Indies, bringing us a profit of nine
+thousand dollars. There were, however, still one hundred and fifty in
+our _barracoons_ to be shipped; and, as the cargo from the Crawford
+was quickly exchanged with the natives for more slaves, in two months'
+time, I found my pens surcharged with six hundred human beings. Two
+other neighboring factories were also crammed; while, unfortunately,
+directly in front of us, a strong reinforcement of British men-of-war
+kept watch and ward to prevent our depletion.
+
+No slaver dared show its topsails above the horizon. The season did
+not afford us supplies from the interior. Very few coasters looked in
+at New Sestros; and, as our stock of grain and provisions began to
+fail, the horrors of famine became the sole topic of conversation
+among our alarmed factors.
+
+It will readily be supposed that every effort was made, not only to
+economize our scanty stores, but to increase them through the
+intervention of boats that were sent far and wide to scour the coast
+for rice and cassava. Double and triple prices were offered for these
+articles, yet our agents returned without the required supplies. In
+fact, the free natives themselves were in danger of starvation, and
+while they refused to part with their remnants, even under the
+temptation of luxuries, they sometimes sent deputations to my
+settlement 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 only
+the staunchest, the remaining appetites speedily reduced our rations
+to a single meal _per diem_. At last, the steward reported, that even
+this allowance could be continued for little more than a week. In
+twelve days, at farthest, my resources would be utterly exhausted.
+
+In this extremity I summoned a council of neighboring chiefs, and
+exposing my situation, demanded their opinion as to a fitting course
+on the dreaded day. I had resolved to retain my blacks till the last
+measure was distributed, and then to liberate them to shift for
+themselves.
+
+But the idea of releasing six hundred famishing foemen struck the
+beach people with horror. It would, they said, be a certain source of
+war and murder; and they implored me not to take such a step till they
+made every effort to ease my burden. As a beginning, they proposed at
+once relieving the _barracoon_ of a large portion of females and of
+all the male youths, who were to be fed and guarded by them, on my
+account, till better times.
+
+By this system of colonizing I got rid of the support of two hundred
+and twenty-five negroes; and, as good luck would have it, a visit from
+a friendly coaster enabled me, within ten days, to exchange my
+beautiful cutter "Ruth" for a cargo of rice from the colony at Cape
+Palmas.
+
+It was fortunate that in a week after this happy relief the British
+cruisers left our anchorage for a few days. No sooner were they off,
+than a telegraph of smoke, which, in those days, was quite as useful
+on the African coast, as the electric is on ours, gave notice to the
+notorious "Volador." There was joy in the teeming factories when her
+signal was descried in the offing; and, before the following dawn,
+seven hundred and forty-nine human beings, packed within her one
+hundred 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 had
+resolved to follow out the good impulse, I established a store in the
+neighborhood of my old _barracoons_ with the design of trafficking in
+the produce of industry alone. This concern was intrusted to the
+management of a clever young colonist.
+
+It was about this time that the British brig of war Termagant held New
+Sestros in permanent blockade, forbidding even a friendly boat to
+communicate with my factory. Early one morning I was called to witness
+a sturdy chase between my scolding foe and a small sail which was
+evidently 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 of
+the surf; and, holding on with the tenacity of fate, pursued the
+stranger, till he discovered that a large reinforcement of armed
+natives was arrayed on the strand ready to protect the fugitives.
+Accordingly, the Englishmen refrained from assailing the mariners, and
+confined their revenge to the destruction of the craft.
+
+As this affray occurred within gun-shot of my lawful factory, I
+hastened to the beach under the belief that some of my _employés_ had
+unluckily fallen into a difficulty with the natives. But on my arrival
+I was greeted by a well-known emissary from our headquarters at
+Gallinas, who bore a missive imparting the Volador's arrival in Cuba
+with six hundred and eleven of her people. The letter furthermore
+apprised me that Don Pedro, who persisted in sending merchandise to
+my slave factory, still declined my resignation as his agent, but
+acknowledged a credit in his chest of thirteen thousand dollars for my
+commissions on the Volador's slaves. Here, then, were Confidence and
+Temptation, both resolutely proffered to lure me back to my ancient
+habits!
+
+I was busily engaged on the sands, enforcing from the negroes a
+restitution of clothes to the plundered postman, when the crack of a
+cannon, higher up the beach, made me fear that an aggression was being
+committed against my homestead. Before I could depart, however, two
+more shots in the same quarter, left me no room to doubt that the
+Termagant was talking most shrewishly with my factory at New Sestros.
+
+I reached the establishment with all convenient speed, only to find it
+full of natives, who had been brought to the spot from the interior by
+the sound of a cannonade. The following letter from the captain of the
+man-of-war, it seems, had been landed in a fishing canoe very soon
+after my departure in the morning, and the shots, I suppose, were
+discharged 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 on
+the boats of Her B. M. ship under my command, while in chase of a
+Spanish boat with seven men going to New Sestros, I therefore demand
+the 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 I
+deem proper to secure satisfaction.
+
+"I have addressed you on this occasion, judging by the interference of
+those 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 still
+under easy sail, hovering up and down the coast before my factory,
+evidently meditating the propriety of another pill to provoke my
+notice.
+
+I sat down at once and wrote a sort of model response, promising to
+come on board bodily next morning to satisfy the lieutenant of my
+innocence; but when I inquired for a Mercury to bear my message, there
+was not a Krooman to be found willing to face either the surf or the
+British sailor. Accordingly, there was no alternative but to suffer my
+bamboo _barracoons_ and factory to be blown about my ears by the
+English vixen, or to face the danger, in person, and become the bearer
+of my own message.
+
+The proposal sounded oddly enough in the ears of the Kroomen, who, in
+spite of their acquaintance with my hardihood, could scarcely believe
+I would thrust my head into the very jaws of the lion. Still, they had
+so much confidence in the judgment displayed by white men on the
+coast, that I had little difficulty in engaging the boat and services
+of a couple of sturdy chaps; and, stripping to my drawers, so as to be
+ready 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 hour
+were alongside the Termagant, whose jolly lieutenant could not help
+laughing at the drenched _uniform_ in which I saluted him at the
+gangway. Slaver as I was, he did not deny me the rites of hospitality.
+Dry raiment and a consoling glass were speedily supplied; and with the
+reassured stamina of my improved condition, it may readily be supposed
+I was not long in satisfying the worthy Mr. Seagram that I had no
+concern in the encounter betwixt the natives and his boats. To clinch
+the argument I assured the lieutenant that I was not only guiltless of
+the assault, _but had made up my mind irrevocably to abandon the
+slave-trade_!
+
+I suppose there was as much rejoicing that night on board the
+Termagant over the redeemed slaver, as there is in most churches over
+a rescued sinner. It was altogether too late and too dark for me to
+repeat the perils of the surf and sharks, so that I willingly
+accepted the offer of a bed, and promised to accompany Seagram in the
+morning to the prince.
+
+Loud were the shouts of amazement and fear when the negroes saw me
+landing next day, side by side, in pleasant chat, with an officer,
+who, eighteen hours before, had been busy about my destruction. It was
+beyond their comprehension how an Englishman could visit my factory
+under such circumstances, nor could they divine how I escaped, after
+my voluntary surrender on board a cruiser. When the prince saw Seagram
+seated familiarly under my verandah, he swore that I must have some
+powerful _fetiche_ or _juju_ to compel the confidence of enemies; but
+his wonder became unbounded when the officer proposed his entire
+abandonment of the slave-trade, _and I supported the lieutenant's
+proposal_!
+
+I have hardly ever seen a man of any hue or character, so sorely
+perplexed as our African was by this singular suggestion. To stop the
+slave-trade, unless by compulsion, was, in his eyes, the absolute
+abandonment of a natural appetite or function. At first, he believed
+we were joking. It was inconceivable that I, who for years had carried
+on the traffic so adroitly, could be serious in the idea. For half an
+hour the puzzled negro walked up and down the verandah, muttering to
+himself, stopping, looking at both of us, hesitating, and
+laughing,--till at last, as he afterwards confessed, he concluded that
+I was only "_deceiving the Englishman_," and came forward with an
+offer 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 mislead
+himself through his natural duplicity on this occasion, as I was
+thereby enabled to bring him again in contact with Seagram, and secure
+the support of British officers for my own purposes.
+
+In a few days the deed was done. The slave-trade at New Sestros was
+formally and for ever abolished by the prince and myself. As I was the
+principal mover in the affair, I voluntarily surrendered to the
+British officer on the day of signature, one hundred slaves; _in
+return for which I was guarantied the safe removal of my valuable
+merchandise, and property from the settlement._
+
+It was a very short time after I had made all snug at New Sestros
+that misfortune fell suddenly on our parent nest at Gallinas. The Hon.
+Joseph Denman, who was senior officer of the British squadron on the
+coast, unexpectedly landed two hundred men, and burnt or destroyed all
+the Spanish factories amid the lagunes and islets. By this
+uncalculated act of violence, the natives of the neighborhood were
+enabled to gorge themselves with property that was valued, I
+understand, at a very large sum. An event like this could not escape
+general notice along the African coast, and in a few days I began to
+hear it rumored and discussed among the savages in _my_ vicinity.
+
+For a while it was still a mystery why _I_ escaped while Gallinas
+fell; but at length the sluggish mind of Prince Freeman began to
+understand my diplomacy, and, of course, to repent the sudden contract
+that deprived him of a right to rob me. Vexed by disappointment, the
+scoundrel assembled his minor chiefs, and named a day during which he
+knew the Termagant would be absent, to plunder and punish me for my
+interference with the welfare and "institutions" of his country. The
+hostile meeting took place without my knowledge, though it was
+disclosed to all my domestics, whose silence the prince had purchased.
+Indeed, I would have been completely surprised and cut off, _had it
+not been for the friendly warning of the negro whose life I had saved
+from the saucy-wood ordeal_.
+
+I still maintained in my service five white men, and four sailors who
+were wrecked on the coast and awaited a passage home. With this party
+and a few household negroes on whom reliance might be placed, I
+resolved at once to defend my quarters. My cannons were loaded, guards
+placed, muskets and cartridges distributed, and even the domestics
+supplied with weapons; yet, on the very night after the warning, every
+slave abandoned my premises, while even Lunes himself,--the companion
+of my journey to London, and pet of the ladies,--decamped with my
+favorite fowling-piece.
+
+When I went my rounds next morning, I was somewhat disheartened by
+appearances; but my spirits were quickly restored by the following
+letter from Seagram:
+
+  "HER B. M. BRIG TERMAGANT, OFF TRADE-TOWN,
+    "_23d January, 1841_.
+
+"Sir,
+
+"In your letter of yesterday, you request protection for your
+property, and inform me that you are in danger from the princes. I
+regret, indeed, that such should be the case, more especially as they
+have pledged me their words, and signed a '_book_' to the effect that
+they would never again engage in the slave traffic. But, _as I find
+you have acted in good faith since I commenced to treat with you on
+the subject_, I shall afford you every assistance in my power, and
+will 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 and
+his ragamuffins, though he had contrived to assemble quite two
+thousand men about my premises. Towards noon, however, there were
+evident signs of impatience for the expected booty; still, a wholesome
+dread of my cannon and small-arms, together with the cruiser's
+presence, prevented an open attack. After a while I perceived an
+attempt to set my stockade on fire, and as a conflagration would have
+given a superb opportunity to rob, I made the concerted signal for our
+British ally. In a twinkling, three of the cruiser's boats landed an
+officer with twenty-five musketeers, and before the savages could make
+the slightest show of resistance, I was safe under the bayonets of
+Saint George!
