l events not before morning. His hopes
were that she would cast anchor a mile or two from land, and that in the
darkness he would be able to run the gauntlet and get past her. He
might catch a shot or two while doing so, but his cargo was worth the
risk, and, besides, he had now no other chance of saving either cargo or
vessel. Should he remain where he was, both would be captured before
another night.

He had formed his resolution, therefore, to run the gauntlet as
described, that is, provided the cutter came to anchor far enough out to
sea to give him a chance. His trust was in the wind, which from this
time forth he watched with the greatest anxiety.

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.

The living freight was at length all taken aboard and stowed away
between decks, the grated hatches were fastened down, and a ruffian
sentry with musket and bayonet stood by each, ready to use his weapon
upon any of the poor wretches who might try to get on deck.

The captain only waited for the report of the Kroomen.

This came at length, and proved favourable, as the slaver had expected.
The cutter had failed to beat in to the shore. She had given up, and
cast anchor at about two miles' distance from the river's mouth, there
to await a change in the wind, or the light of another day. It was the
very course that the slave-captain had desired her to take, and which he
had expected. From the position which the cutter occupied, and which
had been faithfully described by the boatmen, he had no doubt of being
able to get past her in the night. He was once more in high spirits,
and sanguine of success. Both he and his majesty were in a big humour,
and the rum-glass went merrily round.

This final carouse occurred upon shore, and in the quarters of his
majesty, whose "treat" it was. The mate, with a boat, had gone down the
river to have a good view of the anchored enemy and become perfectly
acquainted with her position, with the object of making correct
calculations about passing her.

Meanwhile, the captain remained on shore, to enjoy the parting glass and
talk over future prospects with King Dingo Bingo. Some of the crew were
there as well, among whom were Brace and myself--our purpose being to
man the captain's gig and row him aboard as soon as he should take leave
of his majesty and suite.

It still wanted about half an hour of sunset when the mate returned from
his reconnoissance and reported that the cutter was anchored jus