A VISIT TO THE FLAG-SHIP I had seldom assumed disguise, except when wearing Indian garb upon the war-trail.

Yet in boyhood I had occasionally masqueraded as a negro so successfully as to deceive even my own family.

With this in mind the resolve was taken that in no other guise than that of a foolish, huckstering darky could I hope to attain the guarded deck of that Spanish frigate.

This offered only the barest chance of success, yet such chances had previously served me well, and must be trusted now.
Opportunity frequently opens to the push of a venturesome shoulder.
Once determined upon this I set to work, perfecting each detail which might aid in the hazardous undertaking.

Much was to be accomplished, and consequently it was late in the afternoon before the two of us, myself as much a negro to outward appearance as my sable companion, floated anxiously down the broad river in a battered old scow heaped high with every variety of country produce obtainable.