+
+It is needless to set forth the details of my rescue. The prince and
+his poltroons were panic struck; and in three or four days my large
+stock of powder and merchandise was embarked without loss for
+Monrovia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXVII.
+
+
+My _barracoons_ and trading establishments were now totally destroyed,
+and I was once more afloat in the world. It immediately occurred to me
+that no opportunity would, perhaps, be more favorable to carry out my
+original designs upon Cape Mount, and when I sounded Seagram on the
+subject, he was not only willing to carry me there in his cruiser, but
+desired to witness my treaty with the prince for a cession of
+territory.
+
+Our adieus to New Sestros were not very painful, and on the evening of
+the same day the Termagant hove to off the bold and beautiful hills of
+Cape Mount. As the breeze and sun sank together, leaving a brilliant
+sky in the west, we descried from deck a couple of tall, raking masts
+relieved like cobwebs against the azure. From aloft, still more of the
+craft was visible, and from our lieutenant's report after a glance
+through his glass, there could be no doubt that the stranger was a
+slaver.
+
+Light as was the breeze, not a moment elapsed before the cruiser's jib
+was turned towards her natural enemy. For a while an ebb from the
+river and the faint night wind off shore, forced us seaward, yet at
+daylight we had gained so little on the chase, that she was still full
+seven miles distant.
+
+They who are familiar with naval life will appreciate the annoying
+suspense on the Termagant when dawn revealed the calm sea, quiet sky,
+and tempting but unapproachable prize. The well-known _pluck_ of our
+British tars was fired by the alluring vision, and nothing was heard
+about decks but prayers for a puff and whistling for a breeze.
+Meanwhile, Seagram, the surgeon, and purser were huddled together on
+the quarter, cursing a calm which deprived them of prize-money if not
+of promotion. Our master's mate and passed midshipman were absent in
+some of the brig's boats cruising off Gallinas or watching the
+roadstead of New Sestros.
+
+The trance continued till after breakfast, when our officers'
+impatience could no longer withstand the bait, and, though short of
+efficient boats, the yawl and lieutenant's gig were manned for a
+hazardous enterprise. The former was crammed with six sailors, two
+marines, 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 to
+fit out my nutshell of a native canoe; and embarking with a couple of
+Kroomen, 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 and
+surgeon to _my care, and left Her Majesty's brig in charge of the
+reformed slaver_!
+
+No sooner did the chase perceive our manoeuvre, than, running in her
+sweeps, she hoisted a Spanish flag and fired a warning cartridge. A
+faint hurrah answered the challenge, while our argonauts kept on their
+way, 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 aloft
+reported our boats in retreat. Just at this moment, a light breeze
+gave headway to the Termagant, so that I was enabled to steer towards
+the prize, but before I could overhaul our warriors, the enemy had
+received the freshening gale, and, under every stitch of canvas, stood
+rapidly to sea.
+
+When Seagram regained his deck, he was bleeding profusely from a wound
+in the head received from a handspike while attempting to board.
+Besides this, two men were missing, while three had been seriously
+wounded 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 did
+more execution with his musket than all the marines put together. The
+_Kroo_ canoe dashed alongside with the velocity of her class, and, as
+a petty officer on the Spaniard bent over to sink the skiff with a
+ponderous top-block, our boatswain cleft his skull with a musket ball,
+and brought home the block as a trophy! In fact, Seagram confessed
+that the Spaniard behaved magnanimously; for the moment our yawl was
+sunk, Olivares cut adrift his boat, and bade the struggling swimmers
+return in it to their vessel.
+
+I have described this little affray not so much for its interest, but
+because it illustrates the vicissitudes of coast-life and the rapidity
+of 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, for
+aught I knew, might have been consigned to me for slaves! I gave my
+word to Seagram as he embarked, to manage his ship, and had I attained
+a position that would have enabled me to sink the "Serea," I would not
+have shrunk from my duty. Yet it afforded me infinite satisfaction to
+see the chase escape, for my heart smote me at taking arms against men
+who had probably broken bread at my board.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXVIII.
+
+
+Next day we recovered our anchorage opposite Cape Mount, and wound our
+way eight or ten miles up the river to the town of Toso, which was
+honored with the residence of King Fana-Toro. It did not require long
+to satisfy his majesty of the benefits to be derived from my plan. The
+news of the destruction of Gallinas, and of the voluntary surrender of
+my quarters at New Sestros, had spread like wildfire along the coast;
+so that when the African princes began to understand they were no
+longer to profit by unlawful traffic, they were willing enough not to
+lose _all_ their ancient avails, by compromising for a _legal_
+commerce, under the sanction of national flags. I explained my
+projects to Fana-Toro in the fullest manner, offering him the most
+liberal terms. My propositions were forcibly supported by Prince Gray;
+and a cession of the Mount and its neighboring territory was finally
+made, under a stipulation that the purchase-money should be paid in
+presence of the negro's council, and the surrender of title witnessed
+by 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 this
+beautiful region, I hastened in company with my naval friends to
+explore my little principality for a suitable town-site. We launched
+our boat on the waters of the noble lake Plitzogee at Toso, and after
+steering north-eastwardly for two hours under the pilotage of Prince
+Gray, entered a winding creek and penetrated its thickets of mangrove
+and palm, till the savage landed us on decayed steps and pavement made
+of _English brick_. At a short distance through the underwood, our
+conductor pointed out a denuded space which had once served as the
+foundation of an _English slave factory_; and when my companions
+hesitated to believe the prince's dishonorable charge on their nation,
+the negro confirmed it by pointing out, deeply carved in the bark of a
+neighboring tree, the name of:--
+
+    T. WILLIAMS,
+    1804.
+
+I took the liberty to compliment Seagram and the surgeon on the result
+of our exploration; and, after a hearty laugh at the denouement of the
+prince's search for a _lawful_ homestead, we plunged still deeper in
+the forest, but returned without finding a location to my taste. Next
+day we recommenced our exploration by land, and, in order to obtain a
+comprehensive view of my dominion, as far as the eye would reach, I
+proposed an ascent of the promontory of the Cape which lifts its head
+quite twelve hundred feet above the sea. A toilsome walk of hours
+brought us to the summit, but so dense was the foliage and so lofty
+the magnificent trees, that, even by climbing the tallest, my scope of
+vision was hardly increased. As we descended the slopes, however,
+towards the strait between the sea and lake, I suddenly came upon a
+rich, spacious level, flanked by a large brook of delicious water, and
+deciding instantly that it was an admirable spot for intercourse with
+the ocean as well as interior, I resolved that it should be the site
+of my future home. A tar was at hand to climb the loftiest palm, to
+strip its bushy head, and hoist the union-jack. Before sundown, I had
+taken solemn territorial possession, and baptized the future town "New
+Florence," in honor of my Italian birthplace.
+
+My next effort was to procure laborers, for whom I invoked the aid of
+Fana-Toro and the neighboring chiefs. During two days, forty negroes,
+whom I hired for their food and a _per diem_ of twenty cents, wrought
+faithfully under my direction; but the constant task of felling trees,
+digging roots, and clearing ground, was so unusual for savages, that
+the entire gang, with the exception of a dozen, took their pay in rum
+and tobacco and quitted me. A couple of days more, devoted to such
+endurance, drove off the remaining twelve, so that on the fifth day of
+my philanthropic enterprise I was left in my solitary hut with a
+single attendant. I had, alas! undertaken a task altogether unsuited
+to people whose idea of earthly happiness and duty is divided between
+palm-oil, concubinage, and sunshine!
+
+I found it idle to remonstrate with the king about the indolence of
+his subjects. Fana-Toro entertained very nearly the same opinion as
+his slaves. He declared,--and perhaps very sensibly,--that white men
+were fools to work from sunrise to sunset every day of their lives;
+nor could he comprehend how negroes were expected to follow their
+example; nay, it was not the "fashion of Africa;" and, least of all,
+could his majesty conceive how a man possessed of so much merchandise
+and property, would voluntarily undergo the toils I was preparing for
+the future!
+
+The king's censure and surprise were not encouraging; yet I had so
+long endured the natural indolence of negrodom, that I hardly expected
+either a different reply or influential support, from his majesty.
+Nevertheless, I was not disheartened. I remembered the old school-boy
+maxim, _non vi sed sæpe cadendo_, and determined to effect by degrees
+what I could not achieve at a bound. For a while I tried the effect of
+higher wages; but an increase of rum, tobacco, and coin, could not
+string the nerves or cord the muscles of Africa. Four men's labor was
+not equivalent to one day's work in Europe or America. The negro's
+philosophy was both natural and self-evident:--_why should he work for
+pay when he could live without it?_--_labor could not give him more
+sunshine, palm-oil, or wives; and, as for grog and tobacco, they might
+be had without the infringement of habits which had almost the
+sacredness of religious institutions._
+
+With such slender prospects of prosperity at New Florence, I left a
+man in charge of my hut, and directing him to get on as well as he
+could, I visited Monrovia, to look after the merchandise that had been
+saved from the wreck of New Sestros.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[8] As the document granting this beautiful headland and valuable
+trading post is of some interest, I have added a copy of the
+instrument:
+
+"KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, FANA-TORO, King of Cape Mount
+and its rivers, in the presence, and with the full consent and
+approbation of my principal chiefs in council assembled, in
+consideration of a mutual friendship existing between GEORGE CLAVERING
+REDMAN, THEODORE CANOT & CO., British subjects, and myself, the
+particulars whereof are under-written, do, for myself, my heirs and
+successors, give and grant unto the said George Clavering Redman,
+Theodore Canot & Co., their heirs and assigns in perpetuity, all land
+under 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 belonging
+or appertaining, and all wild and tame beasts and other animals
+thereon; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said cape, rivers, islands, with both
+sides 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 OF
+GREAT 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 and
+People, and with all those tributary to me, and I hereby engage to
+afford my assistance and protection to the said party, and to all
+persons who may settle on the said cape, rivers, islands, lakes, and
+both sides of the river, by their consent, wishing peace and
+friendship between my nation and all persons belonging to the said
+firm.
+
+"Given under my hand and seal, at the town of FANAMA, this,
+twenty-third day of February, one thousand eight hundred and
+forty-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 following
+merchandise in exchange for his territory: six casks of rum; twenty
+muskets; twenty quarter-kegs powder; twenty pounds tobacco; twenty
+pieces white cottons; thirty pieces blue cottons; twenty iron bars;
+twenty cutlasses; twenty wash-basins; and twenty each of several other
+articles of trifling value.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXIX.
+
+
+I might fairly be accused of ingratitude if I passed without notice
+the Colony of Liberia and its capital, whose hospitable doors were
+opened widely to receive an exile, when the barbarians of New Sestros
+drove 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 of
+those philanthropic lodgments, which hem the western coast of Africa
+for near eight hundred miles.
+
+In my former visits to Monrovia, I had been regarded as a dangerous
+intruder, who was to be kept for ever under the vigilant eyes of
+government officials. When my character as an established slaver was
+clearly ascertained, the port was interdicted to my vessels, and my
+appearance in the town itself prohibited. Now, however, when I came as
+a fugitive from violence, and with the acknowledged relinquishment of
+my ancient traffic, every hand was extended in friendship and
+commiseration. The governor and council allowed the landing of my
+rescued slave-goods on deposit, while the only two servants who
+continued faithful were secured to me as apprentices by the court.
