ld now perceive,
projecting from among the mangrove bushes, a long spit of white sand,
from which to the opposite shore ran a line of foam, marking the bar
which we had to cross. The heat was intense, making the pitch bubble up
between the seams of the deck, while down below the air was horribly
stifling. It seemed surprising that the poor wounded fellows could live
in it; but they had got accustomed to a close atmosphere, I suppose, and
were, at all events, saved from feeling the direct rays of the sun. The
whites of the crew sought shelter wherever a particle of shade existed,
although the black and brown men, of whom there were several, appeared
indifferent to the heat--the black cook and his mate actually sitting on
the top of the caboose and smoking their pipes, with the advantage of a
fire beneath them. I expected to see them begin to broil, but they were
evidently enjoying themselves. Thus it lasted for a couple of hours,
until the sea-breeze set in, when all sail was instantly made, and the
ship was headed up for the bar. The breeze increased. As we got nearer
we caught sight of a canoe and half a dozen black fellows coming off to
assist us. We accordingly hove to, that they might be able to get up
the side, when a huge fellow in a broad-brimmed straw hat and a pair of
trousers with pink stripes came on deck, and walking up to the captain,
shook hands with him as with an old friend.

"Ah, massa cap'n, glad to see you 'gain. You take plent slavy--him dare
all ready;" and he pointed up the river.

"All right, Master Pogo. Take care that you don't put my ship ashore
though, as you did Captain Watman's. I wonder he did not shoot you
through the head for your carelessness. I wouldn't scruple to do so,
let me tell you."

Pogo grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "Me take good care, cap'n," he
answered; and stepping up to the break of the poop, he took his post
there that he might con the vessel. He looked around him and then
surveyed the shore.

"Starboard a little," he sung out. "Now steady, dat will do. Now we go
in like shot," he added, turning to the captain, who significantly
touched the butt of one of the pistols in his belt.

As the line of surf was approached, Pogo became more energetic in his
actions. He shouted to the crew, "Stand by the braces, tacks, and
sheets!" The wind began to fail, and he knew well that a puff coming
down the river might take the ship aback, and drive her on shor