CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
WE RETURN TO LIVERPOOL--I HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH MISS TREVANNION--PLUTUSINTERFERES WITH CUPID, AND I SAIL AGAIN FOR THE COAST OF AFRICA.
We set off, and arrived at Liverpool, without accident, late on thesixth night, when we repaired to our usual lodgings. The next day Icalled to tell Mr Trevannion that I had returned, and was informed byHumphrey that he was quite strong again, and very anxious to see me,although he had no idea that I should return so soon. Humphrey went upto announce my arrival, and Mr Trevannion admitted me immediately,although he was not yet out of bed.
"I fear that you have not been successful," said he as he took my hand.
"On the contrary, Sir, I have succeeded in everything," and I then gavehim an account of what had happened.
"Well," replied he, "I am glad of it, and recollect I must be at theexpense, as, without you had incurred it, the schooner would not, in allprobability, have been hired. And now I want to consult with you aboutsomething else. Here is a letter from Captain Irving, of the Amy,brought home by the Chester Lass."
These were two vessels employed on the Gold Coast, which belonged to MrTrevannion.
"Read it," said Mr Trevannion, "and give me your opinion."
I did so: Captain Irving stated that he had pushed the two vessels up asmall river on the coast, which he had not known of before, and hadfallen in with a black ruler, who had never yet treated with theEnglish; but only with the Spaniards, for slaves. That his Englishcommodities were quite new to the natives, and that, in consequence, hehad made a most fortunate traffic with them, and had loaded a vesselwith ivory, wax, and gold-dust to the amount of 1000 pounds, and that hehad sent the Chester Lass, remaining himself to continue the barterbefore it was known to the other ships on the coast, which it would soonbe. He continued, that he had not sufficient of the articles which weremost valued by the natives, and requested that Mr Trevannion wouldimmediately despatch another vessel with various goods enumerated, andthat then he should be able to fill his own vessel as well as the onethat he had despatched home; that the river was in such a latitude, andthe mouth difficult to discover; that he sent a little sketch of thecoast, which would facilitate the discovery--but that no time was to belost, as the sickly season was coming on, and it was very unhealthy atthat time.
As I folded up the letter, Mr Trevannion said:
"Now, here is an invoice of the whole cargo sent home by the ChesterLass. I reckon it worth about 7000 pounds."
I looked over the invoice, and agreed with Mr Trevannion that it waswell worth that, if not more.
"This is most important, you will acknowledge, Musgrave," said MrTrevannion; "but before I go any further, I trust that, now the onlydifficulty is got over, you will not refuse to be my partner; the onlydifference I intend to make, is, that I now offer you one-fourth insteadof one-eighth. Silence gives consent," continued Mr Trevannion, as Idid not immediately reply.
"I was so astonished at your munificent offer, Sir, that I could notwell speak."
"Then it's agreed; so say no more about it," said Mr Trevannion, takingme by the hand, and pressing it warmly--"and now to business. My ideais, to send out the Sparrow-Hawk, being so fast a sailer. Of course, asa privateer, she has done her work; and as the government wish thecomplement of the Arrow to be increased, I think we cannot do betterthan to fill her up with some of the Sparrow-Hawk's men, leaving abouttwenty-five on board of her, and sending her out as soon as possible tothe coast, with the articles which Captain Irving requests."
"I agree with you, Sir, that it will be the best plan."
"But whom to send is the difficulty," said Mr Trevannion. "CaptainPaul, of the Chester Lass, is very ill, and not likely to be out of bedfor some time; and even if he were well, I have no opinion of him in anaffair of this moment. If, as Captain Irving says, he can fill the Amy,her cargo will be worth three times that of the Chester Lass; but, ofcourse, the destination of the Sparrow-Hawk must be a secret, and I donot know whom to intrust her to. We require some one in whom we can putconfidence."
"I agree with you, Sir," replied I; "and, if you have no objection, Ithink that the best plan will be for me to go myself; I shall be backagain in ten weeks at the furthest."
"Well, as you will now have a strong interest in it, I really think sotoo. In fact, I don't know whom else we can trust."
"I agree with you, Sir, and I will go myself, and I think the sooner thebetter; but I do not know whether we can obtain all the goods requisiteimmediately."
"We can have them in five or six days," replied Mr Trevannion; "I sentHumphrey out to make inquiry."
"At all events, I must look to them myself; and there are many otherthings to manage, so I had better wish you a good morning now, MrTrevannion, and in the evening I will call again, and let you know whatI have done."
"Do so," said he, and I then took my leave.