+Scarcely more than two months ago, the people of this quiet village
+were disturbed from sleep by the roll of drums beating for recruits to
+march against "_the slaver Canot_;" to-day I dine with the chief of
+the colony and am welcomed as a brother! This is another of those
+remarkable vicissitudes that abound in this work, and which the
+critics, in all likelihood, may consider too often repeated. To my
+mind, however, it is only another illustration of the probability of
+the odd and the strangeness of _truth_!
+
+I had no difficulty in finding all sorts of workmen in Monrovia, for
+the colonists brought with them all the mechanical ingenuity and
+thrift that characterize the American people. In four months, with the
+assistance of a few carpenters, sawyers and blacksmiths, I built a
+charming little craft of twenty-five tons, which, in honor of my
+British protector, I dubbed the "Termagant." I notice the construction
+of this vessel, merely to show that the colony and its people were
+long ago capable of producing every thing that may be required by a
+commercial state in the tropics. When my cutter touched the water, she
+was indebted to foreign countries for nothing but her copper, chains
+and sails, every thing else being the product of Africa and _colonial_
+labor. Had nature bestowed a better harbor on the Mesurado river, and
+afforded a safer entrance for large vessels, Monrovia would now be
+second only to Sierra Leone. Following the beautiful border of the
+Saint Paul's, a few miles from Monrovia the eye rests on extensive
+plains teeming with luxurious vegetation. The amplest proof has been
+given of the soil's fertility in the production of coffee, sugar,
+cotton and rice. I have frequently seen cane fourteen feet high, and
+as thick as any I ever met with in the Indies. Coffee-trees grow much
+larger than on this side of the Atlantic; single trees often yielding
+sixteen pounds, which is about seven more than the average product in
+the West Indies.[H] Throughout the entire jurisdiction between Cape
+Mount and Cape Palmas, to the St. Andrew's, the soil is equally
+prolific. Oranges, lemons, cocoanuts, pine-apples, mangoes, plums,
+granadillas, sour and sweet sop, plantains, bananas, guyavas,
+tamarinds, ginger, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, and corn, are found
+in abundance; while the industry of American settlers has lately added
+the bread-fruit, rose apple, patanga, cantelope, water-melon, aguacate
+and mulberry. Garden culture produces every thing that may be desired
+at the most luxurious table.
+
+Much has been said of the "pestilential climate of Africa," and the
+certain doom of those who venture within the spell of its miasma. I
+dare not deny that the coast is scourged by dangerous maladies, and
+that nearly all who take up their abode in the colonies are obliged to
+undergo the ordeal of a fever which assails them with more or less
+virulence, according to the health, constitution, or condition of the
+patient. Yet I think, if the colonization records are read with a
+candid spirit, they will satisfy unprejudiced persons that the
+mortality of emigrants has diminished nearly one half, in consequence
+of the sanitary care exercised by the colonial authorities during the
+period of acclimation. The colonies are now amply supplied with
+lodgings for new comers, where every thing demanded for comfort, cure,
+or alleviation, is at hand in abundance. Colored physicians, who
+studied their art in America, have acquainted themselves with the
+local distempers, and proved their skill by successful practice. Nor
+is there now the difficulty or expense which, twelve years ago, before
+the destruction of the neighboring slave marts, made it almost
+impossible to furnish convalescents with that delicate nourishment
+which was needed to re-establish their vigor.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It may not be amiss if I venture to hope that these colonial
+experiments, which have been fostered for the civilization of Africa
+as well as for the amelioration of the American negro's lot, will
+continue to receive the support of all good men. Some persons assert
+that the race is incapable of self-government beyond the tribal state,
+and _then_ only through fear; while others allege, that no matter what
+care may be bestowed on African intellect, it is unable to produce or
+sustain the highest results of modern civilization. It would not be
+proper for any one to speak oracularly on this mooted point; yet, in
+justice to the negroes who never left their forests, as well as to
+those who have imbibed, for more than a generation, the civilization
+of Europe or America, I may unhesitatingly say, that the colonial
+trial has thus far been highly promising. I have often been present at
+difficult councils and "_palavers_" among the _wild_ tribes, when
+questions arose which demanded a calm and skilful judgment, and in
+almost every instance, the decision was characterized by remarkable
+good sense and equity. In most of the _colonies_ the men who are
+intrusted with local control, a few years since were either slaves in
+America, or employed in menial tasks which it was almost hopeless they
+could escape. Liberia, at present, may boast of several individuals,
+who, but for their caste, might adorn society; while they who have
+personally known Roberts, Lewis, Benedict, J. B. McGill, Teage, Benson
+of Grand Bassa, and Dr. McGill of Cape Palmas, can bear testimony that
+nature has endowed numbers of the colored race with the best qualities
+of humanity.
+
+Nevertheless, the prosperity, endurance and influence of the colonies,
+are still problems. I am anxious to see the second generation of the
+colonists in Africa. I wish to know what will be the force and
+development of the negro mind on its native soil,--civilized, but cut
+off from all instruction, influence, or association with the white
+mind. I desire to understand, precisely, whether the negro's faculties
+are original or imitative, and consequently, whether he can stand
+alone in absolute independence, or is only respectable when reflecting
+a civilization that is cast on him by others.
+
+If the descendants of the present colonists, increased by an immense
+immigration _of all classes and qualities_ during the next twenty-five
+years, shall sustain the young nation with that industrial energy and
+political dignity that mark its population in our day, we shall hail
+the realized fact with infinite delight. We will rejoice, not only
+because the emancipated negro may thenceforth possess a realm wherein
+his rights shall be sacred, but because the civilization with which
+the colonies must border the African continent, will, year by year,
+sink deeper and deeper into the heart of the interior, till barbarism
+and Islamism will fade before the light of Christianity.
+
+But the test and trial have yet to come. The colonist of our time is
+an exotic under glass,--full, as yet, of sap and stamina drawn from
+his native America, but nursed with care and exhibited as the
+efflorescence of modern philanthropy. Let us hope that this wholesome
+guardianship will not be too soon or suddenly withdrawn by the parent
+societies; but that, while the state of pupilage shall not be
+continued till the immigrants and their children are emasculated by
+lengthened dependence, it will be upheld until the republic shall
+exhibit such signs of manhood as cannot deceive the least hopeful.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[H] I wish to confirm and fortify this statement in regard to the
+value of coffee culture in the colonies, by the observation of Dr.
+J. W. Lugenbeel, late colonial physician and United States agent in
+Liberia. The Doctor gave "particular attention to observations and
+investigations respecting coffee culture in Liberia." "I have
+frequently seen," he says, "isolated trees growing in different parts
+of Liberia, which yielded from ten to twenty pounds of clean dry
+coffee at one picking; and, however incredible it may appear, it is a
+fact that one tree in Monrovia yielded four and a half bushels of
+coffee in the hull, at one time, which, when dried and shelled,
+weighed thirty-one pounds. This is the largest quantity I ever heard
+of, and the largest tree I ever saw, being upwards of twenty feet high
+and of proportionate dimensions."
+
+The Doctor is of opinion, however, that as the coffee-tree begins to
+bear at the end of its fourth year, an _average_ yield at the end of
+the sixth year may be calculated on of at least four pounds. Three
+hundred trees may be planted on an acre, giving each twelve feet, and
+in six years the culture will become profitable as well as easy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXX.
+
+
+I returned to Cape Mount from the colony with several American
+mechanics and a fresh assortment of merchandise for traffic with the
+natives. During my absence, the agent I left in charge had contrived,
+with great labor, to clear a large space in the forest for my
+projected establishment, so that with the aid of my Americans, I was
+soon enabled to give the finishing touch to New Florence. While the
+buildings were erecting, I induced a number of natives, by force of
+double pay and the authority of their chiefs, to form and cultivate a
+garden, comprising the luxuries of Europe and America as well as of
+the tropics, which, in after days, secured the admiration of many a
+naval commander.
+
+As soon as my dwelling was nicely completed, I removed my furniture
+from the colony; and, still continuing to drum through the country for
+business with the Africans, I despatched my Kroomen and pilots on
+board of every cruiser that appeared in the offing, to supply them
+with provisions and refreshments.
+
+An event took place about this time which may illustrate the manner in
+which a branch of the slave-trade is carried on along the coast. Her
+Britannic Majesty's sloop of war L---- was in the neighborhood, and
+landed three of her officers at my quarters to spend a day or two in
+hunting the wild boars with which the adjacent country was stocked.
+But the rain poured down in such torrents, that, instead of a hunt, I
+proposed a dinner to my jovial visitors. Soon after our soup had been
+despatched 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 noted
+gambler, whom he threatened either to sell or kill.
+
+It struck me instantly that this would be a good opportunity to give
+my British friends a sight of native character, at the same time that
+they might be enabled, if so disposed, to do a generous action.
+Accordingly, I directed my servant to bring the Bushman and gambler
+before us; and as the naked victim, with a rope round his neck, was
+dragged by the savage to our table, I perceived that it was Soma, who
+had formerly been in my service on the coast. The vagabond was an
+excellent interpreter and connected with the king, but I had been
+obliged to discharge him in consequence of his dissipated habits, and
+especially for having gambled away his youngest sister, whose release
+from Gallinas I had been instrumental in securing.
+
+"I have brought Soma to your store-keeper," said the Bushman, "and I
+want him to buy the varlet. Soma has been half the day gambling with
+me. First of all he lost his gun, then his cap, then his cloth, then
+his right leg, then his left, then his arms, and, last of all, his
+head. I have given his friends a chance to redeem the dog, but as they
+had bought him half a dozen times already, there's not a man in the
+town that will touch him. Soma _never_ pays his debts; and now, Don
+Téodore, I have brought him here, and if _you_ don't buy him, I'll
+take 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 the
+trembling gambler, as I glanced in vain from the Bushman to the
+officers, in expectation of his release by those philanthropists! As
+Soma spoke English, I told him in our language, that I had no pity for
+his fate, and that he must take the chances he had invoked. Twenty
+dollars 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 you
+choose!"--but at the same moment, a wink to my interpreter sufficed,
+and the Bushman returned to the forest with tobacco and rum, while
+Soma was saved from slaughter. It is by no means improbable that the
+gambler is now playing _monte_ on some plantation in Cuba.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I continued my labors at New Florence without intermission for several
+months, but when I cast up my account, I found the wages and cost of
+building so enormous, that my finances would soon be exhausted.
+Accordingly, by the advice of my friend Seagram, as well as of Captain
+Tucker, who commanded on the station, I petitioned Lord Stanley to
+grant me one hundred recaptured Africans to till my grounds and learn
+the rudiments of agricultural industry. Some time elapsed before an
+answer was sent, but when it came, my prospects were dashed to the
+earth.
+
+  "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 had
+transmitted to the acting Lieutenant Governor Ferguson, for the
+purpose of having it forwarded to her Majesty's Government.
+
+"In reply, I have to acquaint you, that by the receipt of a despatch
+from the Rt. Hon. Lord Stanley, Secretary of State for the Colonies,
+bearing date 8th April 1842, his Lordship states that he cannot
+sanction a compliance with your request to have a number of liberated
+Africans, as apprentices, in tilling your grounds; and further, that
+he could not recognize the purchase of Cape Mount, as placing that
+district under the protection and sovereignty of the British crown.
