In the
dark recesses of the woods, also, appeared wonderful black bats, with
red eyes, of which the inhabitants of this country stand in
considerable dread. The bats are thought to be the spirits of departed
kings, and none are allowed to molest them.
From the security of our vessel, which lay close to the shore, we were
able to view these marvels without danger, but the natives remained in
their huts, afraid to venture forth, so that nocturnal dances, or
meetings at camp fires, were here conspicuous by their absence.
We now met with an adventure that was destined to influence our future
in a manner we did not, at the time, foresee, or it is doubtful but we
would have hesitated before granting an asylum to the miserable
fugitive from King Thedori's tyranny, who now came aboard. Pedro de
Castro, the name of this refugee, a Spaniard, informed us that for some
time past he had been held as hostage by Thedori. Three years before
our visit to the Moluccas, so ran his tale, a Spanish vessel, of which
de Castro was first officer, had called at the islands. The captain and
crew had been well received by the King, who had pretended the same
friendliness towards them as he had shown to us.
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