this value by expending an equal sum on her outfit,
in order to constitute me half owner.

The bargain was struck, and the armament, sails, additional spars,
rigging, and provisions went on board, with prudential secrecy.
Inasmuch as we could not leave port without some show of a cargo,
merchandise _in bond_ was taken from the public warehouses, and,
after being loaded in our hold during day, was smuggled ashore again
at night. As the manoeuvre was a trick of my accomplice, who
privately gained by the operation, I took no notice of what was
delivered or taken away.

Finally, all was ready. Forty-five men were shipped, and the Conchita
cleared. Next day, at daybreak, I was to sail with the land-breeze.

A sailor's last night ashore is proverbial, and none of the customary
ceremonies were omitted on this occasion. There was a parting supper
with plenty of champagne; there was a visit to the _cafe_; a farewell
call here, another there, and a bumper every where. In fact, till two
in the morning, I was busy with my adieus; but when I got home at
last, with a thumping headache, I was met at the door by a note from
my partner, stating that our vessel was seized, and an order issued
for my arrest. He counselled me to keep aloof from the _alguaziles_,
till he could arrange the matter with the custom-house and police.

I will not enlarge this chapter of disasters. Next day, my accomplice
was lodged in prison for his fraud, the vessel confiscated, her outfit
sold, and my purse cropped to the extent of twelve thousand dollars. I
had barely time to escape before the officers were in my lodgings; and
I finally saved myself from an acquaintance with the interior of a
Cuban prison, by taking another name, and playing _ranchero_ among the
hills for several weeks.

* * * * *

My finances were at low-water mark, when I strolled one fine morning
into Matanzas, and, after some delay, again obtained command of a
slaver, through the secret influence of my old and trusty friends. The
new craft was a dashing schooner, of one hundred and twenty tons,
fresh from the United States, and intended for Ayudah on the Gold
Coast. It was calculated that we might bring home at least four
hundred and fifty slaves, for whose purchase, I was supplied
plentifully with rum, powder, English muskets, and rich cottons from
Manchester.

In due time we sailed for the Cape de Verds, the usual "port of
despatch" on such excursi