r by my colour, that if you go
away in the schooner, the moment you shove off, they shall go over the
gunwale."

"My choice is then made," replied I; for I knew that when he swore by
his colour he was in earnest: "release them, and I will remain here." I
little knew what I was to undergo in consequence of this decision.

"Be it so," said Vincent: then turning to one of the mates, "let them go
back with the negroes; hoist the boat up when she returns, and sail for
the Rendezvous." So saying, he went down into the cabin.

"You are saved," said I, going up to the old Dutch gentleman; "lose no
time; get into the boat as fast as possible, and make sail on your
vessel as soon as you get on board. Good bye, little girl," said I,
taking her hand.

"I thank you," replied the gentleman in good English--"I cannot say how
much; I am so surprised at what I have seen but recollect the name of
Vanderwelt, of Curacao; and if ever we meet again, you will find me
grateful."

"I will; but ask no more questions now--into the boat--quick," said I,
shaking his proffered hand. They were handed down into the boat by the
negroes.

I remained on deck until they were put on board; the boat returned, was
hoisted up, the schooner made sail again, and then I went down into the
cabin. I found the negro captain stretched upon the sofa, his face
covered up with both his hands; he remained in the same position, taking
no notice of my coming down. Although my confidence in him was
destroyed after his snapping the pistol at me, yet when I reflected how
I had bearded him in his rage, I did make some excuse for him; moreover,
I knew that it was my interest to be on the best terms with him, and, if
possible, make him forget what had passed, for I felt that his proud
spirit would make it difficult for him to forgive himself for having
been induced by his passion to break an oath which he had sworn to by
his colour; I therefore, after a little reflection, went up to him and
said--

"I am sorry that I made you so angry, Captain Vincent; you must forgive
me, but I thought that deed beneath you, and I could not bear to have a
bad opinion of you."

"Do you mean to assert that you have not a bad opinion of me now?"
replied he, fixing his eyes upon me.

"No, certainly not; you have released those I pleaded for, and I am very
grateful to you for having done so."

"You have made me do what I never did before," replied he, raising
himself and sittin