The Privateer's-Man, One hundred Years Ago

by Frederick Marryat

  CHAPTER XV.

  We return to Liverpool--I have an interview with Miss Trevannion--Plutus interferes 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 myhand.

  "On the contrary, Sir, I have succeeded in every thing," and I thengave him an account of what had happened.

  "Well," replied he, "I am very glad of it, and recollect I must be atthe expense, as, without you had incurred it, the schooner would not,in all probability, have been hired. And now I want to consult withyou about something else. Here is a letter from Captain Irving, of theAmy, brought home by the Chester Lass."

  These were two vessels employed on the Gold Coast, which belonged toMr. Trevannion.

  "Read it," said Mr. Trevannion, "and give me your opinion."

  I did so: Captain Irving stated that he had pushed the two vessels upa small 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,he had made a most fortunate traffic with them, and had loaded avessel with ivory, wax, and gold-dust to the amount of 1,000 pounds,and that he had sent the Chester Lass, remaining himself, to continuethe barter before it was known to the other ships on the coast, whichit would soon be. He continued, that he had not sufficient of thearticles which were most valued by the natives, and requested that Mr.Trevannion would immediately despatch another vessel with variousgoods enumerated, and that then he should be able to fill his ownvessel as well as the one that he had despatched home; that the riverwas in such a latitude, and the mouth difficult to discover; that hesent a little sketch of the coast, which would facilitate thediscovery--but that no time was to be lost, as the sickly season wascoming on, and it was very unhealthy at that 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 7,000_l._"

  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 Mr.Trevannion; "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-fourthinstead of one-eighth. Silence gives consent," continued Mr.Trevannion, as I did 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,taking me by the hand, and pressing it warmly--"and now to business.My idea is, to sent out the Sparrow-Hawk, being so fast a sailer. Ofcourse, as a privateer, she has done her work; and as the governmentwish the complement of the Arrow to be increased, I think we cannot dobetter than to fill her up with some of the Sparrow-Hawk's men,leaving about twenty-five on board of her, and sending her out as soonas possible to the coast, with the articles which Captain Irvingrequests."

  "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 ofbed for some time; and even if he were well, I have no opinion of himin an affair of this moment. If, as Captain Irving says, he can fillthe Amy, her cargo will be worth three times that of the Chester Lass;but, of course, the destination of the Sparrow-Hawk must be a secret,and I do not know whom to intrust her to. We require some one in whomwe can put confidence."

  "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 soonerthe better; but I do not know whether we can obtain all the goodsrequisite immediately."

  "We can have them in five or six days," replied Mr. Trevannion; "Isent Humphrey 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, Mr.Trevannion, and in the evening I will call again, and let you knowwhat I have done."

  "Do so," said he, and I then took my leave.

  I certainly was very much astonished as well as much pleased at Mr.Trevannion'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 hadmade most noble reparation. I first returned to the lodgings and toldCaptain Levee and Philip what had passed; they immediately proposedthat we should all go together on board the Sparrow-Hawk, that I mightmake my arrangements, and that they might persuade some of the men tojoin the Arrow. I first picked out the men I wished to sail with me;and then they talked over the rest, who that evening went on shore fortheir wages, and the next morning joined the Arrow, as Captain Leveewas anxious to get round to the Nore. The day after the men joined,the Arrow sailed, which I was not sorry for, as it left me more atleisure to expedite my own affairs. Philip promised to be mycorrespondent, and I bade them both farewell with regret. I called inthe evening, as I had promised, upon Mr. Trevannion, and he then gaveme the deed of partnership, signed and dated the day when he firstmade the offer, and we had quarrelled; but I did not see MissTrevannion; much to my regret, her father said that she was ailing.The business I had to transact, and fitting out the Sparrow-Hawk, socompletely occupied me, that it was now three days that I had been atLiverpool without having seen her, and I was much annoyed at it, as Ihad called every day. My feelings towards her were now stronger thanbefore. She was never out of my thoughts, and I hardly know how it wasthat I transacted business as I did. This evening I was determined, ifpossible, that I would see her, and find out why she avoided me, as itappeared to me that she did. When I called, therefore, I did not askto see her father, but told Humphrey to find out where Miss Trevannionwas, and say that I requested to speak with her. Humphrey returned,and said that she was in the sitting-room, to which I instantlyrepaired.