I certainly was very much astonished as well as much pleased at MrTrevannion's liberality relative to the partnership, and I could nowlook forward to competency in a few years at the furthest. Certainly,if Mr Trevannion had been hasty in his conduct towards me he had mademost noble reparation. I first returned to the lodgings and toldCaptain Levee and Philip what had passed; they immediately proposed thatwe should all go together on board the Sparrow-Hawk, that I might makemy arrangements, and that they might persuade some of the men to jointhe Arrow. I first picked out the men I wished to sail with me; andthen they talked over the rest, who that evening went on shore for theirwages, and the next morning joined the Arrow, as Captain Levee wasanxious to get round to the Nore. The day after the men joined, theArrow sailed, which I was not sorry for, as it left me more at leisureto expedite my own affairs. Philip promised to be my correspondent, andI bade them both farewell with regret. I called in the evening, as Ihad promised, upon Mr Trevannion, and he then gave me the deed ofpartnership, signed and dated the day when he first made the offer, andwe had quarrelled; but I did not see Miss Trevannion; much to my regret,her father said that she was ailing. The business I had to transact,and fitting out the Sparrow-Hawk, so completely occupied me, that it wasnow three days that I had been at Liverpool without having seen her, andI was much annoyed at it, as I had called every day. My feelingstowards her were now stronger than before. She was never out of mythoughts, and I hardly know how it was that I transacted business as Idid. This evening I was determined, if possible, that I would see her,and find out why she avoided me, as it appeared to me that she did.When I called, therefore, I did not ask to see her father, but toldHumphrey to find out where Miss Trevannion was, and say that I requestedto speak with her. Humphrey returned, and said that she was in thesitting-room, to which I instantly repaired.
"I am fearful that I have given you some unintentional cause ofdispleasure, Miss Trevannion," said I, as I entered, "for you haveappeared to avoid me since my return."
"Indeed, Mr Musgrave, I have not," replied she; "I was most anxious tosee you, and have thought it very unpolite, I may add, unkind, on yourpart not to have come to me."
"I have been in the house every day, and sometimes twice a day, withyour father, Miss Trevannion, and have never met you. Once I inquiredfor you, and your father told me you were unwell, whereas Humphrey hadbut five minutes before told me that you were well and in good spirits."
"Humphrey told the truth, and so did my father. I was in good healthand spirits, and in five minutes afterwards I was ill and unhappy."
"I trust I was no party to it, Miss Trevannion."
"You were a party to it, but not the great offender, who was my father.He had told me that upon your return he had installed you as hispartner, and had done you the justice you had deserved; and then he toldme that you were going out to the coast of Africa in the Sparrow-Hawk."
"It is very true, Miss Trevannion; but where is the offence?"
"The offence is this: my father no sooner does you justice than he wantsmore ivory and gold-dust, having more than enough already; but I told
him it was as bad as privateering, for in either case he sends peopleout to sacrifice their lives, that he may gain more money. I have nopatience with this foolish pursuit of wealth."
"After all your father's kindness to me, Miss Trevannion, I could do noless than accept the offer."
"You would have been more wise and more just to yourself to have refusedit, Mr Musgrave. I read the letters to my father when they arrived,and you know what Captain Irving says about the unhealthiness of theclimate. You have been my father's best friend, and he should not havetreated you thus."
"I never did value life, Miss Trevannion; but really the kind interestyou have expressed on this occasion makes me feel as if my poor life wasof some value. To one who has been such a football of fortune as I havebeen, and who has hardly known a kind feeling towards him everexpressed, it is a gratification that I really appreciate, and, comingfrom one whom I respect and esteem more than any other person in theworld, it quite overpowers me. Indeed, Miss Trevannion, I am trulygrateful."
I was correct when I said that it overpowered me, for it did completely,and I was so oppressed by my feelings, that I reeled to a chair, andcovered up my face with my hands. What would I have given to have daredto state what I felt!
"You are ill, Mr Musgrave," said Miss Trevannion, coming to me. "Can Ioffer you anything?"
I made no reply; I could not speak.
"Mr Musgrave," said Miss Trevannion, taking my hand, "you frighten me.What is the matter? Shall I call Humphrey?"
I felt her hand tremble in mine, and, uncertain what to think, I came tothe resolution to make the avowal.
"Miss Trevannion," said I, after a pause, and rising from my chair, "Ifeel that this internal conflict is too great for me, and if it last itmust kill me. I give you my honour that I have for months triedeverything in my power to curb my desires and to persuade myself of myfolly and rash ambition, but I cannot do so any longer. It were betterthat I knew my fate at once, even if my sentence should be my death.You will ridicule my folly, be surprised at my presumption, and, in allprobability, spurn me for the avowal, but make it I must. MissTrevannion, I have dared--to love you; I have but one excuse to offer,which is, that I have been more than a year in your company, and it isimpossible for any one not to love one so pure, so beautiful, and sogood. I would have postponed this avowal till I was able to resume myposition in society, by the means which industry might have afforded me;but my departure upon this business, and the kind of presentiment whichI have, that I may not see you again, has forced it from me. In a fewdays I leave you--be gentle with me for my involuntary offence--pity mewhile you condemn, and I will return no more."
Miss Trevannion did not reply; she breathed quick, and stood motionless.I gathered courage; I looked in her face, there was no displeasure--Iapproached her, she was half fainting, and put her hand upon my shoulderto steady herself. I put my arm round her waist, and led her to thesofa, and knelt at her feet, watching every change in her beautifulcountenance. I took her hand and pressed it to my lips; by degrees Ibecame more bold, and got by her side, and pressed her to my heart. Sheburst into tears, and wept with her head on my bosom.
"Do not be angry with me," said I, after a time.
"Do I appear as if I was angry with you?" replied she, raising her head.
"Oh, no; but I cannot believe my happiness to be real. It must be adream."