+
+"I beg to add, that I am glad to be informed by Captain Oake that the
+vessel, alluded to in your letter, which you had been unable to
+despatch for want of a license, had obtained one for that purpose from
+the 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 many
+bright scenes and philanthropic hopes, fell as I finished this
+epistle. It not only clouded my future prospects of lawful commerce,
+but broke off, at once, the correspondence with my generous friend
+Redman in London. As I dropped the missive on the table, I ordered the
+palm-tree on which I had first unfurled the British flag to be cut
+down; and next day, on a tall pole, in full view of the harbor, I
+hoisted a tri-colored banner, adorned by a central star, which I
+caused to be baptized, in presence of Fana-Toro, with a salvo of
+twenty guns.
+
+I am not naturally of a mischievous or revengeful temper, but I can
+scarcely find language to express the mortification I experienced when
+Lord Stanley thwarted my honest intentions, by his refusal to protect
+the purchase whereon I had firmly resolved to be an ally and friend,
+in concentrating a lawful commerce. I was especially disgusted by this
+mistrust, or mistake, after the flattering assurances with which my
+design had, from the first, been cherished by the British officers on
+the station. I may confess that, for a moment, I almost repented the
+confidence I had reposed in the British lion, and was at a loss
+whether to abandon Cape Mount and return to my former traffic, or to
+till the ground and play waterman to the fleet.
+
+After proper deliberation, however, I resolved to take the plough for
+my device; and before Christmas, I had already ordered from England a
+large supply of agricultural implements and of every thing requisite
+for elaborate husbandry. After this, I purchased forty youths to be
+employed on a coffee plantation, and to drag my ploughs till I
+obtained animals to replace them. In a short time I had abundance of
+land cleared, and an over-seer's house erected for an old
+barracoonier, who, I am grieved to say, turned out but a sorry
+farmer. He had no idea of systematic labor or discipline save by the
+lash, so that in a month, four of his gang were on the sick list, and
+five had deserted. I replaced the Spaniard by an American colored man,
+who, in turn, made too free with my people and neglected the
+plantations. My own knowledge of agriculture was so limited, that
+unless I fortified every enterprise by constant reference to books, I
+was unable to direct my hands with skill; and, accordingly, with all
+these mishaps to my commerce and tillage, I became satisfied that it
+was easier to plough the ocean than the land.
+
+Still I was not disheartened. My trade, on a large scale, with the
+interior, and my agriculture had both failed; yet I resolved to try
+the effect of traffic in a humble way, combined with such _mechanical_
+pursuits as would be profitable on the coast. Accordingly, I divided a
+gang of forty well-drilled negroes into two sections, retaining the
+least intelligent on the farm, while the brighter youths were brought
+to the landing. Here I laid out a ship-yard, blacksmith's shop, and
+sawpit, placing at the head of each, a Monrovian colonist to instruct
+my slaves. In the mean time the neighboring natives, as well as the
+people some distance in the interior, were apprised by my runners of
+the new factory I was forming at Cape Mount.
+
+By the return of the dry season our establishment gave signs of
+renewed vitality. Within the fences of New Florence there were already
+twenty-five buildings and a population of one hundred, and nothing was
+wanting but a stock of cattle, which I soon procured from the Kroo
+country.
+
+Thus, for a long time all things went on satisfactorily, not only with
+the natives, but with foreign traders and cruisers, till a native war
+embarrassed my enterprise, and brought me in contact with the enemies
+of King Fana-Toro, of whose realm and deportment I must give some
+account.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER LXXI.
+
+
+The Africans who cluster about the bold headland of Cape
+Mount,--which, in fair weather, greets the mariner full thirty miles
+at sea,--belong to the Vey tribe, and are in no way inferior to the
+best classes of natives along the coast. Forty or fifty families
+constitute "a town," the government of which is generally in the hands
+of the oldest man, who administers justice by a "palaver" held in
+public, wherein the seniors of the settlement are alone consulted.
+These villages subject themselves voluntarily to the protectorate of
+larger towns, whose chief arbitrates as sovereign without appeal in
+all disputes among towns under his wardship; yet, as his judgments are
+not always pleasing, the dissatisfied desert their huts, and,
+emigrating to another jurisdiction, build their village anew within
+its limits.
+
+The Veys of both sexes are well-built, erect, and somewhat stately.
+Their faith differs but little from that prevalent among the Soosoos
+of the Rio Pongo. They believe in a superior power that may be
+successfully invoked through _gree-grees_ and _fetiches_, but which is
+generally obstinate or mischievous. It is their idea that the good are
+rewarded after death by transformation into some favorite animal; yet
+their entire creed is not subject to any definite description, for
+they blend the absurdities of Mahometanism with those of paganism, and
+mellow the whole by an acknowledgment of a supreme deity.
+
+The Vey, like other _uncontaminated_ Ethiopians, is brought up in
+savage neglect by his parents, crawling in perfect nakedness about the
+villages, till imitation teaches him the use of raiment, which, in all
+likelihood, he first of all obtains by theft. There is no difference
+between the sexes during their early years. A sense of shame or
+modesty seems altogether unknown or disregarded; nor is it unusual to
+find ten or a dozen of both genders huddled promiscuously beneath a
+roof whose walls are not more than fifteen feet square.
+
+True to his nature, a Vey bushman rises in the morning to swallow his
+rice and cassava, and crawls back to his mat which is invariably
+placed in the sunshine, where he _simmers_ till noontide, when another
+wife serves him with a second meal. The remainder of daylight is
+passed either in gossip or a second _siesta_, till, at sundown, his
+other wives wash his body, furnish a third meal, and stretch his
+wearied limbs before a blazing fire to refresh for the toils of the
+succeeding day. In fact, the slaves of a household, together with its
+females, form the entire working class of Africa, and in order to
+indoctrinate the gentler sex in its future toils and duties, there
+seems to be a sort of national seminary which is known as the
+Gree-gree-bush.
+
+The Gree-gree-bush is a secluded spot or grove of considerable extent
+in the forest, apart from dwellings and cultivated land though
+adjacent to villages, which is considered as consecrated ground and
+forbidden to the approach of men. The establishment within this
+precinct consists of a few houses, with an extensive area for
+exercise. It is governed chiefly by an old woman of superior skill and
+knowledge, to whose charge the girls of a village are intrusted as
+soon as they reach the age of ten or twelve. There are various
+opinions of the use and value of this institution in the primitive
+polity of Africa. By some writers it is treated as a religious
+cloister for the protection of female chastity, while by others it is
+regarded as a school of licentiousness. From my own examination of the
+establishment, I am quite satisfied that a line drawn between these
+extremes will, most probably, characterize the "bush" with accuracy,
+and that what was originally a conservative seclusion, has degenerated
+greatly under the lust of tropical passions.
+
+As the procession of novices who are about to enter the grove
+approaches the sanctuary, music and dancing are heard and seen on
+every side. As soon as the maidens are received, they are taken by the
+_gree-gree_ women to a neighboring stream, where they are washed, and
+undergo an operation which is regarded as a sort of circumcision.
+Anointed from head to foot with palm-oil, they are next reconducted to
+their home in the gree-gree bush. Here, under strict watch, they are
+maintained by their relatives or those who are in treaty for them as
+wives, until they reach the age of puberty. At this epoch the
+important fact is announced by the gree-gree woman to the purchaser or
+future husband, who, it is expected, will soon prepare to take her
+from the retreat. Whenever his _new_ house is ready for the bride's
+reception, it is proclaimed by the ringing of bells and vociferous
+cries during night. Next day search is made by females through the
+woods, to ascertain whether intruders are lurking about, but when the
+path is ascertained to be clear, the girl is forthwith borne to a
+rivulet, where she is washed, anointed, and clad in her best attire.
+From thence she is borne, amid singing, drumming, shouting, and
+firing, in the arms of her female attendants, till her unsoiled feet
+are deposited on the husband's floor.[9]
+
+I believe this institution exists throughout a large portion of
+Africa, and such is the desire to place females within the bush, that
+poor parents who cannot pay the initiatory fee, raise subscriptions
+among their friends to obtain the requisite slave whose gift entitles
+their child to admission. Sometimes, it is said, that this _human
+ticket is stolen_ to effect the desired purpose, and that no native
+power can recover the lost slave when once within the sacred
+precincts.
+
+The gree-gree-bush is not only a resort of the virgin, but of the
+wife, in those seasons when approaching maternity indicates need of
+repose and care. In a few hours, the robust mother issues with her
+new-born child, and after a plunge into the nearest brook, returns to
+the domestic drudgery which I have already described.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the time of Fana-Toro, Toso was the royal residence where his
+majesty played sovereign and protector over six towns and fifteen
+villages. His government was generally considered patriarchal. When I
+bought Cape Mount, the king numbered "seventy-seven rains," equivalent
+to so many years;--he was small, wiry, meagre, erect, and proud of the
+respect he universally commanded. His youth was notorious among the
+tribes for intrepidity, and I found that he retained towards enemies a
+bitter resentment that often led to the commission of atrocious
+cruelties.
+
+It was not long after my instalment at the Cape, that I accidentally
+witnessed the ferocity of this chief. Some trifling "country affair"
+caused me to visit the king; but upon landing at Toso I was told he
+was abroad. The manner of my informant, however, satisfied me that the
+message was untrue; and accordingly, with the usual confidence of a
+"white man" in Africa, I searched his premises till I encountered him
+in the "palaver-house." The large inclosure was crammed with a mob of
+savages, all in perfect silence around the king, who, in an infuriate
+manner, with a bloody, knife in his hand, and a foot on the dead body
+of a negro, was addressing the carcass. By his side stood a pot of
+hissing oil, in which the heart of his enemy was frying!
+
+My sudden and, perhaps, improper entrance, seemed to exasperate the
+infidel, who, calling me to his side, knelt on the corpse, and digging
+it repeatedly with his knife, exclaimed with trembling passion, that
+it was his bitterest and oldest foe's! For twenty years he had
+butchered his people, sold his subjects, violated his daughters, slain
+his sons, and burnt his towns;--and with each charge, the savage
+enforced his assertion by a stab.
+
+I learned that the slaughtered captive was too brave and wary to be
+taken alive in open conflict. He had been kidnapped by treachery, and
+as he could not be forced to walk to Toso, the king's trappers had
+cooped him in a huge basket, which they bore on their shoulders to the
+Cape. No sooner was the brute in his captor's presence, than he broke
+a silence of three days by imprecations on Fana-Toro. In a short
+space, his fate was decided in the scene I had witnessed, while his
+body was immediately burnt to prevent it from taking the form of some
+ferocious beast which might vex the remaining years of his royal
+executioner!
+
+This was the only instance of Fana-Toro's barbarity that came under my
+notice, and in its perpetration he merely followed the example of his
+ancestors in obedience to African ferocity. Yet, of his intrepidity
+and nobler endurance, I will relate an anecdote which was told me by
+reliable persons. Some twenty years before my arrival at the Cape,
+large bands of mercenary bushmen had joined his enemies along the
+beach, and after desolating his territory, sat down to beleaguer the
+stockade of Toso. For many a day thirst and hunger were quietly
+suffered under the resolute command of the king, but at length, when
+their pangs became unendurable, and the people demanded a surrender,
+Fana-Toro strode into the "palaver-house," commanding a _sortie_ with
+his famished madmen. The warriors protested against the idea, for
+their ammunition was exhausted. Then arose a wild shout for the king's
+deposition and the election of a chief to succeed him. A candidate was
+instantly found and installed; but no sooner had he been chosen, than
+Fana-Toro,--daring the new prince to prove a power of _endurance_
+equal to his own,--plunged his finger in a bowl of boiling oil, and
+held it over the fire, without moving a muscle, till the flesh was
+crisped to the bone.
