 Preface and Chapter 1 of Black Ivory by R. M. Valentine. This is a LibreVox recording. All LibreVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org. Recording by Tom Weiss. Black Ivory by R. M. Valentine. Preface In writing this book, my aim has been to give a true picture in outline of the slave trade as it exists at the present time on the east coast of Africa. In order to do this, I have selected from the most trustworthy sources what I believe to be the most telling points of the trade, and have woven these together into a tail, the warp of which is composed of thick cords of fat, the wolf of slight lines of fiction just sufficient to hold the fabric together. Exaggeration has easily been avoided because, as Dr. Livigstin says in regard to the slave trade, exaggeration is impossible. If the reader's taste should be offended by finding the tragic and comic elements in too close proximity, I trust that he will bear in remembrance that such is life, and that the writer, who would be true to life, must follow, not lead, nature. I have to acknowledge myself indebted to Dr. Ryan, late Bishop Amorishas, to the Reverend Charles New, interpreter to the Livigstin Search Expedition, to Edward Hutchinson Esquire, lay secretary to the Church Missionary Society, and others for kindly furnishing me with the information in connection with the slave trade. Besides examining the parliamentary blue books which treat of this subject, I have read or consulted, among others, the various authoritative works to which reference is made in the footnotes sprinkled throughout this book, all of which works bear the strongest possible testimony to the fact that the horrible traffic in human beings is, in all respects, as bad at the present time on the east coast of Africa as it ever was on the west coast in the days of labor force. I began my tale in the hope that I might produce something to interest the young, for chance also the old, in a most momentous cause, the total abolition of the African slave trade. I close it with the prayer that God may make it a tooth in the file which shall eventually cut the chains of slavery and set the black man free. R. M. Valentine, 1873. End of Preface. Chapter 1 Shows that a good beginning may sometimes be followed by a bad ending. Six feet water in the hole, sir. That would not have been a pleasant announcement to the captain of the Aurora at any time, but its unpleasantness was vastly increased by the fact that it greeted him near the termination of what had been, up to that point of time, an exceedingly prosperous voyage. Are you sure, Davis, asked the captain, try again. He gave the order under the influence of that feeling which is styled hoping against hope and himself accompanied the ship's carpenter to see it obeyed. Six feet, two inches, was the result of this investigation. The vessel a large English brig had sprung a leak and was rolling heavily in a somewhat rough sea off the east coast of Africa. It was no consolation to her captain that the shores of the great continent were visible on his lee, because a tremendous surf roared along the whole line of the coast, threatening destruction to any vessel that should venture to approach, and there was no harbor of refuge nigh. She, sinking fast, Mr. Cedrift, said the captain to a stout, frank-looking youth of about twenty summers, who lent against the bullhawks and gazed wistfully at the land. The carpenter cannot find the leak and the rate at which the water is rising shows that she cannot float long. What then do you propose to do, inquired young Cedrift, with a troubled expression of countenance? Abandon her, replied the captain. Well, you may do so, captain, but I shall not forsake my father's ship as long as she can float. Why not beat her somewhere on the coast? By doing so we might save part of the cargo, and at all events shall have done the utmost that lay in our power. Look at that coast, returned the captain. Where would you beat her? No doubt there is smooth water inside the reef, but the channels through it, if there be any here, are so narrow that it would be almost certain death to make the attempt. The youth turned away without replying. He was sorely perplexed. Just before leaving England, his father had said to him, Harold my boy, there's your chance for paying a visit to the land you've read and talked so much about, and wish so often to travel through. I have chartered a brig, and shall send her out to Zanzibar with a cargo of beads, cotton cloth, brass wire, and such like. What say you to go as supercargo? Of course you wouldn't be able to follow in the steps of Livingston or Mungo Park, but while the brig is at Zanzibar you will have an opportunity of running across the channel, the island being only a few miles from the main, and having a short run up country to see the niggers and perchance have a slap at a hippopotamus. I'll line your pockets so that you won't lack the sinews of war without which travel either at home or abroad is but sorry work, and I shall only expect you to give a good account of ship and cargo on your return. Come, is it fixed? Need we say that Harold leaped joyfully at the proposal? And now here he was, called on to abandon the Aurora to her fate as we have said near the end of a prosperous voyage. No wonder that he was perplexed. The crew were fully aware of the state of matters. By the captain's orders they stood ready to lower the two largest boats into which they had put much of their worldly goods and provisions as they could hold with safety. Court, court your helm, said the captain to the man at the wheel. Court it is, sir, replied the man at the wheel, who was one of those broad shouldered, big-chested, loose-garminate, wide-trousered, bare-necked, free and easy, offhand jovial Tars who have done so much in years gone by to increase the wealth and prosperity of the British Empire, and who, although confessingly scarce, are considerably allowed to perish in hundreds annually on our shores for one of a little reasonable legislation. But cheer up ye jolly Tars. There is a glimmer of sunrise on your political horizon. It really does seem as if, in regard to you, there were at last a good time coming. Court, court, repeated the captain with a glance at the compass and the sky. Court it is, sir, again replied the jovial one. Steady, lower away the boat lads, now Mr. C. Drift, said the captain, turning with an air of decision to the young supercargo. The time has come for you to make up your mind. The water is rising in the hold and the ship is, as you see, settling fast down. I need not say to you that it is with the utmost regret I find it necessary to abandon her, but self-preservation and the duty I owe to my men render the step absolutely necessary. Do you intend to go with us? No, captain, I don't, replied Harold Cedra firmly. I do not blame you for consulting for your own safety and doing what you believe to be your duty, but I have already said that I shall stick by the ship as long as she can float. Well, sir, I regret it, but you must do as you think best, replied the captain, turning away. Now lads, jump in. The men obeyed, but several of those who were last to quit the ship looked back and called to the free and easy man who still stood at the wheel. Come along, disco, we'll have to shove off directly. Shove off when you please, replied the man at the wheel in a deep rich voice, whose tones were indicative of a sort of good-humored contempt. What I means for it to do is to stop where I am. It'll never be said of disco Lillahammer that he forsook the owner's son in distress. But you go to the bottom, man, if you don't come. Well, what if I do? I'd rather go to the bottom with a brave man that remained at the top with a set of fine fellers like you. Some of the men received this reply with a laugh. Others frowned, and a few swore, while some of them looked regretfully at their self-willed shipmate, for it must not be supposed that all the Tars who float upon the sea are of the bold-candid, open-handed type, though we really believe that a large proportion of them are so. Be this as it may. The boats left the brig, and were soon far astern. Thank you, Lillahammer, said Harold, going up and grasping the horny hand of the self-sacrificing sea-dog. This is very kind of you, though I fear it may cost you your life. But it is too late to talk of that. We must fix on some plan and act at once. The weary thing, sir, said disco quietly that was running in my own mind, because it's very clear that we ain't got too many minutes to spare in confabulation. Well, what do you suggest? Better you, sir, said disco, pulling his forelock. You are capped in now, and ought to give orders. Then I think the best thing we can do, rejoin Harold, is to make straight for the shore, search for an opening in the reef, run through, and beach the vessel on the sand. What say you? As there's nothing else left for us to do, replied disco, that's exactly what I think, too, and the sooner we does it, the better. Down with the helm, then, cried Harold springing forward, and I'll ease off the sheets. In a few minutes the Aurora was surging before a stiff breeze towards the line of foam which indicated the outlying reef, and inside of which all was comparatively calm. If we can only manage to get inside, said Harold, we shall do well. Disco made no reply. His whole attention was given to steering the brig, and running his eyes anxiously along the breakers, the sound of which increased to a thunderous roar as they drew near. There seems something like a channel yonder, said Harold, pointing anxiously to a particular spot in the reef. I see it, sir, was the curt reply. A few minutes more of suspense and the brig drove into the supposed channel and struck with such violence that the foremass snapped off near the deck and went over the side. God help us, we're lost, exclaimed Harold, as a towering wave lifted the vessel up and hurled her like a plaything on the rocks. Stand by to jump, sir, cried Disco. Another breaker came roaring in at the moment. Overwhelmed the brig, rolled her over on her beam ends and swept the two men out of her. They struggled gallantly to free themselves from the wreck, and succeeding with difficulty, swam across the sheltered water to the shore, on which they finally landed. Harold's first exclamation was one of thankfulness for their deliverance, to which Disco replied with a hearty amen, and then turning around and surveying the coast while he slowly thrust his hands into his wet trousers pockets, wondered whereabouts in the world they had got to. To the east coast of Africa, to be sure, observed the young supercargo with a slight smile as he rung the water out of the foot of his trousers, the place we were bound for, you know? Very good, so here we are, come to an anchor. Well, I only wish he had it sitting down on a piece of driftwood and rummaging in the pockets before referred to as if in search of something. I only wish I'd kept on my waistcoat as all my back is there, and it would be a real comfort to have a quid in the circumstances. It was fortunate for the wrecked voyagers that the set of the current had carried portions of their vessel to the shore at a considerable distance from the spot where they had landed, because a band of natives armed with spears and bows and arrows had watched the wreck from the neighboring heights and had hastened to that part of the coast on which they knew from experience the cargo would be likely to drift. The heads of the swimmer's being but small specks in the distance had escaped observation. Thus they had landed unseen. The spot was near the entrance to a small river or creek which was partially concealed by the formation of the land and by mangrove trees. Disco was the first to observe that they had not been cast on an uninhabited shore. While gazing round him and casting about in his mind what was best to be done, he heard shouts and hastening to a rocky point that hit part of the coast from his view looked cautiously over it and saw the natives. He'd beckoned Disco who joined him. They haven't a friendly look about him, observed the seamen, and they've somewhat scant in the manner of clothing. Discos are often deceptive, returned his companion, but I have so far agreed with you that I think our wisest course would be to retire into the woods and their consult as to our future proceedings for it is quite certain that as we cannot live on sand and saltwater, neither can we safely sleep in wet clothes or on the bare ground in a climate like this. Hastening towards the entrance to the creek, the unfortunate pair entered the bushes through which they pushed with some difficulty until they gained a spot sufficiently secluded for their purpose when they observed that they had passed through a belt of underwood beyond which there appeared to be an open space. A few steps further and they came out on a sort of natural basin formed by the creek in which floated a large boat of a peculiar construction with very piratical looking lateen sails. Their astonishment at this unexpected sight was increased by the fact that on the opposite bank of the creek there stood several men armed with muskets which latter were immediately pointed at their breasts. The first impulse of the shipwrecked friends was to spring back into the bushes, the second to advance and hold up their empty hands to show that they were unarmed. Hold