I must acknowledge that I felt very much like going into the lion's den, when the next morning, on his ringing the cabin bell, I presented myself to the captain; but so far from being in an ill-humour, he was very kind to me. After breakfast, as I was going out, he said to me, "You must have a name: I shall call you Cato--recollect that; and now I have a question to ask you--What is that which you carry round your neck on a ribbon?" "A letter, sir," replied I. "A letter! and why do you carry a letter?" "Because it is of the greatest importance to me." "Indeed! Now, Cato, sit down on the other sofa, and let me know your history." I felt that I could not do better than to make this man at once my confidant. He might take a strong interest in me, and it was not likely to go farther. I therefore told him everything connected with my birth and parentage, what my suspicions had been, and how the letter had confirmed them. I unsewed the seal-skin, and gave him the letter to read--without being aware that he could read: he took it and read it aloud. "Yes," said he, "that's proof under his own hand; and now, Cato, never be afraid of me, for, however I may wreak my vengeance upon others, I swear _by my colour_ that I never will hurt you, or permit others to do so. I am a tiger--I know it; but you have often seen a little spaniel caressed by the tiger, whose fangs are turned against every other living thing. You are quite safe." "I feel I am, since you say so," replied I; "and since I am to be your pet, I shall take liberties, and ask you, in return, to tell me your history." "I am glad that you have asked it, as I wish you to know it. I will begin at once-- "I was born in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, of free parents. My father was a sail-maker, and was worth money; bet a free black in America is even worse treated and more despised than a slave. I had two brothers, who went to school with me. "My father intended to bring me up for the Church. You look astonished; but in the States we have clergymen of our colour, as well as white ones; looked down upon and despised, I grant, although they do teach the Word of God; but I was very unfit for that profession, as you may suppose. I was very proud and haughty; I felt that I was as good as a white man, and I very often got into scrapes from my resenting injuries.