and not 'spect anyting, but dis berry morning I'se tell her dat,
when I was one piccaninny, I'se carried away from Africa wid my mudder;
when I'se come to Jamaica, one massa buy her and anoder buy me, and from
dat day I neber set eyes on her. We talkee for some time, and den she
cry out, `You Pompey, my son,' and she trew her arms round my neck and
burst into tears. Den I kiss her and tell her dat she right, and we
laugh and cry togeder for two 'ole hours."

Owen, upon further questioning Pompey, was convinced that he was not
mistaken. It greatly raised his spirits, and he had now hopes that
Mammy would connive at their escape, even if she would not venture to
assist at it. Pompey was very sanguine about the matter. "She so happy
to find me dat she do anyting I ask," he said positively. "Neber fear,
cappen, we get away soon."

It was, of course, necessary to wait till the _Ouzel Galley_, now fitted
out as a piratical ship, should sail. With varied feelings Owen saw her
one morning gliding out of the harbour. He, accompanied by Pompey, had
gone as near to her as he could venture. He had but little to fear of
being discovered, as the whole population of the place were watching the
departing ship. It was certainly trying to see his own vessel sailing
away in the hands of the miscreants who had captured her, on an
expedition which boded ill for any merchant vessels she could overtake.
She was rigged exactly as before.

Owen would not have delayed making the attempt to escape, but the nights
were moonlight, and they would run a great risk of being discovered.
After this bad weather came on, and a further delay occurred. Pompey
had undertaken to look out for a suitable craft. It was necessary to
use caution in the search lest their intention might be suspected. He
had made several trips along the shore, and had discovered places where
boats and canoes were hauled up, but some were too large and heavy, and
others too small. At last he said that he had found one of a proper
size to hold five persons, and provisions and water sufficient to last
them for a week or ten days. "Five persons!" exclaimed Owen.

"Yes, cappen. Mudder says she go too. If she stop, dat fellow cut her
troat."

Although Owen would rather have dispensed with the company of the old
woman, yet, in common humanity, he felt bound to take her if she wished
to go. It showed, also, that she had confidence in their success, and
would contrive