  "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 anxiousto see you, and have thought it very unpolite, I may add, unkind, onyour part 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 goodspirits."

  "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 myfather. He had told me that upon your return he had installed you ashis partner, and had done you the justice you had deserved; and thenhe told me that you were going out to the coast of Africa in theSparrow-Hawk."

  "It is very true, Miss Trevannion; but where is the offence?"

  "The offence is this: my father no sooner does you justice than hewants more ivory and gold-dust, having more than enough already; but Itold hi
m it was as bad as privateering, for in either case he sendspeople out to sacrifice their lives, that he may gain more money. Ihave no patience with this foolish pursuit of wealth."

  "After all your father's kindness to me, Miss Trevannion, I could dono less than accept the offer."

  "You would have been more wise and more just to yourself to haverefused it, Mr. Musgrave. I read the letters to my father when theyarrived, and you know what Captain Irving says about the unhealthinessof the climate. You have been my father's best friend, and he shouldnot have treated 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 lifewas of some value. To one who has been such a football of fortune as Ihave been, 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 didcompletely, and I was so oppressed by my feelings, that I reeled to achair, and covered up my face with my hands. What would I have givento have dared to state what I felt!

  "You are ill, Mr. Musgrave," said Miss Trevannion, coming to me. "CanI offer you any thing?"

  I made no reply; I could not speak.

  "Mr. Musgrave," said Miss Trevannion, taking my hand, "you frightenme. What is the matter? Shall I call Humphrey?"

  I felt her hand tremble in mine, and, uncertain what to think, I cameto the 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 lastsit must kill me. I give you my honour that I have for months triedevery thing in my power to curb my desires and to persuade myself ofmy folly and rash ambition, but I cannot do so any longer. It werebetter that I knew my fate at once, even if my sentence should be mydeath. You will ridicule my folly, be surprised at my presumption,and, in all probability, spurn me for the avowal, but make it I must.Miss Trevannion, I have dared--to love you; I have but one excuse tooffer, which is, that I have been more than a year in your company,and it is impossible for any one not to love one so pure, sobeautiful, and so good. I would have postponed this avowal till I wasable to resume my position in society, by the means which industrymight have afforded me; but my departure upon this business, and thekind of presentiment which I have, that I may not see you again, hasforced it from me. In a few days I leave you--be gentle with me for myinvoluntary offence--pity me while you condemn, and I will return nomore."

  Miss Trevannion did not reply; she breathed quick, and stoodmotionless. I gathered courage; I looked in her face, there was nodispleasure--I approached her, she was half-fainting, and put her handupon my shoulder to steady herself. I put my arm round her waist; andled her to the sofa, and knelt at her feet, watching every change inher beautiful countenance. I took her hand and pressed it to my lips;by degrees I became more bold, and got by her side, and pressed her tomy heart. She burst 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 herhead.

  "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 Ihad told her, that something would go wrong, and I could not get overthe feeling.

  I shall no longer dwell upon what took place on that delightfulevening, Madam; suffice to say, that Miss Trevannion and I weremutually pledged, and, after an exchange of thought and feeling, weparted, and when we did part I pressed those dear lips to mine. I wenthome reeling with excitement, and hastened to bed, that I might haveunrestrained freedom of thought. I enacted the scene of the eveningover and over again; recalled each motion, each look, every word whichhad passed, and, defying fever and presentiment of evil, imagined alsoour happy meeting to part no more. It was long before I could composemyself to sleep, and when I did, I need not say who it was whooccupied my dreams. I called as soon as I could venture so to do onthe following day, and had a long interview with my dear Amy. Before Iwent up to her father, I tried to soothe her anxiety upon myapproaching voyage, and to persuade her that there was little or nodanger to be apprehended in so short a stay. Willingly would I havegiven it up, but Mr. Trevannion had so set his mind upon it, and Ihad, by my consent, rendered it so impossible for him to find asubstitute in time, that I could not do so, and I persuaded MissTrevannion that I was right in acting to my promise. One question thatcame forward was, whether we should make known our engagement to herfather at once, and this was decided in the negative. Much as heliked me, he was not yet prepared to receive me so suddenly as ason-in-law, and Amy was of opinion that the communication had betterbe postponed. To this, of course, I gave a willing assent. I wassatisfied with the knowledge of her affection, which I felt wouldnever change. As I was talking with her father, after my interviewwith Amy, 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 muchlike your 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,and how 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 longa period. You know how you did feel his loss before, and I do not wishto see 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 fearthat Mr. Musgrave must go, and I must work by myself till he comesback; so it's no use saying any more about it."

