ered a very fast sailer--she was beaten at all points by
our ship, which was considered the fastest vessel out of Liverpool.
The crew of the slaver were numerous, and as bloodthirsty a set of
looking fellows as ever I fell in with. Their boat was continually
alongside of our vessel, and I perceived that their visits were made
to the eight men whom we had shipped at Liverpool, and that they did
not appear inclined to be at all intimate with the rest of the crew.
This roused my suspicions, although I said nothing; but I watched them
very closely. One forenoon, as I was standing at the foot of the
companion-ladder, concealed by the booby-hatch from the sight of those
on deck, I heard our men talking over the side, and at last, as I
remained concealed, that I might overhear the conversation, one of the
slaver's men from the boat said, "To-night, at eight o'clock, we will
come to arrange the whole business." The boat then shoved off, and
pulled for the brig.

Now, it was the custom of the captain to go onshore every evening to
drink sangaree and smoke with the governor, and very often I went with
him, leaving the ship in charge of the second mate. It had been my
intention, and I had stated as much to the second mate, to go this
evening, as it was the last but one that we should remain at Senegal;
but from what I overheard I made up my mind that I would not go. About
an hour before sunset, I complained of headache and sickness, and sat
down under the awning over the after part of the quarter-deck. When
the captain came up to go on shore, he asked me if I was ready, but I
made no answer, only put my hand to my head.

The captain, supposing that I was about to be attacked by the fever of
the country, was much concerned, and desired the second mate to help
him to take me down to the state-room, and then went on shore; the
boat was, as usual, pulled by the four men who were prisoners with me,
and whom the captain found he could trust on shore better than the
others belonging to the crew, who would indulge in liquor whenever
they had an opportunity. I remained in my bed-place till it was nearly
eight o'clock, and then crept softly up the companion-hatch to
ascertain who was on deck.

The men were all below in the fore-peak at their suppers, and as I had
before observed that their conferences were held on the forecastle, I
went forward, and covered myself up with a part of the main-topsail,
which the men had been repairing durin