on, exclaimed Disco, in a free and easy confidential tone, where friends we are, shipwrecked mariners we is, so ground arms my lads and make your minds easy. One of the men made some remark to another, who from his oriental dress was easily recognized by Harold as one of the Arab traders of the coast, his men appeared to be half-castes. The Arab nodded gravely and said something which induced his men to lower their muskets, then with a wave of his hand he invited the strangers to come over the creek to him. This was rendered possible by the breath of the boat already mentioned being so great that, while one side touched the right bank of the creek, the other was within four or five feet of the left. Without hesitation Harold Cedrif bound it lightly from the bank to the half-deck of the boat and stepping ashore walked up to the Arab, closely followed by his companion. Do you speak English? asked Harold. The Arab shook his head and said, Arabic, Portuguese. Harold therefore shook his head. Then with a hopeful look said, French, interrogatively. The Arab repeated the shake of his head. But after a moment's thought said, I know little English, speak, where comes you? We have been wrecked, began Harold. The Arab glanced gravely at his dripping clothes as if to say, I had guessed as much. And this man and I are the only survivors of the crew of our ship, at least the only two who swam on shore. The others went off in the boat. Come you from man of war? asked the Arab with a keen glance at the candid continents of the youth. No, our vessel was a traitor bound for Zanzibar. She now lies in fragments on the shore and we have escaped with nothing but the clothes on our backs. Can you tell us whether there is a town or a village in the neighborhood? For as you see we stand sorely in need of clothing, food, and shelter. We have no money, but we have good muscles and stout parts, and could work our way well enough, I doubt not. Young Cedrift said this modestly, but the remark was unnecessary, for it would have been quite obvious to a man of much less intelligence than the Arab that a youth who, although just entering on the age of manhood, was six feet high, deep chested, broad shouldered, and as lithe as a kitten could not find any difficulty in working his way, while his companion, though a little older, was evidently quite as capable. There be no town, no village, for fifty miles from where you stand, replied the Arab. Indeed, exclaimed Harold in surprise, for he had always supposed the East African coast to be rather populace. That's a blue outlook anyhow, observed Discow, for it necessitates starvation, unless this good gentleman will hire us to work his craft. It ain't very ship-shaped to be sure, but anything of a seed-going craft comes more or less handy to an old salt. The trader listened with the politeness and profound gravity that seems to be characteristic of Oriental's, but by no sign or expression showed whether he understood what was said. I go to Zanzibar, said he, turning to Harold, and will take you, so you wish. There was something sinister in the man's manner which Harold did not like, but as he was destitute, besides being in the arrow's power and utterly ignorant of the country, he thought it best to put a good face on matters, and therefore thanked him for his kind offer and assured him that on reaching Zanzibar he would be in a position to pay for his passage as well as that of his friend. May I ask, continue Harold, what your occupation is? I am trader. Harold thought he would venture another question. In what sort of goods do you trade? Ivory. Some be white, and some be what your countrymen do call black. Black, exclaimed Harold in surprise, is black, replied the trader. White Ivory do come from the elephant, hymn's tusk. Black Ivory do come. He smiled slightly at this point, from the land everywhere's, it be's our chief article of trade. Indeed, I never heard of it before. No, replied the trader, you shall see it much here. But I go talk with my man's. Wait. Saying this in a tone which savored somewhat unpleasantly a command, the arrow went towards a small hut near to which his men were standing, and entered into conversation with them. It was evident that they were ill-pleased with what he said at first, for there was a good deal of remonstrance in their tones, while they pointed frequently in a certain direction which seemed to indicate the coastline. But by degrees their tones changed, and they laughed and chuckled a good deal, as if greatly tickled by the speech of the Arab who, however, maintained a look of dignified gravity all the time. I don't like the looks of them, fellers, remarked Disco, after observing them in silence for some time. They're a cutthroat set, I'm quite sure, and if you'll take my advice, Mr. Sidriff, will give them a slip and try to hon up one of the native villages. I shouldn't wonder now if that chap was a slave trader. The same idea has occurred to myself, Disco, replied Harold, and I would willingly leave him if I thought there was a town or village within twenty miles of us. But we are ignorant on that point, and I have heard enough of the African climate to believe that it might cost us our lives if we were obliged to spend a night in the jungle without fire, food, or covering, and with nothing on but a wet flannel shirt and pair of canvas breeches. No, no, lad, we must not risk it. Although some Arabs are slave traders, it does not follow that all are. This fellow may turn out better than he looks. Disco Lilihammer experienced some sensations of surprise on hearing his young friend's remark on the climate, for he knew nothing whatever about that of Africa, having sailed chiefly in the Arctic seas as a whaler, and labored under the delusion that no climate under the sun could in any degree affect his hearty and well-seasoned frame. He was too respectful, however, to let his thoughts be known. Meanwhile the Arab returned. I sail this night, he said, when moon go down, that that far before midnight you must keep by boat here, close. If you go this way or that, the niggers kill you. They not come here. They know I is here. I go look after my goods and chattels, my black ivory. May we go with thee, mister. What's your name? My name? Yusuf replied the Arab in a tone and with a look which were meant to command respect. Well, mister Yusuf continued Disco. If we may make bold to ask leave or to go with thee, we could lend thee a helping hand, do you see? To carry your goods and chattels down to the boat. There is no need, said Yusuf, waving his hand, and pointing to the hut before mentioned. Go, you can rest till we sail. Sleep you will need it. There is little rice in the hut. Eat that and make fire. Dry yourselves. So saying, the Arab left them by a path leading into the woods along which his men, who were Portuguese half-castes, had preceded him. Make fire indeed, exclaimed Disco. As he walked with his companion to the hut, one would think from the free and easy way in which he tells us to make it that he's in the habit himself of striking it out of the point of his own nose or some such convenient fashion. More likely to flash it out of his eyes, I should think, said Harold. But see here, the fellow knew what he was talking about. There is fire among these embers on the hearth. That's true, replied Disco, going down on his knees and blowing them carefully. In a few minutes a spark leaked into a flame, wood was heaped on, and the flame speedily became a rousing fire before which they dried their garments while the pot of rice was put on to boil. Stareously had they proceeded thus far in their preparations when two men armed with muskets were seen to approach, leading a negro girl between them. As they drew nearer, it was observable that the girl had a brass ring around her neck to which a rope was attached. A slave exclaimed Disco vehemently while the blood rushed to his face. Let's set her free. The indignant seamen had half sprung to his legs before Harold seized him and pulled him back forcibly. Be quiet, man, said Harold quickly. If we could free her by fighting I would help you, but we can't. Evidently we have got into a nest of slavers. Rashness will only bring about our own death. Be wise, bide your time, and we may live to do some good yet. He stopped abruptly for the newcomers had reached the top of the winding path that led to the hut. A look of intense surprise overspread the faces of the two men when they entered and saw the Englishmen sitting comfortably by the fire. And both, as if by instinct, threw forward the muzzles of their muskets. Oh, come in, come in. Make your minds easy, cried Disco, in a half-savage tone, despite the warning he had received. We're all friends here. Least wise, we couldn't help ourselves. Fortunately for our Mariner, the men did not understand him, and before they could make up their minds what to think of it, or how to act, Harold rose, and with a polite vow, invited them to enter. Do you understand English? he asked. A frown, and a decided shake of the head from both men, was the reply. The poor negro girl, powered behind her keepers, as if she feared that violence were about to ensue. Having tried French with a like result, Harold uttered the name Yousuf, and pointed in the direction in which the traitor had entered the woods. The men looked intelligently at each other, and nodded. Then Harold said Zanzibar, and pointed in the direction in which he supposed that the island lay. Again the men glanced at each other and nodded. Harold next said, Both, Dow, and pointed towards the creek, which remark and sign were received as before. Good he continued, slapping himself on the chest, and pointing to his companion. I go to Zanzibar. He goes, She goes, pointing to the girl. You go, and Yousuf goes, all in the Dow, together to Zanzibar. Tonight, when moon goes down, do you understand? Now then, come along and have some rice. He finished up by slapping one of the men on the shoulder and lifting the kettle off the fire, for the rice had already been cooked, and only one at warming. The men looked once again at each other, nodded, laughed, and sat down on a log beside the fire opposite to the Englishman. They were evidently much perplexed by the situation, and not knowing what to make of it were disposed in the meantime to be friendly. While they were busy with the rice, Disco gazed in silent wonder, and with intense pity at the slave girl, who sat a little to one side of her guardians on a mat. Her small hands folded together, resting on one knee, her head drooping, and her eyes cast down. The enthusiastic tar found it very difficult to restrain his feelings. He had heard, of course, more or less about African slavery from shipmates, but he had never read about it and had never seriously given his thoughts to it, although his native sense of freedom, justice, and fair play had aroused a feeling of indignation in his breast whenever the subject chanced to be discussed by him and his mates. But now for the first time in his life, suddenly and unexpectedly, he was brought face to face with slavery. No wonder that he was deeply moved. Why, Mr. Cedrift, he said, in the confidential tone of one who imparts a new discovery, I do honestly confess to ye that I think that's a pretty girl. I quite agree with you, replied Harold Smiling. Aye, but I mean really pretty, you know. I always thought that all niggers had ugly, flat noses and thick blubber lips, but look at that one. Her lips are scarce a bit thicker than those of many a good-looking lass in England, and he don't stick out at all, and her nose ain't flat a bit. It's quite as good as my Nancy's nose, and that's saying a good deal, I tell ye. Moreover, she ain't black, she's brown. It is but justice to Disco to say that he was right in his observations, and to explain that the various Negro tribes in Africa differ very materially from each other. Some of them, as we are told by Dr. Livingston, possessing little of what in our eyes seems the characteristic ugliness of the Negro, such as thick lips, flat noses, protruding heels, etc., but being, in every sense, handsome races of humanity. The slave girl whom Disco admired and pitied so much belonged to one of these tribes, and, as was afterwards a certain, had been brought from the far interior. She appeared to be very young. Nevertheless, there was a settled expression of meek sorrow and suffering on her face, and though handsomely formed, she was extremely thin, no doubt from prolonged hardships on the journey down the coast. Here, have something to eat, explained Disco, suddenly filling a tin plate with rice, and carrying it to the girl who, however, shook her head without raising her eyes. You're not hungry, poor thing, said the seaman in a disappointed tone. You look as if you should be. Come, try it, he added, stooping and patting her head. The poor child looked up as if frightened and shrank from the seaman's touch, but on glancing a second time in his honest face, she appeared to feel confidence in him. Nevertheless, she would not touch the rice until her guardians said something to her sternly, when she began to eat with an appetite that was eloquent. Come now, tell us what your name is, lass, said Disco, when she had finished the rice. Of course, the girl shook her head, but appeared to wish to understand the question, while the Portuguese laughed and seemed amused with the Englishman's