  Amy sighed and made no reply. On the third day after this interview,every thing was ready, and on the following morning I was to sail. Mr.Trevannion 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 schoonerunder weigh. It was soon done, although we were, comparativelyspeaking, short-handed. There was a fine breeze, and lightened as shenow was, the little vessel flew through the water. Liverpool was soonout of sight, and we were dashing down the Irish Channel.

  "She sails well, now," said I to the second mate, a very clever man,and much better educated than most seamen, for he could navigate, aswell as being 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, an
d were in more genial latitudes; and, after a rapidrun of about four weeks, I found myself nearly in the latitude givento us of the river where the Amy was at anchor. I then hauled in forthe shore, which was very low, and required being approached withcaution. We saw some towering palmtrees at sunset, and then we hoveto; the next day we again stood in, and having ascertained our exactlatitude at noon, we found ourselves about four miles to the northwardof the river's mouth. We shaped a course, and in two hours I made outthe marks given for our guidance in the rough sketch of CaptainIrving, and thus satisfied that I was right, ran directly for themouth of the river. Captain Irving was correct in saying it wasdifficult, for it was not until we were within a mile that we couldfind any opening; but at last we did, and at the same time perceivedthe mast of two vessels at some distance up the river. We stood in,and found that there was no bar at the river mouth, which was a veryunusual circumstance on this coast. The soundings were gradual, and inan hour afterwards we anchored between the Amy and a fine schoonerunder British colours. Captain Irving recognized the Sparrow-Hawk, andimmediately came on board. After the usual salutations, he told methat his vessel was half-laden, but that he waited for the articles hehad sent for to enable him to complete his cargo. I told him that Ihad them on board, and he should have them as soon as he sent hisboats. He stated that no vessels, except those engaged in theslave-trade, had ever come into this river, and that they only broughtthe cloth and other articles usual in the trade; but that his assortedcargo had astonished the people, and they were wild to possess thingswhich they had never before seen. They had offered slaves inquantities, but finding that he would not take them in exchange, theyhad now brought down ivory and gold-dust. He told me how glad he wasthat I had come, as the river was very sickly, and was becoming moreand more so every day; that out of twelve men he had already four downwith 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, norwas given to profane language.

  A few minutes afterwards the captain of the slaver came on board topay his respects, and I asked him down in the cabin, and gave him beerand cheese, the two greatest luxuries in those climes. He appeared, asCaptain Irving stated, a very quiet, well-behaved, serious person,which I was rather surprised at. When we repaired on deck, I observed,as the vessel was close to us, that there were two very large dogs onboard, who, at the sight of the captain, bayed furiously. He told methat they were Cuba bloodhounds, and that he never went on shorewithout them, as they were the most faithful and courageous animals,and he considered that he was safer with them than with half a dozenarmed men. Shortly afterwards Captain Irving and he both took leave.As there were still some hours of daylight, Captain Irving sent hisboats for the goods, and after that, as the evening fell, I went downbelow, as Captain Irving requested I would do, and by no means remainon deck after sun-down, as it 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, besidesmuch gold-dust. The day after I went on shore with Captain Irving tocall upon the king, as he called himself. He was seated in front of ahut made 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 confinedthem all together. One string of them had been sent down and put inthe boat, and another was standing ready for embarkation; when as Icast my eyes over them and commiserated their misery, I observed afemale whom I thought I had seen before. I looked again, and behold!is was Whyna, the princess who had been so kind to me in my captivity.I went up to her and touched her on the shoulder. She turned round, aswell as the lashing to the pole would permit her, and on seeing megave a faint scream. Without ceremony I took out my knife and releasedher, and led her away. She fell down at my feet and kissed them. Theblack man who had charge of the delivery of the slaves was very angry,and ran up to me, brandishing his long stick; but the captain of theschooner, who was on shore, and who had witnessed what I had done,saluted him with a kick in the stomach, which made him quiet enough.In few words I told the captain of the slaver that I was once incaptivity, and this woman had befriended me, requesting him to namehis price and I would willingly pay 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 her ransom."

