Ben Stout's Mistake Summary

It is evening and Jessie describes the Cuban shoreline as looking smoky and indistinct. This is the last night the slaves will be on board, and the crew and slaves are all agitated. Before dawn, the slaves will be placed on boats to be rowed to shore, and there the Spaniard will fatten and strengthen the slaves before selling them in the market. There are a few lanterns lit on the deck that make the ship look strange, and Purvis comments that he does not like the sea in this area.

Jessie feels tired and heavy when Stout tells him that he must get a chest out of the Captain's quarters. Jessie considers the possibility that Stout is lying to him, and he has never seen the Captain's quarters before. Jessie feels curious and fearful when he enters the...