eep on the chest where I had been seated.

I pretended to sleep, although I could not; and I found out by their
conversation that I gained the goodwill not only of the crew, but of the
captain, by my behaviour.

I considered that I had gained my life, at least for the present; but
what security could I have in such company?

After an hour or two I felt quite recovered, and I thought it advisable
to go on deck. I did so, and went right aft to the negro captain, and
stood before him.

"Well, boy," said he, "why do you come to me?"

"You gave me my life; you're the greatest friend I have here, so I come
to you. Can I do anything?"

"Yes; you may assist in the cabin, if your white blood does not curdle
at the idea of attending on a black man."

"Not at all. I will do anything for them who are kind to me, as you
have been."

"And think it no disgrace?"

"Not the least. Is it a disgrace to be grateful?"

The reader will observe how particularly judicious my replies were,
although but fifteen years old. My dangerous position had called forth
the reflection and caution of manhood.

"Go down into the cabin; you may amuse yourself till I come."

I obeyed this order. The cabin was fitted up equal to most yachts, with
Spanish mahogany and gold mouldings; a beaufet full of silver (there was
no glass) occupied nearly one-half of it; even the plates and dishes
were of the same material. Silver candelabras hung down from the middle
of the beams; a variety of swords, pistols, and other weapons were fixed
up against the bulkhead; a small bookcase, chiefly of Spanish books,
occupied the after-bulkhead, and the portraits of several white females
filled up the intervals; a large table in the centre, a stand full of
charts, half a dozen boxes of cigars, and two most luxurious sofas,
completed the furniture.

A door from the starboard side led, I presumed, to the stateroom, where
the captain slept; but I did not venture to open it.

I surveyed all this magnificence, wondering who this personage could be;
and more still, how it was that the whole of the crew were, as well as
the captain, of the negro race.

We had heard that the pirate we were in search of was a well-known
character--a Spaniard--who went by the name of Chico, and that his crew
consisted of Americans, English, and Spaniards. That this was the
vessel, I knew, from the conversation of the men when I was below for
they called her the Stella.

Now, it a