Page:Frank Owen - Rare Earth, 1931.djvu/118



INDA JOEL was a true American, for even though her ancestors had not come over on 'The Mayflower,' still they had been brought over from the Ivory Coast of West Africa by New England Puritans whose sanctity and litany did not prevent them from entering into a trade that was both degrading and bestial. Black Ivory, more valuable than white, worth fighting for. The frightened natives were packed below decks in as close proximity as sardines in a box. When they were all lying down at night there was not an inch of floor space. Though usually the congestion lessened somewhat on slave ships after a week or so, for there were many deaths. Always the prayer book must be set