of her enemies, and
she could not tell how many people might be remaining on board to avenge
the destruction of their comrades. Still, slavers, when they have seen
a chance of success, have often fought desperately; and the cutter's
crew on board the _Lark_ watched with deep interest the approach of the
two boats to the big schooner, not knowing what moment she might open
her fire on them; but the slaver's crew had not even the brute-like
courage to induce them to fight in defence of their accursed calling,
and, without firing a shot, they allowed the two boats to come
alongside. Once having a firm hold of the slaver's chains with their
boat-hooks, the British seamen very quickly scrambled on board. The
crew, who were chiefly Spaniards, made no opposition, nor did a number
of other people, who, dressed in shore-going clothes, announced
themselves as passengers. There was certainly a wonderfully sea-going
look about them, though they all seemed very anxious to leave the vessel
as fast as possible. Now, as the consequences of detaining people
against their will are often very disagreeable, Lieutenant Dumaresq,
whatever might have been his suspicions, thought it best to allow the
gentlemen to take their departure. It was afterwards discovered that
the fellows, who were all of them belonging to the slaver's crew, took
on shore a very considerable number of doubloons, which form in general
the most valuable portion of a prize, unless she has her cargo of slaves
on board; the slave-vessel herself and her stores rarely sell for much.
What was called head-money has of late years been reduced to one-fourth
of what it was formerly. The new prize proved to be the _Asp_, a fit
name for a slaver, though she was now effectually deprived of her sting.
As soon as she was thoroughly overhauled, and all her forthcoming
papers secured, the Spanish crew were sent below, and the man-of-war's
boats began towing the two schooners down the river. It was laborious
work, after the incessant labour for so many hours the men had gone
through; but a prize tows easily, and the gallant fellows cheerfully
bent to their oars. Thus the two vessels proceeded on rapidly between
the mangrove-covered banks of the river. By five p.m. the entrance of
the Nun appeared in sight, and preparations were instantly made for
crossing the bar,--I must rather say bars, for there are three, one
within the other, at some distance apart; and over them, when the