"What is life but a dream?" replied she mournfully. "Oh, the coast ofAfrica! How I dread it!"
And so I confess did I from that moment; I had a presentiment, as I hadtold her, that something would go wrong, and I could not get over thefeeling.
I shall no longer dwell upon what took place on that delightful evening,Madam; suffice to say, that Miss Trevannion and I were mutually pledged,and, after an exchange of thought and feeling, we parted, and when wedid part I pressed those dear lips to mine. I went home reeling withexcitement, and hastened to bed, that I might have unrestrained freedomof thought. I enacted the scene of the evening over and over again;recalled each motion, each look, every word which had passed, and,defying fever and presentiment of evil, imagined also our happy meetingto part no more. It was long before I could compose myself to sleep,and when I did, I need not say who it was that occupied my dreams. Icalled as soon as I could venture so to do on the following day, and hada long interview with my dear Amy. Before I went up to her father, Itried to soothe her anxiety upon my approaching voyage, and to persuadeher that there was little or no danger to be apprehended in so short astay. Willingly would I have given it up, but Mr Trevannion had so sethis mind upon it, and I had, by my consent, rendered it so impossiblefor him to find a substitute in time, that I could not do so, and Ipersuaded Miss Trevannion that I was right in acting to my promise linequestion that came forward was, whether we should make known ourengagement to her father at once, and this was decided in the negative.Much as he liked me, he was not yet prepared to receive me so suddenlyas a son-in-law, and Amy was of opinion that the communication hadbetter be postponed. To this, of course, I gave a willing assent. Iwas satisfied with the knowledge of her affection, which I felt wouldnever change. As I was talking with her father, after my interview withAmy, he said:
"Really, Elrington, or Musgrave, I hardly know which to call you."
"Musgrave is my real name, Sir," replied I.
"Musgrave--Musgrave--where did I know a Musgrave?"
"We are from the north," replied I.
"Well," said he, "I was going to say, that I really wish I could findsome one else to take your place in this voyage, for I do not much likeyour going."
"Do, my dear father," said Miss Trevannion, who was standing by him.
"Hey! Miss Amy, what have you to do with it, I should like to know, andhow can it concern you whether Mr Musgrave goes or not?"
"I said so, Sir, because I know how you will feel his loss for so long aperiod. You know how you did feel his loss before, and I do not wish tosee you working so hard, as you will have to do it without hisassistance."
"Well, that's kindly thought, Amy, at all events; but still I fear thatMr Musgrave must go, and I must work by myself till he comes back; soit's no use saying any more about it."
Amy sighed and made no reply. On the third day after this interview,everything was ready, and on the following morning I was to sail. MrTrevannion had so many directions to give, and kept me so wholly withhim, that I could hardly find time to speak to his daughter. However,it was agreed that as I was to sail at daylight, that she would see meafter her father had gone to bed. Our meeting took place--need I saythat it was a tender one. We renewed our vows over and over again, andit was not till past midnight that I tore myself away. Old Humphreylooked very knowingly at me when he let me out of the street-door. Islipped a guinea in his hand and wished him good-bye. I hastened onboard of the Sparrow-Hawk, and, desiring to be called before daylight,went down into the cabin. There I remained sitting at the table andthinking of Amy so long, that when the mate came down to wake me hefound that I was still sitting there, having never been to bed duringthe whole of the night.
I started from my reverie and hastened on deck to get the schooner underweigh. It was soon done, although we were, comparatively speaking,short-handed. There was a fine breeze, and lightened as she now was,the little vessel flew through the water. Liverpool was soon out ofsight, and we were dashing down the Irish Channel.
"She sails well now," said I to the second mate, a very clever man, andmuch hotter educated than most seamen, for he could navigate, as well asbeing a first-rate seaman.
"Yes, Sir," replied Olivarez, "she walks fast. She is not too deepnow," replied he; "what a slaver she would make."
This man was not an Englishman, but a Brazilian Portuguese by birth,although he had long been out of his country. Having set her course, Iwent down below, that I might indulge in my castle-building more at myease. The wind increased to a gale, but as it was from the northward,and bore us to our destination, it was welcomed
. We soon crossed theBay of Biscay, and were in more genial latitudes; and, after a rapid runof about four weeks, I found myself nearly in the latitude given to usof the river where the Amy was at anchor. I then hauled in for theshore, which was very low, and required being approached with caution.We saw some towering palm-trees at sunset, and then we hove-to; the nextday we again stood in, and having ascertained our exact latitude atnoon, we found ourselves about four miles to the northward of theriver's mouth. We shaped a course, and in two hours I made out themarks given for our guidance in the rough sketch of Captain Irving, andthus satisfied that I was right, ran directly for the mouth of theriver. Captain Irving was correct in saying it was difficult, for itwas not until we were within a mile that we could find any opening; butat last we did, and at the same time perceived the masts of two vesselsat some distance up the river. We stood in, and found that there was nobar at the river mouth, which was a very unusual circumstance on thiscoast. The soundings were gradual, and in an hour afterwards weanchored between the Amy and a fine schooner under British colours.Captain Irving recognised the Sparrow-Hawk, and immediately came onboard. After the usual salutations, he told me that his vessel washalf-laden, but that he waited for the articles he had sent for toenable him to complete his cargo. I told him that I had them on board,and he should have them as soon as he sent his boats. He stated that novessels, except those engaged in the slave-trade, had ever come intothis river, and that they only brought the cloth and other articlesusual in the trade; but that his assorted cargo had astonished thepeople, and they were wild to possess things which they had never beforeseen. They had offered slaves in quantities, but finding that he wouldnot take them in exchange, they had now brought down ivory andgold-dust. He told me how glad he was that I had come, as the river wasvery sickly, and was becoming more and more so every day; that out oftwelve men he had already four down with fever.
