"I have sent our purser, Manuel, to comply with the custom duties, and secure us a few supplies.

[Footnote A: The seamen of the Alfred informed the purser of their ill usage, Matthew Pyke not only showed him his arm and his back, but acquainted him with the murder of Charles Horseler, stating that he had the instrument of his death in his possession.

"They accused him of travelling under a false name," explained the purser, "and he told 'em he did it to dodge the ship's news reporters.

No person shall debauch at his pleasure captive women, taken in the villages and open places, and brought on board a ship; he must first request the ship's purser for permission, and then go aside in the ship's hold.

He told the purser he was his prisoner, and must answer the damage done to two merchants who were slaving.

"That is unnecessary, sir," replied the purser, courteously.

It was a silly ass thing to do," protested the purser.