the close of the afternoon we were visited by a terrific thunderstorm
accompanied by a perfect deluge of rain, during which, by loosely
spreading all the awnings fore and aft, we were enabled to catch a
sufficient quantity of water to carry us without stint as far at least
as Sierra Leone.

It remained calm until about midnight, when a little breeze sprang up
from the eastward which enabled us to lay our course nicely while it
fanned us along at a speed of about five knots. The next morning broke
bright and clear; and with the first of the light the look-out reported
a sail broad on our weather bow. Maxwell, fearing that it might be our
old enemy, the _Francesca_ showing up again, came down at once and
called me, stating his fears, and causing me to rush up on the poop just
as I had sprung from my cot, quite regardless of appearances, although I
could scarcely believe that Mendouca, if indeed we should be so
unfortunate as to fall in with him again, would make his appearance in
the eastern board. I must confess, however, that when I first reached
the deck and beheld the stranger, I experienced a slight qualm of
apprehension, for the craft was undoubtedly square-rigged, forward at
least, and she was steering as straight as a hair for us, with
studding-sails set on both sides, and coming down very fast. A few
minutes' work with the telescope, however, sufficed to remove our
apprehensions, so far at least as the _Francesca_ was concerned, for as
the light grew brighter we were enabled to discern that the stranger was
a brig, and as I continued working away with the glass the vessel seemed
to assume a familiar aspect, as though I had seen her before. At first
I thought that it might possibly prove to be the Spanish brig that had
been anchored just ahead of us off Banana Peninsula; but as she drew
nearer I recognised with intense delight that it was none other than the
dear old _Barracouta_ herself. "And with her appearance," thought I,
"all my troubles are ended; for doubtless Captain Stopford will not only
lend me men enough to carry the ship to Sierra Leone, but will also
escort me thither."

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

TO THE CONGO AGAIN UPON A SPECIAL MISSION.

There was very great delight manifested fore and aft when I was able to
announce that it was a British man-o'-war that was bearing down upon us;
for all hands felt, like myself, that we had only to state our recent
experiences to secure her protection at l