I inquired of him what that vessel was on the other side of us. Hereplied it was a Liverpool slave-trader, and that the captain appearedto be a very good sort of man; that he never indulged in liquor, nor wasgiven to profane language.
A few minutes afterwards the captain of the slaver came on board to payhis respects, and I asked him down in the cabin, and gave him beer andcheese, the two greatest luxuries in those climes. He appeared, asCaptain Irving stated, a very quiet, well-behaved, serious person, whichI was rather surprised at. When we repaired on deck, I observed, as thevessel was close to us, that there were two very large dogs on board,who, at the sight of the captain, bayed furiously. He told me that theywere Cuba bloodhounds and that he never went on shore without them, asthey were the most faithful and courageous animals, and he consideredthat he was safer with them than with half a dozen armed men. Shortlyafterwards Captain Irving and he both took leave. As there were stillsome hours of daylight, Captain Irving sent his boats for the goods, andafter that, as the evening fell, I went down below, as Captain Irvingrequested I would do, and by no means remain on deck after sun-down, asit was extremely unhealthy.
On the following day Captain Irving went on shore with his goods andtrafficked most favourably. Indeed, as we afterwards found out, he hadprocured in exchange more ivory than his vessel would hold, besides muchgold-dust. The day after, I went on shore with Captain Irving to callupon the king, as he called himself. He was seated in front of a hutmade of palmetto leaves, with a lace coat on, but no other garmentwhatever, so that he made a curious appearance. After a littleconversation, I went away, and, hearing that the slaver was taking hercargo on board, about a hundred yards further up, I walked in thatdirection. The slaves were brought down in about twenty at a time, allof them fastened by the neck to a long bamboo pole, which confined themall together. One string of them had been sent down and put into theboat, and another was standing ready for embarkation; when, as I cast myeyes over them and commiserated their misery, I observed a female whom Ithought I had seen before. I looked again, and behold! It was Whyna,the princess who had been so kind to me in my captivity. I went up toher and touched her on the shoulder. She turned round, as well as thelashing to the pole would permit her, and on seeing me gave a faintscream. Without ceremony I took out my knife and released her, and ledher away. She fell down at my feet and kissed them. The black man whohad charge of the delivery of the slaves was very angry, and ran up tome, brandishing his long stick; but the captain of the schooner, who wason shore, and who had witnessed what I had done, saluted him with a kickin the stomach, which made him quiet enough. In few words I told thecaptain of the slaver that I was once in captivity, and this woman hadbefriended me, requesting him to name his price and I would willinglypay it.
"It's not worth mentioning, Sir," replied he; "women are as cheap asdirt; take her and welcome."
"Not so," replied I; "I must pay for her ransom."
"Well then, Sir," said he, "I am in great want of a telescope; you haveone on board, will you let me have it?"
"Most certainly," replied I, "and many thanks into the bargain."
I lifted up the poor creature, who was badly emaciated and weak, and ledher to the boat of the Amy and put her in. Captain Irving came down,and we returned on board. It was with great difficulty that, after Ihad given the poor creature some refreshment, which she was really inneed of, I could recollect sufficient of her language to make myselfunderstood by her; but by degrees words came to my memory, and as shespoke I recovered more. As well as I could make her out, the warriorshad risen against the king on account of his barbarity, and had cut himto pieces; and that all his wives and servants had been sold as slaves.I promised her that she should not be a slave, but should come to mycountry and be taken care of.
She kissed my hands, and as she smiled her thanks, she reminded me ofthe Whyna of former times. I did not, however, think it advisable thatshe should come on board of the schooner, and I requested Captain Irvingto take charge of her, and let her want for nothing, telling him that Iintended that she should go home in his vessel. He willingly consented,and I hailed the schooner for a boat and went on deck. Whyna followed,but I told her I was obliged to go on board of the schooner, and thatshe had better go and lie down. As she probably thought that the Amywas my vessel, and that I was going away on a visit, she complied withmy request, and went down with Captain Irving, who led her into astate-room which was not occupied.
As soon as I arrived on board the schooner, I sent the telescope whichthe captain of the slaver had begged for. Whyna had said to me, "Ishall be your slave now," evidently expecting that she was to remainwith me, but that I could not consent to. Miss Trevannion had heardfrom me my adventures when in captivity, and I would not on that accountallow Whyna to be in the same vessel with me. The next day CaptainIrving came on board to tell me that he had two more men down with thefever, and that he wished I could give them some assistance in gettinghis cargo on board, which I did, and before night the Amy was loaded upto the hatchways, and there still remained a considerable number ofelephants' teeth on shore in the hut where he received them. Itherefore determined, as his crew were evidently sickening fast, that heshould sail immediately, and that I would take the remainder of theivory on board of the schooner and follow him, giving him a rendezvousto wait at until I joined him, that we might proceed home in company.That night three of my men were ill.
