I have a letter from one of the African merchants in
London, and we shall take up our abode on board his hulk until we
get one of the coasting steamers to carry us down. I hope it will
not be many days."
The very bulky luggage was soon transferred to the hulk, where Frank
and Mr. Goodenough took up their residence. The agent in charge was
very glad to receive them, as any break in the terrible monotony of
such a life is eagerly welcomed. He was a pale, unhealthy looking
man, and had just recovered from an unusually bad attack of fever.
Like most of the traders on the coast he had an immense faith in
the power of spirits.
"It is the ruin of them," Mr. Goodenough said to Frank when they
were alone. "Five out of six of the men here ruin their constitutions
with spirits, and then fall an easy prey to the fever."
"But you have brought spirits with you, Mr. Goodenough. I saw some
of the cases were labeled Brandy.'"
"Brandy is useful when taken as a medicine, and in moderation.
A little mixed with water at the end of a long day of exhausting
work acts as a restorative, and frequently enables a worn out man
to sleep. But I have brought the brandy you see for the use of
others rather than myself.
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