urpose of slave traffic was
apparent at the first glance; and they were, moreover, completely fitted
for that traffic, for they had slave-decks, and had manacles, meal, and
water on board, but no slaves.

The report of Mr Seaton, the first lieutenant, who presently came
aboard, was eminently satisfactory. The expedition had succeeded in
locating the two ships on the previous night before the setting of the
moon, and had then lain in ambush behind a point only some two cables
lengths from their prey until about two o'clock the next morning, when,
with muffled oars, they had pulled alongside the two craft
simultaneously, boarded them without resistance, surprised and
overpowered the anchor-watch, and secured the crews under hatches. This
having been done, and prize crews having been placed in charge of both
vessels, the remainder of the party, led by Mr Seaton, had landed and
captured an extensive slave factory, the occupants of which were
evidently preparing for the reception of a large coffle of slaves, and
set fire to it, burning the whole place to the ground. And all this had
been accomplished at the cost of only two men slightly-wounded. The
expedition had thus been completely successful, for the _Dona Inez_ was
the craft the capture of which had been its especial object, while we
had secured in addition a second prize and had destroyed a factory.

Immediately after breakfast the captain proceeded to make his
arrangements with regard to the prizes. First of all, the crew of the
_Francesca_, were transferred to the _Dona Inez_, and, with the crew of
the latter vessel, safely confined in her hold; then the prize crews
were strengthened; and, finally, the brig was placed under the command
of Mr Fawcett. Then the captain sent for me.

"Mr Grenvile," said he, "I am going to prove to you, by placing you in
command of the _Francesca_, that the loss of the _Dolores_ has in no
wise shaken my confidence in you. I remember, of course, that you are
on the sick list; but I have consulted the surgeon relative to my
proposed arrangement, and he assures me that a few days at sea will be
far better for your health than remaining on the coast aboard the
_Shark_. Your duties will be easy, for I intend to send with you Jones
and Simpson, the boatswain's and carpenter's mates, who were with you in
the _Dolores_, and a rather stronger crew than you had in that craft.
You may also have Mr Keene to keep you company. You will sail