I was on board of the Amy, and had been talking with Whyna, who wantedto know why I did not sleep on board of the vessel. I told her that Icould not, but that we were to go to England directly, and that I wasliving on board of the schooner. Captain Irving weighed at daybreak,and in an hour was out of the river, and as I was as anxious to be clearof such an unhealthy spot, I manned my boats and went on shore for theivory that was left. I found that it would take the whole of the day toembark it, as we had to go two miles further up the river than the depthof water would permit the vessel to do; for the ivory was in a hut closeto the king's house. I had sent off four boat-loads, and it being thennoon, I went off with the fifth myse
lf, that I might get my dinner,leaving the second mate to attend on shore, and taking with me the firstmate who messed in the cabin. As we were in the middle of the stream,the boat struck against a stump of a tree, as we supposed, and knockedso large a hole in the bow that she began to fill. I immediatelyordered the men to pull for the nearest point, which was on the oppositeside of the river, that we might ground the boat to prevent her sinking.
The first mate, who was a very active man, finding that the elephants'teeth prevented his reaching the bow of the boat, and stuffing into itsome oakum which he had found in the stern sheets, sounded with theboat-hook, and finding that there was not more than three feet of waterwhere we were pulling, jumped over the bows to push the oakum into thehole; but the poor fellow had not been a few seconds in the water, whenhe gave a shriek, and we perceived that a large shark had snapped him intwo. This was a sad mishap, and the men, terrified, pulled as hard asthey could, while two of them baled out the boat, to gain the shore, forwe knew what fate awaited us if we sunk in the river. With greatexertion we succeeded, running her up among the canes, which grew onthat side of the river so thick that it was difficult to force your waythrough them.
We landed up to our knees in mud, and, throwing out the ivory, we foundthat a whole plank was rent out, and that it was impossible to repairour boat; and we were hidden by the canes from those who could haveassisted us, had they known that we required their assistance, and wehad no possible means of communication. At last I thought that if Icould force my way through the canes to the point down the river, Icould hail and make signals for assistance; and desiring the men toremain by the boat, I set of upon my expedition. At first I got onpretty well, as there were little paths through the canes, made, as Iimagined, by the natives; and, although I was often up to my knees inthick black mud, I continued to get on pretty fast; but at last thecanes grew so thick that I could hardly force my way through them, andit was a work of excessive labour. Still I persevered, expecting eachsecond that I should arrive at the banks of the river, and be rewardedfor my fatigue; but the more I laboured the worse it appeared to be, andat last I became worn out with fatigue, and quite bewildered. I thentried to find my way back, and was equally unsuccessful, and I sat downwith anything but pleasant thoughts in my mind. I calculated that I hadbeen two hours in making this attempt, and was now, quite puzzled how toproceed. I bitterly lamented my rashness, now that it was too late.
Having reposed a little, I resumed my toil, and was again, after anhour's exertion, compelled, from fatigues to sit down in the deep blackmud. Another respite from toil, and another hour or more of exertion,and I gave myself up for lost. The day was evidently fast closing in--the light overhead was not near so bright as it had been; and I knewthat a night passed in the miasma of the cane was death. At last itbecame darker and darker. There could not be an hour of daylightremaining. I determined upon one more struggle, and, reeking as I waswith perspiration and faint with fatigue, I rose again, and was forcingmy way through the thickest of the canes, when I heard a deep growl, andperceived a large panther not twenty yards from me. It was on the moveas well as I was, attempting to force his way through the canes, so asto come to me. I retreated from him as fast as I could, but he gainedslowly on me, and my strength was fast exhausting. I thought I heardsounds at a distance, and they became more and more distinct, but whatthey were my fear and my struggles probably prevented me from makingout. My eyes were fixed upon the fierce animal which was in pursuit ofme, and I now thanked God that the canes were so thick and impassable;still the animal evidently gained ground--until it was not more thanfive yards from me, dashing and springing at the canes, and tearing themaside with his teeth.
The sounds were now nearer, and I made them out to be the howling ofother animals. A moment's pause, and I thought it was the baying ofdogs; and I then thought that I must have arrived close to where theschooner was, and that I heard the baying of the bloodhounds. At last Icould do no more, and I dropped, exhausted and almost senseless, in themud. I recollect hearing the crushing of the canes, and then a savageroar, and then yells, and growls, and struggles, and fiercecontentions--but I had fainted.
I must now inform the reader that about an hour after I had left theboat the captain of the slaver was pulling up the river, and was hailedby our men in our long-boat. Perceiving them on shore on that side ofthe river, and that they were in distress, he pulled towards them, andthey told him what had happened, and that an hour previous I had leftthe boat to force my way through the cane-brakes, and they had heardnothing of me since.
"Madness!" cried he. "He is a lost man. Stay till I come back from theschooner."
