an acuteness and discernment above his years—a discovery which decided his master, in the disposing of his other slaves as best suited his traffic, to keep Robert, with the view of making him serviceable to himself. Having remained in port only to take in a cargo of other merchandize, he set sail for the Cape, where his wife resided—the young mistress of a large hotel, frequented by travellers of all descriptions, carried thither for repose or refreshment, in their respective voyages to and from India, or other eastern parts—and of a kind-hearted disposition. She esteemed Robert accordingly; and therefore felt desirous of retaining him about her. In this, however, she did not succeed.
The captain, like most sea-faring men, after a due interval, dissatisfied with remaining on shore, and wishing to extend and vary his traffic, as he was sometimes in the habit of doing, accompanied by Robert, again put to sea, and steered his course, with his merchandize, for England.
Some private views leading him towards the north of England, it happened that he fell ill in a small village near the country-house, where chiefly resided the mother of De Brooke, who, living in comparative seclusion, devoted herself to her little family; whilst her husband, then General De Brooke, held nearly a permanent station at the court of his sovereign.
