CHAPTER XII.

I quit Maranham for a cruise--Bad state of the frigate--Connivance at illicit trade--We are compelled to proceed to England--The frigate reported to the Brazilian Envoy--Who cheats me of £2,000--His assumption that I had abandoned the service--My contradiction thereof--Order to return to Rio--Reasons for not doing so--Brazilian Envoy tampers with my Officer--Who acquaints me therewith--Envoy stops pay and provisions--Declares that the Brazilian Government will give me nothing!--Captain Shepherd's reply--I prepare to return to Rio--The Envoy dismisses me from the service--Without reason assigned--He declares that I voluntarily abandoned the service--Receipts for accounts transmitted to Brazil--These denied to have been sent.