s must have reached the vessel; but
whether or not they had discovered us remained uncertain. All we could
do was to use our best exertions in getting away from them, by rowing as
hard as we could and keeping our sails spread to the breeze. By this
time we had come abreast of the other raft. I hailed her and told what
I had seen.

"Never fear," cried out Kydd. "We will drive them back if they do
come."

He exhibited several muskets which he had placed on his raft. We also
had taken a couple, and a small quantity of ammunition.

We had got some little way ahead of the other raft, when I proposed
hauling down the sail, not to run away from her. I was about to do so,
when the wind, which had hitherto been getting somewhat lighter, fell
altogether, and we were left on a perfect sea of glass, the other raft
being about a quarter of a mile away from us. The heat was very great;
and as we had been rowing all day, we felt scarcely capable of further
exertion. We had also, we hoped, got beyond the reach of the negroes,
as it was not likely they would follow us so far out to sea. Timbo
asserted that they were black fellows from the interior, as he did not
think the coast natives would have murdered the crew. As we had brought
an ample supply of provisions, we took our meals regularly. Timbo had
provided a small charcoal stove, with which we could boil water, and
make our tea and coffee--a great luxury under the circumstances. We
had, however, to economise our fuel, of which there was but a small
quantity. Considering all things, our spirits rose wonderfully; and I
believe every one of us hoped before long to fall in with a vessel and
be taken on board.

"Our friends on the other raft seem to be making themselves merry,"
observed Stanley. "Listen. They are singing!"

So indeed they were. The sound of their voices, though so far off,
reached us across the smooth water. We had brought some cloaks, with
which we wrapped the young ladies up; and they lay down on the platform
I have described, under the awning, to sleep, the remainder of us
dividing ourselves into watches. The watch below, as we called it,
placed themselves on the other side of the platform, to seek such rest
as could be found. I know, when it was my turn to lie down, I slept as
soundly as I had ever done in my life. The two boys lay down close
together; but during the night I heard poor Natty sobbing. He had
awoke, it seemed, and recollected