Thesimilitudewasheightened，ifnotoriginallysuggested，byglimpsesofthesurroundingsea；since，inoneaspect，thecountryandtheoceanseemcousins-german。
　　Thefloorofthecuddywasmatted。Overhead，fourorfiveoldmusketswerestuckintohorizontalholesalongthebeams。Ononesidewasaclaw-footedoldtablelashedtothedeck；athumbedmissalonit，andoveritasmall，meagrecrucifixattachedtothebulkhead。Underthetablelayadentedcutlassortwo，withahackedharpoon，amongsomemelancholyoldrigging，likeaheapofpoorfriar'sgirdles。Therewerealsotwolong，sharp-ribbedsetteesofmalaccacane，blackwithage，anduncomfortabletolookatasinquisitors'racks，withalarge，misshapenarm-chair，which，furnishedwitharudebarber'scrutchattheback，workingwithascrew，seemedsomegrotesqueMiddleAgeengineoftorment。Aflaglockerwasinonecorner，exposingvariouscolouredbunting，somerolledup，othershalfunrolled，stillotherstumbled。Oppositewasacumbrouswashstand，ofblackmahogany，allofoneblock，withapedestal，likeafont，andoveritarailedshelf，containingcombs，brushes，andotherimplementsofthetoilet。Atomhammockofstainedgrassswungnear；thesheetstossed，andthepillowwrinkleduplikeabrow，asifwhoeversleptheresleptbutilly，withalternatevisitationsofsadthoughtsandbaddreams。
　　Thefurtherextremityofthecuddy，overhangingtheship'sstern，waspiercedwiththreeopenings，windowsorport-holes，accordingasmenorcannonmightpeer，sociallyorunsocially，outofthem。Atpresentneithermennorcannonwereseen，thoughhugering-boltsandotherrustyironfixturesofthewood-workhintedoftwenty-four-pounders。
　　Glancingtowardthehammockasheentered，CaptainDelanosaid，"Yousleephere，DonBenito？"
　　"Yes，Senor，sincewegotintomildweather。"
　　"Thisseemsasortofdormitory，sitting-room，sail-loft，chapel，armoury，andprivateclosettogether，DonBenito，"addedCaptainDelano，lookingaround。
　　"Yes，Senor；eventshavenotbeenfavourabletomuchorderinmyarrangements。"
　　Heretheservant，napkinonarm，madeamotionasifwaitinghismaster'sgoodpleasure。DonBenitosignifiedhisreadiness，when，seatinghiminthemalaccaarm-chair，andfortheguest'sconveniencedrawingoppositeitoneofthesettees，theservantcommencedoperationsbythrowingbackhismaster'scollarandlooseninghiscravat。
　　ThereissomethingintheNegrowhich，inapeculiarway，fitshimforavocationsaboutone'sperson。MostNegroesarenaturalvaletsandhair-dressers；takingtothecombandbrushcongeniallyastothecastanets，andflourishingthemapparentlywithalmostequalsatisfaction。Thereis，too，asmoothtactabouttheminthisemployment，withamarvellous，noiseless，glidingbriskness，notungracefulinitsway，singularlypleasingtobehold，andstillmoresotobethemanipulatedsubjectof。Andaboveallisthegreatgiftofgoodhumour。Notthemeregrinorlaughisheremeant。Thosewereunsuitable。Butacertaineasycheerfulness，harmoniousineveryglanceandgesture；asthoughGodhadsetthewholeNegrotosomepleasanttune。
　　Whentoallthisisaddedthedocilityarisingfromtheunaspiringcontentmentofalimitedmind，andthatsusceptibilityofblindattachmentsometimesinheringinindisputableinferiors，onereadilyperceiveswhythosehypochondriacs，JohnsonandByron-itmaybesomethinglikethehypochondriac，BenitoCereno-tooktotheirhearts，almosttotheexclusionoftheentirewhiterace，theirservingmen，theNegroes，BarberandFletcher。ButiftherebethatintheNegrowhichexemptshimfromtheinflictedsournessofthemorbidorcynicalmind，how，inhismostprepossessingaspects，mustheappeartoabenevolentone？Whenateasewithrespecttoexteriorthings，CaptainDelano'snaturewasnotonlybenign，butfamiliarlyandhumorouslyso。Athome，hehadoftentakenraresatisfactioninsittinginhisdoor，watchingsomefreemanofcolourathisworkorplay。Ifonavoyagehechancedtohaveablacksailor，invariablyhewasonchatty，andhalf-gamesometermswithhim。Infact，likemostmenofagood，blitheheart，CaptainDelanotooktoNegroes，notphilanthropically，butgenially，justasothermentoNewfoundlanddogs。
　　HithertothecircumstancesinwhichhefoundtheSanDominickhadrepressedthetendency。Butinthecuddy，relievedfromhisformeruneasiness，and，forvariousreasons，moresociablyinclinedthanatanypreviousperiodoftheday，andseeingthecolouredservant，napkinonarm，sodebonairabouthismaster，inabusinesssofamiliarasthatofshaving，too，allhisoldweaknessforNegroesreturned。
　　Amongotherthings，hewasamusedwithanoddinstanceoftheAfricanloveofbrightcoloursandfineshows，intheblack'sinformallytakingfromtheflag-lockeragreatpieceofbuntingofallhues，andlavishlytuckingitunderhismaster'schinforanapron。
　　ThemodeofshavingamongtheSpaniardsisalittledifferentfromwhatitiswithothernations。Theyhaveabasin，speciallycalledabarber'sbasin，whichononesideisscoopedout，soasaccuratelytoreceivethechin，againstwhichitiscloselyheldinlathering；
　　whichisdone，notwithabrush，butwithsoapdippedinthewaterofthebasinandrubbedontheface。
　　Inthepresentinstancesalt-waterwasusedforlackofbetter；
　　andthepartslatheredwereonlytheupperlip，andlowdownunderthethroat，alltherestbeingcultivatedbeard。
　　ThesepreliminariesbeingsomewhatnoveltoCaptainDelanohesatcuriouslyeyeingthem，sothatnoconversationtookplace，norforthepresentdidDonBenitoappeardisposedtorenewany。
　　Settingdownhisbasin，theNegrosearchedamongtherazors，asforthesharpest，andhavingfoundit，gaveitanadditionaledgebyexpertlystroppingitonthefirm，smooth，oilyskinofhisopenpalm；
　　hethenmadeagestureasiftobegin，butmidwaystoodsuspendedforaninstant，onehandelevatingtherazor，theotherprofessionallydabblingamongthebubblingsudsontheSpaniard'slankneck。Notunaffectedbytheclosesightofthegleamingsteel，DonBenitonervouslyshuddered，hisusualghastlinesswasheightenedbythelather，whichlather，again，wasintensifiedinitshuebythesootinessoftheNegro'sbody。Altogetherthescenewassomewhatpeculiar，atleasttoCaptainDelano，nor，ashesawthetwothuspostured，couldheresistthevagary，thatintheblackhesawaheadsman，andinthewhite，amanattheblock。Butthiswasoneofthoseanticconceits，appearingandvanishinginabreath，fromwhich，perhaps，thebestregulatedmindisnotfree。