  "Well then, Sir," said he, "I am in great want of a telescope; youhave one 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 sadly emaciated and weak, andled her to the boat of the Amy and put her in. Captain Irving camedown, and we returned on board. It was with great difficulty that,after I had given the poor creature some refreshment, which she wasreally in need of, I could recollect sufficient of her language tomake myself understood by her; but by degrees words came to my memory,and as she spoke I recovered more. As well as I could make her out,the warriors had risen against the king on account of his barbarity,and had cut him to pieces; and that all his wives and servants hadbeen sold as slaves. I promised her that she should not be a slave,but should come to my country 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 CaptainIrving to take charge of her, and let her want for nothing, tellinghim that I intended that she should go home in his vessel. Hewillingly consented, and I hailed the schooner for a boat and went ondeck. Whyna followed, but I told her I was obliged to go on board ofthe schooner, and that she had better go and lie down. As she probablythought that the Amy was my vessel, and that I was going away on avisit, she complied with my request, and went down with CaptainIrving, who led her into a state-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 thataccount allow Whyna to be in the same vessel with me. The next dayCaptain Irving came on board to tell me that he had two more men downwith the fever, and that he wished I could give them some assistancein getting his cargo on board, which I did, and before night the Amywas loaded up to the hatchways, and there still remained a consideratenumber of elephants' teeth on shore in the hut where he received them.I therefore determined, as his crew were evidently sickening fast,that he should sail immediately, and that I would take the remainderof the ivory on board of the schooner and follow him, giving him arendezvous to wait at until I joined him, that we might proceed homein 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 beclear of such an unhealthy spot, I manned my boats and went on shorefor the ivory that was left. I found that it would take the whole ofthe day to embark it, as we had to go two miles further up the riverthan the depth of water would permit the vessel to do; for the ivorywas in a hut close to the king's house. I had sent off fourboat-loads, and it being then noon, I went off with the fifth myself,that I might get my dinner, leaving the second mate to attend onshore, and taking with me the
first mate who messed in the cabin. Aswe were in the middle of the stream, the boat struck against a stumpof a tree, as we supposed, and knocked so large a hole in the bow thatshe began to fill. I immediately ordered the men to pull for thenearest point, which was on the opposite side of the river, that wemight 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 ofwater where we were pulling, jumped over the bows to push the oakuminto the hole; but the poor fellow had not been a few seconds in thewater, when he gave a shriek, and we perceived that a large shark hadsnapped him in two. This was a sad mishap, and the men, terrified,pulled as hard as they could, while two of them baled out the boat, togain the shore, for we knew what fate awaited us if we sunk in theriver. With great exertion we succeeded, running her up among thecanes, with grew on that side of the river so thick that it wasdifficult to force your way through them.

  We landed up to our knees in mud, and, throwing out the ivory, wefound that a whole plank was rent out, and that it was impossible torepair our boat; and we were hidden by the canes from those who couldhave assisted us, had they known that we required their assistance,and we had no possible means of communication. At last I thought thatif I could force my way through the canes to the point down the river,I could hail and make signals for assistance; and, desiring the men toremain by the boat, I set off 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,and at last I became worn out with fatigue, and quite bewildered. Ithen tried to find my way back, and was equally unsuccessful, and Isat down with any thing but pleasant thoughts in my mind. I calculatedthat I had been two hours in making this attempt, and was now quitepuzzled how to proceed. I bitterly lamented my rashness, now that itwas too late.

  Having reposed a little, I resumed my toil, and was again, after anhour's exertion, compelled, from fatigue, to sit down in the deepblack mud. Another respite from toil, and another hour or more ofexertion, and I gave myself up for lost. The day was evidently fastclosing in--the light overhead was not near so bright as it had been;and I knew that a night passed in the miasma of the cane was death. Atlast it became darker and darker. There could not be an hour ofdaylight remaining. I determined upon one more struggle, and, reekingas I was with perspiration and faint with fatigue, I rose again, andwas forcing my way through the thickest of the canes, when I heard adeep growl, and perceived a large panther not twenty yards from me. Itwas on the move as well as I was, attempting to force his way throughthe canes, so as to come to me. I retreated from him as fast as Icould, but he gained slowly on me, and my strength was fastexhausting. I thought I heard sounds at a distance, and they becamemore and more distinct, but what they were, my fear and my strugglesprobably prevented me from making out. My eyes were fixed upon thefierce animal which was in pursuit of me, and I now thanked God thatthe canes were so thick and impassable; still the animal evidentlygained ground--until it was not more than five yards from me, dashingand springing at the canes, and tearing them aside 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 lastI could do no more, and I dropped, exhausted and almost senseless, inthe mud. I recollect hearing the crashing of the canes, and then asavage roar, and then yells, and growls, and struggles, and fiercecontention--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 washailed by our men in our long-boat. Perceiving them on shore on thatside of the river, and that they were in distress, he pulled towardsthem, and they told him what had happened, and that an hour previous Ihad left the boat to force my way through the cane-brakes, and theyhad heard nothing 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 thepanther, and this was the noise which sounded in my ears, as I laystupified and at the mercy of the wild beast. The panther was noteasily, although eventually, overcome, and the black men coming up,had found me and borne me in a state of insensibility on board of theSparrow-Hawk. The fever had come on me, and it was not till threeweeks afterwards that I recovered my senses, when I learnt what I havenow told the reader, and much more, with which I am about to make himacquainted.

