"Ay," responded the skipper; "two out of every three slavers doing business on this coast are either Spaniards or Portuguese.  Now, the question is, What are we to do with regard to our unknown friend out yonder?  Either she is, or is not, the craft that we are on the look-out for.  If she _is_, we must take her, by hook or by crook, before the sea-breeze sets in and gives her the chance to run away from us; and that means a jaunt in the boats.  On the other hand, if she is not the craft that we are after, she is still in all probability a slaver, and in any case will doubtless pay for an overhaul, which again means a boat trip.  Therefore, Mr Perry, be good enough to have the hands called, and the boats got into the water as silently as possible.  If the men are quick we may be able to get away, and perhaps alongside her, before the dawn breaks.  I will take charge of this little pleasure-party myself, and you can stay here and keep house during my absence."