"Twenty-four Mandingoes, you say--twenty-four belonged to the prince?"
"Yes, your worship. Twenty regular slaves, and four others that were
his personal attendants. There were more of the slaves; but these were
the lawful property of the captain, the price paid for bringing him
over."
"And they were all carried to the Jew's penn?"
"All of them, with the others: the whole cargo was taken there. The Jew
bought all. There were some Coromantees among them; and one of my men,
Quaco, who had talk with these, heard enough to confirm the young man's
story."
"Ha! what a pity, now, that black tongues can't wag to any purpose!
_Their_ talk goes for nothing. But I'll see what may be done without
it."
"Did your prince ascertain the name of the captain that brought him
over?" inquired the magistrate, after considering a minute.
"Oh yes, your worship; Jowler, he was called. He trades upon the
Gambia, where the prince's father lives. The young man knows him well."
"I think I know something of him, too--that same Jowler. I should like
to lay my hands upon him, for something else than this--a precious
scamp! After all, it wouldn't help our case if we had him. No doubt,
the two set their heads together in the business, and there's only one
story between them.
"Humph! what are we to do for a _white_ witness?" continued the
magistrate, speaking rather to himself than his visitor. "That, I fear,
will be a fatal difficulty. Stay! Ravener, you say, Jessuron's
overseer, was at the landing of the cargo?"
"Oh, yes, your worship. That individual took an active part in the
whole transaction. It was he who stripped the prince of his clothes,
and took all his jewellery away from him."
"Jewellery, too?"
"_Crambo_, yes! He had many valuable things. Jowler kept most of his
plunder aboard ship."
"A robbery! Egad, a wholesale robbery!"
"Well, Captain Cubina," proceeded the Custos, changing his tone to one
of more business-like import, "I promise you that this shall not be
passed over. I don't yet clearly see what course we may have to take.
There are many difficulties in a prosecution of this kind. We'll have
trouble about the testimony--especially since Mr Jessuron is a
magistrate himself. Never mind about that. Justice shall be done, even
were he the highest in the land. But there can be no move made just
yet. It will be a month before the assize court meets at Savannah; and
that is where we must go with it. Meanwhile, not a word to any one--not
a whisper of what you know!"
"I promise that, your worship."
"You must keep the Foolah prince where you have him. Don't on any
account deliver him up. I'll see that you're protected in holding him.
Considering the case, it's not likely the Jew will go to extremities
with you. _He_ has a glass house over his head, and will 'ware to throw
stones--so you've not much to fear.
"And now, young man!" added the Custos, changing his tone to one that
showed how friendly he could be to him who had imparted such gratifying
intelligence, "if all goes well, you'll not have much difficulty in
making up the hundred pounds for the purchase of your sweetheart.
_Remember that_!"
"Thanks, worthy Custos," said Cubina, bowing gratefully; "I shall depend
upon your promise."
"You may. And now--go quietly home, and wait till I send for you. I
shall see my lawyer to-morrow. We may want you soon."
Volume Two, Chapter XII.