He went back to the schooner, and taking two of his crew who werenegroes, and his two bloodhounds, into the boat, he returnedimmediately, and as soon as he landed he put the bloodhounds on mytrack, and sent the negroes on with them. They had followed me in allmy windings, for it appeared that I had travelled in every direction,and had come up with me just as I had sunk with exhaustion, and thepanther was so close upon me. The bloodhounds had attacked the panther,and this was the noise which sounded in my ears, as I lay stupified andat the mercy of the wild beast. The panther was not easily, althougheventually, overcome, and the black men coming up had found me and borneme in a state of insensibility on board the Sparrow-Hawk. The fever hadcome on me, and it was not till three weeks afterwards that I recoveredmy senses, when I learnt what I have now told the reader, and much more,with which I am about to make him acquainted.
When I recovered my senses, I found myself in the cabin of theSparrow-Hawk. For some hours I was confused and wandering, but Irallied from time to time, till I could at last recognise the beams andcarlines over my head. I was too weak to move, and I continued to lieon my back till I again fell asleep; how long I do not know, but it musthave been for many hours, and then when I awoke I found myself muchstronger.
I could now turn on my bed, and doing so I perceived a young man of thename of Ingram by my side in a doze, with his eyes shut. I called himin a faint voice, and he started up.
"I have been very ill," said I, "have I not?"
"Yes, Sir, indeed you have."
"I have been trying to recollect all about it, but I cannot as yet."
"It's not worth remembering, Sir," replied he. "Do you wish anything todrink?"
"No," replied I.
"Then you had better go to sleep again."
"I cannot do that. I feel as if I should like to get up. Where is MrThompson? I must see him."
"Mr Thompson, Sir," replied he; "don't you recollect?"
"What?"
"Why, Sir, he was bitten in two by a shark."
"Shark!" this was the key-note required, and my memory returned. "Yes,yes, I recollect now all, all. I recollect the panther and thecane-brakes. How was I preserved?"
"The bloodhounds killed the panther, and you were brought on boardinsensible, and have been in a raging fever ever since."
"It must be so," replied I, collecting my senses after a few moments ofthought. "It must be so. How long have I been ill?"
"This is the twenty-first day."
"The twenty-first day!" cried I. "Is it possible? Are none of the menill?"
"No, Sir, they are all well."
"But I hear the water against the bends. Are we not still at anchor?"
"No, Sir, the second mate got the schooner under weigh as he found youwere so ill."
"And I have been ill twenty-one days! Why we must be near home?"
"We expect to make the land in a few days, Sir," replied Ingram.
"Thank Heaven for all its mercies," said I. "I never expected to seeold England again. But what a bad smell there is. What can it be?"
"I suppose it is the bilge-water, Sir," replied Ingram. "People who areill and weak always are annoyed by it; but I think, Sir, if you wouldtake a little gruel, and then go to sleep again, it would be better."
"Well, I fear I am not very strong, and talk
ing so much has done me nogood. I think I could take a little gruel."
"Then, Sir, I'll go and get some made, and be back very soon."
"Do, Ingram, and tell Mr Olivarez, the second mate, that I would speakto him."
"Yes, I will," replied the man, and he left the state-room.
I waited some time listening for the arrival of the second mate, andthen I thought that I heard odd noises in the hold before the bulk-headof the state-room in which I was lying, but I was still very weak, andmy head swam. After a time Ingram came down with the gruel, into whichhe put some sugar and a spoonful of rum, to flavour it, as he said. Heoffered it to me, and I drank it all, for I had an appetite; but whetherit was that I was very weak, or the rum he put in was more than he said,it is certain that I had hardly given him back the basin than I felt sodrowsy that I turned away from him, and was soon again in forgetfulness.
This Ingram was a young man who had been apprenticed to an apothecary,and had taken to the sea. He was well educated, and a very merryfellow, and I had chosen him as one who could attend upon me in thecabin, and at the same time be otherwise useful if required, as he was avery good seaman, and very active. When I awoke again I felt convincedthat I must have slept through the night, as it was broad daylight, asbefore, but Ingram was not by my bedside. There was no bell in thestate-room, and I was obliged to await his coming. I felt much strongerthan the day before, and now proposed getting out of bed as soon asIngram should come down into the cabin. I now remembered that thesecond mate had not come down to me, and heard noises and murmurings inthe hold as I had the day previous, which surprised me, and I becamemore anxious for the return of Ingram. At last he came, and I told himthat I had been awake more than an hour.
"How do you feel yourself, Sir?" said he.
"Quite strong. I should like to get up and dress. Perhaps I may beable to get on deck for a quarter of an hour."
"I think," replied he, "that you had better wait, and hear what I haveto tell you, Sir. I would not tell you yesterday, because I thought itwould be too much for you; but as I see you are really better to-day, Imust say that I have strange things to tell you."
"Indeed!" cried I, with surprise. "Strange things. By the bye, why didnot Olivarez come to me yesterday?"
"I will explain all to you, Sir, if you will lie down and listen to whatI have to say, and take the news quietly."
"Very well, Ingram, I will do so. Now pray go on."