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that the sovereign was at once restored
+to his rights, or that, availing himself of the fresh enthusiasm, he
+rushed 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 human
+existence--birth and death. Both events are honored with feasting,
+drinking, dancing, and firing; and the descendants of the dead
+sometimes impoverish, and even ruin themselves, to inter a venerable
+parent with pomp.
+
+Prince Gray, the son of Fana-Toro, whom I have already mentioned, died
+during my occupation of Cape Mount. I was at Mesurado when the event
+happened, but, as soon as I heard it, I resolved to unite with his
+relations in the last rites to his memory. Gray was not only a good
+negro 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, who
+owned but little property and had no slaves for sale, hastened to my
+agent, and pledged their town of Panama for means to defray his
+funeral. In the mean time, the corpse, swathed in twenty large country
+sheets, and wrapped in twenty pieces of variegated calico, was laid
+out in a hut, where it was constantly watched and _smoked_ by three of
+the favorite widows.
+
+After two months devotion to moaning and _seasoning_, notice was sent
+forty miles round the country, summoning the tribes to the final
+ceremony. On the appointed day the corpse was brought from the hut, _a
+perfect mass of bacon_. As the procession moved towards the
+palaver-house, the prince's twenty wives--almost entirely denuded,
+their heads shaved, and their bodies smeared with dust--were seen
+following his remains. The eldest spouse appeared covered with
+self-inflicted bruises, burns, and gashes--all indications of sorrow
+and future uselessness.
+
+The crowd reached the apartment, singing the praises of the defunct in
+chorus, when the body was laid on a new mat, covered with his war
+shirt, while the parched lump that indicated his head was crowned with
+the 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 beneath
+an adjoining verandah, to receive the condolences of the invited
+guests, who, according to custom, made their bows and deposited a
+tribute of rice, palm-oil, palm-wine, or other luxuries, to help out
+the merry-making.
+
+When I heard of the prince's death at Monrovia, I resolved not to
+return without a testimonial of respect for my ally, and ordered an
+enormous coffin to be prepared without delay. In due time the huge
+chest was made ready, covered with blue cotton, studded with brass
+nails, and adorned with all the gilded ornaments I could find in
+Monrovia. Besides this splendid sarcophagus, my craft from the colony
+was ballasted with four bullocks and several barrels of rum, as a
+contribution to the funeral.
+
+I had timed my arrival at Fanama, so as to reach the landing about ten
+o'clock on the morning of burial; and, after a salute from my brazen
+guns, I landed the bullocks, liquor, and coffin, and marched toward
+the 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 a
+mark of respect, I was instantly lifted in the arms of the weeping
+women, and deposited on the mat beside the corpse. Here I rested, amid
+cries and lamentations, till near noon, when the bullocks were
+slaughtered, and their blood offered in wash-bowls to the dead. As
+soon as this was over, the shapeless mass was stowed in the coffin
+without 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 deceased
+was instantly saluted as prince. From this moment the festivities
+began, 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 royal
+family. Six were selected by the new prince, who divided thirteen
+among his brothers and kinsmen, but gave his mother to his
+father-in-law. As soon as the allotment was over, his highness very
+courteously offered me the choice of his _six_, in return for my
+gifts; but as I never formed a family tie with natives, I declined the
+honor, 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 workmen
+into tolerable skill with the adze, saw, sledgehammer and forge, I
+undertook to build a brig of one hundred tons. In six months, people
+came from far and near to behold the mechanical marvels of Cape Mount.
+Meanwhile, my plantation went on slowly, while my _garden_ became a
+matter 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 the
+symmetry of my beds, the richness of my pine-apples, the luxurious
+splendor of my sugar-cane, the abundance of my coffee, and the cool
+fragrance of the arbors with which I adorned the lawn; but they would
+never admit the use of my exotic vegetables. In order to water my
+premises, I turned the channel of a brook, surrounding the garden with
+a perfect canal; and, as its sides were completely laced with an
+elaborate wicker-work of willows, the aged king and crowds of his
+followers came to look upon the Samsonian task as one of the wonders
+of Africa. "What is it," exclaimed Fana-Toro, as he beheld the
+deflected water-course, "that a white man cannot do!" After this, his
+majesty inspected all my plants, and shouted again with surprise at
+the toil we underwent to satisfy our appetites. The use or worth of
+_flowers_, of which I had a rare and beautiful supply, he could never
+divine; but his chief amazement was still devoted to our daily
+expenditure of time, strength, and systematic toil, when rice and
+palm-oil would grow wild while we were sleeping!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It will be seen from this sketch of my domestic comforts and
+employment, that New Florence prospered in every thing but _farming_
+and _trade_. At first it was my hope, that two or three years of
+perseverance would enable me to open a lawful traffic with the
+interior; but I soon discovered that the slave-trade was alone thought
+of by the natives, who only bring the neighboring produce to the
+beach, when their captives are ready for a market. I came, moreover,
+to the conclusion that the interior negroes about Cape Mount had no
+commerce with Eastern tribes except for slaves, and consequently that
+its small river will never create marts like those which have direct
+communications by water with the heart of a rich region, and absorb
+its gold, ivory, wax, and hides. To meet these difficulties, I
+hastened the building of my vessel _as a coaster_.
+
+About this time, an American craft called the A----, arrived in my
+neighborhood. 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 short
+period I disposed of his entire investment. The trim and saucy rig of
+this Yankee clipper bewitched the heart of a Spanish trader who
+happened to be among the _lagunes_, and an offer was forthwith made,
+through me, for her purchase. The bid was accepted at once, and the
+day before Christmas fixed as the period of her delivery, after a trip
+to the Gaboon.
+
+In contracting to furnish this slaver with a craft and the necessary
+apparatus for his cargo, it would be folly for me to deny that I was
+dipping once more into my ancient trade; yet, on reflection, I
+concluded that in covering the vessel for a moment with my name, I was
+no more amenable to rebuke, than the respectable merchants of Sierra
+Leone and elsewhere who passed hardly a day without selling, to
+notorious slavers, such merchandise as could be used _alone_ in
+slave-wars or slave-trade. It is probable that the sophism soothed my
+conscience at the moment, though I could never escape the promise that
+sealed my agreement with Lieutenant Seagram.
+
+The appointed day arrived, and my smoking semaphores announced the
+brigantine's approach to Sugarei, three miles from Cape Mount. The
+same 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 I
+was in charge, no delay was made to prepare for the reception of
+freight; and by sunrise I resigned her to the Spaniard, who
+immediately embarked seven hundred negroes, and landed them in Cuba in
+twenty-seven days.
+
+Till now the British cruisers had made Cape Mount their friendly
+rendezvous, but the noise of this shipment in my neighborhood, and my
+refusal to explain or converse on the subject, gave umbrage to
+officers who had never failed to supply themselves from my grounds and
+larder. In fact I was soon marked as an enemy of the squadron, while
+our intercourse dwindled to the merest shadow. In the course of a
+week, the Commander on the African station, himself, hove to off the
+Cape, and summoning me on board, concluded a petulant conversation by
+remarking that "a couple of men like Monsieur Canot would make work
+enough in Africa for the whole British squadron!"
+
+I answered the compliment with a profound _salaam_, and went over the
+Penelope's side satisfied that my friendship was at an end with her
+Majesty's cruisers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The portion of Cape Mount whereon I pitched my tent, had been so long
+depopulated by the early wars against Fana-Toro, that the wild beasts
+reasserted their original dominion over the territory. The forest was
+full of leopards, wild cats, cavallis or wild boars, and
+ourang-outangs.
+
+Very soon after my arrival, a native youth in my employ had been
+severely chastised for misconduct, and in fear of repetition, fled to
+the mount after supplying himself with a basket of cassava. As his
+food was sufficient for a couple of days, we thought he might linger
+in 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 limb
+dislocated and covered with bites apparently made by human teeth. It
+was the opinion of the natives that the child had been killed by
+ourang-outangs, nor can I doubt their correctness, for when I visited
+the scene of the murder, the earth for a large space around, was
+covered with the footprints of the beast and scattered with the skins
+of its favorite esculent.
+
+I was more annoyed, however, at first, by leopards than any other
+animal. My cattle could not stray beyond the fences, nor could my
+laborers venture abroad at any time without weapons. I made use of
+spring-traps, pit-fall, and various expedients to purify the forest;
+but such was the cunning or agility of our nimble foes that they all
+escaped. 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 of
+meat which was attached by a string to the trigger, so that the load
+and the food were discharged into the leopard's mouth at the same
+moment. Thus, by degrees as my settlement grew, the beasts receded
+from the promontory and its adjacent grounds; and in a couple of
+years, the herds were able to roam where they pleased without danger.
+
+Cape Mount had long been deserted by elephants, but about forty miles
+from my dwelling, on the upper forests of the lake, the noble animal
+might still be hunted; and whenever the natives were fortunate enough
+to "bag" a specimen, I was sure to be remembered in its division. If
+the prize proved a male, I received the feet and trunk, but if it
+turned out of the gentler gender, I was honored with the udder, as a
+royal _bonne-bouche_.
+
+[Illustration: AN ELEPHANT HUNT.]
+
+In Africa a slaughtered elephant is considered public property by the
+neighboring villagers, all of whom have a right to carve the giant
+till his bones are bare. A genuine sportsman claims nothing but the
+ivory and tail, the latter being universally a perquisite of the king.
+Yet I frequently found that associations were made among the natives
+to capture this colossal beast and his valuable tusks. Upon these
+occasions, a club was formed on the basis of a whaling cruise, while a
+single but well-known hunter was chosen to do execution. One man
+furnished the muskets, another supplied the powder, a third gave the
+iron bolts for balls, a fourth made ready the provender, while a fifth
+despatched a bearer with the armament. As soon as the outfit was
+completed, the huntsman's _juju_ and _fetiche_ were invoked for good
+luck, and he departed under an escort of wives and associates.
+
+An African elephant is smaller, as well as more cunning and wild, than
+the Asiatic. Accordingly, the sportsman is often obliged to circumvent
+his game during several days, for it is said that in populous
+districts, its instincts are so keen as to afford warning of the
+neighborhood of fire-arms, even at extraordinary distances. The common
+and most effectual mode of enticing an elephant within reach of a
+ball, is to strew the forest for several miles with _pine-apples_,
+whose flavor and fragrance infallibly bewitch him. By degrees, he
+tracks and nibbles the fruit from slice to slice, till, lured within
+the hunter's retreat, he is despatched from the branches of a lofty
+tree by repeated shots at his capacious forehead.
+
+Sometimes it happens that four or five discharges with the wretched
+powder used in Africa fail to slay the beast, who escapes from the
+jungle and dies afar from the encounter. When this occurs, an
+attendant is despatched for a reinforcement, and I have seen a whole
+settlement go forth _en masse_ to search for the monster that will
+furnish food for many a day. Sometimes the crowd is disappointed, for
+the wounds have been slight and the animal is seen no more.
+Occasionally, a dying elephant will linger a long time, and is only
+discovered by the buzzards hovering above his body. Then it is that
+the bushmen, guided by the vultures, haste to the forest, and fall
+upon the putrid flesh with more avidity than birds of prey. Battles
+have 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 seventieth
+chapter, spread rapidly throughout our borders; and absorbing the
+entire attention of the tribe, gave an impulse to slavery which had
+been unwitnessed since my advent to the Cape. The reader may readily
+appreciate the difficulty of my position in a country, hemmed in by
+war which could only be terminated by slaughter or slavery. Nor could
+I remain neutral in New Florence, which was situated on the same side
+of the river as Toso, while the enemies of Fana-Toro were in complete
+possession of the opposite bank.
