nclined to laugh, but my
mirthful inclinations were soon dissipated. The serious tone of my
companion's voice, and, above all, the earnest manner of the skipper and
king, as they talked the subject between them, at once proved that the
thing was no joke.

The captain did not at first appear desirous of acceding to the request
of the negro; but the latter appeared to press the point with so much
solicitation and earnestness that the white ruffian, stimulated by
feelings of cupidity, evidently began to yield. Five blacks were
offered in exchange for me--so Brace said, and they were now squabbling
about a sixth! The captain had, in fact, virtually consented to sell
me--it was only a question of price!

I was perfectly horrified when I learned this much. Brace himself was
greatly troubled--for he knew well that the brute in whose power I was
would have no scruples in making such a bargain. The only reason he
refused at first was because he had found me useful on board his barque,
but if he could add six able-bodied blacks to his cargo--six that would
fetch 200 pounds each on the Brazilian coast, that would be a
consideration that would far outbalance any service of mine. Of course
he felt no responsibility about the matter. To whom was he
accountable?--a slaver! an outlaw! Where and when was I ever to report
or punish him! Nowhere and never. He might have sold me into slavery a
dozen times--taken my life, if it had so pleased him, without the
slightest danger of being called to account for it--and he well knew
this.

No wonder then I became horrified. The idea of becoming the slave of
that hideous and greasy savage--that cruel monster--a wholesale dealer
in human lives--a trafficker in flesh and blood. Oh! it was revolting!

I can hardly describe the remainder of that trying scene. I was in such
agony I knew not how to act, or what to say. I remember being told that
the bargain was concluded, that the king had agreed to give six blacks
for me, and the skipper had consented to take them; and to prove that
this was really so, I saw the latter step out of the boat and return to
the hut, arm in arm with the gross savage. They were gone, so said
Brace, to conclude the bargain over a glass of rum.

I raved, and shouted, and threatened, and, perhaps at that moment,
blasphemed. I was not master of my speech, nor yet of my actions. I
was so appalled with the prospect before me that I could have thrown
myself i