He then asked me a great many more questions, about the captain, the officers, the ship, and myself; to all of which I answered in a guarded way.
A negro brought down his supper; it was hot, and very savoury; without any order on his part, I immediately attended upon him during his meal. He told the negro not to wait and conversed with me during the time that he was eating: at last, he told me how he had doubled the frigate during the night. I then remarked that we had been informed that the vessel was called the Stella, that the captain’s name was Chico, and the crew were composed of white men of different nations.
“A month or two ago, it was the case,” replied the captain. “Now I have done, and you may clear away,” continued he, rising from his chair and throwing himself down on one of the sofas. “Stop; you are hungry, I don’t doubt; you can sit down and eat your supper, and remove the things afterwards.”
I did as he told me: it was the first time in my life I had supped off massive plate—but I was in strange company; however, it did not spoil my appetite, and I did not forget to drink a goblet of wine by way of washing down my repast.
“Thank you, sir,” said I, rising, and then performing my office of attendant.
At his order, I rang the bell for the negro, who assisted me in clearing away, and then went out with the remains of the supper.
“Am I to stay or go?” said I, respectfully.
“You may go now. Find the man who came in just now—José he is called; tell him to give you something to sleep upon.”
“Good-night, sir,” said I.
“Good-night, boy.”