Part 5 (2/2)
”Eh, the black stuff?” said the American, scratching his chin with his forefinger. ”Oh, I forgot all about them. Rather bad for them, eh, mister?”
”Of course,” said the lieutenant. ”No, sir, that will not do. I want to take the schooner, and make her captain and crew prisoners.”
”Yew'll have to look slippery then, mister. But what about the n.i.g.g.e.rs?”
”I shall take them with the vessel to Lagos or some other port where a prize court is held, and the judge will no doubt order the best to be done with them.”
”Which means put an end to the lot, eh?” said the American.
”Bah! Nonsense!” cried Murray indignantly.
”Is it, young mister? Well, I didn't know. It ain't my business. Yew go on and do what's right. It's your business. I don't keer so long as I'm not mixed up with it. I've on'y got one life, and I want to take keer on it. Now we understand one another?”
”Not quite,” said the lieutenant.
”Why, what is there as yew can't take in?”
”Nothing,” said the lieutenant. ”I quite see your position, and that you do not wish to run any risks with the slaver captain and his men.”
”Not a cent's worth if I can help it.”
”And quite right, sir,” said the lieutenant; ”but I take it that you know this slaver skipper by sight?”
”Oh, yes, I know him, mister--quite as much as I want to.”
”And you know where he trades to?”
”West Injies.”
”No, no; I mean his place here.”
”Oh, you mean his barracks and sheds where the chief stores up all the black stuff for him to come and fetch away?”
”Yes, that's it,” cried Murray excitedly.
”Have the goodness to let me conclude this important business, Mr Murray,” said the lieutenant coldly.
”I beg your pardon, sir,” said Murray, turning scarlet; ”I was so excited.”
”That's one for you, mister young chief officer,” said the American, grinning at the mids.h.i.+pman, and then turning to the lieutenant. ”These young uns want sitting upon a bit sometimes, eh, mister?”
”Look here, sir,” said the lieutenant, ignoring the remark; ”just listen to me. I want you to guide me and my men to the foul nest of this slave-trader and the town of the black chief.”
The American shook his head.
”You need not shrink, for you will be under the protection of the English Government.”
”That's a long way off, mister.”
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