I awoke much refreshed, and
on resuming my clothes I was glad to find that the belt in which I
carried my jewels had not been interfered with. I thought it more
prudent not to make mention of these gems, for I well knew that if they
were found upon me I should not be allowed to keep them. The captain,
having heard so much of my story as I chose to tell, promised me a
passage to England, whither his ship was bound.
I found the crew of the brig "Seagull" to be a rough lot, of mixed
nationalities, but Captain Bland, who was in command, was an Englishman
returning home after a voyage of two years in these latitudes. Upon
learning my rating on the "Arms of Amsterdam" he made me his second
mate, in place of one who had died shortly before my coming on board
the brig.
It may be imagined with what a thankful heart I welcomed a change from
the companionship of savages to that of civilized men, and when I
remembered the projects I had formed against my life I realized how
unwise it is to become the arbiter of one's own fate.
I voyaged in the English ship without mishap so long as we sailed upon
uncharted seas, but when we entered home waters we kept a sharp
look-out for pirates and free-booters, who at this time took toll from
all whom they encountered.
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