120 THE AFRICAN TRADER.

such might be my fate were I to remain on deck,
T hurried back again into the cabin. J knew that
nothing could be done till daylight, and that it
would be impossible to rig jury-masts until the sea
was somewhat smoother. Perhaps before then the
slaver and her living freight might be carried down
into the depths of ocean. I would not venture to
lie down, but sat in the cabin, ready to rush out
and make. an attempt for my life should such a
catastrophe appear imminent.

The night seemed very long. At length I saw
daylight through the bull’s-eye overhead, and the
movement of the vessel was less violent than
before. I could no longer restrain my curiosity,
and made my way on deck. The crew, much
diminished, were sheltering themselves under the
bulwarks, while the officers were collected in the
after part of the vessel. I saw that their eyes were
directed to windward, I looked in the same direction,
and there to my infinite satisfaction I caught sight
of the corvette standing towards us. I was glad
to see my English friend among the officers, but
the captain and first mate were gone. They had
been carried overboard. I felt that they deserved
their fate, terrible as it was.