　　MeantimetheagitationoftheSpaniardhadalittleloosenedthebuntingfromaroundhim，sothatonebroadfoldsweptcurtain-likeoverthechair-armtothefloor，revealing，amidaprofusionofarmorialbarsandground-colours-black，blueandyellow-aclosedcastleinablood-redfielddiagonalwithalionrampantinawhite。
　　"Thecastleandthelion，"exclaimedCaptainDelano-"why，DonBenito，thisistheflagofSpainyouusehere。It'swellit'sonlyI，andnottheKing，thatseesthis，"headdedwithasmile，"but"-
　　turningtowardtheblack，-"it'sallone，Isuppose，sothecoloursbegay，"whichplayfulremarkdidnotfailsomewhattotickletheNegro。
　　"Now，master，"hesaid，readjustingtheflag，andpressingtheheadgentlyfurtherbackintothecrotchofthechair；"nowmaster，"
　　andthesteelglancednighthethroat。
　　AgainDonBenitofaintlyshuddered。
　　"Youmustnotshakeso，master-See，DonAmasa，masteralwaysshakeswhenIshavehim。AndyetmasterknowsIneveryethavedrawnblood，thoughit'strue，ifmasterwillshakeso，Imaysomeofthesetimes。Now，master，"hecontinued。"Andnow，DonAmasa，pleasegoonwithyourtalkaboutthegale，andallthat，mastercanhear，andbetweentimesmastercananswer。"
　　"Ahyes，thesegales，"saidCaptainDelano；"butthemoreI
　　thinkofyourvoyage，DonBenito，themoreIwonder，notatthegales，terribleastheymusthavebeen，butatthedisastrousintervalfollowingthem。Forhere，byyouraccount，haveyoubeenthesetwomonthsandmoregettingfromCapeHorntoSt。Maria，adistancewhichImyself，withagoodwind，havesailedinafewdays。True，youhadcalms，andlongones，buttobebecalmedfortwomonths，thatis，atleast，unusual。Why，DonBenito，hadalmostanyothergentlemantoldmesuchastory，Ishouldhavebeenhalfdisposedtoalittleincredulity。"
　　HereaninvoluntaryexpressioncameovertheSpaniard，similartothatjustbeforeonthedeck，andwhetheritwasthestarthegave，orasuddengawkyrollofthehullinthecalm，oramomentaryunsteadinessoftheservant'shand；howeveritwas，justthentherazordrewblood，spotsofwhichstainedthecreamylatherunderthethroat；immediatelytheblackbarberdrewbackhissteel，andremaininginhisprofessionalattitude，backtoCaptainDelano，andfacetoDonBenito，heldupthetricklingrazor，saying，withasortofhalfhumoroussorrow，"See，master，-youshookso-here'sBabo'sfirstblood。"
　　NosworddrawnbeforeJamestheFirstofEngland，noassassinationinthattimidKing'spresence，couldhaveproducedamoreterrifiedaspectthanwasnowpresentedbyDonBenito。
　　Poorfellow，thoughtCaptainDelano，sonervoushecan'tevenbearthesightofbarber'sblood；andthisunstrung，sickman，isitcrediblethatIshouldhaveimaginedhemeanttospillallmyblood，whocan'tendurethesightofonelittledropofhisown？Surely，AmasaDelano，youhavebeenbesideyourselfthisday。Tellitnotwhenyougethome，sappyAmasa。Well，well，helookslikeamurderer，doesn'the？Morelikeasifhimselfweretobedonefor。Well，well，thisday'sexperienceshallbeagoodlesson。
　　Meantime，whilethesethingswererunningthroughthehonestseaman'smind，theservanthadtakenthenapkinfromhisarm，andtoDonBenitohadsaid："ButanswerDonAmasa，please，master，whileI
　　wipethisuglystuffofftherazor，andstropitagain。"
　　Ashesaidthewords，hisfacewasturnedhalfround，soastobealikevisibletotheSpaniardandtheAmerican，andseemedbyitsexpressiontohint，thathewasdesirous，bygettinghismastertogoonwiththeconversation，consideratelytowithdrawhisattentionfromtherecentannoyingaccident。Asifgladtosnatchtheofferedrelief，DonBenitoresumed，rehearsingtoCaptainDelano，thatnotonlywerethecalmsofunusualduration，buttheshiphadfalleninwithobstinatecurrentsandotherthingsheadded，someofwhichwerebutrepetitionsofformerstatements，toexplainhowitcametopassthatthepassagefromCapeHorntoSt。Mariahadbeensoexceedinglylong，nowandthenminglingwithhiswords，incidentalpraises，lessqualifiedthanbefore，totheblacks，fortheirgeneralgoodconduct。
　　Theseparticularswerenotgivenconsecutively，theservantnowandthenusinghisrazor，andso，betweentheintervalsofshaving，thestoryandpanegyricwentonwithmorethanusualhuskiness。
　　ToCaptainDelano'simagination，nowagainnotwhollyatrest，therewassomethingsohollowintheSpaniard'smanner，withapparentlysomereciprocalhollownessintheservant'sduskycommentofsilence，thattheideaflashedacrosshim，thatpossiblymasterandman，forsomeunknownpurpose，wereactingout，bothinwordanddeed，nay，totheverytremorofDonBenito'slimbs，somejugglingplaybeforehim。Neitherdidthesuspicionofcollusionlackapparentsupport，fromthefactofthosewhisperedconferencesbeforementioned。Butthen，whatcouldbetheobjectofenactingthisplayofthebarberbeforehim？Atlast，regardingthenotionasawhimsy，insensiblysuggested，perhaps，bythetheatricalaspectofDonBenitoinhisharlequinensign，CaptainDelanospeedilybanishedit。
　　Theshavingover，theservantbestirredhimselfwithasmallbottleofscentedwaters，pouringafewdropsonthehead，andthendiligentlyrubbing；thevehemenceoftheexercisecausingthemusclesofhisfacetotwitchratherstrangely。
　　Hisnextoperationwaswithcomb，scissorsandbrush；goingroundandround，smoothingacurlhere，clippinganunrulywhisker-hairthere，givingagracefulsweeptothetemple-lock，withotherimpromptutouchesevincingthehandofamaster；while，likeanyresignedgentlemaninbarber'shands，DonBenitoboreall，muchlessuneasily，atleast，thanhehaddonetherazoring；indeed，hesatsopaleandrigidnow，thattheNegroseemedaNubiansculptorfinishingoffawhitestatue-head。