eccentricities. Look here now, resumed the tar, slapping his own chest vigorously. Disco, Disco, Disco, that's me, Disco. And this man, patting his companion on the breast, is Harold. Harold, that's him, Harold. Now then, he added, pointing straight at the girl. You. What's your name, eh? A gleam of intelligence shot from the girl's expressive eyes, and she displayed a double row of beautiful teeth, as in a low soft voice she said, Azinte. Come, that's not a bad name. Why, it's a capital one. Just suit it to eat. Well, Azinte, my poor girl, said Disco with a fresh outburst of feeling, as he clenched his horny right hand and dashed it into the palm of his left. If I only knew how to set you free just now, my dear, I'd do it. I, if I was to be roasted alive for so doing, I would. You'll never set anybody free in this world, said Harold Cedriff, with some severity. If you go on talking and acting as you have done today, if these men had not, by good fortune, been ignorant of our language, it's my opinion that they would have blown our brains out before this time. You should restrain yourself, man, he continued, gradually dropping into a monstrative and then into an earnestly confidential tone. We are utterly helpless just now. If you did succeed in freeing that girl at this moment, it would only be to let her fall into the hands of some other slave owner. Besides, that would not set free all the other slaves, male and female, who are being dragged from the interior of Africa. You and I may perhaps do some small matter in the way of helping to free slaves if we keep quiet and watch our opportunity, but we shall accomplish nothing if you give way to useless outbursts of anger. Poor Lillahammer was subdued. You're right, Mr. Cedriff, you're right, sir, and I'm an ass. I never could keep my feelings down. It's all along of my haven't been made too much of by my mother, dear old woman, when I was a boy. But I'll make an effort, sir. I'll clap a stopper on them, bottle them up, and screw them down tight, wary tight, indeed. Disco again sent his right fist into the palm of his left hand with something like the sound of a pistol shot to the no small surprise and the alarm of the Portuguese, and rising went out to cool his heated brow in the open air. And of chapter one, recording by Tom Weiss, Tom's audiobooks dot com, chapter two of Black Ivory by R. M. Valentine. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain, recording by Tom Weiss. Chapter two, Yusuf's Black Ivory. When Yusuf entered the woods as before stated, for the purpose of looking after his property, he followed a narrow footpath for about half a mile, which led him to another part of the same creek, at the entrance of which we introduced him to the reader. Here, under the deep shadow of umbracious trees, floated five large-arrow boats, or dows, similar to the one which had already been referred to. They were quite empty, and apparently unguarded, for when Yusuf went down to the bank and stood on a projecting rock which overlooked them, no one replied to his low-toned hail. Repeating it once and still receiving no answer, he sat quietly down on the rocks, lighted a small pipe, and waited patiently. The boats, as we have said, were empty, but there were some curious appliances in them, having the appearance of chains and wristlets and bars of iron running along and fixed to their decks, or rather to the flooring of their holds. Their long yards and sails were cleared and ready for hoisting. After the lapse of ten or fifteen minutes, Yusuf raised his head, for he had been meditating deeply, if one might judge from his attitude, and glanced in the direction of an opening in the bushes whence issued a silent and singular train of human beings. They were negroes, secured by the necks or wrists, men, women, and children, and guarded by armed half-caste Portuguese. When a certain number of them, about a hundred or so, had issued from the wood, and crowded the banks of the creek, they were ordered to stand still and the leader of the band advanced towards his master. These were some of Yusuf's goods and chattels, his cattle, his black ivory. You have been long in coming, Musa, said the arrow trader, as the man approached. I have, replied Musa, somewhat gruffly, but the road was rough and long, and the cattle were ill-conditioned, as you see. The two men spoke in the Portuguese tongue, but as the natives and settlers on that coast speak a variety of languages and dialects, we have no alternative good renter but to render all into English. Make the more haste now, said Yusuf, get them shipped at once, for we sail when the moon goes down. Pick out the weakest among the lot, those most likely to die, and put them by themselves in the small dow. If we must sacrifice some of our wares to these meddling dogs, the English, we may as well give them the refuse. Without remark, Musa turned on his heel and proceeded to obey orders. Truly, to one unaccustomed to such scenes, it would have appeared that all the negroes on the spot were most likely to die. For a more wretched, starved set of human beings could scarcely be imagined. They had just terminated a journey on foot of several hundreds of miles, with insufficient food and under severe hardships. Nearly all of them were leaned to a degree, many so reduced that they resembled nothing but skeletons with a covering of black leather. Some of the children were very young, many of them mere infants clinging to the backs of the poor mothers who had carried them over mountain and plain through swamp and jungle, in blistering sunshine and pelting rain for many weary days. But prolonged suffering had changed the nature of these little ones, they were as silent and almost as intelligently anxious as their seniors. There were no old pieces of merchandise there. Most were youthful, or in the prime of their life. A few were middle-aged. Difficult though the task appeared to be, Musa soon selected about fifty men and women and a few children who were so fearfully emaciated that their chances of surviving appeared but small. These were cast loose and placed in a sitting posture in the hold of the smallest dow, as close together as they could be packed. Their removal from the bank made room for more to issue from the wood, which they did in a continuous stream. Batch after batch were cast loose and stowed away in the manner already described, until the holds of two of the large boats were filled, each being capable of containing about two hundred souls. This was so far satisfactory to Yusuf, who had expended a great deal of money on the venture, satisfactory even although he had lost a large proportion of the goods, four-fifths at least if not more, by death and otherwise, on the way down to the coast. But that was a matter of little consequence. The price of black ivory was up in the market just at that time, and the worthy merchant could stand a good deal of loss. The embarkation was affected with wonderful celerity and incomparative silence. Only the stern voices of the half cast Portuguese were heard as they ordered the slaves to move, mingled with the occasional clank of a chain. But no sounds proceeded from the thoroughly subdued and worn-out slaves louder than a sigh or a half-suppressed wail with now and then a shriek of pain when some of the weaker among them were quickened into activity by the lash. When all had been embarked, two of the five boats still remained empty, but Yusuf had a pretty good idea of the particular points along the coast where more cattle of a similar kind could be purchased. Therefore, after stationing some of his men armed with muskets to guard the boats, he returned with the remainder of them to the hut in which the Englishman had been left. There he found a zinte and her guardians. He seemed angry with the latter at first, but after a few minutes thought appeared to recover his equanimity, and ordered the men to remove the ropes with which the girl was tethered. Then, bidding her follow him, he left the hut without taking any notice of the Englishman further than to say he would be back shortly before the time of sailing. Yusuf's motions were unusually slow and his means somewhat dignified, but when occasion required he could throw off his oriental dignity and step out with the activity of a monkey. It was so on this occasion, insomuch that a zinte was obliged occasionally to run in order to keep up with him. Proceeding about two miles in the woods along the shore without halt, he came out at length on the margin of a bay, at the head of which lay a small town. It was a sorry-looking place, composed of wretchedly built houses, most of which were thatched with the leaves of the coconut palm. Nevertheless, such as it was, it possessed a mud fort, an army of about thirty soldiers, composed of Portuguese convicts who had been sent there as a punishment for many crimes, a governor who was understood to be honorable, having been placed there by his Excellency the Governor-General at Mozambique who had been himself appointed by his most faithful majesty, the King of Portugal. It was in quest of this governor that Yusuf bent his rapid steps. Besides all the advantages above enumerated, the town drove a small trade in ivory, ebony, indigo, or cello weed, gum copo, coconut oil, and other articles of native produce, and a very large, though secret, trade in human bodies, and, we had almost written, souls, but the worthy people who dwelt there could not fetter souls, although they could, and very often did, set them free. Senor Francisco Alfonso Toledo Bignosso Letoti, the governor, was seated at the open window of his parlor, just before Yusuf made his appearance, conversing lightly with his only daughter, the Srida Margarita, a beautiful brunette of about 18 summers, who had been brought up and educated in Portugal. The governor's wife had died a year before this time in Madrid, and the Srida had gone to live with her father on the east coast of Africa, at which place she had arrived just six weeks previous to the date of the opening of our tale. Among the various boats and vessels at anchor in the bay were seen the tapering mass of a British war steamer. The Srida and her sire were engaged in a gossiping criticism of the officers of this vessel when Yusuf was announced. Audience was immediately granted. Entering the room with Azinta close behind him, the Arabs stopped abruptly on beholding Margarita and bound gravely. Leave us, my child, said the governor in Portuguese. I have business to transact with this man. And why may I not stay to assist you, father, in this wonderful man mystery of transacting business, asked Margarita with an arch smile. Whenever you men want to get rid of women, you frighten them away with business. If you wish not to explain something to us, you shake your wise heads and call it business. Is that not so? Come, Arab, she added, turning with a sprightly air to Yusuf. You are a traitor, I suppose. All Arabs are, I am told. Well, what sort of wares have you got to sell? Yusuf smiled slightly as he stepped aside and pointed to Azinta. The speaking countenance of the Portuguese girl changed as if by magic. She had seen little and thought little about slavery during the brief period of her residence on the coast and had scarcely realized the fact that Sambo, with a thick lips, her father's gardener, or the black cook, and housemaids were slaves. It was the first entrance of a new idea with something like power into her mind when she saw a delicate, mild-looking, and pretty negro girl actually offered for sale. Before she could be think herself of any remark the door opened, an in-walked unannounced, a man on whose somewhat handsome countenance villainy was clearly stamped. Ha! Marisano exclaimed senor Littori, rising. You have thought better of it, I presume. I have, and I agree to your arrangement, replied Marisano in an offhand, surly tone. There is nothing like necessity, returned the governor with a laugh, toward better to enjoy a roving life for a short time with a lightish purse in one's pocket than to attempt to keep a heavy purse with the addition of several ounces of lead in one's breast. How say you? Marisano smiled and shrugged his broad shoulders, but made no reply, for just then his attention had been attracted to the slave girl. For sale he inquired of the Arab carelessly. Yusuf bowed his head slightly. How much? Come, come, gentlemen, interposed the governor, with a laugh and a glance at his daughter. You can settle this matter elsewhere. Yusuf has come here to talk with me on other matters. Now, Margarita dear, you had better retire for a short time. When the senorita had somewhat unwillingly obeyed, the governor turned to Yusuf. I presume you have no objection to Marisano's presence during our interview, seeing that he is almost as well acquainted with your affairs as yourself. As Yusuf expressed no objection, the three drew their chairs together and sat down to a prolonged private and very interesting palaver. We do not mean to try the reader's patience by dragging him through the whole of it. Nevertheless, a small portion of what was said is essential to the development of our tale. Well then, be it as you wish, Yusuf, said the governor, folding up a fresh cigarette. You are one of the most active traders on the coast, and never fail to keep correct accounts with your governor. You deserve encouragement, but I fear that you run