"
The mate and several of the crew being near, at once gathered around
him. At the same time Dunn, who was standing at the end of the wharf
awaiting the result, thinking Dusenberry was opposed, came to his
assistance. The officers and crew knew the respect due to the laws
too well to oppose any obstacles to the constables in executing
their duty. The mate, in a very polite manner, asked as a favor that
they would leave the man a few minutes until the Captain came on
deck. They yielded to his solicitation after a great deal of
grumbling. The arrest made a deep feeling among the seamen, but none
felt it more than little Tommy; he heard the noise upon deck, and
came running with tears in his eyes, and cried, "Oh! Manuel, why
Manuel, what are they going to take you away for? Won't I see you
again, Manuel?" The little fellow's simplicity touched the feelings
of all present. But the lame officer, Dunn, stood with a pair of
handcuffs in his hand, as unmoved as a stoic, while Dusenberry
expressed his impatience, and began to push the boy away, and motion
to march him off.
"Hold a bit!" said the mate. "The Captain will be on deck in a few
minutes; he wants a word or two with you."
"We can't stop unless we're compensated for our time. 'Tis no use to
delay-'twon't do any good; he's a nigger to all intents and
purposes.
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