106 THE AFRICAN TRADER.

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

The canoes were now launched, and began to
make their way through the surf. Three succeed-
ed in getting alongside, but the fourth was over-
turned by a heavy roller, and the unfortunate
passengers thrown out amid the foaming waters.
Some, as if thus glad to escape from their perse-
cutors, sank without making a struggle for life;
others cling to the canoe, and a few were either
washed back on the beach or picked up by the
surrounding canoes, to which the crew had already