considerable risk. I know that, but those who make much must risk much. Bravo! exclaimed Marisano with hearty approval. Nevertheless, those who risk most do not always make most. Contrast yourself with me now. You risk your boats and cattle and become rich. I risk my life and behold, I am fleeced. I have little or nothing left, barely enough to buy younger girl from you, though I think I have enough for that. He pointed as he spoke to Azinta, who stood on the spot where she had been left near the door. Tell me, resumed Senor Litoti, how do you propose to elude the English cruiser, for I know that her captain has got wind of your whereabouts, and is determined to watch the coast closely, and let me tell you, he is a vigorous, intelligent man. You tell me he has a number of captured slaves already in his ship, said Yusuf. Yes, some hundreds, I believe. He must go somewhere to land these, I presume, rejoin the Arab. Yusuf referred here to the fact that, when a British cruiser engaged in the suppression of the slave trade on the east coast of Africa, has captured a number of slaves, she is under the necessity of running to the Seychelles Islands, Aden, or some other British port of discharge, to land them there as free men, because were she to set them free on any part of the coast of Africa, belonging either to Portugal or the Sultan of Zanzibar, they would certainly be recaptured and again enslaved. When therefore the cruisers are absent, it may be two or three weeks of this duty, the traders and human flesh, of course, make the most of their opportunity to run cargoes of slaves to those ports in Arabia and Persia, where they always find a ready market. On the present occasion, Yusuf conceived that the captain of the firefly might be obliged to take this course to get rid of the Negroes already on board, who were, of course, consuming his provisions, besides being an extremely disagreeable cargo, many of them being diseased, and covered with sores owing to their cruel treatment on board the slave-dows. He won't go, however, till he has hundered the coast north and south for you, so he assures me, said the Governor, with a laugh. Well, I must start tonight, therefore I shall give him a small pill to swallow, which will take him out of the way, said Yusuf, rising to leave the room. I wish you both success, said the Governor, as Marisano also rose to depart, but I fear that you will find the Englishman very troublesome. I do. The Arab and the half-caste went out talking earnestly together, and followed by Azanti, and immediately afterwards the senorina, Margarita, entered hurriedly. Father, you must buy that slave girl for me. I want a pretty slave all to myself, she said, with unwanted vehemence. Impossible, my child, replied the Governor kindly, for he was very fond as well as proud of his daughter. Why impossible? Have you not enough of money? Yes, plenty of that, but I fear she has already bespoken, and I should not like to interfere. Bespoken? Do you mean sold? cried Margarita, seizing her father's hand, not sold to that man Marisano. I think she must be by this time, for he's a prompt man of business and not easily thwarted when he sets his mind to a thing. The senorina clasped her hands before her eyes and stood for a moment motionless, then rushing wildly from the room she passed into another apartment, the windows of which commanded a view of a considerable part of the road which led from the house along the shore. There she saw the Arab and his friend walking leisurely along, as if in earnest converse, while Azinta followed meekly behind. The senorina stood gazing at them with clenched hands in an agony of uncertainty as to what course she ought to pursue, and so wrapped up in her thoughts that she failed to observe a strapping young lieutenant of HMS Steamer Firefly who had entered the room and stood close to her side. Now this same lieutenant happened to be wildly in love with senorina Margarita. He had met her frequently at her father's table, where, in company with his captain, he was entertained with great hospitality, and on which occasions the captain was assisted by the governor in his investigations into the slave trade. Lieutenant Lindsay had taken the romantic plunge with all the charming enthusiasm of inexperienced youth and entertained a firm conviction that, if senorina Margarita did not become his, life would thenceforth be altogether unworthy of consideration. Happiness would be a thing of the past, with which he should have nothing more to do, and death at the cannon's mouth or otherwise would be the only remaining gleam of comfort in his dingy future. Something distresses you, I fear, began the lieutenant, not a little perplexed to find the young lady in such a peculiar mood. Margarita started, glanced at him a moment, and then, with flashing eyes and heightened color, pointed at the three figures on the road. Yes, senor, she said, I am distressed deeply so. Look, do you see yonder two men and the girl walking behind them? I do. Quick, lie after them and bring them hither, the Arab and the girl, I mean, not the other man. Oh, be quick, else they will be out of sight, and then she will be lost. Quick, if you, if, if you really mean what you have so often told me. Poor Lindsay, it was rather a sudden and severe testified delity to be set forth to lay violent hands on a man and woman and bring them forcibly to the governor's house without any better reason than that a self-willed girl ordered him so to do. At the same time he perceived that, if he did not act promptly, the retreating figures would soon turn into the town and be hopelessly beyond his power of recognition. But, but he stammered, if they won't come, they must come. Threaten my father's high displeasure. Quick, senor, cried the young lady in a commanding tone. Lindsay flung open the casement and lept through it as being the shortest way out of the house, rushed with undignified speed along the road, and overtook the Arab and his friend as they were about to turn into one of the narrow lanes of the town. Pardon me, said the lieutenant, laying his hand on Yusuf's shoulder in his anxiety to make sure of him. Will you be so good as to return with me to the governor's residence? By whose orders demanded Yusuf with a look of surprise? The orders of senorita Margarita. The Arab-hesitated looked somewhat perplexed and said something in Portuguese to Marisano, who pointed to the slave girl and spoke with considerable vehemence. Lindsay did not understand what was said, but conjecturing that the half-caste was proposing that Azinte should remain with him, he said, the girl must return with you, if you would not incur the governor's displeasure. Marisano, on having this explained to him, looked with much porosity at the lieutenant and spoke to Yusuf in wrathful tones, but the latter shook his head, and the former, who disliked Marisano's appearance excessively, took not the least notice of him. I do go, said Yusuf, turning back. Motioning to Azinte to follow, he retraced his steps with the lieutenant and the slave, while Marisano strode into the town in a towering rage. We need scarcely say that Margarita, having got possession of Azinte, did not find it impossible to persuade her father to purchase her, and that Yusuf, although sorry to disappoint Marisano, who was an important ally and assistant in the slave trade, did not see his way to thwart the wishes of the governor, whose power to interfere with his trade was very great indeed, and to whom he was under the necessity of paying head money for every slave that was exported by him from that part of the coast. Soon after Azinte had been thus happily rescued from the clutches of two of the greatest villains on the East African coast, where villains of the deepest dye are by no means uncommon, Lindsay met Captain Romer of the Firefly on the beach with his first lieutenant, Mr. Small, who, by the way, happened to be one of the largest men in his ship. The three officers had been invited to dine that day with the governor, and as there seemed no particular occasion for their pudding to see that night, and a fresh supply of water had to be taken on board, the invitation had been accepted, all the more readily, too, that Captain Romer thought it afforded an opportunity for obtaining further information as to the movements of certain notorious slavers who were said to be their abouts at that time. Lieutenant Lindsay had been sent ashore at an earlier part of the day, accompanied by one of the sailors who understood Portuguese, and who, being a remarkably intelligent man, might, it was thought, acquire some useful information from some of the people of the town. Well, Mr. Lindsay, has Jackson been of any use to you? inquired the Captain. Not yet, replied the Lieutenant. At least I know not what he may have done, not having met him since we parted on landing, but I have myself been so fortunate as to rescue a slave girl under somewhat peculiar circumstances. Truly a most romantic and gallant affair, said the Captain, laughing, when Lindsay had relayed at the incident, and worthy of being mentioned in dispatches. But I suspect, considering the part that the Signora Margarita played in it, and the fact that you only rescued the girl from one slaveholder in order to hand her over to another, the less that is said about the subject, the better. But here comes Jackson. Perhaps he may have learned something about the scoundrels we are in search of. The seaman referred to, approached, and touched his cap. What news demanded the Captain, who knew by the twinkle in Jack's eye that he had something interesting to report? I've discovered all about it, sir, replied the man, with an ill-suppressed chuckle. Indeed, come this way. Now, let's hear what you have to tell, said the Captain, when at a sufficient distance from his boat to render the conversation quite private. Well, sir, began Jackson. When I got up into the town, out of leaving, Mr. Lindsay, who should I meet but a man has had been a mess made of mine. I've ordered at their Portuguese ship, where I picked up a smattering of a lingo. Of course, we hailed each other and hoved two for a spell. And then we made sail for a grog shop, where we spliced the main brace. After a deal attacking and beating about, which enabled me to find out that he'd left C and taken to business on his own account, which in them part seems to mean loafing and doing little or nothing, I went slap into the subject that was uppermost in my mind, and says I to him, says I, it does a great deal of slaving on this here coast, it appears. Black Ivory is a profitable trade, ain't it? Why, sir, you should have seen the way he grinned and winked, and opened out on him. Black Ivory says he, why, Jackson, there's more slaves exported from these here parts, and only then would Phil a good-sized city. I could tell you, but says he, pulling up sudden, you won't split on me, messmate. Honored Wright says I, if he don't call telling my captain splitting, oh, no, says he with a laugh. It's little I care what he knows or does to the pirates, for that's their true name and murderers to boot. But don't let it come to the governor's ears, else I'm a ruined man. I says I wouldn't, and then he goes on to tell me all sorts of hand-and-dots about their doings, that they does it with the full consent of the governor, who gets head money for every slave exporter, that nearly all the governors of the coast are birds of the same feather, and that the governor general himself. Footnote. See, Council McLean's travels in East Africa, volume one, page 306. At Mozambique, winks at it and makes the subordinate governors pay him tribute. Then he goes on to tell more about the governor of this here town, and says that though a kind-hearted man is in the main and very good to his domestic slaves, he encourages the export trade, because it brings him in a splendid revenue, which he has much need of, poor man. For like most, if not all, of the governors on the coast, he do receive nothing like a respectable salary from the Portuguese government at home, and has to make it up by slave trading. Note. See, McLean's travels, volume one, page 293. It must be explained here that British cruisers were, and still are, kept on the east coast of Africa for the purpose of crushing only the export slave trade. They claim no right to interfere with domestic slavery, an institution which is still legal in the dominions of the Sultan of Zanzibar and in the so-called colonies of Portugal on that coast. But that is not the best of it, sir. Continue, Jackson, with a respectful smile. After we'd had our jaw out, I'd go off along the road by the beach to think a bit what I'd best do, and have a smoke, for that's what usually sets my brain to work full swing. Being hot, I'd lay down in the lee of a bush to ex-gogitate. You see, sir, my old messmate told me that there are two men here, the worst characters he'd ever known, a shore or a float, one they call Yusuf, an arrow he is, the other Marisano. He's a slave catcher, and an outlaw just now, haven't taken up arms and rebelled against the Portuguese authorities. Nevertheless, these two men are secretly hand in glove with the governor here, and at this moment there are said to be a lot of slaves ready for shipment, and only wait until the firefly is out of the way. More than this my friend could not tell, so that's why I went to ex-gogitate, a big