e conversed for about half an
hour, by which time we were joined by the Spanish Main negro, who
brought up with him some decoction or another, boiling hot. They
stripped me and rubbed me all over with a bit of sponge, not only the
face and hands, but every part of my body and then I was left standing
quite naked to dry; the crew had gathered round us, and were very merry
at the idea of changing my colour.

As soon as the warm air had dried me, the application was created; and
when I was again dry, the American told me to put on my clothes, and
that he would call me early to have two more applications of the stuff,
and that then I should be quite dark enough.

I asked for Jose, and told him what the captain had said; he gave me a
bundle of matting for a bed, and I was soon fast asleep. About three
o'clock in the morning I was called up, and the staining repeated twice,
and I then lay down again.

When the hands were turned up at five bells (for everything was very
regular on board), Jose brought me a glass to look at myself, and I was
quite satisfied that my colour would no longer annoy the captain. I was
not as black as a negro, but I was as dark as a mulatto.

I asked the Spanish negro, through Jose, who could speak both languages,
whether I might wash myself? He replied, all day long if I pleased;
that I should not get the colour off; it would wear off in time, and the
stuff must be applied once a month, and that would be sufficient.

I went to the forecastle, and washed myself; the negro crew were much
amused, and said that I now was a "bel muchaco"--a handsome boy. I dare
say they thought so--at all events, they appeared to be very friendly
with me, and my staining myself gave them great satisfaction. I was
sitting with Jose between decks when the cabin bell rang.

"You go," said he, showing his white teeth as he grinned; "I go after,
see what captain tink."

I went into the cabin, and knocked at the state-room door.

"Come in," said the captain.

I went in, and met him face to face.

"What!" said he, looking earnestly at me--"yet it must be--it is you, is
it not?"

"Yes, sir," replied I, "it is me. I've turned dark to please you, and I
hope it does please you."

"It does, boy, I can look at you now, and forget that you are white. I
can. I feel that I can love you now--you've got rid of your only fault
in my eyes, and I'm not sorry. I'm only glad that I did not--"

"Give me to the sharks,"