Page:History and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/8

8 Amalkir, the obian practitioner, dwelt in a loathsome cave far removed from the inquiring eye of the suspicious whites in the Blue Mountains ; he was old and shrivelled ; a disorder had contracted all his nerves, and he could scarcely crawl. His cave was the dwelling place, or refuge of robbers ; he encouraged them in their depredations ; and gave them obi, that they might fearless rush where danger stood. This obi was supposed to make them invulnerable to the attacks of the white men and they placed implicit belief in its virtues.

Jack approached his cave with a reverential awe ; he fought his friendship and Amalkir engaged to set all the slaves of every plantation in the island in dreadful commotion. Jack, charmed with the plan, fervently wished its speedy execution ; he now no longer groaned under the heavy burthens of the day, the sweat that chased his brows, or the cruel blows of his task master, created no pain : he had a balm at heart, which made his daily toil the lighter.

Two summers had now elapsed, since Jack arrived at Jamaica ; and the slaves, who were excited to rebellinn by Amalkir, were firmly attached to him. They had by stealth, provided themselves with arms and ammunition, which they concealed in the Blue Mountains. Nothing was now wanting, and they only waited the moment to set the plantations on fire, to plunge the dagger in the hearts of the Europeans, and lay that fertile island in waste and ruin. Jack, in imagination, already beheld the scene, and smiled on its horrors.

On the tenth of February, 1780, it was resolved by this desperate band, headed by a more desperate and determined leader, to brandish around the flaming sword of vengeance. The