t should he again be found speaking to the slaves
he would be shackled along with them.

We ran down the coast and came to an anchorage in-shore. There were
numerous huts and several large canoes drawn up on the beach, on which a
heavy surf was breaking. In a short time people appeared collecting
from all quarters and a canoe came off with a burly negro on board, who,
as he climbed up the side was treated with great ceremony. He was, I
found, the king of that part of the country, his chief revenue being
derived from slave dealing. His business with the captain was quickly
concluded. A signal was made from the vessel, and soon afterwards I saw
a long line of slaves coming forth from behind a wood which concealed
the barracoons where they had been confined. They were marched down to
the canoes, and thrust in one after the other in spite of their
struggles.

The canoes were now launched, and began to make their way through the
surf. Three succeeded in getting alongside, but the fourth was
overturned by a heavy roller, and the unfortunate passengers thrown out
amid the foaming waters. Some, as if thus glad to escape from their
persecutors, sank without making a struggle for life; others clung to
the canoe, and a few were either washed back on the beach or picked up
by the surrounding canoes, to which the crew had already made their way.
Eight or ten human beings thus lost their lives, but the event seemed
to cause no concern to the captain or his officers. He had only agreed
to pay for those brought off to him in safety. The embarkation
continued as before, and we were soon surrounded by canoes full of
slaves, who were forthwith hoisted on board and stowed below. Their
price, chiefly in goods, was then lowered into the canoes, which
returned to the shore with much more caution than they had come out.

Two days afterwards we obtained an other addition to our cargo still
further down the coast. On this occasion we brought up in a sheltered
bay. Here the slaves were conveyed on large rafts. Every expedition
was used in getting them on board, for news had been received that an
English cruiser was in the neighbourhood. The moment they were stowed
away the anchor was hove-up and sail was made.

As we were going out, and appeared to be clear of the harbour, I heard a
grating sound, and felt the vessel's keel touch the ground. At the same
moment the look-out from the mast-head gave notice that a sail was in
sigh