orringer of
farina, and some cakes of the same substance. He ate away, and felt
much more satisfied than at first with the state of affairs. His host
informed him that he was a grand pilot of the river, and showed him a
variety of certificates which he had received to prove the fact, from
the masters of English, American, Spanish, Portuguese, and French
traders. Some praised him, but others remarked that he was one of the
greatest rascals unhung, and that he would cheat and rob whenever he had
the opportunity, and tell any falsehood to suit his purpose. "A nice
sort of gentleman," thought Jack, but he did not express his opinions,
and tried to make himself as comfortable as he could. The negro placed
wine and spirits before him, but he partook sparingly of them.

"You say I good man," observed his host. "Go off to fight ship. Tell
moch. Ah, ah!" And he winked and nodded and turned his eyes about in a
curious way.

Jack concluded that he proposed going off to the ship, and would give
some information about the slavers, and that he wanted him to vouch for
his character.

"All right," answered Jack; "you come on board; we shall be very happy
to see you, and bring your book of certificates--remember that."
Considering the small vocabulary possessed by the negro, he managed to
carry on a good deal of conversation with his guest. At last he made a
sign that it was time to go to bed, and, pointing to a bundle of mats,
he told him to lie down, and that no harm would come to him. Jack did
as he was bid, and, having a good conscience and a good digestion, was
very soon asleep.

The household was astir by an early hour. When Jack opened his eyes, he
saw that two or three strangers were in the room. They looked at him
askance, with no friendly glance. His host soon after entered, and it
was very evident that a change had come over the man's feelings towards
him. Jack, however, got up, and, shaking himself, tried to look as
unconcerned as possible. The bloodhound also, which had been very good
friends with him the previous evening, walked in and stalked, snuffing,
and growling round and round him. Jack did not like the look of
affairs. Some food at last was brought in for breakfast--baked yams,
fried fish, farina, and other delicacies, of which his host invited him
to partake, but was evidently inclined to treat him with very little
ceremony. When the meal was over. Jack intimated that he should like
to begi