.

One or two of the sailors winked at each other as if the news that was
to come would not be very much of a surprise, after all.

"We are so far advanced on our way," continued the captain, "that I
have concluded to let you know who and what we are and where we are
bound. In case we are liable to another overhauling you can better
assist in throwing the intermeddlers off the true scent.

"We fooled them this time, but that was because the boarding officer
was a green one. If an old hand at the business comes aboard it may be
necessary to chuck him over the side and run for it. Therefore it is
right you should know things, in order the more intelligently to obey
orders.

"This schooner is the Wanderer, men. You have shipped on the Wanderer,
bound for the coast of Guinea after negroes for the Cuba market. How
does that suit you?

"If there are any grumblers, speak up. You've got high wages, light
work, good grub, and a chance--if you stand by the ship--to share in
the profits at the end of the voyage. Now, what d'ye say?"

There was some muttering and laying of heads together on the part of
the crew, then one old salt pulled off his cap, ducked his head, and
after carefully transferring a quid of tobacco from his mouth to his
pocket, said:

"If so be the rest don't care, I don't. If so be some on us had knowed
afore we shipped what kind of cargo we was after, we might have thought
twice afore we signed. Niggers is niggers. Some say they is humans,
some say they ain't. But this here shippin' 'em like two legged cattle
be mighty resky nowadays. Less'n we make a heap."

"Oh, you shut up!" interrupted the captain, laughing. "All the
scruples any of you have is concerning the money there is in the
cruise. Am I right?"

"Well, a man's obleeged to look out for number one, cap'n," responded
the fellow, falling back and restoring his quid to his left jaw.

Ralph seemed about to speak, but as Gary's cold, hard eye fell on the
lad, prudence bade him hold his peace. Besides he did not more than
half comprehend the nature of the captain's explanation.

The face of the second mate was a picture of disgust and irresolution.
He said nothing, however, until the captain went below. Then he
followed.

"Captain Gary," said he, when the two were alone in the cabin, "you
should have had my right hand sooner than have got me off on such a
cruise had I known its object before I signed with you."

"I know you,"