　　Allbeingoveratlast，thestandardofSpainremoved，tumbledup，andtossedbackintotheflag-locker，theNegro'swarmbreathblowingawayanystrayhairwhichmighthavelodgeddownhismaster'sneck；collarandcravatreadjusted；aspeckoflintwhiskedoffthevelvetlapel；allthisbeingdone；backingoffalittlespace，andpausingwithanexpressionofsubduedself-complacency，theservantforamomentsurveyedhismaster，as，intoiletatleast，thecreatureofhisowntastefulhands。
　　CaptainDelanoplayfullycomplimentedhimuponhisachievement；atthesametimecongratulatingDonBenito。
　　Butneithersweetwaters，norshampooing，norfidelity，norsociality，delightedtheSpaniard。Seeinghimrelapsingintoforbiddinggloom，andstillremainingseated，CaptainDelano，thinkingthathispresencewasundesiredjustthen，withdrew，onpretenceofseeingwhether，ashehadprophesied，anysignsofabreezewerevisible。
　　Walkingforwardtothemainmast，hestoodawhilethinkingoverthescene，andnotwithoutsomeundefinedmisgivings，whenheheardanoisenearthecuddy，andturning，sawtheNegro，hishandtohischeek。Advancing，CaptainDelanoperceivedthatthecheekwasbleeding。Hewasabouttoaskthecause，whentheNegro'swailingsoliloquyenlightenedhim。
　　"Ah，whenwillmastergetbetterfromhissickness；onlythesourheartthatsoursicknessbreedsmadehimserveBaboso；cuttingBabowiththerazor，because，onlybyaccident，Babohadgivenmasteronelittlescratch；andforthefirsttimeinsomanyaday，too。Ah，ah，ah，"holdinghishandtohisface。
　　Isitpossible，thoughtCaptainDelano；wasittowreakinprivatehisSpanishspiteagainstthispoorfriendofhis，thatDonBenito，byhissullenmanner，impelledmetowithdraw？Ah，thisslaverybreedsuglypassionsinman！Poorfellow！
　　HewasabouttospeakinsympathytotheNegro，butwithatimidreluctancehenowre-enteredthecuddy。
　　Presentlymasterandmancameforth；DonBenitoleaningonhisservantasifnothinghadhappened。
　　Butasortoflove-quarrel，afterall，thoughtCaptainDelano。
　　HeaccostedDonBenito，andtheyslowlywalkedtogether。Theyhadgonebutafewpaces，whenthesteward-atall，rajah-lookingmulatto，orientallysetoffwithapagodaturbanformedbythreeorfourMadrashandkerchiefswoundabouthishead，tierontier-
　　approachingwithasalaam，announcedlunchinthecabin。
　　Ontheirwaythither，thetwocaptainswereprecededbythemulatto，who，turningroundasheadvanced，withcontinualsmilesandbows，usheredthemin，adisplayofelegancewhichquitecompletedtheinsignificanceofthesmallbare-headedBabo，who，asifnotunconsciousofinferiority，eyedaskancethegracefulsteward。Butinpart，CaptainDelanoimputedhisjealouswatchfulnesstothatpeculiarfeelingwhichthefull-bloodedAfricanentertainsfortheadulteratedone。Asforthesteward，hismanner，ifnotbespeakingmuchdignityofself-respect，yetevidencedhisextremedesiretoplease；whichisdoublymeritorious，asatonceChristianandChesterfieldian。
　　CaptainDelanoobservedwithinterestthatwhilethecomplexionofthemulattowashybrid，hisphysiognomywasEuropean；classicallyso。
　　"DonBenito，"whisperedhe，"Iamgladtoseethisusher-of-the-golden-rodofyours；thesightrefutesanuglyremarkoncemadetomebyaBarbadosplanterthatwhenamulattohasaregularEuropeanface，lookoutforhim；heisadevil。Butsee，yourstewardherehasfeaturesmoreregularthanKingGeorge'sofEngland；andyettherehenods，andbows，andsmiles；aking，indeed-thekingofkindheartsandpolitefellows。Whatapleasantvoicehehas，too？"
　　"Hehas，Senor。"
　　"But，tellme，hashenot，sofarasyouhaveknownhim，alwaysprovedagood，worthyfellow？"saidCaptainDelano，pausing，whilewithafinalgenuflexionthestewarddisappearedintothecabin；
　　"come，forthereasonjustmentioned，Iamcurioustoknow。"
　　"Francescoisagoodman，"rathersluggishlyrespondedDonBenito，likeaphlegmaticappreciator，whowouldneitherfindfaultnorflatter。
　　"Ah，Ithoughtso。Foritwerestrangeindeed，andnotverycreditabletouswhite-skins，ifalittleofourbloodmixedwiththeAfrican's，should，farfromimprovingthelatter'squality，havethesadeffectofpouringvitriolicacidintoblackbroth；improvingthehue，perhaps，butnotthewholesomeness。"
　　"Doubtless，doubtless，Senor，but"-glancingatBabo-"nottospeakofNegroes，yourplanter'sremarkIhaveheardappliedtotheSpanishandIndianintermixturesinourprovinces。ButIknownothingaboutthematter，"helistlesslyadded。
　　Andheretheyenteredthecabin。
　　Thelunchwasafrugalone。SomeofCaptainDelano'sfreshfishandpumpkins，biscuitandsaltbeef，thereservedbottleofcider，andtheSanDominick'slastbottleofCanary。
　　Astheyentered，Francesco，withtwoorthreecolouredaides，washoveringoverthetablegivingthelastadjustments。Uponperceivingtheirmastertheywithdrew，Francescomakingasmilingconge，andtheSpaniard，withoutcondescendingtonoticeit，fastidiouslyremarkingtohiscompanionthatherelishednotsuperfluousattendance。
　　Withoutcompanions，hostandguestsatdown，likeachildlessmarriedcouple，atoppositeendsofthetable，DonBenitowavingCaptainDelanotohisplace，and，weakashewas，insistinguponthatgentlemanbeingseatedbeforehimself。
　　TheNegroplacedarugunderDonBenito'sfeet，andacushionbehindhisback，andthenstoodbehind，nothismaster'schair，butCaptainDelano's。Atfirst，thisalittlesurprisedthelatter。Butitwassoonevidentthat，intakinghisposition，theblackwasstilltruetohismaster；sincebyfacinghimhecouldthemorereadilyanticipatehisslightestwant。
　　"Thisisanuncommonlyintelligentfellowofyours，DonBenito，"
　　whisperedCaptainDelanoacrossthetable。
　　"Yousaytrue，Senor。"
　　Duringtherepast，theguestagainrevertedtopartsofDonBenito'sstory，beggingfurtherparticularshereandthere。Heinquiredhowitwasthatthescurvyandfevershouldhavecommittedsuchwholesalehavocuponthewhites，whiledestroyinglessthanhalfoftheblacks。AsifthisquestionreproducedthewholesceneofplaguebeforetheSpaniard'seyes，miserablyremindinghimofhissolitudeinacabinwherebeforehehadhadsomanyfriendsandofficersroundhim，hishandshook，hisfacebecamehueless，brokenwordsescaped；butdirectlythesanememoryofthepastseemedreplacedbyinsaneterrorsofthepresent。Withstartingeyeshestaredbeforehimatvacancy。FornothingwastobeseenbutthehandofhisservantpushingtheCanaryovertowardshim。Atlengthafewsipsservedpartiallytorestorehim。Hemaderandomreferencetothedifferentconstitutionsofraces，enablingonetooffermoreresistancetocertainmaladiesthananother。Thethoughtwasnewtohiscompanion。