pardon, sir, for being so long with my yarn, but I ain't got the knack of cutting it short, sir. That's where it is. Never mind, lad, go on to the end of it, replied the captain. Did you ex-gogitate anything more? I can't say as I did, sir, but it was curiously enough ex-gogitated for me. When I was lying there looking through the bush at the bay, I seized two men coming along, arm in arm. One of them was an Arab. When they was near, I saw the Arab start. I thought he'd seen me and didn't like me. No more did I like him or his comrade. However, I was wrong for after whispering something very earnest like to his friend, who laughed very much, but said nothing, they came and sat down not far from the bush where I lay. Now, thinks I, it ain't pleasant to be a knee-dropper. But as I'm here to find out the secrets of villains, and as these two look uncommon like villains, I'll wait a bit. If they broach business as don't concern me or her majesty the queen, I'll squeeze and let them know I'm here, before they're properly under way. But if they speaks a what I wants to know, I'll keep quiet. Well, sir, to my surprise, the Arab he speaks in bad English, whereby I came to suppose the other man was an Englishman. But if he is, the climate must have spoiled him badly, for I never did see such a ruffian to look at. But he only laughed and didn't speak, so I couldn't be sure. Well, to come to the pint, sir, the Arab said he got hold of two shipwrecked Englishmen, whom he meant to put on board his dow, at that time lying up a river not three miles off, and full of slaves take him off the coast, sees him when asleep, and heave him overboard. A reason being that he was afraid, if they was left ashore here, they'd discover the town, which they are ignorant of at present, and give the alarm to our ship, sir, and so prevent him getting clear off, which he means to attempt about midnight, just after the moon goes down. This unexpected information was very gratifying to Captain Romer, whom immediately gave orders to get steam up and have everything in readiness to start the moment he should make his appearance on board, at the same time in joining absolute silence on his lieutenants and Jackson, who all returned to the firefly, chuckling inwardly. If they had known that the Arab's information, though partly true, was a ruse, that Jackson had indeed been observed by the keen-eyed Oriental, who had thereupon sat down purposely within earshot, and after a whispered hint to his companion, gave forth such information as would be likely to lead the British cruiser into his snares, speaking in bad English, under the natural impression that the sailor did not understand Portuguese, to the immense amusement of Marisano, who understood the ruse, though he did not understand a single word of what his companion said. Had they known all this, we say, it is probable that they would have chuckled less, and but why indulge in probabilities when facts are before us? The sequel will show that the best-laid plans may fail. Chapter 3 Chapter 3 relates the further adventures of Harold and Disco, and lists the curtain a little higher in regard to the slave trade. So Captain Romer and his lieutenants went to dine with the worthy Governor Sr. Francisco Alfonso Toledo Bignosso Littori, while Yusup returned to the creek to carry out his deep-laid plans. In regard to the dinner, let it suffice to observe that it was good, and that the Governor was urbane, hospitable, communicative, and every way agreeable. It is probable that if he had been trained in another sphere, and in different circumstances, he might have been a better man. As things stood, he was unquestionably a pleasant one, and Captain Romer found it hard to believe that he was an underhand schemer. Nothing could exceed the open way in which Sr. Littori condemned the slave trade, praised the English for their zeal in attempting to suppress it, explained that the King of Portugal and the Sultan of Zanzibar were equally anxious for its total extinction, and assured his guests that he would do everything that lay in his power to further their efforts to capture the guilty kidnappers and to free the poor slaves. But my dear sir said he had the conclusion of an emphatic declaration of sympathy. The thing is exceedingly difficult. You are aware that Arab traders swarm upon the coast, that they are reckless men who possess boats and money in abundance, that the trade is very profitable, and that being to some extent real traders in ivory, palm oil, indigo, and other kinds of native produce, these men have many ruses and methods, what you English call dodges, whereby they can deceive even the most sharp-sighted and energetic. The Arabs are smart smugglers of negroes, very much as your people who live in the Scottish land are smart smugglers of the dew of the mountain. What your great poet Burns speaks much of, I forgot its name. It is not easy to put them down. After dinner, Signor Litoti led the officers into his garden and showed them his fruit trees and offices, also his domestic slaves who looked healthy, well cared for, and really, in some degree, happy. He did not, however, tell his guests that being naturally a humane man, his slaves were better treated than any other slaves in the town. He did not remind them that being slaves, they were his property, his goods and chattels, and that he possessed the right and the power to flay them alive if so disposed. He did not explain that many in town were so disposed, that cruelty grows and feeds upon itself, that there were ladies and gentlemen there who flogged their slaves, men, women, and children, nearly to the death, that one gentleman of an irascible disposition, when irritated by some slight oversight on the part of the unfortunate boy who acted as his valet, could find no relief to his feelings until he had welded him first into a condition of unutterable terror, and then into a state of insensibility. Neither did he inform them that a certain lady in the town, who seemed at most times to be possessed of a reasonably quiet spirit, was roused once to such a degree by a female slave, that she caused her to be forcibly held, thrust a boiling hot egg into her mouth, skewered her lips together with a sail needle, and then striking her cheeks, burst the egg, and let the scalding contents run down her throat. Note, C. Council McLeod's travels, vol. 2, page 32. No, nothing of all this did the amiable Governor Littoti so much as hint at. He would not for the world have shocked the sensibilities of his guests by the recital of such cruelties. To say truth, the worthy man himself did not like to speak or think of them. In this respect he resembled a certain class among ourselves, who, rather than submit to a little probing of their feelings for a few minutes, would prefer to miss the chance of making an intelligently indignant protest against slavery, and would allow the bodies and souls of their fellow men to continue writhing in agony through all time. It was much more gratifying to the feelings of C. Littoti to convey his guests to the drawing room, and there gratified their palettes with excellent coffee, while the graceful and now clothed azinte brought a Spanish guitar to the Signorina Margarita, whose sweet voice soon charmed away all thoughts of the cruel side of slavery. But duty air long stepped in to call the guests to other scenes. What a sweet girl the Signorina is, remarked Captain Romer while on his way to the beach. I and what a pretty girl azinte is, black though she be, observed Lieutenant Small. Call her not black, she is brown, a brunette, said the captain. I wonder how we should feel, said Lindsay, if the tables were turned, and our women and children, with our stoutest young men, were forcibly taken from us by thousands every year and imported into Africa to grind the corn and hoe the fields of the black man, poor azinte. Do you know anything of her history, inquired Mr. Small. A little. I had some conversation in French with the Signorina before we left. Yes, I observed that, interrupted Captain with a quiet smile. And, continued Lindsay, she told me that she had discovered, through an interpreter, that the poor girl is married and that her home is far away in the interior. She was caught with many others while out working in the fields one day several months ago, by a party of slave traders under an Arab named Yusuf and carried off. Her husband was absent at the time. Her infant boy was with its grandmother in their village, and she thinks may have escaped into the woods, but she has not seen any of them again since the day of her capture. It is a sad case, said the captain, and yet bad though it be, it might be far worse. For azinte's master and mistress are very kind, which is more than can be said of most slave owners in this region. In a few minutes the captain's gig was alongside the firefly, and soon afterwards that vessel quietly put to sea. Of course it was impossible that she should depart unobserved, but her commander took the precaution to run do south at first, exactly opposite to the direction of his troop course, intending to make a wide sweep out to sea, and thus get unobserved to the northward of the place where the slaver's dow was supposed to be lying in time to intercept Yusuf from a neighboring height, watched the maneuver, and thoroughly understood it. When the vessel had disappeared into the shades of night that broaded over the sea, he smiled calmly, and in a placid frame of mind he took himself to his lair in the creek beside the mangrove trees. He found Harold Cedra and Disco Lillehammer in the hut, somewhat impatient of his prolonged absence, and a dozen of his men looking rather suspiciously at the strangers. Is already Musa, he inquired of a powerful man, half Portuguese, half Negro in appearance, who met him outside the door of the hut. Already replied the half-caste in a gruff tone of voice, what are you going to do with these English brutes? Take them with us, of course, replied Yusuf. For what end? For our own safety. Why don't you see, Musa, that if we had set them free, they might have discovered the town and given information to the cruiser about us, which would have been awkward. We might now indeed set them free, for the cruiser is gone, but I still have good reason for wishing to take them with me. I think that we have but one boat in this creek, and I should like to make use of them for the purpose of propagating that false idea. I have had the good luck while in the town to find an opportunity of giving one of the sailors of the cruiser a little information as to my movements, some of it true, some of it false, which will perhaps do us a service. The Arabs smiled slightly as he said this. Do these men know our trade? asked Musa. I think they suspected, answered Yusuf. And what if they'd be not willing to go with us? demanded Musa. Can twelve men not manage to? asked the Arab. Dark though the night had become by that time, there was sufficient light to gleam on the teeth that Musa exposed on receiving this reply. Now, Musa, we must be prompt, continued Yusuf. Let some of you get round behind the Englishman and have the slave chains handy. Keep your eye on me while I talk with them. If they are refractory, a nod shall be the signal. Entering the hut, Yusuf informed Harold that it was now time to set sail. Good, we are ready, said Harold, rising. But tell me one thing before my comrade and I agree to go with you. Tell us honestly if you are engaged in the slave trade. A slight smile curled the Arab's thin lip as he replied. If I be a slave trader, I cannot speak honestly. So you English think. But I do tell you, yes, I am. Then I tell you honestly, said Harold, that I won't go with you. I'll have nothing to do with slavers. Them's my sentiments to a T, said Disko with emphasis, thumping his left palm as usual with his right fist, by way of sheeting his remark home to use his own words. But you will both perish on this uninhabited coast, said Yusuf. So be it, replied Harold. I had rather run the risk of starving than travel in company with slave traders. Besides, I doubt the truth of what you say. There must be several villages not very far off, if my information in regard to the coast be not altogether wrong. Yusuf waited for no more. He nodded to Musa, who instantly threw a noose round Harold's arms and drew it tight. The same operation was performed for Disko by a stout fellow who stood behind him, and almost before they realized what had occurred, they were seized by a number of men. It must not be supposed that two able-bodied Englishmen quietly submitted it once to this sort of treatment. On the contrary, a struggle ensued that shook the walls of the little hut so violently as almost to bring it down upon the heads of the combatants. The instant that Harold felled the rough clasp of Musa's arms, he bent himself forward with such force as to fling that worthy completely over his head and lay him flat on the floor. But two of the other slavers seized Harold's arms, a third grasped him round the waist, and a fourth rapidly secured the ropes that had been thrown around him. Disko's mode of action, although somewhat different, was quite as vigorous. On being grasped, he uttered a deep roar of surprise and rage and raising his foot, struck out therewith at a man who advanced to seize him in front. The kick not only tumbled the man over a low bench and drove his head