+
+When I felt that the rupture between the British and myself was not
+only complete but irreparable, I had less difficulty in deciding my
+policy as to the natives; and, chiefly under the impulse of
+self-protection, I resolved to serve the cause of my ancient ally. I
+made whatever fortifications could be easily defended in case of
+attack, and, by way of show, mounted some cannon on a boat which was
+paraded about the waters in a formidable way. My judgment taught me
+from the outset that it was folly to think of joining actively in the
+conflict; for, while I had but three white men in my quarters, and the
+colonists had returned to Monrovia, my New Sestros experience taught
+me the value of bondsmen's backing.
+
+Numerous engagements and captures took place by both parties, so that
+my doors were daily besieged by a crowd of wretches sent by Fana-Toro
+to be purchased _for shipment_. I declined the contract with firmness
+and constancy, but so importunate was the chief that I could not
+resist his desire that a Spanish factor might come within my limits
+with merchandise from Gallinas to purchase his prisoners. "He could do
+nothing with his foes," he said, "when in his grasp, but slay or sell
+them." The king's enemy, on the opposite shore, disposed of his
+captives to Gallinas, and obtained supplies of powder and ball, while
+Fana-Toro, who had no vent for his prisoners, would have been
+destroyed without my assistance.
+
+Matters continued in this way for nearly two years, during which the
+British 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 to
+build their own schooners. When the A---- was sold, I managed to
+retain her long-boat in my service, but such was now the value of
+every egg-shell on the coast, that her owner despatched a carpenter
+from Gallinas, who, in a few days, decked, rigged, and equipped her
+for sea. She was twenty-three feet long, four feet deep, and five feet
+beam, so that, when afloat, her measurement could not have exceeded
+four tons. Yet, on a dark and stormy night, she dropped down the
+river, and floated out to sea through the besieging lines, with
+thirty-three black boys, two sailors, and a navigator. In less than
+forty days she transported the whole of her living freight across the
+Atlantic to Bahia. The negroes almost perished from thirst, but the
+daring 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 I
+lingered on the coast, entirely aloof from the slave-trade, would
+either interest or instruct the general reader. The checkered career
+I have already exposed, has portrayed almost every phase of African
+life. 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, and
+the suspicions of the English, every thing went wrong. The friendship
+of 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 these
+encouragements for exertion, I must confess that my experiment was
+unsuccessful.
+
+Nor was this all. I lost my cutter, laden with stores and merchandise
+for my factory. A vessel, filled with rice and lumber for my
+ship-yard, was captured _on suspicion_, and, though sent across the
+Atlantic for adjudication, was dismissed uncondemned. The sudden death
+of a British captain from Sierra Leone, deprived me of three thousand
+dollars. Fana-Toro made numerous assaults on his foes, all of which
+failed; and, to cap the climax of my ills, on returning after a brief
+absence, I found that a colonist, whom I had rescued from misery and
+employed in my forge, had fled to the enemy, carrying with him a
+number of my most useful servants.
+
+It was about this time that circumstances obliged me to make a rapid
+voyage to New York and back to Africa, where the blind goddess had
+another surprise in store for me. During my absence, our ancient king
+was compelled to make a treaty with his rival, who, under the name of
+George Cain, dwelt formerly among the American colonists and acquired
+our language. It was by treachery alone that Fana-Toro had been
+dragooned into an arrangement, by which my _quondam_ blacksmith, who
+married a sister of Cain, was elevated to the dignity of prince
+George's _premier_!
+
+Both these scamps, with a troop of their followers, planted themselves
+on my premises near the beach, and immediately let me understand that
+they were my sworn enemies. Cain could not pardon the aid I gave to
+Fana-Toro in his earlier conflicts, nor would the renegade colonist
+forsake his kinsman or the African barbarism, into which he had
+relapsed.
+
+By degrees, these varlets, whom I was unable, in my crippled
+condition, to dislodge, obtained the ears of the British commanders,
+and poured into them every falsehood that could kindle their ire. The
+Spanish factory of Fana-Toro's agent was reported to be _mine_. The
+shipment 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 the
+squadron by the outlaws, and, in less than a month, my fame was as
+black as the skin of my traducers. Still, even at this distant day, I
+may challenge my worst enemy on the coast to prove that I
+participated, after 1839, in the purchase of a single slave for
+transportation beyond the sea!
+
+From the moment that the first dwelling was erected at New Florence, I
+carefully enforced the most rigid decorum between the sexes throughout
+my jurisdiction. It was the boast of our friends at Cape Palmas and
+Monrovia, that my grounds were free from the debauchery, which,
+elsewhere in Africa, was unhappily too common. I have had the honor to
+entertain at my table at Cape Mount, not only the ordinary traders of
+the coast, but commodores of French squadrons, commanders of British
+and American cruisers, governors of colonies, white and colored
+missionaries, as well as innumerable merchants of the first
+respectability, and I have yet to meet the first of them, in any part
+of the world, who can redden my cheek with a blush.
+
+But such was not the case at the Cape after Cain and Curtis became the
+pets of the cruisers, and converted the beach into a brothel.[10]
+
+After a brief sojourn at my quarters to repair "The Chancellor," in
+which I had come with a cargo from the United States, I hastened
+towards Gallinas to dispose of our merchandise. We had been already
+boarded by an American officer, who reported us to his superior as a
+regular merchantman; yet, such were the malicious representations on
+the beach against the vessel and myself, that the Dolphin tarried a
+month at the anchorage to watch our proceedings. When I went to the
+old mart of Don Pedro, a cruiser dogged us; when I sailed to leeward
+of Cape Palmas for oil and ivory, another took charge of our
+movements,--anchoring where we anchored, getting under way when we
+did, and following us into every nook and corner. At Grand Buttoa, I
+took "The Chancellor" within a reef of rocks, and here I was left to
+proceed as I pleased, while the British cruiser returned to Cape
+Mount.
+
+The fifteenth of March, eighteen hundred and forty-seven, is scored in
+my calendar with black. It was on the morning of that day that the
+commander who escorted me so warily as far as Buttoa, landed a
+lieutenant and sailors at New Florence, and unceremoniously proceeded
+to search my premises for slaves. As none were found, the valiant
+captors seized a couple of handcuffs, like those in use every where to
+secure refractory seamen, and carried them on board to their
+commander. Next day, several boats, with marines and sailors, led by a
+British captain and lieutenant, landed about noon, and, without
+notice, 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 this
+transaction, but I have the utmost confidence in the circumstantial
+narrative which my agent, Mr. Horace Smith, soon after prepared under
+oath at Monrovia. The marines and Kroomen were permitted to plunder at
+will. Cain and Curtis revelled in the task of philanthropic
+destruction. While the sailors burnt my houses, these miscreants and
+their adherents devoted themselves to the ruin of my garden, fruit
+trees, plantations, and waterworks. My cattle, even, were stolen, to
+be sold to the squadron; and, ere night, New Florence was a
+smouldering heap!
+
+I would gladly have turned the last leaf of this book without a
+murmur, had not this wanton outrage been perpetrated, not only while I
+was abroad, but without a shadow of justice. To this hour, I am
+ignorant of any lawful cause, or of any thing but suspicion, that may
+be alleged in palliation of the high-handed wrong. Not a line or word
+was left, whereby I could trace a pretext for my ruin.
+
+Three days after the catastrophe, my ancient ally of Toso paid the
+debt of nature. In a month, his tribes awoke from their stupor with
+one 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 beach
+and restored their lawful prince.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[10] I have spoken of visits and appeals from missionaries, and will
+here insert a letter of introduction which I received by the hands of
+the Reverend Mr. Williams, whilst I inhabited Cape Mount. Mr. Williams
+had been a former governor of Liberia, and was deputed to Cape Mount
+by the Methodist Episcopal Mission, in Liberia.
+
+"DEAR SIR:
+
+"This will be handed you by the Rev. A. D. Williams, a minister of the
+M. E. Church, with whom you are so well acquainted that I hardly need
+introduce him. It is a matter of regret that I am so situated as to be
+unable to accompany Mr. Williams to Cape Mount. It would have afforded
+me pleasure to visit your establishment, and it might have facilitated
+our mission operations, could I have done so. Allow me, however to
+bespeak for Mr. Williams your attention and patronage, both of which
+you have, in conversation, so kindly promised.
+
+"Our object is to elevate the natives of Cape Mount; to establish a
+school for children; to have divine service regularly performed on the
+Sabbath; and thus to endeavor to introduce among the people a
+knowledge of the only wise and true God and the blessings of
+Christianity. Such is the immense influence you have over the Cape
+Mount 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 the
+expense, I intend to erect suitable buildings for divine service, and
+for the occupation of the missionary and his family. In this case, we
+shall have to intrude on your land for building room. I shall endeavor
+to 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. Williams
+and Seys but, unluckily, they had chosen the worst time imaginable for
+the establishment of a mission and school. The country was ravaged by
+war, and the towns were depopulated. The passions of the tribes were
+at their height. Still, as I had promised my co-operation, I
+introduced the Rev. Mr. Williams to the king, who courteously told the
+missionary all the dangers and difficulties of his position, but
+promised, 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 the
+towns_, I sent messages to Toso, Fanama and Sugarei, for the
+inhabitants to assemble at New Florence on the next Sunday, to hear
+"God's palabra," (as they call sacred instruction;) but when the
+Sabbath came, the Rev. Mr. Williams held forth to my clerk, mechanics
+and 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 delineation
+of the character of woman has been the chief design, the public now
+have the Works of Grace Aguilar, the intrinsic interest and value of
+which have won for them an enviable reputation. This last of the
+series consists of a variety of tales and sketches well calculated to
+awaken sentiments of purse affection, and inspire the heart with
+nobler and holier sensibilities, by its impressive illustrations of
+the delights of Home."--_Tribune._
+
+"Her books all bear the impress of genius, consecrated to the noblest
+purposes. They may be put into the hands of all classes, without the
+least hesitation; and no better service could be rendered to the age,
+than to inspire it with a love for these productions. We recommend
+this series of books to our readers, and especially to our female
+readers. Let them get and read the writings of this champion of their
+sex."--_Observer._
+
+
+II.
+
+THE MOTHER'S RECOMPENSE.
+
+12mo. Paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents.
