re sorry
for myself and my people. I don't want to be knifed by a set o' hangdog
rubbish from all parts o' the world. I'm a peaceable man, mister, but
you're a cap'en of a man-o'-war, I suppose?"

"Chief officer," said the lieutenant.

"And what's him?" said the American, jerking his thumb over his shoulder
in the direction of the midshipman. "Young chief officer?"

"Junior officer."

"Oh, his he? Well, I tell you what: yew both go and act like
men-o'-war. Sail up close to that schooner, fire your big guns, and
send her to the bottom of the river."

"And what about the poor slaves?" said Murray excitedly.

"Eh, the black stuff?" said the American, scratching his chin with his
forefinger. "Oh, I forgot all about them. Rather bad for them, eh,
mister?"

"Of course," said the lieutenant. "No, sir, that will not do. I want
to take the schooner, and make her captain and crew prisoners."

"Yew'll have to look slippery then, mister. But what about the
niggers?"

"I shall take them with the vessel to Lagos or some other port where a
prize court is held, and the judge will no doubt order the best to be
done with them."

"Which means put an end to the lot, eh?" said the American.

"Bah! Nonsense!" cried Murray indignantly.

"Is it, young mister? Well, I didn't know. It ain't my business. Yew
go on and do what's right. It's your business. I don't keer so long as
I'm not mixed up with it. I've on'y got one life, and I want to take
keer on it. Now we understand one another?"

"Not quite," said the lieutenant.

"Why, what is there as yew can't take in?"

"Nothing," said the lieutenant. "I quite see your position, and that
you do not wish to run any risks with the slaver captain and his men."

"Not a cent's worth if I can help it."

"And quite right, sir," said the lieutenant; "but I take it that you
know this slaver skipper by sight?"

"Oh, yes, I know him, mister--quite as much as I want to."

"And you know where he trades to?"

"West Injies."

"No, no; I mean his place here."

"Oh, you mean his barracks and sheds where the chief stores up all the
black stuff for him to come and fetch away?"

"Yes, that's it," cried Murray excitedly.

"Have the goodness to let me conclude this important business, Mr
Murray," said the lieutenant coldly.

"I beg your pardon, sir," said Murray, turning scarlet; "I was so
excited."

"That's one for you, mister young chief officer," said the American,