SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 213 



began hammering and knocking away to shew his willingness, 

 then ran to me and hugged me, pointed to my mouth and 

 then to himself, at which I shook my head with abhorrence. 

 The poor fellow was remarkably pleased at my assurance that 

 we were not cannibals, and I had soon the pleasure of seeing 

 him join his comrades in their dancing and singmg, with a 

 heart free from care. The next day I had an opportunity of 

 getting him a good purchaser, who, at my request, made him 

 a carpenter. I frequently saw him afterwards, and he always 

 thanked me with apparent gratitude, for what I had done for 

 him. The other being a clever quick lad, was taken by the per- 

 son whQ had the sale of the cargo, and intended for a cook, but 

 not liking such a dull inactive life, he preferred being a sailor, 

 and was accordingly, through my interference, put into a co- 

 lony boat for that purpose. I was afterwards often with him at 

 sea, and always had reason to believe he would do any thing 

 in his power to serve me. When my segars were done, in con- 

 sequence of being out longer than I expected, from contrary 

 winds or other causes, Jem, for that was his name, has fre- 

 quently deprived himself of his leaf tobacco, to make me 

 segars. I am fully convinced he saved my life, by extricating 

 me from a situation I had imprudently placed myself in one 

 day while bathing ; I got nearly out of my depth, and from 

 not being able to swim, the current, which was running at 

 the rate of six miles an hour, quite overpowered me, and pre- 

 vented my return to shore. Jem, who was on board the 



