the slave trade from conversation I had had with Bob
Cross; and I had imbibed such a hatred against the parties who had
carried it on, that it appeared to me to be an act of retaliation almost
allied to justice. Had the negro captain only warred against slave
dealers, I do not think I should have cared about remaining in the
vessel; but he had told me and fully proved to me, that he detested all
white men, and had never spared them except in my own instance.

I must acknowledge that I felt very much like going into the lion's den,
when the next morning, on his ringing the cabin bell, I presented myself
to the captain; but so far from being in an ill-humour, he was very kind
to me.

After breakfast, as I was going out, he said to me, "You must have a
name: I shall call you Cato--recollect that; and now I have a question
to ask you--What is that which you carry round your neck on a ribbon?"

"A letter, sir," replied I.

"A letter! and why do you carry a letter?"

"Because it is of the greatest importance to me."

"Indeed! Now, Cato, sit down on the other sofa, and let me know your
history."

I felt that I could not do better than to make this man at once my
confidant. He might take a strong interest in me, and it was not likely
to go farther. I therefore told him everything connected with my birth
and parentage, what my suspicions had been, and how the letter had
confirmed them. I unsewed the seal-skin, and gave him the letter to
read--without being aware that he could read: he took it and read it
aloud.

"Yes," said he, "that's proof under his own hand; and now, Cato, never
be afraid of me, for, however I may wreak my vengeance upon others, I
swear _by my colour_ that I never will hurt you, or permit others to do
so. I am a tiger--I know it; but you have often seen a little spaniel
caressed by the tiger, whose fangs are turned against every other living
thing. You are quite safe."

"I feel I am, since you say so," replied I; "and since I am to be your
pet, I shall take liberties, and ask you, in return, to tell me your
history."

"I am glad that you have asked it, as I wish you to know it. I will
begin at once--

"I was born in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, of free parents.
My father was a sail-maker, and was worth money; bet a free black in
America is even worse treated and more despised than a slave. I had two
brothers, who went to school with me.

"My father intended to bring me up f