ssistance, that Murray told him one of his chief objects in coming to
Mozambique was to obtain an interpreter who could thoroughly be trusted.

"I know the man for you," said the governor; "though not a beauty, he is
worthy of confidence--knows the whole coast and the tricks of the
slave-dealers, and would obtain for you all the information you require.
I'll give directions to have him sent on board, and you can there make
any arrangements you think fit."

Murray having thanked the governor for his courtesy, he and his party
took a walk round the island. "Faith, for my part, I'd rather be first
lieutenant of the _Opal_ than governor-general of all the Portuguese
settlements in the East put together," exclaimed Adair; "for of all the
undetectable places I ever set foot in, this surpasses them in its
abominations."

Soon after they returned on board, an individual, who announced himself
as the interpreter sent by the governor-general of Mozambique to serve
on board Her Majesty's warship, came up the side.

"And what's your name, my fine fellow?" asked Murray, as he eyed the
unattractive personage. The governor had certainly not belied him when
he described him as destitute of good looks. On the top of his grisly
head he wore a large white turban. His colour might once have been
brown, but it was now as black as that of a negro, frightfully scarred
and marked all over. He had but one eye, and that was a blinker, which
twisted and turned in every direction when he spoke, except at the
person whom he was addressing. His lips were thick, his nostrils
extended--indeed, his countenance partook more of the negro than of the
Arab type. His feet were enormous, with toes widely spread. He wore a
loose jacket, striped with blue, over a dirty cotton coat reaching to
his knees, and huge blue baggy trousers.

"Me Haggis ben Hamed at your sarvice, Senor Capitan," he answered,
making a salaam; "me undertake show where you find all the slaves on the
coast, and ebbery big ship and dhow that sails."

"And what payment do you expect for rendering us these services?" asked
Murray.

"Forty pesados for one month, sar; eighty, if I take one dhow; and
hundred and sixty, if I help you to one big ship."

"Pretty heavy payment, Master Hamed," observed Murray.

"Ah, Senor Capitan, you not take one vessel without my help--you see,"
answered the interpreter, drawing himself up and looking very important.
Murray suspected that he was r