+
+"It is a fragrant offering to the cause of domestic virtue and
+happiness."--_Albany Atlas._
+
+"In this domestic circle, and by all our fair readers, this excellent
+story 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 is
+so well calculated to do good."--_Commercial Advertiser._
+
+"The style of this production closely resembles that of Miss
+Edgeworth. It is one of those vivid pictures of every day life that
+never 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 the
+details of the story are managed, and its thrilling interest, render
+the book one of the most absorbing that we have read for some
+time."--_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 Israel
+been so correctly appreciated, or eloquently delineated. Those high
+attainments of piety, those graces of spirit, which have placed them
+in the rank of examples for all subsequent generations, are spread
+before us with a geniality of spirit and a beauty of style which will
+secure the warmest admiration; at the same time their weaknesses and
+errors 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 a
+novel. It is full of sound instruction, close and logical reasoning,
+and is fill with practical lessons of every day character, which
+renders 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 to
+Soissons.--Mathieu Goguelue.--A Bird of Evil Omen.--Catherine
+Blum.--The Parisian.--Jealousy.--Father and Mother.--The
+Return.--Mademoiselle Euphrosine Raisin.--Love's Young Dream.--The
+Abbé Gregoire.--Father and Son.--The Village Fête.--A Snake in the
+Grass.--Temptation and Crime.--The Ranger's Home.--Apprehension.--The
+Book 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 is
+laid in Villers-Cotterêts in France. The reputation of the author is
+so firmly established, that in our stating that the translation is a
+faithful one, our readers who are novel readers will have heard
+sufficient."--_Phila. Register._
+
+"A capital story. The reader will find the interest increase to the
+end."--_Phila. Gaz._
+
+"The present volume fully sustains the high reputation of its author;
+it shows a very high order of genius. The translation is such
+perfectly good English, that we easily forget that we are not reading
+the work in the language in which it was originally written."--_Albany
+Argus._
+
+"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 the
+interest 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 a
+leisure hour."--_The Bizarre._
+
+"This very entertaining novel is indubitably one of Dumas's best
+efforts; it cannot fail to become widely popular."--_N. Y. Courier._
+
+"A pleasing, romantic love story, written with the author's usual
+vigor."--_Newark Adv._
+
+"A quiet domestic tale that must charm all readers."--_Syracuse
+Daily._
+
+"This is a lively story of love, jealously and intrigue, in a French
+village."--_Phila. Daily Times._
+
+"The fame of the author will alone secure a wide circulation for this
+book. 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 the
+most eminent and celebrated of Modern French novelists--Alexander
+Dumas."--_Binghampton Republican._
+
+"This production of the celebrated author, is written in the same
+masterly style for which all his works are noted."--_Hartford Times._
+
+"The Foresters, as a work by itself, is one of many charms. That the
+book will be eagerly sought after, there can be no doubt. That every
+reader will admire it is none the less certain."--_Buffalo Morning
+Express._
+
+"It will be found an interesting story."--_Arthur's Home Gazette._
+
+"The plot is extremely pleasing, and the book must meet with a ready
+and 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 tender
+interest, healthy in its sentiments and remarkably graphic in its
+sketches of character. 'Aunt Betsy' is drawn to the life."--_Home
+Gazette._
+
+"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 is
+quite equal to either."--_Boston Transcript._
+
+"'Farmingdale,' the work to which we allude, in every page and
+paragraph, is redolent of its native sky. It is a tale of New England
+domestic life, in its incidents and manners so true to nature and so
+free from exaggeration, and in its impulses and motives throughout so
+throbbing with the real American heart, that we shall not be surprised
+to hear of as many New England villages claiming to be the scene of
+its story, as were the cities of Greece that claimed to be the birth
+place of Homer."--_Philadelphia Courier._
+
+"The story abounds in scenes of absorbing interest. The narration is
+every where delightfully clear and straightforward, flowing forth
+towards its conclusion, like a gentle and limpid stream, between
+graceful hillsides and verdant meadows."--_Home Journal._
+
+"This is a story of country life, written by a hand whose guiding
+power was a living soul. The pictures of life are speaking and
+effective. The story is interestingly told and its high moral aim well
+sustained."--_Syracuse Chronicle._
+
+"'Farmingdale,' while it has many points in common with some recent
+works of fiction, is yet highly original. The author has had the
+boldness to attempt a novel, the main interest of which does not hinge
+either upon love or matrimony, nor upon complicated and entangled
+machinery, but upon a simple and apparently artless narrative of a
+friendless girl."--_Philadelphia Eve. Mail._
+
+"The author studiously avoids all forced and unnatural incidents, and
+the equally fashionable affectation of extravagant language. Her style
+and diction are remarkable for their purity and ease. In the
+conception and delineation of character she has shown herself
+possessed 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 young
+brother, and the sacrifices which she made for him from childhood.
+There is touching simplicity in the character of this interesting
+female that will please all readers, and benefit many of her
+sex."--_Hartford Courant._
+
+"The tale is prettily written, and breathes throughout an excellent
+moral tone."--_Boston Daily Journal._
+
+"We have read this book; it is lively, spirited, and in some parts
+pathetic. Its sketches of life seem to us at once graceful and
+vivid."--_Albany Argus._
+
+"The book is well written, in a simple, unpretending style, and the
+dialogue is natural and easy. It is destined to great popularity among
+all classes of readers. Parents who object placing 'love tales' in the
+hands of their children, may purchase this volume without fear. The
+oldest and the youngest will become interested in its fascinating
+pages, and close it with the impression that it is a good book, and
+deserving 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 drawn
+out in the course of the story. The death of Guy is one of the most
+touching things we ever read. * * * The work is one of absorbing
+interest, and what is still better, the moral taught in its pages is
+eminently healthy and elevating. We commend the book most
+cordially."--_Com. Adv._
+
+"The whole tone and feeling of this book is good and true. The reader
+does not require to be told that the author is religious; the right
+principles, the high sense of duty and honor, softened by the
+influence of a reverent faith, can be explained on no other
+hypothesis. It is eminently a book to send the reader away from the
+perusal better and wiser for the lessons hidden under its deeply
+interesting narrative."--_London Guardian._
+
+"A well written, spirited and interesting work. It is full of
+character, sparkling with conversation and picturesque with paintings
+of nature. The plot is well conceived and handsomely wrought out.
+There is a freshness of feeling and tone of healthy sentiment about
+such novels, that recommend them to public favor."--_Albany
+Spectator._
+
+
+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 as
+well as profit."--_Lansingburgh Gazette._
+
+"A novel with a deep religious tone, bearing and aim--a most
+attractive style."--_Springfield Republican._
+
+"We recommend her books to the young, as among those from which they
+have nothing to fear."--_New Haven Courier._
+
+"A very well told tale, mingling the grave and gay, the tender and
+severe, in fair proportions. It displays a genius and skill in the
+writer 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 successful
+books of the season. It abounds in all those beauties which have
+hitherto distinguished Mrs. Gore's novels. The management of the
+incidents of the story is as clever, the style is as brilliant, the
+satire as keen, and the conversation as flowing, as in the best of her
+works."--_Daily News._
+
+"It will be read with pleasure by thousands."--_Herald._
+
+"Mrs. Gore is perhaps the wittiest of modern novelists. Of all the
+ladies who in later times have taken in hand the weapon of satire, her
+blade is certainly the most trenchant. A vapid lord or a purse-proud
+citizen, 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 her
+brilliant pages; while scattered about in many places are passages and
+scenes of infinite tenderness showing that our authoress is not
+insensible to the gentler qualities of our nature and is mistress of
+pathos 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.--_Savannah
+Georgian._
+
+The style and character of Miss Sewell's writings are too well-known
+to the reading public to need commendation. The present volume will
+only add to her reputation as an authoress.--_Albany Transcript._
+
+This novel is admirably calculated to inculcate refined moral and
+religious sentiments.--_Boston Herald._
+
+The interest of the story is well sustained throughout, and it is
+altogether one of the pleasantest books of the season.--_Syracuse
+Standard._
+
+Those who have read the former works of this writer, will welcome the
+appearance of this; it is equal to the best of her preceding
+novels.--_Savannah Republican._
+
+Noble, beautiful, selfish, hard, and ugly characters appear in
+it, and each is so drawn as to be felt and estimated as it
+deserves.--_Commonwealth._
+
+A re-publication of a good English novel. It teaches self-control,
+charity, and a true estimation of life, by the interesting history of
+a young girl.--_Hartford Courant._
+
+Katharine Ashton will enhance the reputation already attained, the
+story and the moral being equally commendable.--_Buffalo Courier._
+
+Like all its predecessors, Katharine Ashton bears the impress of
+genius, consecrated to the noblest purposes, and should find a welcome
+in every family circle.--_Banner of the Cross._
+
+No one can be injured by books like this; a great many must be
+benefited. Few authors have sent so many faultless writings to the
+press as she has done.--_Worcester Palladium._
+
+The _self-denial_ of the Christian life, in its application to
+common scenes and circumstances, is happily illustrated in the
+example of Katharine Ashton, in which there is much to admire and
+imitate.--_Southern Churchman._
+
+Her present work is an interesting tale of English country life, is
+written with her usual ability, and is quite free from any offensive
+parade of her own theological tenets.--_Boston Traveller._
+
+The field in which Miss Sewell labors, seems to be exhaustless, and to
+yield always a beautiful and a valuable harvest.--_Troy Daily Budget._
+
+
+D. APPLETON & COMPANY
+
+_Have recently published the following interesting works by the same
+author._
+
+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 "COMPLETE
+CONCORDANCE 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 have
+read for many a day, and one which is destined, we doubt not, to be
+much longer lived than the majority of the books of its class. Its
+chief beauties are a certain freshness in the style in which the
+incidents are presented to us--a healthful tone pervading it--a
+completeness in most of the characters--and a truthful power in the
+descriptions."--_London Times._
+
+"We have found the volume deeply interesting--its characters are well
+drawn, while its tone and sentiments are well calculated to exert a
+purifying and ennobling influence upon all who read it."--_Savannah
+Republican._
+
+"The scene of the book is village life amongst the upper class, with
+village episodes, which seem to have been sketched from the
+life--there is a primitive simplicity and greatness of heart about
+some of the characters which keep up the sympathy and interest to the
+end."--_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 ordinary
+merit."--_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 is
+constantly kept in contact with the workings of an inventive and
+brilliant mind."--_Albany Argus._
+
+"We have read this fascinating story with a good deal of interest. Human
+nature is well and faithfully portrayed, and we see the counterpart of
+our story in character and disposition, in every village and district.
+The book cannot fail of popular reception."--_Albany and Rochester
+Courier._
+
+"A work of deep and powerful influence."--_Herald._
+
+"Mrs. Cowden Clarke, with the delicacy and artistic taste of refine
+womanhood, has in this work shown great versatility of talent."
+
+"The story is too deeply interesting to allow the reader to lay it
+down till he has read it to the end."
+
+"The work is skilful in plan, graphic in style, diversified in
+incident and true to nature."
+
+"The tale is charmingly imagined. The incidents never exceed
+probability but seem perfectly natural. In the style there is much
+quaintness, in the sentiment much tenderness."
+
+"It is a spirited, charming story, full of adventure, friendship and
+love, with characters nicely drawn and carefully discriminated. The
+clear style and spirit with which the story is presented and the
+characters developed, will attract a large constituency to the
+perusal."
