ld arrive at length at a river running into the sea,
we might either steal a canoe or build a raft, and float down the
stream. We might thus escape from our present masters, who,
unaccustomed to the water, would be unable to follow us; but we should
run the risk of falling into the hands of still greater savages, who
might very likely murder us. Still, our present slavery was well-nigh
unbearable, and we were ready to run every risk to escape from it. We
were doubtful whether we might venture to take Selim into our counsels.
He seemed attached to us, and especially to me; but then, as he had
shown a readiness to act treacherously in the case of Antonio, he might,
should it be to his interest, play us a similar trick, Halliday thought.
I was more inclined to trust him; I liked the expression of the lad's
countenance, and he had hitherto, as far as we could judge, been
faithful to us. During the time he had been on board an English
ship-of-war, he had learned the truths of Christianity from the
boatswain and three or four of the men, who, having become truly
converted themselves, had endeavoured to win over their shipmates, and
had taken great pains with him. He had been the only survivor of a
boat's crew wrecked on the northern coast of Africa--he, being an
excellent swimmer, having gained the shore. He had been kept in slavery
a year or more by the Moors; but he at length managed to swim off to a
Spanish vessel, and afterwards entered on board the galleon where we
first met with him. Accustomed, therefore, to the habits of the Moors,
he was able to conduct himself discreetly towards them; and passing for
a good Mohammedan, he had in a considerable degree gained their
confidence. He had, however, expressed to me more than once his regret
at having to play the hypocrite.

"What can I do?" he would observe. "I know that Mohammed was a false
prophet; but if I were to say so I should have my head cut off--and to
that I cannot make up my mind. Every time I cry out `Allah is great,
and Mohammed is his prophet,' I know that I am telling a lie, and pray
to be forgiven. Do you think that the true God will forgive me?"

I replied that it was not for me to decide, but that I thought he was
bound to try and escape from such thraldom on the first opportunity.

"That is what I shall do," he answered; "but I will not escape without
you; and as I know the ways of the country, and can speak the language
of the black people f