It is my intention to pass rapidly over the time which intervened between the events which have been described, and the arrival of the Bouncing Betsey at Rio Janeiro. Nothing happened of sufficient interest to call for record.

As for our hero and Bill Sturdy, their position was, unquestionably, more agreeable and less disturbed by incidents than before. This was not owing to any change in the feelings of the captain and mate, but in consequence of the iniquitous compact into which they had entered. They felt secure of ultimate vengeance; they could, therefore, afford to wait. Indeed, they felt that they should be more likely to secure the end they had in[238] view if, for the present, they should so act as to lull asleep any suspicions which might be entertained of their agency in the affair after it was over.

But Bill Sturdy was not deceived. He determined to keep his "weather-eye open," as he expressed it, and be on the lookout for squalls.

So the time passed.

It was a bright, tropical day. The thick garments which all had worn on leaving port were laid aside, and every one was dressed in light and thin attire.

"We shall probably reach Rio to-morrow, Mr. Randall," observed the captain.

"Yes; if the present wind holds, there can be no doubt of it."

"And the little plan which we have been contemplating need no longer be delayed."

Randall smiled acquiescence.

The wind held favorable, and the next evening saw them in port.

The captain and mate went on shore, leaving the vessel in charge of the second mate.

We have nothing to do with the motions of the captain, but will follow Randall, who, never backward in ill-doing, at once set about the execution of his scheme.

Having been in the city before, he was well[239] acquainted with localities, and therefore was able to direct his steps at once to that quarter where he felt he was most likely to meet the man he was in quest of.

He entered a low drinking-saloon, and ordered a glass of liquor, partly to gratify his taste, partly that while drinking he might have leisure to look about him.

It was a low, square room, dark and unsightly, frequented evidently by the lowest ranks only. At this time there was but one man present besides Randall.

This man was tall, low-browed, with shaggy black eyebrows, and a face on which villainy was stamped in Nature's plainest and most ineffaceable characters.

"There's a man," thought the mate, "that will serve my turn, and, to judge from his looks, will be troubled by no unnecessary scruples on the subject."

Meanwhile, the other, lifting his eyes from the glass, had observed his close scrutiny, and chose to take offence at it. He rose from his seat, and, advancing towards Randall, observed, in a menacing tone, "It appears to me, se?or, that you are impertinent."

Randall understood the language in which this was spoken, and coolly inquired, "How so?"

[240]

"You have been staring at me as if you had some particular object in it."

"So I have," returned the mate, in the same tone as before.

"Explain yourself, se?or, and if, as I mistrust, you mean to insult me, I will make you better acquainted with my good knife," and he tapped the knife significantly.

"It is an acquaintance which I do not court," said Randall, shrugging his shoulders. "But it appears to me that it is not well talking without something to moisten the throat. I shall be happy to have you drink with me."

"I beg your pardon, se?or, for my suspicions, which, I see, were wrong. I see that you are a gentleman. Henceforth I will treat you as such."

"I thought you would learn to know me better," said Randall, filling both glasses; "let me drink to our better acquaintance."

Both sat down very amicably. The glass ............