ck, sir; you
must not stop to get your things; you must send for them after you're
committed."

The mate and several of the crew being near, at once gathered around
him. At the same time Dunn, who was standing at the end of the wharf
awaiting the result, thinking Dusenberry was opposed, came to his
assistance. The officers and crew knew the respect due to the laws too
well to oppose any obstacles to the constables in executing their duty.
The mate, in a very polite manner, asked as a favor that they would
leave the man a few minutes until the Captain came on deck. They yielded
to his solicitation after a great deal of grumbling. The arrest made a
deep feeling among the seamen, but none felt it more than little Tommy;
he heard the noise upon deck, and came running with tears in his eyes,
and cried, "Oh! Manuel, why Manuel, what are they going to take you
away for? Won't I see you again, Manuel?" The little fellow's simplicity
touched the feelings of all present. But the lame officer, Dunn, stood
with a pair of handcuffs in his hand, as unmoved as a stoic, while
Dusenberry expressed his impatience, and began to push the boy away, and
motion to march him off.

"Hold a bit!" said the mate. "The Captain will be on deck in a few
minutes; he wants a word or two with you."

"We can't stop unless we're compensated for our time. 'Tis no use to
delay-'twon't do any good; he's a nigger to all intents and purposes. I
know by the curl in his hair-they can't escape me, I've had too much to
do with them!" said Dunn. "Yes, to be sure, I can tell a nigger by his
ear, if his skin's as white as chalk!" said Dusenberry. "It's all gammon
this bringing bright outlandish men here, and trying to pass them off
for white folks. 'Twon't stick-you must come up and be registered, and
you'll have a good time at the jail, my boy; there's plenty of bright
gals in there, and you can have a wife, if you know how to do the
courting."

The Captain now came upon deck; and began to intercede, begging that
they would not take Manuel away until he had seen the British Consul. "I
know I can make every thing straight. There is no occasion to imprison
my steward-he's neither a nigger nor a bad man; and I'll pledge you my
honor that he shall not leave the ship, or even go upon the wharf, if
you will only allow me to see the Consul before you take any further
action," he continued.

"That is beyond our power, sir; you must see the sheriff-you'll find him
in