  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 recognize the beamsand carlines over my head. I was too weak to move, and I continued tolie on my back till I again fell asleep; how long I do not know, butit must have been for many hours, and then when I awoke I found myselfmuch stronger.

  I could now turn on my bed, and doing so I perceived a young man ofthe name of Ingram by my side in a doze, with his eyes shut. I calledhim in 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 any thingto drink?"

  "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 Mr.Thompson? 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 momentsof thought. "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 whoare ill and weak always are annoyed by it; but I think, Sir, if youwould take a little gruel, and then go to sleep again, it would bebetter."

  "Well, I fear I am not very strong, and talking 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 v
ery soon."

  "Do, Ingram, and tell Mr. Olivarez, the second mate, that I wouldspeak to 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 thebulk-head of the state-room in which I was lying, but I was still veryweak, and my head swam. After a time Ingram came down with the gruel,into which he put some sugar and a spoonful of rum, to flavour it, ashe said. He offered it to me, and I drank it all, for I had anappetite; but whether it was that I was very weak, or the rum he putin was more than he said, it is certain that I had hardly given himback the basin than I felt so drowsy that I turned away from him, andwas 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 wasa very good seaman, and very active. When I awoke again I feltconvinced that I must have slept through the night, as it was broaddaylight, as before, but Ingram was not by my bed-side. There was nobell in the state-room, and I was obliged to await his coming. I feltmuch stronger than the day before, and now proposed getting out of bedas soon as Ingram should come down into the cabin. I now rememberedthat the second mate had not come down to me, and heard noises andmurmurings in the hold as I had the day previous, which surprised me,and I became more anxious for the return of Ingram. At last he came,and I told him that 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,I must 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 towhat I 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 bythe captain of the slaver. He said, as he lifted you over the side,that you were a dead man. We all thought the same, and you were takendown into the cabin with that persuasion on the part of the wholecrew. Your delirium and fever increased, and every hour it wasexpected that you would give up the ghost. Now, Sir, two daysafterwards the slaver sailed with his cargo, and we were left alone inthe river. Olivarez, who of course commanded, talked to the men. Hesaid that you were as good as dead already, and that he thought thatthis was a fair opportunity for their making money. He proposed thatthe ivory still on shore should be changed for slaves, which he saidthe negroes would gladly do, and that we should run with our cargo tothe Brazils. He said that it was useless our remaining in the river,as we should all lose our lives in the same way that you had done, andthat he thought, as commanding the schooner, he knew what would bestplease the owner, who had long employed vessels in the slave-trade,and would not be sorry to find that we had run a cargo, and wouldreward them all liberally. That this would be an excuse to leave theriver immediately, whereas otherwise they would have to wait till yourecovered or died, and by that time they might half of them be deadthemselves. Do you understand me, Sir?"

  "Yes, perfectly. Go on, Ingram."

