. This proposal being agreed to by Lieutenant Dumaresq, the two
negroes pulled away, and were soon lost in the darkness, not without
some slight misgivings as to whether or not they would ever return.
However, to pass the time during the absence of the negroes, they piped
to supper. A small portion only of the ship's biscuit and salt pork had
been discussed, and a glass of grog had just been served out all round,
when the canoe was seen gliding at full speed out of the darkness, the
dip of her paddles just breaking the stillness of the night. "Well, my
men, any news of the slaver?" asked the lieutenant in an eager whisper,
for the return of the canoe gave him hopes that a prize was at hand.
"Ship live there," answered the elder black, in the clear and distinct
tones in which his race can speak, but still only in a whisper. No
sooner was this announcement made than the oars were got out
simultaneously, and, at a word from Lieutenant Dumaresq, the boats went
ahead like magic. Not a word except the necessary ones of command was
uttered. Everyone knew the importance of silence. The three boats,
urged on by their eager crews, advanced abreast at full speed. Ten
minutes, or little more, were sufficient to show the dark outline of a
schooner, her masts and spars relieved against the starry sky. Silent
as the grave, the boats pulled on, their oars so carefully dipped, that
scarcely a splash was heard. Those on board the schooner slept, or
seemed to sleep, for not a sound was heard from her decks. A slaver's
crew, however, conscious of the risks they are running in their
nefarious traffic, are seldom off their guard, and the British seamen
were fully prepared for a reception with a shower of grape and musketry.
Yet, without a thought of the consequences, on getting close to her, on
they dashed with a cheer, and in another instant were alongside and
scrambling up her sides. So unexpected had been their attack, that not
an attempt at resistance was made; and, to the no small delight of
Lieutenant Dumaresq and his followers, they found themselves in
possession of a fine little schooner, which proved to be the _Lark_,
with a crew of no less than thirty Spaniards. They were first all
properly secured and sent down below, with orders to behave themselves,
and a hint that if they did not, it would be the worse for them.

A slaver's crew have a right, it is understood, to try and retake their
vessel without being treated as