You may imagine, my dear Madam, my agitation at hearing this intelligence. I, who had thought that I was within a few days' sail of Liverpool, to be there received by my cherished Amy, to find myself in the hands of pirates, and close to the Brazils with a cargo of slaves; which they, or rather Olivarez, had taken in the vessel to Rio that he might not be discovered; for he might have found a better mart for his live cargo. And then what would be the anxiety of Amy and her father when I was not heard of? It would be supposed that the schooner was upset in a squall, and all hands had perished. Excited and angry as I was, I felt the truth of what Ingram said, and that it was necessary to be quiet. Perhaps I might by that means not only preserve my life, but again find myself in my own country. When Ingram returned, I asked him if Olivarez knew that I was better, and had recovered my reason. He replied that he did, but that he had told him I was so weak that I could hardly recover. "That is well," said I; "keep him in that belief as long as you can." He now offered me more gruel, which I took, and I believe that he put an opiate in it, for shortly after I had taken it I again felt drowsy, and was soon fast asleep. I awoke sooner than before, for it was night, and I heard the voice of Olivarez on deck; from what I gathered, land was in sight, and I heard him order the schooner to be hove-to. In the morning Ingram came down in the cabin, bringing me some breakfast, which I ate heartily, for I was recovering fast, and had become quite ravenous. "Land is in sight," said I. "Yes, Sir, it is; but we are many miles to the northward of Rio, I understand, for Olivarez knows the coast well. We shall not be in to-day, if we are to-morrow." "I feel quite strong now," replied I, "and I want to get up." "Do so, Sir," said he; "but if you hear any one coming down the ladder get into bed again." With Ingram's assistance I dressed myself, and went into the cabin. I reeled as I walked, but as soon as I felt the cool breeze from the stern-ports, I was revived, and in an hour I could walk quite strong. "Have you heard any more?" inquired I of Ingram. "Olivarez asked me this morning how you were. I replied that you were recovering fast." "`Very well,' said he, `you will share his fate, whatever it may be, since you have been so careful of him, and have put us in such a dilemma; but I'll contrive to dispose of you both.' "I made no reply, Sir, as I knew that would only irritate him." "You did right, Ingram; a few days will decide our fate. I do not think that he dares to murder us." "Nor do I think he wishes it, if he can be clear of us with safety to himself," replied Ingram. Two days more passed away, and then Ingram told me that we were a few miles from the town, and should soon be at anchor. "Go softly," replied I, "and tell me what is going on." He went up the ladder, but soon came down again, saying, "We are locked in, Sir."