He also knew that Harris's treason could no longer be doubted.

From this fact, the most simple logic led him to conclude that the American and the Portuguese had long known each other, that a fatal chance had united them on this coast, and that a plan had been concerted between them, the result of which would be dreadful for the survivors of the "Pilgrim." And now, why these odious actions?
That Negoro wished, at all hazards, to seize Tom and his companions, and sell them for slaves in this slave-trading country, might be admitted.

That the Portuguese, moved by a sentiment of hatred, would seek to be revenged on him, Dick Sand, who had treated him as he deserved, might also be conceived.

But Mrs.
Weldon, this mother, and this young child--what would the wretch do with them?
If Dick Sand could have overheard a little of the conversation between Harris and Negoro, he would have known what to expect, and what dangers menaced Mrs.Weldon, the blacks, and himself.
The situation was frightful, but the young novice did not yield under it.

Captain on board, he remained captain on land.