y in time. Ahead lay an island with buildings on it.
Some were dwelling-houses, others were long sheds of a suspicious
character. As the water was still deep, and the channel tolerably wide,
he stood on, when rounding a point he saw several large vessels lying at
anchor, which from their appearance, as well as from the sheds and
leaguers, or huge casks for holding water, which lay on the shore,
together with planking for slave-decks, and other articles easily
distinguishable through the telescope, he had no doubt were slavers. As
the channel at this point became very narrow and intricate he thought it
prudent not to stand on farther, and dropping his anchor, he ordered
Jack to do the same. He then got a spring on his cable, so as to be
able to bring his broadside to bear on the vessels, and to cover the
boats which he intended to send forthwith to attack them.

"There is a stir among the vessels," observed Adair, "and two of them
have got under weigh, and are standing out towards us."

Murray accordingly ordered him and Higson to board them, and ascertain
their character. One carried the British and the other the American
flag. The boats were lowered and the two vessels in a short time coming
up were boarded. Neither of them made any resistance. Their papers
were found to be correct--they were honest traders.

"As soon as we saw you approaching, we two agreed to stand out from
among the black sheep. The rest of the craft in there are one and all
slavers, and if you take or destroy them they will only get their due,"
said the American master.

He then gave a description of the vessels, and the number of guns and
men they carried. Terence thanked him for the information, and the two
vessels were allowed to continue their course down the river.

Murray now ordered five boats under the command of Jack to board and
overhaul all the vessels lying at anchor off the island.

One was a large ship, two were brigs, and a fourth a wicked-looking
schooner, evidently a slaver. The question was whether they would offer
resistance. The ship was seen getting a spring on her cable, which
looked something like it; Jack was therefore prepared for all
contingencies.

"We will take the smallest ones in detail, and that big fellow will then
see that he has no chance of assistance," he said to Higson.

Further off lay another large ship with the Brazilian colours flying,
and two barques, one an American, the other a Portugu