　　PresentlyCaptainDelano，intendingtosaysomethingtohishostconcerningthepecuniarypartofthebusinesshehadundertakenforhim，especially-sincehewasstrictlyaccountabletohisowners-withreferencetothenewsuitofsails，andotherthingsofthatsort；andnaturallypreferringtoconductsuchaffairsinprivate，wasdesirousthattheservantshouldwithdraw；imaginingthatDonBenitoforafewminutescoulddispensewithhisattendance。He，however，waitedawhile；thinkingthat，astheconversationproceeded，DonBenito，withoutbeingprompted，wouldperceivetheproprietyofthestep。
　　Butitwasotherwise。Atlastcatchinghishost'seye，CaptainDelano，withaslightbackwardgestureofhisthumb，whispered，"DonBenito，pardonme，butthereisaninterferencewiththefullexpressionofwhatIhavetosaytoyou。"
　　UponthistheSpaniardchangedcountenance；whichwasimputedtohisresentingthehint，asinsomewayareflectionuponhisservant。Afteramoment'spause，heassuredhisguestthattheblack'sremainingwiththemcouldbeofnodisservice；becausesincelosinghisofficershehadmadeBabo（whoseoriginaloffice，itnowappeared，hadbeencaptainoftheslaves）notonlyhisconstantattendantandcompanion，butinallthingshisconfidant。
　　Afterthis，nothingmorecouldbesaid；though，indeed，CaptainDelanocouldhardlyavoidsomelittletingeofirritationuponbeingleftungratifiedinsoinconsiderableawish，byone，too，forwhomheintendedsuchsolidservices。Butitisonlyhisquerulousness，thoughthe；andsofillinghisglassheproceededtobusiness。
　　Thepriceofthesailsandothermatterswasfixedupon。Butwhilethiswasbeingdone，theAmericanobservedthat，thoughhisoriginalofferofassistancehadbeenhailedwithhecticanimation，yetnowwhenitwasreducedtoabusinesstransaction，indifferenceandapathywerebetrayed。DonBenito，infact，appearedtosubmittohearingthedetailsmoreoutofregardtocommonpropriety，thanfromanyimpressionthatweightybenefittohimselfandhisvoyagewasinvolved。
　　Soon，hismannerbecamestillmorereserved。Theeffortwasvaintoseektodrawhimintosocialtalk。Gnawedbyhisspleneticmood，hesattwitchinghisbeard，whiletolittlepurposethehandofhisservant，muteasthatonthewall，slowlypushedovertheCanary。
　　Lunchbeingover，theysatdownonthecushionedtransom；theservantplacingapillowbehindhismaster。Thelongcontinuanceofthecalmhadnowaffectedtheatmosphere。DonBenitosighedheavily，asifforbreath。
　　"Whynotadjourntothecuddy，"saidCaptainDelano；"thereismoreairthere。"Butthehostsatsilentandmotionless。
　　Meantimehisservantkneltbeforehim，withalargefanoffeathers。AndFrancesco，cominginontiptoes，handedtheNegroalittlecupofaromaticwaters，withwhichatintervalshechafedhismaster'sbrow，smoothingthehairalongthetemplesasanursedoesachild's。Hespokenoword。Heonlyrestedhiseyeonhismaster's，asif，amidallDonBenito'sdistress，alittletorefreshhisspiritbythesilentsightoffidelity。
　　Presentlytheship'sbellsoundedtwoo'clock；andthroughthecabin-windowsaslightripplingoftheseawasdiscerned；andfromthedesireddirection。
　　"There，"exclaimedCaptainDelano，"Itoldyouso，DonBenito，look！"
　　Hehadrisentohisfeet，speakinginaveryanimatedtone，withaviewthemoretorousehiscompanion。Butthoughthecrimsoncurtainofthestern-windownearhimthatmomentflutteredagainsthispalecheek，DonBenitoseemedtohaveevenlesswelcomeforthebreezethanthecalm。
　　Poorfellow，thoughtCaptainDelano，bitterexperiencehastaughthimthatonerippledoesnotmakeawind，anymorethanoneswallowasummer。Butheismistakenforonce。Iwillgethisshipinforhim，andproveit。
　　Brieflyalludingtohisweakcondition，heurgedhishosttoremainquietlywherehewas，sincehe（CaptainDelano）wouldwithpleasuretakeuponhimselftheresponsibilityofmakingthebestuseofthewind。
　　Upongainingthedeck，CaptainDelanostartedattheunexpectedfigureofAtufal，monumentallyfixedatthethreshold，likeoneofthosesculpturedportersofblackmarbleguardingtheporchesofEgyptiantombs。
　　Butthistimethestartwas，perhaps，purelyphysical。Atufal'spresence，singularlyattestingdocilityeveninsullenness，wascontrastedwiththatofthehatchet-polishers，whoinpatienceevincedtheirindustry；whilebothspectaclesshowed，thatlaxasDonBenito'sgeneralauthoritymightbe，still，wheneverhechosetoexertit，nomansosavageorcolossalbutmust，moreorless，bow。
　　Snatchingatrumpetwhichhungfromthebulwarks，withafreestepCaptainDelanoadvancedtotheforwardedgeofthepoop，issuinghisordersinhisbestSpanish。ThefewsailorsandmanyNegroes，allequallypleased，obedientlysetaboutheadingtheshiptowardtheharbour。
　　Whilegivingsomedirectionsaboutsettingalowerstu'n'-sail，suddenlyCaptainDelanoheardavoicefaithfullyrepeatinghisorders。
　　Turning，hesawBabo，nowforthetimeacting，underthepilot，hisoriginalpartofcaptainoftheslaves。Thisassistanceprovedvaluable。Tatteredsailsandwarpedyardsweresoonbroughtintosometrim。AndnobraceorhalyardwaspulledbuttotheblithesongsoftheinspiritedNegroes。
　　Goodfellows，thoughtCaptainDelano，alittletrainingwouldmakefinesailorsofthem。Whysee，theverywomenpullandsing，too。
　　ThesemustbesomeofthoseAshanteeNegressesthatmakesuchcapitalsoldiers，I'veheard。Butwho'satthehelm？Imusthaveagoodhandthere。
　　Hewenttosee。
　　TheSanDominicksteeredwithacumbroustiller，withlargehorizontalpulleysattached。Ateachpulley-endstoodasubordinateblack，andbetweenthem，atthetiller-head，theresponsiblepost，aSpanishseaman，whosecountenanceevincedhisdueshareinthegeneralhopefulnessandconfidenceatthecomingofthebreeze。
　　Heprovedthesamemanwhohadbehavedwithsoshamefacedanaironthewindlass。
