hile a slave-deck had been fitted up, ready to receive the
expected cargo of human beings.

Jack took possession of the papers. "Ah, my friend, here is another,"
he observed, as Don Lopez was endeavouring to shuffle back a document
which had at first been overlooked. Jack examined it.

"Ah! I see that fine large black brig, which lay in shore near us, was
to join you shortly with the dollars, and provisions you would require.
What is her name? I should like to know all about her."

"The _Caterina_," answered Don Lopez. "She is to sail under American
colours, and will have American papers; a regular charter-party, the
ship's roll, and instructions from her reputed owners. Ten of her crew
are American seamen, the other twenty-five, who are Spaniards, will be
called passengers. She has obtained all her papers from the American
vice-consul, and I very much doubt that any of you men-of-war would have
ventured to interfere with her, unless," and Don Lopez smiled, "it had
been for the information I so freely give you. I hope you will take
this into consideration in your further dealings with me."

"I shall see about that," answered Jack, despising the Don, who had been
so ready to betray his associates in the nefarious traffic. "At present
you will please to accompany me on board my brig, as we are bound for
Jamaica."

The Don, with a grimace, stepped into the brig-of-war's boat followed by
his officers. Jack afterwards conveyed also the greater part of the
crew to the brig, where they were less likely to play tricks than if
left on board their own vessel; he sent also for the greater portion of
the crews and all the officers of the other schooners.

The difficulty now, however, was how to man his prizes. He gave the
command of the _Venus_ to Bevan, with Tom as his mate, and six hands.
Norris, and another midshipman, had charge of one of the other
schooners, with five hands; and Jos Green, with Desmond to assist him,
had charge of the third, with the same number of men.

He could ill spare so many hands, but he hoped by vigilance to keep the
Spaniards in awe, and to navigate the _Supplejack_.

These arrangements being completed, he made sail for Port Royal. Should
the weather continue fine, the task might be an easy one; but should it
come on to blow, shorthanded as he was, he would have no little
difficulty in working the brig and looking after his numerous prisoners,
many of whom were desperate ruffians,