against the wall, but it caused the kicker himself to recoil on his foes behind with such force that they all fell on the floor together, when by their united weight the slavers managed to crush the unfortunate Disko, not indeed into submission, but into inaction. His tongue, however, not being tied, continued to pour forth somewhat powerful epithets until Harold very strongly advised him to seize. If you want to retain a whole skin, he said, you had better keep a quiet tongue. Perhaps you're right, sir, said Disko after a moment's consideration, but it ain't easy to shut up in the circumstances. After they had thoroughly secured the Englishmen, the traders led them down the bank of the creek to the spot where the dow was moored. In the dark it appeared to Harold and his companion to be the same dow, but this was not so. The boat by which they had crossed the creek had been removed up the water, and its place was now occupied by the dow into which had been put the maimed and worn out slaves of the band whose arrival we have described. The hold of the little vessel was very dark. Nevertheless, there was light enough to enable the Englishmen to guess that the rows of black objects just perceptible within it were slaves. If they had entertained any uncertainty on this point, the odor that saluted them as they passed to the stern would have quickly dispelled their doubts. It was evident from the manner of the slavers that they did not now fear discovery, because they talked loudly as they pushed off and rode away. Soon they were out of the creek, and the roar of breakers was heard. Much caution was displayed in guiding the dow through these, for the channel was narrow and darkness rendered its position almost indiscernible. At last the sail was hoisted, the boat bent over to a smart breeze and held away in a northeasterly direction. As the night wore on, this breeze became lighter, and most of the crew being asleep, deep silence prevailed on board the slave dow, save that, ever and anon, a pity for Whale, as of a sick child or a convulsive sob issued from the hole. Harold and Disko sat beside each other in the stern with an armed half-caste on each side and Yusuf in front. Their thoughts were busy enough at first, but neither spoke to the other, as the night advanced both fell into an uneasy slumber. When Harold awoke, the grey dawn was beginning to break in the east, and there was sufficient light to render objects dimly visible. At first he scarcely recollected where he was, but the pain caused by the ropes that bound him soon refreshed his memory. Casting his eyes quickly towards the hold, his heart sank within him at the sight he there beheld. Yusuf's black ivory was not of the best quality, but there was a good deal of it, which rendered judicious packing necessary. So many of his gang had become worthless, as an article of trade, through suffering on the way down to the coast, that the boat could scarce contain them all. They were packed sitting on their haunches in rows each with his knees close to his chin, and all jammed so tightly together that none could rise up or lie down. Men, women, and little children sat in this position with an expression of indescribable hopelessness and apathy on their faces. The infants of which there were several lay motionless on their mother's shrunken breasts. God helped them. They were indeed utterly worthless as pieces of merchandise. The long journey in hard treatment had worn all of them to mirror skin and bone, and many were suffering from bad sores caused by the slave irons and the unmerciful application of the lash. No one knew better than Yusuf that this was his damaged stock, hopelessly damaged, and he meant to make the best use he could of it. The sun arose in all its splendor and revealed more clearly to the horrified Englishman all the wretchedness of the hold, but for a considerable time they did not speak. The circumstances in which they found themselves seemed to have bereft them of the faculty of speech. The morning advanced and Yusuf with his men took a frugal breakfast, but they did not offer any to harrow their disco. As these unfortunates had, however, sub-tardily, they did not mind that. So much could not have been said for the slaves. They had received their last meal of uncooked rice and water, a very insufficient one, about thirty-six hours before, and as they watched the traitors at breakfast, their glaring eyes told eloquently of their sufferings. Had these been Yusuf's valuable stock, his undamaged goods, he would have given them a sufficiency of food to have kept them up to condition as long as he possessed them. But being what they were, a very little drop of water and a few grains of raw rice at noon was deemed sufficient to prevent absolute starvation. How can you have the heart sit harrowed at last turning to Yusuf to treat these poor creatures so cruelly? Yusuf shrugged his shoulders. My fodder treat them so. I follow my fodder's footsteps. But have you no pity for them? Don't you think they have hearts and feelings like ourselves? returned Harold earnestly. No, replied the Harold coldly. They have no feelings, hard as the stone. They care not for mother or child or husband, only brutes, cattle. Harold was so disgusted with this replying that he relapsed into silence. Towards the afternoon when the dow was running close inshore, a vessel-hoven sight on the horizon, a few minutes suffice to show that it was a steamer. It was of course observed and closely watched by the slave dealers, as well as by Harold Cedrip and Disko Lillehammer, who became sanguinely hopeful that it might turn out to be a British man of war. Had they known that Yusuf was equally anxious and hopeful on that point, they would have been much surprised. But the wily Harold pretended to be greatly alarmed, and when the Union Jack became clearly visible, his excitement increased. He gave some hurried orders to his men, who laughed sarcastically as they obeyed them. Yusuf said, Harold, with a slight feeling of exaltation, your plans seem about to miscarry. No, they not miscarry yet, replied the Harold, with a grim smile. Tell me, Yusuf, resumed Harold, prompted by strong curiosity. Why had you carried us off bound in this fashion? Another smile, more grim than the former, crossed the Arab's visage as he replied. Me carry you off, because that sheep, pointing to the steamer, lie not two miles off, near the town of Governor Litoti, when I first met you. We not want you to let them know about us, so I carry you off, and I bind you, because you strong. Ha! That's plain irresponsible, returned Harold, scarce able to restrain a laugh at the man's cool impudence, but it would appear that someone else has carried the news, so you see you have been outwitted after all. Perhaps we shall see, replied the Arab, with something approaching to a chuckle. Aldering the course of the boat, Yusuf now ran her somewhat off the shore, as if with a view to get round a headland that lay to the northward. This evidently drew the attention of the steamer, which was none other than the firefly, for she at once altered her course and ran inshore, so as to intercept the dow. Seeing this, Yusuf turned back and made for the land at a place where there was a long line of breakers close to the shore. To run amongst these seemed to be the equivalent to running on certain destruction, nevertheless the Arab held on with compressed lips and a frowning brown. Yusuf looked quite like a man who would rather throw away his life than gratify his enemy, and the Englishmen who were fully alive to their danger began to feel rather uneasy, which was a very pardonable sensation when it is remembered that their arms being fast bound rendered them utterly unable to help themselves in case of the boat capsizing. The firefly was by this time near enough to hold converse with the dow through the medium of artillery. Soon a puff of white smoke burst from her bow, and a round shot dropped a few yards astern of the boat. That's a broad hint, my lad, so you'd better give in, said dilla hammers, scarce able to suppress a look of triumph. Yusuf paid not the slightest attention to the remark, but held on his course. Surely you don't intend to risk the lies of these poor creatures in such a surf, said Harold angiously, weak and worn as they are, their doom is sealed if we capsize. Still the arrow paid no attention, but continued to gaze steadily at the breakers. Harold, turning his eyes in the same direction, observed something like a narrow channel running through them. He was enough of a seaman to understand that only one who was skilled in such navigation could pass in safety. They're lower in the boat, said disco, whose attention was engrossed by the maneuvers of the firefly. Soon the boat left the side of the vessel, which was compelled to check her speed for fear of running on the reef. Another gun was fired as she came round, and the shot dropped right in front of the dow, sending a column of water high into the air. Still Yusuf held on until close to the breakers when, to the surprise of the Englishman, he suddenly threw the boat's head into the wind. You can steer, he said sternly to disco. Come, take the helm and go to your ship, or, if you choose, go on to the breakers. He laughed fiercely as he said this, and the next moment plunged into the sea, followed by his crew. Disco, speechless with amazement, rose up and sprang to the helm. Of course he could not use his bound hands, but one of his legs answered almost as well. He allowed the boat to come round until the sail filled on the other tack, and then, looking back, saw the heads of the Arabs as they swam through the channel and made for the shore. In a few minutes they gained it, and, after uttering a shout of defiance, ran up into the bushes and disappeared. Meanwhile the firefly's boat made straight for the dow, and was soon near enough to hail. Heave, too! cried an interpreter in Arabic. Speak your own mother tongue, and I'll answer ye, replied disco. Heave, too, or I'll sink you, shouted Mr. Small, who was in charge. I'm just a gone-to-do-it, sir, replied disco, running the dow into the wind until the sail shook. Another moment and the boat was alongside. Jump aboard and handle the sail lads. I can't help you no further, said disco. The invitation was unnecessary. The moment the two boats touched the blue jackets, swarmed on board, cutless in hand, and took possession. Why, what, where did you come from? asked the lieutenant, looking in profound astonishment at Harold and his companion. We are Englishmen as you see, replied Harold, unable to restrain a smile. We have been wrecked and caught by the villains who have just escaped you. I see, well, no time for talking just now. Cut them loose, Jackson. Make fast the sheet. Now then. In a few minutes the dow ranged up alongside the firefly, and our heroes with the poor slaves were quickly transferred to the Manowar's deck, where Harold told his tale to Captain Romer. As we have already stated, there were a number of slaves on board the firefly, which had been rescued from various Arab dows. The gang now received on board made their numbers so great that it became absolutely necessary to run to the nearest port to discharge them. We have already remarked on the necessity that lies on our cruisers when overladen with rescued slaves to run to a distant port of discharge to land them, and on the readiness of the slave traders to take advantage of their opportunity, and run north with pulled cargos with impunity when some of the cruisers are absent. For it is not possible for a small fleet to guard upwards of a thousand miles of coast effectually, or even in any degree, usefully. If we possess the port of discharge, a British station and settlement on the mainland of the east coast of Africa, this difficulty would not exist. As it is, although we place several men of war on a station, the evil will not be cured for just in proportion as these are successful in making captures will arise the necessity of their leaving the station for weeks at a time unguarded. Thus it fell on the occasion of which we write. The presence of the large slave trade on board the man of war was intolerable. Captain Romer was compelled to hurry off to the Seychelles Islands. He sailed with the monsoon, but had to steam back against it. During this period, another vessel, similarly freighted, had to run to discharge and aid him. The seas were thus comparatively clear of cruisers. The Arabs seized their opportunity, and a stream of dowes and larger vessels swept out from the various creeks and ports all along the east African coast, filled to overflowing with slaves. Among these were the four large dowes of our friend Yusuf. Having, as we have seen, made a slight sacrifice of damaged and unsalable goods and chattels in order to clear the way, he proceeded north, touching at various ports where he filled up his living cargo, and finally got clear off, not with goods damaged beyond repair, but with thousands of the sons and daughters of Africa in their youthful prime. In the interior, each man cost him about four yards of cotton cloth, worth a few pence, each woman three yards, and each child two yards, and of course in cases where he stole them, they cost him nothing. On the coast, these would sell at from eight pounds to 12 pounds each, and in Arabia at from 20 pounds to 40 pounds. We mention this to show what