A tug hove in sight shortly afterward that caused our gloomy faces to light up with gladness, for it carried a gang of negroes.

The tug made fast to the barge, and its living cargo was soon hard at work filling the ship's bunkers.
All that afternoon we "lingered in the lap of luxury," as "Bill" put it.
At six o'clock our dusky (doubly dusky) coal heavers went ashore, their labor over for the day.

Though the workmen had left, the work was still to continue.

The crew coaled till twelve o'clock, working in quarter watches.

The following day another barge came alongside and part of the crew had to turn to and help the hired shovellers.
"So much," said "Stump," snapping his fingers, "for the officers' assurances." Up to this time we did not _know_ where we were going.