  "Well, Sir, the men did not perceive what he was about, and repliedthat so long as they left the river they did not care how soon, andthat it was better that we should take a cargo of slaves at allevents, for Olivarez was in command now, and they should do as heordered them. I made no reply, indeed Olivarez never put the questionto me. Well, Sir, the ivory was soon exchanged for slaves, who are nowon board, and it is the slaves whom you have smelt and complained of.We received on board 140, and provisions sufficient with what we had,and having taken in all the water we could below and on deck, we madesail out of the river, 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 ofthe story. 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 possessionof the vessel, and the owner would never have a clue to where she hadgone, and that now was the time to take possession of her forthemselves, and employ her in the slave-trade on their own account.That, sailing so fast, nothing could overhaul her or board her, and,therefore, they were free from danger. He then proposed that he shouldcommand and navigate, and receive one-half of the profits, and thatthe other half should be divided among the crew--the expense of theprovisions, &c. being paid out of it previous to their sharing andmaking a calculation, he showed them that every voyage would be worthabout 100_l._ a-man after all expenses were paid. The crew consentedat once to the terms--all but me; and when he asked me, my answer was,that I would consent to nothing while you were yet alive. I said that,because I was afraid that they would murder me, or throw meoverboard."

  "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 mayget over it.'

  "'Indeed,' he returned, 'well, then, so much the worse for him.'

  "As he, Olivarez, said this, the whole of the crew, to do themjustice, cried out, that there should be no murder, for if there was,they not only would have nothing to do with the affair, but would makeit known at the first port to which they came. That you had alwaysbeen a kind, good officer, and were too brave a man to die in thatway.

  "'Well, my men,' said Olivarez, 'I never had an idea of the kind, andI promise you, if he lives through it, there shall be no murder; Iwill put him on shore at the first port we arrive at, but in such away as to secure our safety--that we must look to.'

  "The men said, that that was all right, and then they all agreed tojoin him.

  "'And you, Ingram,' said Olivarez, 'what do you say?'

  "'What I said before,' I replied; 'that as long as Mr. Musgrave livesI will come to no agreement whatever.'

  "'Well,' said Olivarez, 'it is but postponing your decision; I knowthat you will join us. So now, my lads, as we're all agreed, we may aswell go 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 every thing 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 anhour, 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 necessaryto be quiet. Perhaps I might by that means not only preserve my life,but again find myself in my own country. When Ingram returned, I askedhim if Olivarez knew that I was better, and had recovered my reason.He replied that he did, but that he had told him I was so weak that Icould hardly recover.

  "That is well," sai
d 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 putan opiate in it, for shortly after I had taken it, I again feltdrowsy, and was soon fast asleep. I awoke sooner than before, for itwas night, and I heard the voice of Olivarez on deck; from what Igathered, land was in sight, and I heard him order the schooner to behove to. In the morning Ingram came down in the cabin, bringing mesome breakfast, which I ate heartily, for I was recovering fast, andhad 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 theladder, get 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 notthink that 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 arelocked in, 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 ofgreat anxiety. We heard the anchor let go, and boats came on board,after which all was silent for the night. The next morning we heardthem open the hatches, and the slaves were ordered upon deck. The daywas passed in landing them. I was ravenously hungry, and asked Ingramwhether they intended to starve us. He went up the ladder to call forvictuals, when he found on the upper step of the ladder a large vesselfull of water and some cooked provisions, which had probably been putthere during the night. There was enough to last two or three days.The next day passed and no one came near us, and I had some thoughtsof dropping out of the stern-ports and attempting to swim on shore;but Ingram, who had put his head out of them as far as he could, toldme that we must be at some distance from the shore, and there wereseveral sharks playing round the stern, as is always the case withvessels laden with slaves.

  The next morning, however, put an end to our suspense, for thecompanion was unlocked, and Olivarez, accompanied by four Portuguese,came down into the cabin. He spoke to them in Portuguese, and theyadvanced, and seizing Ingram and me by the collar, led us up theladder. I would have expostulated, but of course could not make myselfunderstood. 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 willbe released."

  "Well," replied I, "it maybe 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 governmentofficers of some kind, and they led us to the gangway; we went intothe boat, and they 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_,"which word I fully understood to mean "silence," and finding that Icould not induce them to hear me, I said no more. We landed at ajetty, and were then led through the streets to a large square. On oneside of it was a heavy building, to which they directed their steps.The door was opened for us, and we were led in. A paper was producedby our conductors, and was apparently copied into a book, after whichthey went away, leaving us with the people who had received us, andwho, by their appearance, I knew to be gaolers.

  "Of what crime am I accused?" inquired I.

  No reply was given, but two of the subordinates took us away, unlockeda massive 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 hearingwhat we 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, every body know that, suppose he live at Rio. This gaolfor people 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 washfor diamond. Suppose you find very big diamond, you go free. Supposenot, den you die there."

  "Merciful Heavens!" cried I to Ingram, "then we are condemned asslaves to 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.