, and the slaves were ordered upon deck. The day was passed
in landing them. I was ravenously hungry, and asked Ingram whether they
intended to starve us. He went up the ladder to call for victuals, when
he found on the upper step of the ladder a large vessel full of water
and some cooked provisions, which had probably been put there during the
night. There was enough to last two or three days. The next day passed
and no one came near us, and I had some thoughts of dropping out of the
stern-ports and attempting to swim on shore; but Ingram, who had put his
head out of them as far as he could, told me that we must be at some
distance from the shore, and there were several sharks playing round the
stern, as is always the case with vessels laden with slaves.

The next morning, however, put an end to our suspense; for the companion
was unlocked, and Olivarez, accompanied by four Portuguese, came down
into the cabin, he spoke to them in Portuguese, and they advanced, and,
seizing Ingram and me by the collar, led us up the ladder. I would have
expostulated, but of course could not make myself understood. Olivarez,
however, said:

"Resistance is useless, Mr Musgrave; all you have to do is to go
quietly with these men. As soon as the schooner has sailed, you will be
released."

"Well," replied I, "it may be so, Olivarez; but mark my words, you will
repent this, and I shall see you on a gibbet."

"I trust the wood is not yet out of the ground," replied he; "but I
cannot waste any more words with you."

He then spoke to the Portuguese, who appeared to be government officers
of some kind, and they led us to the gangway; we went into the boat, and
they pulled us to the shore. "Where can they be taking us, Ingram?"
said I.

"Heaven knows, Sir, but we shall find out."

I attempted to speak to the officers, but they cried "_Silentio_," which
word I fully understood to mean "silence," and, finding that I could not
induce them to hear me, I said no more. We landed at a jetty, and were
then led through the streets to a large square. On one side of it was a
heavy building, to which they directed their steps. The door was opened
for us, and we were led in. A paper was produced by our conductors, and
was apparently copied into a book, after which they went away, leaving
us with the people who had received us, and who, by their appearance, I
knew to be gaolers.

"Of what crime am I accused?" inquired I.

No reply was