given, but two of the subordinates took us away, unlocked a
massive door, and thrust us into a large court-yard, full of men of
every colour.

"Well," said I, as the door closed upon us, "we are in gaol at all
events; but the question now is, shall we be released as Olivarez had
stated?"

"It is hard to say," replied Ingram. "The question is, what gaol is
this? Could we find any one who could speak English, we might
discover."

Several of those around us had come towards us to examine us, and then
left us, when, as we were conversing, a negro came up, and, hearing what
we said, addressed us in English.

"Massa want one to speak English--I speak English--some long while on
board English vessel."

"Well, then, my good fellow," said I, "can you tell us what this gaol
is, and what prisoners are confined here for?"

"Yes, massa, everybody know that, suppose he live at Rio. This gaol for
people that go dig diamonds."

"How do you mean?"

"Mean! Massa--people sent here to work in diamond-mines all life long
till they die. Keep 'em here till hab plenty to send up all at one
time. Then guard take them up the country, and they go dig and wash for
diamond. Suppose you find very big diamond, you go free. Suppose not,
den you die there."

"Merciful Heavens!" cried I to Ingram, "then we are condemned as slaves
to the mines."

"Yes," replied Ingram with a sigh. "Well, it's better than working in
the quicksilver-mines. At all events, we shall have fresh air."

"Fresh air, without liberty," cried I, clasping my hands.

"Come, Sir, courage, we do not yet know our fate. Perhaps we may, as
Olivarez said, be allowed to go free after the schooner sails."

I shook my head, for I was convinced otherwise.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

THE DIAMOND-MINES, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE--I LOSE MY FRIEND INGRAM, AND
ANOTHER ACQUAINTANCE, BUT THEY BOTH LEAVE ME VALUABLE LEGACIES.

After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to
nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven
into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials,
and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of
escape. I was never in such a scene of filth and wretchedness. There
was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some
way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were
negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred
window