strong inducement there was for Yusuf to run a good deal of risk in carrying on this profitable and accursed traffic, but you must not fancy, good reader, that what we have described is given as a specimen of the extent to which the slave trade on that coast is carried. It is, but as a specimen of the manner thereof. It is certainly within the mark to say that at least 30,000 natives are annually carried away as slaves from the east coast of Africa. Sir Bartelfare in addressing a meeting of the chief native inhabitants of Bombay in April 1873 said, let me assure you in conclusion that what you have heard of the horrors of the slave trade is in no way exaggerated. We have seen so much of the horrors which we were going on that we can have no doubt that what you read in books, which are so often spoken of as containing exaggeration, is exaggerated in no respect. The evil is much greater than anything you can conceive. Among the poorer class of Africans there is nothing like security from fathers and mothers being put to death in order that their children may be captured. And referring to the east coast alone he says that 30,000 or more human beings are exported every year from Africa. Dr. Livingston tells us that on the average about one out of every five captured human beings reaches the coast alive. The other four perish or are murdered on the way so that the 30,000 annually exported, as stated by Sir Bartelfare, represents a loss of 150,000 human beings annually from the east coast alone, altogether irrespective of the enormous and constant flow of slaves to the north by way of the white Nile and Egypt. Yusuf's venture was therefore but a drop in the vast river of blood which is drained annually from poor Africa's veins, blood which flows at the present time as copiously and constantly as it ever did in the days of old, blood which cries aloud to God for vengeance and for the flow of which we, as a nation, are far from blameless. Chapter 4. In which our heroes see strange sights at Zanzibar and resolve upon taking a bold step. Before proceeding to the Seychelles, the firefly touched at the island of Zanzibar. In there landed our hero Harold C. Drift and his comrade in misfortune, Disco Lillehammer. Here, one brilliant afternoon, the two friends sat down under a palm tree to hold what Disco called a palaver. The spot commanded a fine view of the town and harbor of Zanzibar. We repeat that the afternoon was brilliant, but it is right to add that it required an African body and mind fully to appreciate the pleasures of it. The sun's rays were blistering, the heat was intense, and the air was stifling. Harold laid down and gasped. Disco followed his example and sighed. After a few minutes spent in a species of imbecile contemplation of things in general, the latter raised himself to a sitting posture and proceeded slowly to fill and light his pipe. Harold was no smoker, but he derived a certain dreamy enjoyment from gazing at Disco and wondering how he could smoke in such hot weather. We'll get used to it, I suppose, like the eels observed Disco when the pipe was in full blast. Of course we shall, replied Harold, and now that we have come to an anchor, let me explain the project which has been for some days maturing in my mind. All right, fire away, sir, said the sailor, blowing a long thin cloud from his lips. You are aware, said Harold, that I came out here as supercargo of my father's vessel. Disco nodded, but you are not aware that my chief object in coming was to see a little of the world in general and of the African part of it in particular. Since my arrival you and I have seen a few things which have opened up my mind in regard to slavery. We have now been a fortnight in this town, and my father's agent has enlightened me still further on the subject in so much that I now feel within me an intense desire to make an excursion into the interior of Africa. Indeed I have resolved to do so for the purpose of seeing its capabilities in a commercial point of view, of observing how the slave trade is conducted at its fountain and of enjoying a little of the scenery and the sport peculiar to this land of ham. Why, you speaks like a book, sir, said Disco, emitting a prolonged puff, and it ain't for the likes me to give an opinion on that there. But if I may make bold to act, sir, how do you mean to travel on the back of an elephant or a rhinoceros? For it seems to me that there ain't much in the shape of locomotives or buses hereabouts, not even cabs. I shall go in a canoe, replied Harold, but my reason for broaching the subject just now is that I may ask if you are willing to go with me. There's no occasion to ask me that, sir. I'm your man, north or south, east or west. It's all the same to me. I've been born to roll about the world, and it matters little whether I roll ashore or float, though I prefer the latter. Well then, that's settled, said Harold, with a look of satisfaction. I have already arranged with our agent here to advance me what I require in the way of funds, and shall hire men and canoes when we get down to the Zambezi. The Zam what, sir? The Zambezi. Did you never hear of it before? Never. Don't know what it is, sir. It is a river, one of the largest on the east coast, which has been well described by Dr. Livingston that greatest of travelers, whose chief object in traveling is, as he himself says, to raise the Negroes out of their present degraded condition and free them from the curse of slavery. That's the man to my mind, sir, said Disco emphatically. Good luck to him. When do you mean to start for the Zambezi, sir? In a few days it will take that time to get everything ready and our money packed. Our money packed, echoed the sailor with a look of surprise. Why, what do you mean? Just what I say. The money current in the interior of Africa is rather cumbrous, being neither more or less than goods. You'll never guess what sort. Try. Run, said Disco. No. Pipes and backie. Harold shook his head. Never could guess nothing, said Disco, replacing the pipe which he had removed for a few moments from his lip. I guess it up. What would you say to cotton cloth and thick brass wire and glass beads being the chief currency in Central Africa? Said Harold. You don't mean it, sir. Indeed I do, and as these articles must be carried in large quantities if we mean to travel far into the land, there will be more bales and coils than you and I could well carry in our waistcoat pockets. That's true, sir, replied Disco, looking earnestly at a couple of Negro slaves who chance to pass along the neighboring footpath at that moment singing carelessly. Them poor critters don't seem to be so miserable after all. That is because the nigger is naturally a jolly, lighthearted fellow, said Harold, and when his immediate and more pressing troubles are removed, he accommodates himself to circumstances and sings as you hear. If these fellows were to annoy their masters and get a thrashing, you'd hear them sing in another key. The evils of most things don't show on the surface. You must get behind the scenes to understand them. You and I have already had one or two peeps behind the scenes. We have indeed, sir, replied Disco, frowning, and closing his fists involuntarily as he thought of Yusuf and the Dao. Now then, said Harold, rising, as Disco shook the ashes out of his little black pipe and placed that beloved implement in the pocket of his coat, let us return to the harbor and see what chance there is of getting a passage to the Zambezi in an honest trading Dao if there is such a thing in Zanzibar. On their way to the harbor they had to pass through the slave market. This was not the first time they had visited the scene of this iniquitous traffic, but neither Harold nor Disco could accustom themselves to it. Every time they entered the market, their feelings of indignation became so intense that it was with the utmost difficulty they could control them. When Disco saw handsome Negro men and good-looking girls put up for public sale, their mouths rudely opened and their teeth examined by cool calculating Arabs, just as if they had been domestic cattle, his spirit boiled within him, his fingers tingled, and he felt a terrible inclination to make a wild attack single-handed on the entire population of Zanzibar, though he might perish in the execution of vengeance and the relief of his feelings. We need scarcely add that his discretion saved him. They soon reached the small square in which the market was held. Here they saw a fine-looking young woman sold to a grave elderly Arab for a sum equal to about eight pounds sterling. Passing hastily on, they observed another lot, a tall stalwart man having his various points examined, and stopped to see the result. His owner, thinking perhaps that he seemed a little sluggish in his movements, raised his whip and caused it to fall upon his flank with such vigor that the poor fellow taken by surprise leaped high into the air and uttered a yell of pain. The strength and activity of the man were unquestionable, and he soon found a purchaser. But all the slaves were not fine-looking or stalwart like the two just referred to. Many of them were most miserable objects. Some stood, others were seated as if incapable of standing, so emaciated were they. Not a few were mere skeletons with life and skin. Near the middle of the square, groups of children were arranged, some standing up to be inspected, others sitting down. These ranged from five years and upwards, but there was not one that betrayed the slightest tendency to murder, and disco came to the conclusion that Negro children do not play. But afterwards discovered his mistake, finding that their exuberant jollity at home was not less than that of the children of other lands. These little slaves had long ago been terrified and beaten and starved into listless apathetic and silent creatures. Further on, a row of young women attracted their attention. They were ranged in a semicircle, all nearly stood in a state of nudity waiting to be sold. A group of Arabs stood in front of them, conversing. One of these women looked such a picture of woe that disco felt irresistibly impelled to stop. There were no tears in her eyes. The fountain appeared to have been dried up, but apparently without abating the grief which was stamped in deep lines on her young countenance and which burst frequently from her breast in convulsive sobs. Our Englishmen were not only shocked, but surprised at this woman's aspect, for their experience had hitherto gone to show that the slaves usually became callous under their sufferings. Whatever of humanity might have originally belonged to them seemed to have been entirely driven out of them by the cruelties and indignities they had so long suffered at the hands of their captors. Note, see Captain Sullivan's dow chasing in Zanzibar waters, page 252. End of note. What's the matter with her, poor thing, as disco of a half-caste Portuguese dressed in something like the garb of a sailor? Oh, nothing, answered the man in broken English with a look of indifference. She had lose her child, that all. Lost her child? How? What do ye mean? They have sold the child, replied the man, who was good fat boy, about two-year-old. Suppose she had carried him for months through the woods and over the hills down the coast and think she keep him all together, but she mistake. One trader come here about one hour past, he one boy, not one mother, so he buy the child. Mother fight a little at first, but the owner soon make her quiet. Oh, it nutting at all, she cry a little, soon forget her child, and get all right. Come, I can't stand this, explained Harold, hastening away. Disco said nothing, but to the amazement of the half-caste he grasped him by the collar and hurled him aside with a degree of force that caused him to stagger and fall with stunning violence to the ground. Disco then strode away after his friend, his face and eyes blazing with various emotions, among which towering indignation predominated. In a few minutes they reached the harbor, and while making inquiries as to the starting of trade dows for the south, they succeeded in calming their feelings down to something like their ordinary condition. The harbor was crowded with dows of all shapes and sizes, most of them laden with slaves, some discharging cargos for the Zanzibar market, others preparing to sail under protection of a pass from the Sultan or Lamu, which is the northern limit of the Zanzibar dominions and therefore of the so-called domestic slave trade. There would be something particularly humorous in the bare-facedness of this august Sultan of Zanzibar, if it were connected with anything less horrible than slavery. For instance, there is something almost amusing in the fact that dows were sailing every day for Lamu with hundreds of slaves, although that small town was known to be very much overstocked at the time. It was also quite entertaining to know that the commanders of the French and English war vessels lying in the harbor at the time were aware of this, and that the Sultan knew it, and that in short, everybody knew it, but that nobody appeared to have the power to prevent it. Even the Sultan who granted the permits for passes to the owners of the dows, although he professed the wish to check the slave trade, could not prevent it. Wasn't that strange? Wasn't it curious? The Sultan derived by far the largest portion of his