You are still a young man--in your prime. Is it fair that you
should set yourself against that which plainly hath been decreed by
Fate?"
These words of Hartog moved me, as well they might, and I placed myself
unreservedly in his hands. My father-in-law, when he was made
acquainted with my desire to embark upon another voyage, offered no
opposition. He was, I imagine, glad to be rid of me, perceiving that my
moods ashore might interfere with the plans he had formed for the
management of my estates. So, all being settled to our mutual
satisfaction, Hartog and I went to work to equip our vessel, in which
occupation I found relief from my sorrow, and became more reconciled to
submit myself to the will of heaven.
In three weeks our preparations were completed. A new ship was
purchased, and commissioned without regard to cost. So much money was
spent upon her that Hartog called her the "Golden Seahorse". She
carried six guns, and a brass bow-chaser, with which Hartog declared we
might make war upon the whole South Pacific in the event of our being
forced to hostilities. A great quantity of arms and ammunition was put
aboard, together with a supply of beads, knives, and bright-coloured
cloths to barter with the natives.
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