104 THE AFRICAN TRADER.

backs of the cruel lash which had been inflicted to
make them hasten their steps when they had showed
any unwillingness to proceed. They were allowed
but a short time to rest in the barracoons, and
having been fed with farinha, mixed into porridge,
were marched down to the ship. They gazed at
her with looks of dismay, for they knew that she
was to convey them away over the wide ocean
they had heard of, but never seen, to an unknown
land, where they were to toil, unrequitted, for hard
task-masters.

I thought of remaining on shore rather than
proceed in the slave vessel; but was unwilling to
desert Paul, and he had not been allowed to land.
IT therefore returned, hoping to obtain his release.

* You must remain with us a little longer,’ said
my friend the officer, who spoke English, ‘and we
will land you on another part of the coast, where
you are more likely than here to meet with a
trader.’

I was compelled to comply, indeed I knew by
his tone and manner, that I should not be allowed
to remain behind,

All the slaves which had been collected in the
depét having been received on board, the schooner