a thick
damp ague-and-fever giving fog. In vain they looked out for the
_Archer_. They began to fear that she might have followed the vessel
after which she had gone in chase to a considerable distance, thus
delaying the expedition they were so anxious to undertake in search of
the other boat. As the sun rose, however, his rays began a struggle
with the mist, and, aided by a light breeze which sprung up from the
northward, finally triumphed, and rolling off their adversary, they
beamed forth on the dancing blue waters, and on the white canvas of the
brig, which came gliding on majestically towards them, followed by
another vessel, which she had overtaken and captured. The prize had
half a cargo of slaves on board, and was on her way up to another place
where her owners had agents to complete it. The first question which
Alick and Terence asked on getting on board the _Archer_, was for Rogers
and the other boat's crew. Their hearts sank within them, when they
found that nothing had been seen of the boat. Captain Grant listened to
all the information they could give, and promptly formed a plan, the
execution of which he entrusted to Hemming and the two midshipmen,
complimenting them at the same time for the gallant way in which they
had captured the slaver and brought her out of the river.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

TO FIGHT HIS FRIENDS.

Poor Jack Rogers! His lot was indeed a hard one. We left him clinging
to the keel of the schooner, while she was carried on by the rapid
current over the bar, amidst the raging waters and blinding foam. Every
moment he expected to be torn from his hold; but life was dear to him,
and he exerted every particle of strength he possessed to hold on. Now
a sea would come and wash over the vessel, almost drowning him, and
completely preventing him from seeing; then he felt that he was whirled
round and round, till he looked up--but it was only to see another huge
breaker rolling up ready to overwhelm him. He felt the terrific dash of
the wave, its roar sounded in his ears--he was almost stunned. He
prayed that he might be preserved from the terrible danger to which he
was exposed. The roller passed on, leaving him still firmly clutching
the wreck. Again he looked up. The blue sea danced cheerfully before
his eyes; the sun shone brightly; the wreck had drifted clear of the
influence of the breakers. Most grateful he felt at having been thus
far preserved. Still he knew that he