"Well," said I, as the door closed upon us, "we are in gaol at all events; but the question now is, shall we be released as Olivarez had stated?" "It is hard to say," replied Ingram. "The question is, what gaol is this? Could we find any one who could speak English, we might discover." Several of those around us had come towards us to examine us, and then left us, when, as we were conversing, a negro came up, and, hearing what we said, addressed us in English. "Massa want one to speak English--I speak English--some long while on board English vessel." "Well, then, my good fellow," said I, "can you tell us what this gaol is, and what prisoners are confined here for?" "Yes, massa, everybody know that, suppose he live at Rio. This gaol for people that go dig diamonds." "How do you mean?" "Mean! Massa--people sent here to work in diamond-mines all life long till they die. Keep 'em here till hab plenty to send up all at one time. Then guard take them up the country, and they go dig and wash for diamond. Suppose you find very big diamond, you go free. Suppose not, den you die there." "Merciful Heavens!" cried I to Ingram, "then we are condemned as slaves to the mines." "Yes," replied Ingram with a sigh. "Well, it's better than working in the quicksilver-mines. At all events, we shall have fresh air." "Fresh air, without liberty," cried I, clasping my hands. "Come, Sir, courage, we do not yet know our fate. Perhaps we may, as Olivarez said, be allowed to go free after the schooner sails." I shook my head, for I was convinced otherwise. CHAPTER SIXTEEN. THE DIAMOND-MINES, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE--I LOSE MY FRIEND INGRAM, AND ANOTHER ACQUAINTANCE, BUT THEY BOTH LEAVE ME VALUABLE LEGACIES.