conge, and the Spaniard, without condescending to notice it,
fastidiously remarking to his companion that he relished not

superfluous attendance.
Without companions, host and guest sat down, like a childless

married couple, at opposite ends of the table, Don Benito waving
Captain Delano to his place, and, weak as he was, insisting upon

that gentleman being seated before himself.
The Negro placed a rug under Don Benito's feet, and a cushion

behind his back, and then stood behind, not his master's chair, but
Captain Delano's. At first, this a little surprised the latter. But it

was soon evident that, in taking his position, the black was still
true to his master; since by facing him he could the more readily

anticipate his slightest want.
"This is an uncommonly intelligent fellow of yours, Don Benito,"

whispered Captain Delano across the table.
"You say true, Senor."

During the repast, the guest again reverted to parts of Don
Benito's story, begging further particulars here and there. He

inquired how it was that the scurvy and fever should have committed
such wholesale havoc upon the whites, while destroying less than

half of the blacks. As if this question reproduced the whole scene
of plague before the Spaniard's eyes, miserably reminding him of his

solitude in a cabin where before he had had so many friends and
officers round him, his hand shook, his face became hueless, broken

words escaped; but directly the sane memory of the past seemed
replaced by insane terrors of the present. With starting eyes he

stared before him at vacancy. For nothing was to be seen but the
hand of his servant pushing the Canary over towards him. At length a

few sips served partially to restore him. He made random reference
to the different constitutions of races, enabling one to offer more

resistance to certain maladies than another. The thought was new to
his companion.

Presently Captain Delano, intending to say something to his host
concerning the pecuniary part of the business he had undertaken for

him, especially- since he was strictly accountable to his owners- with
reference to the new suit of sails, and other things of that sort; and

naturally preferring to conduct such affairs in private, was
desirous that the servant should withdraw; imagining that Don Benito

for a few minutes could dispense with his attendance. He, however,
waited awhile; thinking that, as the conversation proceeded, Don

Benito, without being prompted, would perceive the propriety of the
step.

But it was otherwise. At last catching his host's eye, Captain
Delano, with a slight backwardgesture of his thumb, whispered, "Don

Benito, pardon me, but there is an interference with the full
expression of what I have to say to you."

Upon this the Spaniard changed countenance; which was imputed to
his resenting the hint, as in some way a reflection upon his

servant. After a moment's pause, he assured his guest that the black's
remaining with them could be of no disservice; because since losing

his officers he had made Babo (whose original office, it now appeared,
had been captain of the slaves) not only his constantattendant and

companion, but in all things his confidant.
After this, nothing more could be said; though, indeed, Captain

Delano could hardly avoid some little tinge of irritation upon being
left ungratified in so inconsiderable a wish, by one, too, for whom he

intended such solid services. But it is only his querulousness,
thought he; and so filling his glass he proceeded to business.

The price of the sails and other matters was fixed upon. But while
this was being done, the American observed that, though his original

offer of assistance had been hailed with hectic animation, yet now
when it was reduced to a business transaction, indifference and apathy

were betrayed. Don Benito, in fact, appeared to submit to hearing
the details more out of regard to common propriety, than from any

impression that weighty benefit to himself and his voyage was
involved.

Soon, his manner became still more reserved. The effort was vain
to seek to draw him into social talk. Gnawed by his splenetic mood, he

sat twitching his beard, while to little purpose the hand of his
servant, mute as that on the wall, slowly pushed over the Canary.

Lunch being over, they sat down on the cushioned transom; the
servant placing a pillow behind his master. The long continuance of

the calm had now affected the atmosphere. Don Benito sighed heavily,
as if for breath.

"Why not adjourn to the cuddy," said Captain Delano; "there is
more air there." But the host sat silent and motionless.

Meantime his servant knelt before him, with a large fan of
feathers. And Francesco, coming in on tiptoes, handed the Negro a

little cup of aromatic waters, with which at intervals he chafed his
master's brow, smoothing the hair along the temples as a nurse does

a child's. He spoke no word. He only rested his eye on his master's,
as if, amid all Don Benito's distress, a little to refresh his

spirit by the silent sight of fidelity.
Presently the ship's bell sounded two o'clock; and through the

cabin-windows a slight rippling of the sea was discerned; and from the
desired direction.

"There," exclaimed Captain Delano, "I told you so, Don Benito,
look!"

He had risen to his feet, speaking in a very animated tone, with a
view the more to rouse his companion. But though the crimson curtain

of the stern-window near him that moment fluttered against his pale
cheek, Don Benito seemed to have even less welcome for the breeze than

the calm.
Poor fellow, thought Captain Delano, bitter experience has

taught him that one ripple does not make a wind, any more than one
swallow a summer. But he is mistaken for once. I will get his ship

in for him, and prove it.
Briefly alluding to his weak condition, he urged his host to

remain quietly where he was, since he (Captain Delano) would with
pleasure take upon himself the responsibility of making the best use

of the wind.
Upon gaining the deck, Captain Delano started at the unexpected

figure of Atufal, monumentally fixed at the threshold, like one of
those sculptured porters of black marble guarding the porches of

Egyptian tombs.
But this time the start was, perhaps, purelyphysical. Atufal's

presence, singularly attesting docility even in sullenness, was
contrasted with that of the hatchet-polishers, who in patience evinced

their industry; while both spectacles showed, that lax as Don Benito's
general authority might be, still, whenever he chose to exert it, no

man so savage or colossal but must, more or less, bow.
Snatching a trumpet which hung from the bulwarks, with a free step

Captain Delano advanced to the forward edge of the poop, issuing his
orders in his best Spanish. The few sailors and many Negroes, all

equally pleased, obediently set about heading the ship toward the
harbour.

While giving some directions about setting a lower stu'n'-sail,
suddenly Captain Delano heard a voice faithfully" target="_blank" title="ad.忠实地；诚恳地">faithfully repeating his orders.

Turning, he saw Babo, now for the time acting, under the pilot, his
original part of captain of the slaves. This assistance proved

valuable. Tattered sails and warped yards were soon brought into
some trim. And no brace or halyard was pulled but to the blithe

songs of the inspirited Negroes.
Good fellows, thought Captain Delano, a little training would make

fine sailors of them. Why see, the very women pull and sing, too.
These must be some of those Ashantee Negresses that make such

capital soldiers, I've heard. But who's at the helm? I must have a
good hand there.

He went to see.
The San Dominick steered with a cumbrous tiller, with large

horizontal pulleys attached. At each pulley-end stood a subordinate
black, and between them, at the tiller-head, the responsible post, a