　　"Ah，-itisyou，myman，"exclaimedCaptainDelano-"well，nomoresheep's-eyesnow；-lookstraightforwardandkeeptheshipso。Goodhand，Itrust？Andwanttogetintotheharbour，don'tyou？"
　　"SiSenor，"assentedthemanwithaninwardchuckle，graspingthetiller-headfirmly。Uponthis，unperceivedbytheAmerican，thetwoblackseyedthesailoraskance。
　　Findingallrightatthehelm，thepilotwentforwardtotheforecastle，toseehowmattersstoodthere。
　　Theshipnowhadwayenoughtobreastthecurrent。Withtheapproachofevening，thebreezewouldbesuretofreshen。
　　Havingdoneallthatwasneededforthepresent，CaptainDelano，givinghislastorderstothesailors，turnedafttoreportaffairstoDonBenitointhecabin；perhapsadditionallyincitedtorejoinhimbythehopeofsnatchingamoment'sprivatechatwhilehisservantwasengagedupondeck。
　　Fromoppositesides，therewere，beneaththepoop，twoapproachestothecabin；onefurtherforwardthantheother，andconsequentlycommunicatingwithalongerpassage。Markingtheservantstillabove，CaptainDelano，takingthenighestentrance-
　　theonelastnamed，andatwhoseporchAtufalstillstood-hurriedonhisway，till，arrivedatthecabinthreshold，hepausedaninstant，alittletorecoverfromhiseagerness。Then，withthewordsofhisintendedbusinessuponhislips，heentered。AsheadvancedtowardtheSpaniard，onthetransom，heheardanotherfootstep，keepingtimewithhis。Fromtheoppositedoor，asalverinhand，theservantwaslikewiseadvancing。
　　"Confoundthefaithfulfellow，"thoughtCaptainDelano；"whatavexatiouscoincidence。"
　　Possibly，thevexationmighthavebeensomethingdifferent，wereitnotforthebuoyantconfidenceinspiredbythebreeze。Butevenasitwas，hefeltaslighttwinge，fromasuddeninvoluntaryassociationinhismindofBabowithAtufal。
　　"DonBenito，"saidhe，"Igiveyoujoy；thebreezewillhold，andwillincrease。Bytheway，yourtallmanandtime-piece，Atufal，standswithout。Byyourorder，ofcourse？"
　　DonBenitorecoiled，asifatsomeblandsatiricaltouch，deliveredwithsuchadroitgarnishofapparentgood-breedingastopresentnohandleforretort。
　　Heislikeoneflayedalive，thoughtCaptainDelano；wheremayonetouchhimwithoutcausingashrink？
　　Theservantmovedbeforehismaster，adjustingacushion；recalledtocivility，theSpaniardstifflyreplied："Youareright。Theslaveappearswhereyousawhim，accordingtomycommand；whichis，thatifatthegivenhourIambelow，hemusttakehisstandandabidemycoming。"
　　"Ahnow，pardonme，butthatistreatingthepoorfellowlikeanex-kingdenied。Ah，DonBenito，"smiling，"forallthelicenseyoupermitinsomethings，Ifearlest，atbottom，youareabitterhardmaster。"
　　AgainDonBenitoshrank；andthistime，asthegoodsailorthought，fromagenuinetwingeofhisconscience。
　　Conversationnowbecameconstrained。InvainCaptainDelanocalledattentiontothenowperceptiblemotionofthekeelgentlycleavingthesea；withlack-lustreeye，DonBenitoreturnedwordsfewandreserved。
　　By-and-by，thewindhavingsteadilyrisen，andstillblowingrightintotheharbour，boretheSanDominickswiftlyon。Roundingapointofland，thesealeratdistancecameintoopenview。
　　MeantimeCaptainDelanohadagainrepairedtothedeck，remainingtheresometime。Havingatlastalteredtheship'scourse，soastogivethereefawideberth，hereturnedforafewmomentsbelow。
　　Iwillcheerupmypoorfriend，thistime，thoughthe。
　　"Betterandbetter，DonBenito，"hecriedasheblithelyre-entered；"therewillsoonbeanendtoyourcares，atleastforawhile。Forwhen，afteralong，sadvoyage，youknow，theanchordropsintothehaven，allitsvastweightseemsliftedfromthecaptain'sheart。Wearegettingonfamously，DonBenito。Myshipisinsight。
　　Lookthroughthisside-lighthere；theresheis；alla-taunt-o！TheBachelor'sDelight，mygoodfriend。Ah，howthiswindbracesoneup。
　　Come，youmusttakeacupofcoffeewithmethisevening。Myoldstewardwillgiveyouasfineacupaseveranysultantasted。Whatsayyou，DonBenito，willyou？"
　　Atfirst，theSpaniardglancedfeverishlyup，castingalonginglooktowardthesealer，whilewithmuteconcernhisservantgazedintohisface。Suddenlytheoldagueofcoldnessreturned，anddroppingbacktohiscushionshewassilent。
　　"Youdonotanswer。Come，alldayyouhavebeenmyhost；wouldyouhavehospitalityallononeside？"
　　"Icannotgo，"wastheresponse。
　　"What？itwillnotfatigueyou。Theshipswilllietogetherasnearastheycan，withoutswingingfoul。Itwillbelittlemorethansteppingfromdecktodeck；whichisbutasfromroomtoroom。Come，come，youmustnotrefuseme。"
　　"Icannotgo，"decisivelyandrepulsivelyrepeatedDonBenito。
　　Renouncingallbutthelastappearanceofcourtesy，withasortofcadaveroussullenness，andbitinghisthinnailstothequick，heglanced，almostglared，athisguest；asifimpatientthatastranger'spresenceshouldinterferewiththefullindulgenceofhismorbidhour。Meantimethesoundofthepartedwaterscamemoreandmoregurglinglyandmerrilyinatthewindows；asreproachinghimforhisdarkspleen；astellinghimthat，sulkashemight，andgomadwithit，naturecarednotajot；since，whosefaultwasit，pray？
　　Butthefoulmoodwasnowatitsdepth，asthefairwindatitsheight。
　　Therewassomethinginthemansofarbeyondanymereunsocialityorsournesspreviouslyevinced，thateventheforbearinggood-natureofhisguestcouldnolongerendureit。Whollyatalosstoaccountforsuchdemeanour，anddeemingsicknesswitheccentricity，howeverextreme，noadequateexcuse，wellsatisfied，too，thatnothinginhisownconductcouldjustifyit，CaptainDelano'spridebegantoberoused。Himselfbecamereserved。ButallseemedonetotheSpaniard。Quittinghim，therefore，CaptainDelanooncemorewenttothedeck。
　　Theshipwasnowwithinlessthantwomilesofthesealer。Thewhale-boatwasseendartingovertheinterval。
　　Tobebrief，thetwovessels，thankstothepilot'sskill，erelonginneighbourlystylelayanchoredtogether。