"You were brought on board in a state of fever and insensibility by thecaptain of the slaver. He said, as he lifted you over the side, thatyou were a dead man. We all thought the same, and you were taken downinto the cabin with that persuasion on the part of the whole crew. Yourdelirium and fever increased, and every hour it was expected that youwould give up the ghost. Now, Sir, two days afterwards the slaversailed with his cargo, and we were left alone in the river. Olivarez,who of course commanded, talked to the men. He said that you were asgood as dead already, and that he thought that this was a fairopportunity for their making money. He proposed that the ivory still onshore should be changed for slaves, which he said the negroes wouldgladly do, and that we should run with our cargo to the Brazils. Hesaid that it would be useless our remaining in the river, as we shouldall lose our lives in the same way that you had done, and that hethought, as commanding the schooner, he knew what would best please theowner, who had long employed vessels in the slave-trade, and would notbe sorry to find that we had run a cargo, and would reward them allliberally. That this would be an excuse to leave the river immediately,whereas otherwise they would have to wait till you recovered or died,and by that time they might half of them be dead themselves. Do youunderstand me, Sir?"
"Yes, perfectly. Go on, Ingram."
"Well, Sir, the men did not perceive what he was about, and replied thatso long as they left the river they did not care how soon, and that itwas better that we should take a cargo of slaves at all events, forOlivarez was in command now, and they should do as he ordered them. Imade no reply, indeed Olivarez never put the question to me. Well, Sir,the ivory was soon exchanged for slaves, who are now on board, and it isthe slaves whom you have smelt and complained of. We received on board140, and provisions sufficient with what we had, and, having taken inall the water we could, below and on deck, we made sail out of theriver, and have since steered for the Brazils."
"But Olivarez has taken a most unwarrantable responsibility," said I;"and one that he shall answer for."
"Stop, Sir," replied Ingram, "you have only heard the first part of thestory. When we had been three days at sea, Olivarez, who had beentalking to the men, one by one and apart, called them together, andsaid, it was an opportunity not to be lost, that they had possession ofthe vessel, and the owner would never have a clue to where she had gone,and that now was the time to take possession of her for themselves, andemploy her in the slave-trade on their own account. That, sailing sofast, nothing could overhaul her or board her, and, therefore, they werefree from danger. He then proposed that he should command and navigate,and receive one-half of the profits, and that the other half should bedivided among the crew--the expense of the provisions, etcetera, beingpaid out of it previous to their sharing and making a calculation; heshowed them that every voyage would be worth about 100 pounds a manafter all expenses were paid. The crew consented at once to the terms--all but me; and when he asked me, my answer was, that I would consent tonothing while you were yet alive. I said that, because I was afraidthat they would murder me, or throw me overboard."
"Go on, Ingram; go on, and let me hear it all at once."
"`Then you will soon be freed from your difficulty,' said Olivarez.
"`I do not know that, Sir,' I replied, `for I think Mr Musgrave may getover it.'
"`Indeed,' he returned, `well, then, so much the worse for him.'
"As he, Olivarez, said this, the whole of the crew, to do them justice,cried out, that there should be no murder, for if there was, they notonly would have nothing to do with the affair, but would make it knownat the first port to which they came. That you had always been a kind,good officer, and were too brave a man to die in that way."
"`Well, my men,' said Olivarez, `I never had an idea of the kind, and Ipromise you, if he lives through it, there shall be no murder; I willput him on shore at the first port we arrive at, but in such a way as tosecure our safety--that we must look to.'
"The men said that that was all right, and then they all agreed to joinhim."
"`And you, Ingram,' said Olivarez, `what do you say?'
"`What I said before,' I replied; `that as long as Mr Musgrave lives Iwill come to no agreement whatever.'
"`Well,' said Olivarez, `it is but postponing your decision; I know thatyou will join us. So now, my lads, as we're all agreed, we may as wellgo to dinner.'"
"The scoundrel shall pay for this," cried I.
"Hush, Sir, hush, I pray; say nothing, but wait patiently and see whatturns up. We are not yet at Rio, and when we are, we may be able to dosomething, but everything depends upon keeping quiet, for if the menbecome alarmed, they may be persuaded to kill you to save themselves."
"That is very true, Ingram," replied I. "Leave me now for half an hour,I wish to be alone."
You may imagine, my dear Madam, my agitation at hearing thisintelligence. I, who had thought that I was within a few days' sail ofLiverpool, to be there received by my cherished Amy, to find myself inthe hands of pirates, and close to the Brazils with a cargo of slaves;which they, or rather Olivarez, had taken in the vessel to Rio that hemight not be discovered; for he might have found a better mart for hislive cargo. And then what would be the anxiety of Amy and her fatherwhen I was not heard of? It would be supposed that the schooner wasupset in a squall, and all hands had perished. Excited and angry as Iwas, I felt the truth of what Ingram said, and that it was necessary tobe quiet. Perhaps I might by that means not only preserve my life, butagain find myself in my own country. When Ingram returned, I
asked himif Olivarez knew that I was better, and had recovered my reason. Hereplied that he did, but that he had told him I was so weak that I couldhardly recover.
"That is well," said I; "keep him in that belief as long as you can."
He now offered me more gruel, which I took, and I believe that he put anopiate in it, for shortly after I had taken it I again felt drowsy, andwas soon fast asleep. I awoke sooner than before, for it was night, andI heard the voice of Olivarez on deck; from what I gathered, land was insight, and I heard him order the schooner to be hove-to. In the morningIngram came down in the cabin, bringing me some breakfast, which I ateheartily, for I was recovering fast, and had become quite ravenous.
