The gold lace on his cap and the
shoulder straps betokened one in authority. Outside, the sun was
shining brightly, while a sound of measured tramping and an occasional
order in commanding tones, indicated something of military precision in
the surroundings.
"Where am I?" asked Ralph, noticing that his hands were rather white
and wasted.
"You are on the United States sloop of war, the Adams, homeward bound,"
replied the officer. "You were picked up six days ago, and have been
ill ever since. I am the ship's surgeon."
"Is--is----"
"Yes, Mr. Duff is well," said Dr. Barker, anticipating the boy's
inquiry; "that is except his leg, which is progressing finely. You
must not talk much--yet. We ran upon the Wanderer after picking you
up. Duff related his own adventures and yours, and gave us his
reckoning, taken just after you and he left her. We found her after a
two days' search, partially dismasted, and the blacks thoroughly cowed
by the gale. We sent her to St. Paul De Loando, where she will be
appraised and sold.
"It is likely that your share and Mr. Duff's of the prize money will be
considerable, as but for you two we would not have made the capture.
As you were deceived when shipping on her as to the object of her trip,
you can not be held responsible for the crime committed by her captain
and owner in violating the law against slave trading. The negroes of
course will be set free."
The door here opened and Duff entered on crutches, followed by a tall,
sandy whiskered officer, who went up to Ralph at once.
Pages:
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189