　　Beforereturningtohisownvessel，CaptainDelanohadintendedcommunicatingtoDonBenitothepracticaldetailsoftheproposedservicestoberendered。But，asitwas，unwillinganewtosubjecthimselftorebuffs，heresolved，nowthathehadseentheSanDominicksafelymoored，immediatelytoquither，withoutfurtherallusiontohospitalityorbusiness。Indefinitelypostponinghisulteriorplans，hewouldregulatehisfutureactionsaccordingtofuturecircumstances。Hisboatwasreadytoreceivehim；buthishoststilltarriedbelow。Well，thoughtCaptainDelano，ifhehaslittlebreeding，themoreneedtoshowmine。Hedescendedtothecabintobidaceremonious，and，itmaybe，tacitlyrebukefuladieu。Buttohisgreatsatisfaction，DonBenito，asifhebegantofeeltheweightofthattreatmentwithwhichhisslightedguesthad，notindecorously，retaliateduponhim，nowsupportedbyhisservant，rosetohisfeet，andgraspingCaptainDelano'shand，stoodtremulous；toomuchagitatedtospeak。Butthegoodauguryhencedrawnwassuddenlydashed，byhisresumingallhispreviousreserve，withaugmentedgloom，as，withhalf-avertedeyes，hesilentlyreseatedhimselfonhiscushions。Withacorrespondingreturnofhisownchilledfeelings，CaptainDelanobowedandwithdrew。
　　Hewashardlymidwayinthenarrowcorridor，dimasatunnel，leadingfromthecabintothestairs，whenasound，asofthetollingforexecutioninsomejail-yard，fellonhisears。Itwastheechooftheship'sflawedbell，strikingthehour，drearilyreverberatedinthissubterraneanvault。Instantly，byafatalitynottobewithstood，hismind，responsivetotheportent，swarmedwithsuperstitioussuspicions。Hepaused。Inimagesfarswifterthanthesesentences，theminutestdetailsofallhisformerdistrustssweptthroughhim。
　　Hitherto，credulousgood-naturehadbeentooreadytofurnishexcusesforreasonablefears。WhywastheSpaniard，sosuperfluouslypunctiliousattimes，nowheedlessofcommonproprietyinnotaccompanyingtothesidehisdepartingguest？Didindispositionforbid？Indispositionhadnotforbiddenmoreirksomeexertionthatday。Hislastequivocaldemeanourrecurred。Hehadrisentohisfeet，graspedhisguest'shand，motionedtowardhishat；then，inaninstant，allwaseclipsedinsinistermutenessandgloom。Didthisimplyonebrief，repentantrelentingatthefinalmoment，fromsomeiniquitousplot，followedbyremorselessreturntoit？Hislastglanceseemedtoexpressacalamitous，yetacquiescentfarewelltoCaptainDelanoforever。Whydeclinetheinvitationtovisitthesealerthatevening？OrwastheSpaniardlesshardenedthantheJew，whorefrainednotfromsuppingattheboardofhimwhomthesamenighthemeanttobetray？Whatimportedallthoseday-longenigmasandcontradictions，excepttheywereintendedtomystify，preliminarytosomestealthyblow？Atufal，thepretendedrebel，butpunctualshadow，thatmomentlurkedbythethresholdwithout。Heseemedasentry，andmore。Who，byhisownconfession，hadstationedhimthere？WastheNegronowlyinginwait？
　　TheSpaniardbehind-hiscreaturebefore：torushfromdarknesstolightwastheinvoluntarychoice。
　　Thenextmoment，withclenchedjawandhand，hepassedAtufal，andstoodunarmedinthelight。Ashesawhistrimshiplyingpeacefullyatheranchor，andalmostwithinordinarycall；ashesawhishouseholdboat，withfamiliarfacesinit，patientlyrisingandfallingontheshortwavesbytheSanDominick'sside；andthen，glancingaboutthedeckswherehestood，sawtheoakum-pickersstillgravelyplyingtheirfingers；andheardthelow，buzzingwhistleandindustrioushumofthehatchet-polishers，stillbestirringthemselvesovertheirendlessoccupation；andmorethanall，ashesawthebenignaspectofNature，takingherinnocentreposeintheevening；thescreenedsuninthequietcampofthewestshiningoutlikethemildlightfromAbraham'stent；ashischarmedeyeandeartookinallthese，withthechainedfigureoftheblack，theclenchedjawandhandrelaxed。Onceagainhesmiledatthephantomswhichhadmockedhim，andfeltsomethinglikeatingeofremorse，that，byindulgingthemevenforamoment，heshould，byimplication，havebetrayedanalmostatheisticdoubtoftheever-watchfulProvidenceabove。
　　Therewasafewminutes'delay，while，inobediencetohisorders，theboatwasbeinghookedalongtothegangway。Duringthisinterval，asortofsaddenedsatisfactionstoleoverCaptainDelano，atthinkingofthekindlyofficeshehadthatdaydischargedforastranger。Ah，thoughthe，aftergoodactionsone'sconscienceisneverungrateful，howevermuchsothebenefitedpartymaybe。
　　Presently，hisfoot，inthefirstactofdescentintotheboat，pressedthefirstroundoftheside-ladder，hisfacepresentedinwarduponthedeck。Inthesamemoment，heheardhisnamecourteouslysounded；and，tohispleasedsurprise，sawDonBenitoadvancing-anunwontedenergyinhisair，asif，atthelastmoment，intentuponmakingamendsforhisrecentdiscourtesy。Withinstinctivegoodfeeling，CaptainDelano，revokinghisfoot，turnedandreciprocallyadvanced。Ashedidso，theSpaniard'snervouseagernessincreased，buthisvitalenergyfailed；sothat，thebettertosupporthim，theservant，placinghismaster'shandonhisnakedshoulder，andgentlyholdingitthere，formedhimselfintoasortofcrutch。
　　Whenthetwocaptainsmet，theSpaniardagainferventlytookthehandoftheAmerican，atthesametimecastinganearnestglanceintohiseyes，but，asbefore，toomuchovercometospeak。
　　Ihavedonehimwrong，self-reproachfullythoughtCaptainDelano；hisapparentcoldnesshasdeceivedme；innoinstancehashemeanttooffend。
　　Meantime，asiffearfulthatthecontinuanceofthescenemighttoomuchunstringhismaster，theservantseemedanxioustoterminateit。Andso，stillpresentinghimselfasacrutch，andwalkingbetweenthetwocaptains，headvancedwiththemtowardthegangway；whilestill，asiffullofkindlycontrition，DonBenitowouldnotletgothehandofCaptainDelano，butretaineditinhis，acrosstheblack'sbody。
　　Soontheywerestandingbytheside，lookingoverintotheboat，whosecrewturneduptheircuriouseyes。WaitingamomentfortheSpaniardtorelinquishhishold，thenowembarrassedCaptainDelanoliftedhisfoot，tooverstepthethresholdoftheopengangway；butstillDonBenitowouldnotletgohishand。Andyet，withanagitatedtone，hesaid，"Icangonofurther；hereImustbidyouadieu。Adieu，mydear，dearDonAmasa。Go-go！"suddenlytearinghishandloose，"go，andGodguardyoubetterthanme，mybestfriend。"
