About eight o'clock in the morning
Jose said to me , `` You better not go to captain dis day . Keep out of his way -- perhaps he recollect dat you white . '' From what I had seen the night before , I thought this good advice ; and I not only did not go into the cabin , but I did not show myself on deck . About eight o'clock in the morning I heard the boat lowered down and orders given to scuttle the vessel , as soon as she had been well searched . This was done , and the boat returned , having found several thousand dollars on board of her , which they handed upon deck . I remained below : I heard the angry voice of the negro captain -- the pleadings and beggings for mercy of the prisoners -- busy preparations making on deck ; and several men came down and handed up buckets of sand ; an iron grating was handed up . The countenances of the negroes who were thus employed appeared inflamed , as if their wrath was excited ; now and then they laughed at each other , and looked more like demons than men .