"We do not know yet. That will depend upon circumstances."
I declined to parley any further with the slave traders, and they were securely bound by the men, and made fast to the berths in the state-room. I returned to the mate, who had concluded to keep quiet.
"It is all right, Sanderson. I am going on deck now to see how we stand there. I will take three of the men with me, and leave the others with you."
"We don't need many hands down here now. We have the mate so that he will hold still," replied the old salt.
"The passengers are made fast to their berths, so that they can't move hand or foot; but keep a sharp eye on all of them. If the captain comes to his senses, put a couple of half hitches around his arms."
"Ay, ay! Phil. It shall be all right down here."
"Above all things, Jack, don't drink any rum."
"Not a drop, my lad," said the veteran salt, solemnly, as though he understood the full force of my suggestion.
Taking three of the men with me, I went on deck, leaving Sanderson, the steward, and one other hand to keep order in the cabin.
"How goes it?" asked Baxter, who met me at the head of the companion-way.