　　Notunaffected，CaptainDelanowouldnowhavelingered；butcatchingthemeeklyadmonitoryeyeoftheservant，withahastyfarewellhedescendedintohisboat，followedbythecontinualadieusofDonBenito，standingrootedinthegangway。
　　Seatinghimselfinthestern，CaptainDelano，makingalastsalute，orderedtheboatshovedoff。Thecrewhadtheiroarsonend。
　　Thebowsmanpushedtheboatasufficientdistancefortheoarstobelengthwisedropped。Theinstantthatwasdone，DonBenitosprangoverthebulwarks，fallingatthefeetofCaptainDelano；atthesametime，callingtowardshisship，butintonessofrenzied，thatnoneintheboatcouldunderstandhim。But，asifnotequallyobtuse，threeSpanishsailors，fromthreedifferentanddistantpartsoftheship，splashedintothesea，swimmingaftertheircaptain，asifintentuponhisrescue。
　　Thedismayedofficeroftheboateagerlyaskedwhatthismeant。Towhich，CaptainDelano，turningadisdainfulsmileupontheunaccountableBenitoCereno，answeredthat，forhispart，heneitherknewnorcared；butitseemedasiftheSpaniardhadtakenitintohisheadtoproducetheimpressionamonghispeoplethattheboatwantedtokidnaphim。"Orelse-givewayforyourlives，"hewildlyadded，startingataclatteringhubbubintheship，abovewhichrangthetocsinofthehatchet-polishers；andseizingDonBenitobythethroatheadded，"thisplottingpiratemeansmurder！"Here，inapparentverificationofthewords，theservant，adaggerinhishand，wasseenontherailoverhead，poised，intheactofleaping，asifwithdesperatefidelitytobefriendhismastertothelast；while，seeminglytoaidtheblack，thethreeSpanishsailorsweretryingtoclamberintothehamperedbow。Meantime，thewholehostofNegroes，asifinflamedatthesightoftheirjeopardizedcaptain，impendedinonesootyavalancheoverthebulwarks。
　　Allthis，withwhatpreceded，andwhatfollowed，occurredwithsuchinvolutionsofrapidity，thatpast，present，andfutureseemedone。
　　SeeingtheNegrocoming，CaptainDelanohadflungtheSpaniardaside，almostintheveryactofclutchinghim，and，bytheunconsciousrecoil，shiftinghisplace，witharmsthrownup，sopromptlygrappledtheservantinhisdescent，thatwithdaggerpresentedatCaptainDelano'sheart，theblackseemedofpurposetohaveleapedthereastohismark。Buttheweaponwaswrenchedaway，andtheassailantdasheddownintothebottomoftheboat，whichnow，withdisentangledoars，begantospeedthroughthesea。
　　Atthisjuncture，thelefthandofCaptainDelano，ononeside，againclutchedthehalf-reclinedDonBenito，heedlessthathewasinaspeechlessfaint，whilehisrightfoot，ontheotherside，groundtheprostrateNegro；andhisrightarmpressedforaddedspeedontheafteroar，hiseyebentforward，encouraginghismentotheirutmost。
　　Buthere，theofficeroftheboat，whohadatlastsucceededinbeatingoffthetowingSpanishsailors，andwasnow，withfaceturnedaft，assistingthebowsmanathisoar，suddenlycalledtoCaptainDelano，toseewhattheblackwasabout；whileaPortugueseoarsmanshoutedtohimtogiveheedtowhattheSpaniardwassaying。
　　Glancingdownathisfeet，CaptainDelanosawthefreedhandoftheservantaimingwithaseconddagger-asmallone，beforeconcealedinhiswool-withthishewassnakishlywrithingupfromtheboat'sbottom，attheheartofhismaster，hiscountenancelividlyvindictive，expressingthecentredpurposeofhissoul；whiletheSpaniard，half-choked，wasvainlyshrinkingaway，withhuskywords，incoherenttoallbutthePortuguese。
　　Thatmoment，acrossthelongbenightedmindofCaptainDelano，aflashofrevelationswept，illuminatinginunanticipatedclearnessBenitoCereno'swholemysteriousdemeanour，witheveryenigmaticeventoftheday，aswellastheentirepastvoyageoftheSanDominick。
　　HesmoteBabo'shanddown，buthisownheartsmotehimharder。WithinfinitepityhewithdrewhisholdfromDonBenito。NotCaptainDelano，butDonBenito，theblack，inleapingintotheboat，hadintendedtostab。
　　Boththeblack'shandswereheld，as，glancinguptowardtheSanDominick，CaptainDelano，nowwiththescalesdroppedfromhiseyes，sawtheNegroes，notinmisrule，notintumult，notasiffranticallyconcernedforDonBenito，butwithmasktomaway，flourishinghatchetsandknives，inferociouspiraticalrevolt。Likedeliriousblackdervishes，thesixAshanteesdancedonthepoop。
　　Preventedbytheirfoesfromspringingintothewater，theSpanishboyswerehurryinguptothetopmostspars，whilesuchofthefewSpanishsailors，notalreadyinthesea，lessalert，weredescried，helplesslymixedin，ondeck，withtheblacks。
　　MeantimeCaptainDelanohailedhisownvessel，orderingtheportsup，andthegunsrunout。ButbythistimethecableoftheSanDominickhadbeencut；andthefag-end，inlashingout，whippedawaythecanvasshroudaboutthebeak，suddenlyrevealing，asthebleachedhullswungroundtowardtheopenocean，deathforthefigurehead，inahumanskeleton；chalkycommentonthechalkedwordsbelow，"Followyourleader。"
　　Atthesight，DonBenito，coveringhisface，wailedout："'Tishe，Aranda！mymurdered，unburiedfriend！"
　　Uponreachingthesealer，callingforropes，CaptainDelanoboundtheNegro，whomadenoresistance，andhadhimhoistedtothedeck。HewouldthenhaveassistedthenowalmosthelplessDonBenitouptheside；butDonBenito，wanashewas，refusedtomove，orbemoved，untiltheNegroshouldhavebeenfirstputbelowoutofview。
　　When，presentlyassuredthatitwasdone，henomoreshrankfromtheascent。
　　Theboatwasimmediatelydespatchedbacktopickupthethreeswimmingsailors。Meantime，thegunswereinreadiness，though，owingtotheSanDominickhavingglidedsomewhatasternofthesealer，onlytheaftermostonecouldbebroughttobear。Withthis，theyfiredsixtimes；thinkingtocripplethefugitiveshipbybringingdownherspars。Butonlyafewinconsiderableropeswereshotaway。Soontheshipwasbeyondtheguns'range，steeringbroadoutofthebay；
　　theblacksthicklyclusteringroundthebowsprit，onemomentwithtauntingcriestowardthewhites，thenextwithup-throwngestureshailingthenowduskyexpanseofocean-cawingcrowsescapedfromthehandofthefowler。