"Land is in sight," said I.
"Yes, Sir, it is; but we are many miles to the northward of Rio, Iunderstand, for Olivarez knows the coast well. We shall not be into-day, if we are to-morrow."
"I feel quite strong now," replied I, "and I want to get up."
"Do so, Sir," said he; "but if you hear any one coming down the ladderget into bed again."
With Ingram's assistance I dressed myself, and went into the cabin. Ireeled as I walked, but as soon as I felt the cool breeze from thestern-ports, I was revived, and in an hour I could walk quite strong.
"Have you heard any more?" inquired I of Ingram.
"Olivarez asked me this morning how you were. I replied that you wererecovering fast."
"`Very well,' said he, `you will share his fate, whatever it may be,since you have been so careful of him, and have put us in such adilemma; but I'll contrive to dispose of you both.'
"I made no reply, Sir, as I knew that would only irritate him."
"You did right, Ingram; a few days will decide our fate. I do not thinkthat he dares to murder us."
"Nor do I think he wishes it, if he can be clear of us with safety tohimself," replied Ingram.
Two days more passed away, and then Ingram told me that we were a fewmiles from the town, and should soon be at anchor.
"Go softly," replied I, "and tell me what is going on."
He went up the ladder, but soon came down again, saying, "We are lockedin, Sir."
I was very much annoyed at this, but it could not be helped--our onlyremedy was patience; but I must confess that I was in a state of greatanxiety. We heard the anchor let go, and boats came on board, afterwhich all was silent for the night. The next morning we heard them openthe hatches, and the slaves were ordered upon deck. The day was passedin landing them. I was ravenously hungry, and asked Ingram whether theyintended to starve us. He went up the ladder to call for victuals, whenhe found on the upper step of the ladder a large vessel full of waterand some cooked provisions, which had probably been put there during thenight. There was enough to last two or three days. The next day passedand no one came near us, and I had some thoughts of dropping out of thestern-ports and attempting to swim on shore; but Ingram, who had put hishead out of them as far as he could, told me that we must be at somedistance from the shore, and there were several sharks playing round thestern, as is always the case with vessels laden with slaves.
The next morning, however, put an end to our suspense; for the companionwas unlocked, and Olivarez, accompanied by four Portuguese, came downinto the cabin, he spoke to them in Portuguese, and they advanced, and,seizing Ingram and me by the collar, led us up the ladder. I would haveexpostulated, but of course could not make myself understood. Olivarez,however, said:
"Resistance is useless, Mr Musgrave; all you have to do is to goquietly with these men. As soon as the schooner has sailed, you will bereleased."
"Well," replied I, "it may be so, Olivarez; but mark my words, you willrepent this, and I shall see you on a gibbet."
"I trust the wood is not yet out of the ground," replied he; "but Icannot waste any more words with you."
He then spoke to the Portuguese, who appeared to be government officersof some kind, and they led us to the gangway; we went into the boat, andthey pulled us to the shore. "Where can they be taking us, Ingram?"said I.
"Heaven knows, Sir, but we shall find out."
I attempted to speak to the officers, but they cried "_Silentio_," whichword I fully understood to mean "silence," and, finding that I could notinduce them to hear me, I said no more. We landed at a jetty, and werethen led through the streets to a large square. On one side of it was aheavy building, to which they directed their steps. The door was openedfor us, and we were led in. A paper was produced by our conductors, andwas apparently copied into a book, after which they went away, leavingus with the people who had received us, and who, by their appearance, Iknew to be gaolers.
"Of what crime am I accused?" inquired I.
No reply was given, but two of the subordinates took us away, unlocked amassive door, and thrust us into a large court-yard, full of men ofevery colour.
"Well," said I, as the door closed upon us, "we are in gaol at allevents; but the question now is, shall we be released as Olivarez hadstated?"
"It is hard to say," replied Ingram. "The question is, what gaol isthis? Could we find any one who could speak English, we mightdiscover."
Several of those around us had come towards us to examine us, and thenleft us, when, as we were conversing, a negro came up, and, hearing whatwe said, addressed us in English.
"Massa want one to speak English--I speak English--some long while onboard English vessel."
"Well, then, my good fellow," said I, "can you tell us what this gaolis, and what prisoners are confined here for?"
"Yes, massa, everybody know that, suppose he live at Rio. This gaol forpeople that go dig diamonds."
"How do you mean?"
"Mean! Massa--people sent here to work in diamond-mines all life longtill they die. Keep 'em here till hab plenty to send up all at onetime. Then guard take them up the country, and they go dig and wash fordiamond. Suppose you find very big diamond, you go free. Suppose not,den you die there."
"Merciful Heavens!" cried I to Ingram, "then we are condemned as slavesto the mines."
"Yes," replied Ingram with a sigh. "Well, it's better than working inthe quicksilver-mines. At all events, we shall have fresh air."
"Fresh air, without liberty," cried I, clasping my hands.
"Come, Sir, courage, we do not yet know our fate. Perhaps we may, asOlivarez said, be allowed to go free after the schooner sails."
I shook my head, for I was convinced otherwise.
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