“Yes,” replied I.
“What is her name?”
“The Calliope.”
“She sails well,” said he.
“Yes,” replied I; “she is the fastest sailer on this station.”
“That’s all the information I want of you, boy: now you may go.”
“Go where?” replied I.
“Go where?—go overboard, to be sure,” replied he, with a grin.
My heart died within me; but I mustered courage enough to say, “Much obliged to you, sir; but I’d rather stay where I am, if it’s all the same to you.”
The other negroes laughed at this reply, and I felt a little confidence; at all events, their good-humour gave me courage, and I felt that being bold was my only chance.