"I have taken the liberty to board your ship for the purpose of getting a sight of your papers," I answered.  "Our information is that there are two sister ships--this vessel, and a Spanish craft named the _Preciosa_ which are doing a roaring trade in carrying slaves across the Atlantic; and it is part of my duty to lay hands on the _Preciosa_ if I can.  Your vessel answers to her description in every particular save that of name and the flag she flies; and therefore, having fallen in with you, I felt that I should not be doing my duty unless I boarded you and inspected your papers."