"Then why in the name of peace didn't you take command of the ship?" exclaimed Harris.
[Illustration: Both men, starting to their feet, looked anxiously around them.]
"Because there were five strong niggers who didn't trust me; so, on second thoughts, I determined to keep my old post as cook."
"Then do you mean to say that it was mere accident that brought you to the coast of Africa?"
"Not a bit of it; the only accident,-and a very lucky one it was-was meeting you on the very spot where we stranded. But it was my doing that we got so far. Young Sands understood nothing more of navigation than the use of the log and compass. Well, one fine day, you understand, the log remained at the bottom of the sea, and one night the compass was tampered with, so that the 'Pilgrim,' scudding along before a tempest, was carried altogether out of her course. You may imagine the young captain was puzzled at the length of the voyage; it would have bewildered a more experienced head than his. Before he was aware of it, we had rounded Cape Horn; I recognized it through the mist. Then at once I put the compass to rights again, and the 'Pilgrim ' was carried north-eastwards by a tremendous hurricane to the very place I wanted. The island Dick Sands took for Easter Island was really Tristan d'Acunha."
"Good!" said Harris; "I think I understand now how our friends have been persuaded to take Angola for Bolivia. But they are undeceived now, you know," he added.
"I know all about that," replied the Portuguese.
"Then what do you intend to do?" said Harris.
"You will see," answered Negoro significantly; "but first of all tell me something about our employer, old Alvez; how is he?"
"Oh, the old rascal is well enough, and will be delighted to see you again," replied Harris.