Even if I were willing to do what you propose, it would be impossible, for the ship will be searched from end to end before the hatches are closed, and an official will be on board until we discharge the pilot after getting well beyond the mouth of the river." "Yes, I know that," Vincent replied; "but my plan was to take a boat and go out beyond the sight of land, and then to put him on board after you have got well away." "That might be managed, certainly," the captain said.

"It would be contrary to my duty to do anything that would risk the property of my employers; but if when I am out at sea a boat came alongside, and a passenger came on board, it would be another matter.

I suppose, young gentleman, that you would not interfere in such a business, and run the risk that you certainly would run if detected, unless you were certain that this was a deserving case, and that the man has committed no sort of crime; for I would not receive on board my ship a fugitive from justice, whether he was black or white." "It is indeed a deserving case," Vincent said earnestly.

"The poor fellow has the misfortune of belonging to one of the worst masters in the State.

He has been cruelly flogged on many occasions, and was finally driven to run away by their selling his wife and child." "The brutes!" the sailor said.