ons; and at Praya, exchanged our flag for the
Portuguese, before we put up our helm for the coast. A British cruiser
chased us fruitlessly for two days off Sierra Leone, and enabled me
not only to test the sailing qualities, but to get the _sailing trim_
of the "Estrella," in perfection. So confident did I become of the
speed and bottom of my gallant clipper, that I ventured, with a
leading wind, to chase the first vessel I descried on the horizon, and
was altogether deceived by the tri-color displayed at her peak.
Indeed, I could not divine this novel nationality, till the speaking
trumpet apprised us that the lilies of France had taken triple hues in
the hands of Louis Philippe! Accordingly, before I squared away for
Ayudah, I saluted the _royal republican_, by lowering my flag thrice
to the new divinity.

* * * * *

I consigned the Estrella to one of the most remarkable traders that
ever expanded the African traffic by his genius.

Senor Da Souza,--better known on the coast and interior as
Cha-cha,--was said to be a native mulatto of Rio Janeiro, whence he
emigrated to Dahomey, after deserting the arms of his imperial master.
I do not know how he reached Africa, but it is probable the fugitive
made part of some slaver's crew, and fled from his vessel, as he had
previously abandoned the military service in the delicious clime of
Brazil. His parents were poor, indolent, and careless, so that Cha-cha
grew up an illiterate, headstrong youth. Yet, when he touched the soil
of Africa, a new life seemed infused into his veins. For a while, his
days are said to have been full of misery and trouble, but the
Brazilian slave-trade happened to receive an extraordinary impetus
about that period; and, gradually, the adventurous refugee managed to
profit by his skill in dealing with the natives, or by acting as
broker among his countrymen. Beginning in the humblest way, he stuck
to trade with the utmost tenacity till he ripened into an opulent
factor. The tinge of native blood that dyed his complexion, perhaps
qualified him peculiarly for this enterprise. He loved the customs of
the people. He spoke their language with the fluency of a native. He
won the favor of chief after chief. He strove to be considered a
perfect African among Africans; though, among whites, he still
affected the graceful address and manners of his country. In this way,
little by little, Cha-cha advanced in the regard of all he