revenue from the tax levied on the export of slaves, amounting to somewhere about ten thousand pounds a year, but that had nothing to do with it, of course not. Oh, dear no. Then there was another very ludicrous phase of this oriental, not to say transcendental potentates bare-facedness. He knew and probably admitted that about two thousand, some say four thousand slaves a year were sufficient to meet the home consumption of that commodity, and he also knew, but probably did not admit, that not fewer than thirty thousand slaves were actually exported from Zanzibar to meet this requirement of four thousand. These are very curious specimens of miscalculation which this bare-faced Sultan seems to have fallen into. Perhaps he was a bad arithmetician. Note, see Captain Sullivan's dow chasing in Zanzibar water, page 111. End of note. We have said that this state of things was so at the time of our story, but we now add that it still is so in this year of grace, 1873, whether it shall continue to be so remains to be seen. Having spent some time in fruitless inquiry, Harold and Disco at last to their satisfaction discovered an Arab dow of known good character, which was on the point of starting for the Zambezi in the course of a few days for the purpose of legitimate traffic. It therefore became necessary that our hero should make his purchase and preparations with all possible speed. In this he was entirely guided by his father's agent, a merchant of the town, who understood thoroughly what was necessary for the intended journey. It is not needful here to enter into full details, suffice it to say that among the things purchased by Harold and packed up in portable form were a number of bales of common unbleached cotton, which is esteemed above everything by the natives of Africa as an article of dress, if we may dignify by the name of dress the little piece about the size of a modern petticoat, which is the only clothing of some or that small scrap around the loins which is the sole covering of other natives of the interior. There were also several coils of thick brass wire, which is much esteemed by them for making bracelets and anklets, and a large quantity of beads of various colors, shapes and sizes. Of beads we are told between five and six hundred tons are annually manufactured in Great Britain for export to Africa. Thus supplied are two friends embarked in the dow and set sail. Wind and weather were propitious. In few days they reached the mouths of the Great River Zambezi and landed at the port of Quilamine. Only once on the voyage did they fall in with a British cruiser, which ordered them to lay to and overhaul them, but on the papers and everything being found correct, they were committed to pursue their voyage. The mouths of the river Zambezi are numerous. Extending over more than ninety miles of the coast, on the banks of the northern mouth stands, it would be more appropriate to say, festers, the dirty little Portuguese town of Quilamine. Its site is low, muddy, fever-haunted and swarming with mosquitoes. No man in his senses would have built a village thereon were it not for the facilities afforded for slaving. At spring or flood times the bar may be safely crossed by sailing vessels, but being far from land, it is always dangerous for boats. Here then Harold and Disco landed and remained for some time for the purpose of engaging men. Appearing in the character of independent travelers, they were received with some degree of hospitality by the principal inhabitants. Had they gone there as simple and legitimate traitors, every possible difficulty would have been thrown in their way, because the worthy people from the governor downwards flourished, or festered, by means of the slave trade and legitimate commerce is everywhere found to be destructive to the slave trade. Dr. Livingston and others tell us that thousands upon thousands of Negroes have, of late years, gone out from Quilamine into slavery under the convenient title of pre-immigrants, their freedom being not quite equal to that of a Carter's horse. For while that animal, although enslaved, is usually well fed, the human animal is kept on rather low diet lest his spirit should rouse him to deeds of desperate violence against his masters. All agricultural enterprise is also effectually discouraged here. When a man wants to visit his country farm, he has to purchase a permit from the governor. If he wishes to go up the river to the Portuguese towns of Sena or Teddy, a pass must be purchased from the governor. In fact, it would weary the reader where we to enumerate the various modes in which every effort of man to act naturally, legitimately, or progressively is hampered, unless his business be the buying and selling of human beings. At first Harold experienced great difficulty in procuring men. The master of the trading dow in which he sailed from Zanzibar intended to remain as short a time as possible at Quilamine, purposing to visit ports further south, and as Harold had made up his mind not to enter the Zambezi by the Quilamine mouth, but to proceed in the dow to one of the southern mouse, he felt tempted to give up the idea of procuring men until he had gone further south. You see Disco said he in a somewhat disconsolate tone. It won't do to let this dow start without us, because I want to get down to the East Lavo mouth of this river, that being the mouth which was lately discovered and entered by Dr. Livingston. But I'm not sure that we can procure men or canoes there, and our Arab skipper either can't or won't enlighten me. Ah, observe Disco with a knowing look. He won't. That's where it is, sir. I've not a spark of belief in that man, or in any Arab on the coast. He's a slave in disguise he is, and so's every mother's son of him. Well, continued Harold, if we must start without them and take our chance, we must. There is no escaping from the inevitable. Nevertheless, we must exert ourselves today, because the dow does not sail till tomorrow evening, and there is no saying what luck may attend our efforts before that time. Perseverance, you know, is the only sure method of conquering difficulties. That's so, said Disco. Them's my sentiment, Zackney. Never say die. Stick it nothing. Nail your colors to the mess. Them's the motto's that I goes in for. Always spose them that you're in the right. But what if you're in the wrong, and the colors are nailed, as Harold with a smile? Wait then, sir. Of course I'd have to tear them down. So that perhaps it would be better not to nail them at all, unless you're very sure, eh? Oh, of course, sir, replied Disco, with solemn emphasis. You don't suppose, sir, that I would nail them to the mess, except that I was sure, very sure that I was right. But as you was saying, sir, about the getting of them ere men, Disco had an easy way of changing a subject when he felt that he was getting out of his debt. Well, to return to that, the fact is I would not mind men, for it's likely that men of some sort will turn up somewhere, but I am very anxious about an interpreter. Without an interpreter we shall get on badly, I fear, for I can only speak French, besides being a little Latin and Greek, none of which languages will avail much among niggers. Disco assumed a severely thoughtful expression of countenance. That's true, he said, placing his right fist argumentatively in his left palm, and I'm afraid I can't help you there, sir. If it was to steer a ship or pull an oar, or man the portopsial yard, and a gale of wind, or anything else in the seafaring line, Disco Lillahammer's your man. But I couldn't come a fur and lingo at no price. I know nothing but my mother tongue. Nevertheless, though I says that it shouldn't, I does profess to be somewhat of a dab at that. Once upon a time I spent six weeks in Dublin, and having a quick ear for music, I soon managed to get up a strong dash of the robe. Perhaps that won't go far with the niggers. About two hours after the above conversation, while Harold Seedreff was walking on the beach, he observed his faithful ally in the distance grasping a short, thick-set man by the arm, and endeavouring to induce him to accompany him with the degree of energy that fell little short of main force. The man was evidently unwilling. As the pair drew nearer, Harold overheard Disco's persuasive voice, Come now, Antonio, don't be a fool. It's the best service you could enter. Good pay, and hard work, and all the grub that's going. What could a man want more? It's true there's no grog, but we don't need that in a climate where you've only got to go out in the sun without your hat, and you'll be as good as drunk in ten minutes any day. No, no, not possible, remonstrated the man, who swarly visaged me trade a mixture of cunning, fun, and annoyance. He was obviously a half-castle of a lowest type, but with more pretensions to wealth than many of his fellows, in as much as he wore besides his loincloth, a white cotton shooting-coat, very much soiled, beneath the tails of which his thin black legs protruded ridiculously. Here you are, sir, cried Disco as he came up. Here's the man for lingo, knows the native talky, as well as Portuguese, English, Arabic, and anything else you'd like, as far as I know. Antonio's his name. Come, sir, try him with Greek or something of that sort. Harold had much adieu to restrain a smile, but assuming a grave aspect, he addressed the man in French, while Disco listened with a look of profound respect and admiration. Why, what's wrong with him, man, exclaimed Disco, on observing the blank look of Antonio's countenance. Don't he savvy that? I thought you understood Portuguese, said Harold in English. Some me do, replied Antonio quickly, but that no, Portuguese, that Spanish me suppose. What can you speak, then, demanded Harold sternly. Portuguese, Arabic, Finglis, and two, three, four, nigger languages. It was very obvious that whatever Antonio spoke, he spoke nothing correctly, but that was of no importance so long as the man could make himself understood. Harold therefore asked if he would join his party as interpreter, but Antonio shook his head. Why not, man, why not? asked Harold impatiently, for he became anxious to secure him, just in proportion as he evinced this inclination to engage. Speak up, Antonio, don't be ashamed, you've no need to, said Disco. The fact is, sir, Antonio tells me that he has just been married, and he don't want to leave his wife. Very natural observed, Harold, how long is it since you were married? Van Vique since I did bought her. Bought her, exclaimed Disco, with a broad grin. May I ask what you paid for her? Paid, exclaimed the man, starting and opening his eyes very wide, as if the contemplation of the vast sum were too much for him. Let me see, me pay, me vice-parent, sixteen-yard of cotton cloth, and for me's hut four-yard moorer. He don't say that, exclaimed Disco, with an extended grin. Is she young and good-looking? Young, replied Antonio, yes, very young, not much more than the baby, and exquitedly bootiful. There, my good fellow, said Disco with a laugh. The sooner you leave her, the better. A week is a long time, and absence, you know, as the old song says, makes the heart grow fonder. Besides, Mr. Cedrif will give you enough to buy a dozen-wise, if he want'em. Yes, I'll pay you well, said Harold, that is, if you prove to be a good interpreter. Antonio pricked up his ears at this. How much will you give, he asked. Well, let me think. I should probably be away three or four months. What would you say, Antonio, to twenty yards of cotton cloth a month, and a gun into the bargain at the end, if you do your work well? The pleased expression of Antonio's face could not have been greater, had he been offered twenty pounds sterling a month. The reader may estimate the value of this magnificent offer, when we say that a yard of cotton cloth was, at that time, seven pence half-penny, so that Antonio's valuable services were obtained for about twelve shillings, six pence a month, and a gun which cost Harold less than twenty shillings in Zanzibar. We may remark here that Antonio afterwards proved to be a stout, able, willing man, and a faithful servant, although a most errand-powered. From this time Harold's difficulties in regard to men vanished. With Antonio's able assistance, nine were procured, stout young, able-bodied fellows they were, and all, more or less, naked. Two of these were half-caste brothers, named respectively Jose and Oliveira. Two were half-wild negroes of the Somali tribe, named Nicoda and Conda. Three were negroes of the Macalolo tribe, who had accompanied Dr. Livingston on his journey from the far interior of Africa to the East Coast, and were named respectively Jumbo, Zombo, and Massico. And finally two, named Sangolo and Mabruki, were free negroes of Quilomane. Thus the whole band, including Disco and the leader, formed a goodly company of twelve stout men. Of course Harold armed them all with guns and knives. Himself and Disco carried Enfield rifles, besides which Harold took with him a spare rifle of heavy caliber, carrying large balls mingled with tin to harden them. This latter was intended for large game. Landing near the East Blava mouth of the Zambezi, our hero was fortunate enough to procure two serviceable canoes, into which he transferred himself, his men, and his goods, and bidding a due to the Arab skipper of the Dao commenced his journey into the interior of Africa.