MORE SLAVE TRADING. 
135 
And now from below stepped up one by one the discovered sla^^es 
(but slaves,, thank God ! no longer)^ giddy from excess of lights 
emerging from the dark hold, staggering as they were led to the 
Lady of the Nile.^^ With outstretched hands I received them — 
young girls and little- children. Halima, radiant with delight, spoke 
words of welcome. I had only tears. 
When all (some eighteen in number) were on board the Lady 
of the Nile,^^ I heard Petherick^s voice sternly commanding Abd il 
Majid to retire to the place vacated by the unfortunates ; and I fear 
that he gave an impetus, not gentle, to assist the unworthy agent 
to descend. Petherick, coming on board, said as he passed me 
towards the remotest cabin, Do not speak to me just yet ; this is 
a bitter and great trial. I must be alone.'’"’ And respecting his 
great sorrow, I was patient. 
I had now leisure to observe our unexpected visitors. Amongst 
them were fine, beautiful girls, from twelve to fifteen years. These 
girls were delicately formed, tall, slender, and supple. The head, 
small, was well placed on the neck, the hair in short curls, the skin 
black, the teeth white, and the lips, not too thick, of a brilliant red 
colour. These girls wore short petticoats of dark blue calico, -neck- 
laces of beads, and copper anklets — these last in lavish profusion — 
all the property of Petherick, which had been entrusted for legiti- 
mate barter to his agents. There was one old woman only, about 
thirty years of age — but in this African land they soon become 
decrepit and ugly; some little girls, very, very young, and a few 
boys. One mite of a child would not be appeased, but kept always 
crying for his mother. 
At last this eventful day came to a close, and, wearied and de- 
pressed, repose was sought. 