+
+"Mrs. Cowden Clarke's story has one of the highest qualities of
+fiction--it is no flickering shadow, but seems of real growth. It is
+full of lively truth, and show nice perception of the early elements
+of character with which we become acquainted in its wholeness, and in
+the ripeness of years. The incident is well woven; the color is
+blood-warm; and there is the presence of a sweet grace and gentle
+power."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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 and
+graceful detail that mark Miss Sewell's novels. It will find a great
+many admirers among the young people, who will be almost as happy as the
+fair traveller in wandering over the ground on which she has looked with
+a discriminating eye, and received, and communicated suggestions which,
+from her enlarged sphere of observation, can hardly fail to enlarge the
+heart 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, 50
+cents; 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; paper
+cover, 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 domestic
+relations and the religious duties of the household. Mr. Osgood writes
+on those interesting themes in the most charming and animated style,
+winning the reader's judgment rather than coercing it to the author's
+conclusions. The predominant sentiments in the book are purity,
+sincerity, and love. A more delightful volume has rarely been
+published, and we trust it will have a wide circulation, for its
+influence must be salutary upon both old and young."--_Commercial
+Advertiser._
+
+"The 'Hearth-Stone' is the symbol of all those delightful truths which
+Mr. Osgood here connects with it. In a free and graceful style,
+varying form deep solemnity to the most genial and lively tone, as
+befits his range of subjects, he gives attention to wise thoughts on
+holy things, and homely truths. His volume will find many warm hearts
+to 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 the
+true province and empire of woman, domestic life, the education of
+children, and the training them to habits of reverence--the treatment
+of those of our households whose lot in life is humbler than ours--the
+cultivation of a contented mind--the habitual practice of
+devotion--these and various kindred topics furnish ample matter for
+touching reflections and wholesome counsels. The spirit of the book is
+fervently religious, and though no special pains are taken to avoid
+topics on which religious men differ, it 'breathes a kindly spirit
+above the reach of sect or party.' The author is now numbered among
+the popular preachers of the metropolis, and those who have listened
+to 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 Christian
+family. Manly advice and good sense are exhibited in an earnest and
+affectionate tone, and not without tenderness and truthful sentiment;
+while withal a Christian view is taken of the serious responsibility
+which attends the performance of the duties of husband and wife,
+parent and child, sister and brother. We are particularly pleased with
+the real practical wisdom, combined with the knowledge of human
+nature, which renders this volume deserving of careful study by those
+who 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 once
+elegant and powerful, of Miss Kavanagh's former works, are exhibited
+in this, as well as deep thought and sound moral reflection. Every
+thing presented to the reader, whether thought or image, is elaborated
+with the finish of a Flemish painting without its grossness; the
+persons are nicely conceived and consistently sustained, and the
+principal narrative is relieved by very truthful pictures of every day
+life and character."--_London Spectator._
+
+"A very delightful tale. * * * The charm of the story is in its
+naturalness. It is perfectly quiet, domestic, and truthful. In the
+calm force and homely realities of its scenes it reminds us of Miss
+Austen."--_Times._
+
+"All her books are written with talent and a woman's true
+feeling."--_U. S. Gazette._
+
+"It is full of deep feeling, tenderness, pure feminine sentiment and
+moral 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 merely
+to arouse, it attempts to solve some of the subtle problems of human
+nature. Some of the wisest lessons in life are taught in the work,
+while the artistic skill with which the narrative is managed imparts a
+vivid interest. The author might be, with a stronger infusion of the
+poetic element, another Joanna Baillie; and no one will read the work
+without a high estimate of her dramatic powers and her deep
+insight."--_Evangelist._
+
+
+III.
+
+MADELEINE.
+
+One Volume. 12mo. Paper Covers, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents.
+
+"A charming story, gracefully told. Its intrinsic interest as a
+narrative, and the tenderness of its pathos will win for it many
+readers."--_Boston Traveller._
+
+"The character of Madeleine, the heroine, is beautifully drawn and
+powerfully portrayed. Miss Kavanagh is most known by her excellent
+novel of 'Nathalie.' This book possesses no less interest, though of a
+very 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. Miss
+Kavanagh divides her work into four periods; the first relates the
+deeds of holy women under the Roman empire; the second tells us of the
+fruits of faith in the middle ages; the third is devoted to the women
+of the seventeenth century; and the fourth to those of the eighteenth
+and present centuries. We have read many of these records of other
+days, as told by Miss Kavanagh, and we are sure that the influence
+upon every Christian-minded person cannot but be for good, if he will
+meditate upon what our holy religion is every day doing. The volume is
+well 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 American
+character in the South-western States which have ever been published.
+The character of Tempest is drawn with all that spirit and energy
+which characterize the high toned female spirit of the South, while
+Sunshine possesses the loveliness and gentleness of the sweetest of
+her sex. The Planter is sketched to the life, and in his strongly
+marked, passionate, and generous nature, the reader will recognize one
+of the truest sons of the south-west.
+
+
+=OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.=
+
+"The book is well written, and its fame will be more than
+ephemeral."--_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 and
+skill."--_U. S. Gazette._
+
+"An excellent work, and its sale must be extensive."--_Stamford
+Advocate._
+
+"The whole is relieved by a generous introduction of incident as well
+as by an amplitude of love and mystery."--_Express._
+
+"A delightful, well written book, portraying western life to the
+letter. The book abounds in an easy humor, with touching sentences of
+tenderness and pathos scattered through it, and from first to last
+keeps up a humane interest that very many authors strive in vain to
+achieve. 'Tempest' and 'Sunshine,' two sisters, are an exemplification
+of the good that to some comes by nature, and to others is found only
+through trials, temptation, and tribulation. Mr. Middleton, the father
+of 'Tempest' and 'Sunshine' is the very soul and spirit of 'Old
+Kaintuck,' abridged into one man. The book is worth reading. There is
+a healthy tone of morality pervading it that will make it a suitable
+work to be placed in the hands of our daughters and sisters."--_New
+York 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 historical
+origin.--The Czar Nicholas.--The Organization of the Government.--The
+Army and Navy.--The Nobility.--The Clergy.--The Bourgeoisie.--The
+Cossacks.--The Real People, the Peasantry.--The Rights of
+Aliens and Strangers.--The Commoner.--Emancipation.--Manifest
+Destiny.--Appendix.--The Amazons.--The Fourteen Classes of the
+Russian Public Service; or, the Tschins.--The Political Testament
+of Peter the Great.--Extract from an Old Chronicle.
+
+
+=Notices of the Press.=
+
+"The author takes no superficial, empirical view of his subject, but
+collecting a rich variety of facts, brings the lights of a profound
+philosophy to their explanation. His work, indeed, neglects no
+essential detail--it is minute and accurate in its statistics--it
+abounds in lively pictures of society, manners and character. * * *
+Whoever wishes to obtain an accurate notion of the internal condition
+of Russia, the nature and extent of her resources, and the practical
+influence of her institutions, will here find better materials for his
+purpose than in any single volume now extant."--_N. Y. Tribune._
+
+"This is a powerfully-written book, and will prove of vast service to
+every one who desires to comprehend the real nature and bearings of
+the 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, we
+really hitherto have known little of that immense territory--of that
+numerous people. Count Gurowski's work sheds a light which at this
+time is most welcome and satisfactory."--_N. Y. Times._
+
+"The book is well written, and as might be expected in a work by a
+writer so unusually conversant with all sides of Russian affairs, it
+contains 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 the
+internal conditions of the Russian people, and the construction of
+their political society. The institutions of Russia are presented as
+they exist in reality, and as they are determined by existing and
+obligatory laws."--_N. Y. Herald._
+
+"A hasty glance over this handsome volume has satisfied us that it is
+one worthy of general perusal. * * * It is full of valuable historical
+information, with very interesting accounts of the various classes
+among the Russian people, their condition and aspirations."--_N. Y.
+Sun._
+
+"This is a volume that can hardly fail to attract very general
+attention, and command a wide sale in view of the present juncture of
+European affairs, and the prominent part therein which Russia is to
+play."--_Utica Gazette._
+
+"A timely book. It will be found all that it professes to be, though
+some may be startled at some of its conclusions."--_Boston Atlas._
+
+"This is one of the best of all the books caused by the present
+excitement in relation to Russia. It is a very able publication--one
+that will do much to destroy the general belief in the infallibility
+of Russia. The writer shows himself master of his subject, and treats
+of the internal condition of Russia, her institutions and customs,
+society, laws, &c., in an enlightened and scholarly manner."--_City
+Item._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_D. Appleton & Company's Publications._
+
+
+MARIA J. McINTOSH'S WORKS.
+
+
+I.
+
+=THE LOFTY AND THE LOWLY,=
+
+OR, GOOD IN ALL AND NONE ALL GOOD.
+
+_Two vols. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50; paper covers, $1._
+
+"Life, in its varied relations at the North and the South, is the
+theme of this work. In its graphic delineations of character,
+truthfulness of representation, and stirring realities of life, it
+will hardly give place to 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' The authoress is
+well-known to the public by her many charming works of fiction, and
+her life has been passed at the North of South. The nobleness of her
+sentiments, her elevated and candid views, her genuine feelings of
+humanity, and the elegance and eloquence of her pen, are brought out
+in these pages with their full brilliancy and effect."
+
+
+II.
+
+=EVENINGS AT DONALDSON MANOR;=
+
+OR, THE CHRISTMAS GUEST.
+
+_One vol. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cents; paper covers, 50 cents; or, a finer
+Edition, Illustrated with Ten Steel Engravings, 8vo., cloth, $2; gilt
+edges, $2.50; morocco, $3.50._
+
+"It is a book that parents may buy for their children, brothers for
+their sisters, or husbands for their wives, with the assurance that
+the book will not only give pleasure, but convey lessons of love and
+charity that can hardly fail to leave durable impressions of moral and
+social duty upon the mind and heart of the reader."--_Evening Mirror._
+
+
+III.
+
+=WOMAN IN AMERICA;=
+
+HER WORK AND HER REWARD.
+
+_One vol. 12mo. Paper covers, 50 cents; cloth, 63 cents._
+
+"We like this work exceedingly, and our fair country women will admire
+it still more than we do. It is written in the true spirit, and
+evinces extensive observation of society, a clear insight into the
+evils surrounding and pressing down her sex, and a glorious
+determination to expose and remove them. Read her work. She will win a
+willing way to the heart and home of woman, and her mission will be
+found to be one of beneficence and love. Truly, woman has her work and
+her reward."--_American Spectator._
+
+
+IV.
+
+=CHARMS AND COUNTER-CHARMS.=
+
+_One vol. 12mo. Cloth, $1; or, in Two Parts, paper, 75 cents._
+
+"This is one of those healthful, truthful works of fiction, which
+improve the heart and enlighten the judgment, whilst they furnish
+amusement to the passing hour. The style is clear, easy and simple,
+and the construction of the story artistic in a high degree. We
+commend most cordially the book."--_Tribune._
+
+
+V.
+
+=TWO LIVES; OR TO SEEM AND TO BE.=
+
+_One vol. 12mo. Paper covers, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents._
+
+"The previous works of Miss McIntosh, although issued anonymously,
+have been popular in the best sense of the word. The simple beauty of
+her narratives, combining pure sentiment with high principle, and
+noble views of life and its duties, ought to win for them a hearing at
+every fireside in our land. We have rarely perused a tale more
+interesting and instructive than the one before us, and we commend it
+most cordially to the attention of all our readers."--_Protestant
+Churchman._
+
+
+VI.
+
+=AUNT KITTY'S TALES.=
+
+_A new edition, complete in one vol. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cts.; paper, 50
+cts._
+
+"This volume contains the following delightfully interesting stories:
+'Blind Alice,' 'Jessie Graham,' 'Florence Arnott,' 'Grace and Clara,'
+'Ellen Leslie: or the Reward of Self-Control.'"
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+Minor typographic errors (mismatched quotes, omitted or transposed
+characters, etc.) have been corrected without note. Hyphenation,
+capitalisation and spelling of proper names, and use of accents has
+been 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 archaic
+and variable spellings.
+
+Incorrect page number references in the table of contents were amended
+as follows: 119 to 118; 127 to 126; 215 to 214; 394 to 349.
+
+The footnotes in the original book are sometimes numbered, sometimes
+lettered. 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.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Captain Canot, by Brantz Mayer and Theodore Canot
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAPTAIN CANOT ***
+
+***** This file should be named 23034-8.txt or 23034-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/0/3/23034/
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+Produced by David Garcia, Sam W. and the Online Distributed
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