　　Thefirstimpulsewastoslipthecablesandgivechase。But，uponsecondthought，topursuewithwhale-boatandyawlseemedmorepromising。
　　UponinquiringofDonBenitowhatfirearmstheyhadonboardtheSanDominick，CaptainDelanowasansweredthattheyhadnonethatcouldbeused；because，intheearlierstagesofthemutiny，acabin-passenger，sincedead，hadsecretlyputoutoforderthelocksofwhatfewmusketstherewere。Butwithallhisremainingstrength，DonBenitoentreatedtheAmericannottogivechase，eitherwithshiporboat；fortheNegroeshadalreadyprovedthemselvessuchdesperadoes，that，incaseofapresentassault，nothingbutatotalmassacreofthewhitescouldbelookedfor。But，regardingthiswarningascomingfromonewhosespirithadbeencrushedbymisery，theAmericandidnotgiveuphisdesign。
　　Theboatsweregotreadyandarmed。CaptainDelanoorderedtwenty-fivemenintothem。HewasgoinghimselfwhenDonBenitograspedhisarm。"What！haveyousavedmylife，Senor，andareyounowgoingtothrowawayyourown？"
　　Theofficersalso，forreasonsconnectedwiththeirinterestsandthoseofthevoyage，andadutyowingtotheowners，stronglyobjectedagainsttheircommander'sgoing。Weighingtheirremonstrancesamoment，CaptainDelanofeltboundtoremain；appointinghischiefmate-anathleticandresoluteman，whohadbeenaprivateer'sman，and，ashisenemieswhispered，apirate-toheadtheparty。Themoretoencouragethesailors，theyweretold，thattheSpanishcaptainconsideredhisshipasgoodaslost；thatsheandhercargo，includingsomegoldandsilver，wereworthupwardsoftenthousanddoubloons。
　　Takeher，andnosmallpartshouldbetheirs。Thesailorsrepliedwithashout。
　　Thefugitiveshadnowalmostgainedanoffing。Itwasnearlynight；butthemoonwasrising。Afterhard，prolongedpulling，theboatscameupontheship'squarters，atasuitabledistancelayingupontheiroarstodischargetheirmuskets。Havingnobulletstoreturn，theNegroessenttheiryells。But，uponthesecondvolley，Indian-like，theyhurtledtheirhatchets。Onetookoffasailor'sfingers。Anotherstruckthewhale-boat'sbow，cuttingofftheropethere，andremainingstuckinthegunwale，likeawoodman'saxe。
　　Snatchingit，quiveringfromitslodgment，thematehurleditback。
　　Thereturnedgauntletnowstuckintheship'sbrokenquarter-gallery，andsoremained。
　　TheNegroesgivingtoohotareception，thewhiteskeptamorerespectfuldistance。Hoveringnowjustoutofreachofthehurtlinghatchets，they，withaviewtothecloseencounterwhichmustsooncome，soughttodecoytheblacksintoentirelydisarmingthemselvesoftheirmostmurderousweaponsinahand-to-handfight，byfoolishlyflingingthem，asmissiles，shortofthemark，intothesea。Buterelongperceivingthestratagem，theNegroesdesisted，thoughnotbeforemanyofthemhadtoreplacetheirlosthatchetswithhandspikes；anexchangewhich，ascountedupon，provedintheendfavourabletotheassailants。
　　Meantime，withastrongwind，theshipstillclovethewater；
　　theboatsalternatelyfallingbehind，andpullingup，todischargefreshvolleys。
　　Thefirewasmostlydirectedtowardthestern，sincethere，chiefly，theNegroes，atpresent，wereclustering。ButtokillormaimtheNegroeswasnottheobject。Totakethem，withtheship，wastheobject。Todoit，theshipmustbeboarded；whichcouldnotbedonebyboatswhileshewassailingsofast。
　　Athoughtnowstruckthemate。ObservingtheSpanishboysstillaloft，highastheycouldget，hecalledtothemtodescendtotheyards，andcutadriftthesails。Itwasdone。Aboutthistime，owingtocauseshereaftertobeshown，twoSpaniards，inthedressofsailorsandconspicuouslyshowingthemselves，werekilled；notbyvolleys，butbydeliberatemarksman'sshots；while，asitafterwardsappeared，duringoneofthegeneraldischarges，Atufal，theblack，andtheSpaniardatthehelmlikewisewerekilled。Whatnow，withthelossofthesails，andlossofleaders，theshipbecameunmanageabletotheNegroes。
　　Withcreakingmastsshecameheavilyroundtothewind；theprowslowlyswingingintoviewoftheboats，itsskeletongleaminginthehorizontalmoonlight，andcastingagiganticribbedshadowuponthewater。Oneextendedarmoftheghostseemedbeckoningthewhitestoavengeit。
　　"Followyourleader！"criedthemate；and，oneoneachbow，theboatsboarded。Sealing-spearsandcutlassescrossedhatchetsandhandspikes。Huddleduponthelong-boatamidships，theNegressesraisedawailingchant，whosechoruswastheclashofthesteel。
　　Foratime，theattackwavered；theNegroeswedgingthemselvestobeatitback；thehalf-repelledsailors，asyetunabletogainafooting，fightingastroopersinthesaddle，onelegsidewaysflungoverthebulwarks，andonewithout，plyingtheircutlasseslikecarters'whips。Butinvain。Theywerealmostoverborne，when，rallyingthemselvesintoasquadasoneman，withahuzza，theyspranginboard；where，entangled，theyinvoluntarilyseparatedagain。Forafewbreaths'spacetherewasavague，muffled，innersoundasofsubmergedsword-fishrushinghitherandthitherthroughshoalsofblack-fish。Soon，inareunitedband，andjoinedbytheSpanishseamen，thewhitescametothesurface，irresistiblydrivingtheNegroestowardthestern。Butabarricadeofcasksandsacks，fromsidetoside，hadbeenthrownupbythemainmast。HeretheNegroesfacedabout，andthoughscorningpeaceortruce，yetfainwouldhavehadarespite。But，withoutpause，overleapingthebarrier，theunflaggingsailorsagainclosed。Exhausted，theblacksnowfoughtindespair。Theirredtongueslolled，wolf-like，fromtheirblackmouths。
　　Butthepalesailors'teethwereset；notawordwasspoken；and，infiveminutesmore，theshipwaswon。
　　NearlyascoreoftheNegroeswerekilled。Exclusiveofthosebytheballs，manyweremangled；theirwounds-mostlyinflictedbythelong-edgedsealing-spears-resemblingthoseshavenonesoftheEnglishatPrestonPans，madebythepoledscythesoftheHighlanders。Ontheotherside，nonewerekilled，thoughseveralwerewounded；someseverely，includingthemate。ThesurvivingNegroesweretemporarilysecured，andtheship，towedbackintotheharbouratmidnight，oncemorelayanchored。