"What do you say to that, Jack?" asked Dick Baxter, as several of the American sailors met in the forecastle.
"I believe it, Dick," replied the old salt.
"There is no doubt of it," I added; and I felt as though I stood on the brink of despair.
"Grant it's true, what can we do about it?" continued Dick.
"Nothing," replied Jack.
"But it's piracy."
"Worse than piracy. I would rather be hung for murder than for stealing niggers."
"Can't we do something?" I inquired, anxiously.
"What can we do against a set of cutthroats like the mate?" growled Jack.
"We may do anything we can," added Dick. "It isn't a lawful voyage, and we can't be compelled to do duty. We shipped for Palermo, not to steal niggers."