Every berth in the boat was occupied by persons fleeing from the fearful contagion that was carrying off its hundreds daily.
Late in the day, as Clotelle was standing at one of the windows of the ladies' saloon, she was astonished to see near her, and with eyes fixed intently upon her, the tall young stranger whom she had observed in the slave-market a few days before.

She turned hastily away, but the heated cabin and the want of fresh air soon drove her again to the window.

The young gentleman again appeared, and coming to the end of the saloon, spoke to the slave-girl in broken English.

This confirmed her in her previous opinion that he was a foreigner, and she rejoiced that she had not fallen into his hands.
"I want to talk with you," said the stranger.
"What do you want with me ?" she inquired.

"I am your friend," he answered.