At length we sighted an island, the coast of which was rocky and
barren. Through stress of weather we were compelled to keep off the
shore, steering northward until, on the third day, the weather having
moderated, we hove to as near to the coast as we dared approach, and
endeavoured to land a boat's crew. In spite of breakers and a heavy
sea, six of the sailors leaped overboard opposite a sandy beach, and
with great difficulty reached the shore. Whilst searching for water the
sailors saw four natives, who fled at their approach. They were wild,
black, and entirely naked. Not finding water, the seamen regained the
boat, bruised and half-drowned. Again we set sail, and next day we were
off an island of considerable size, with two dangerous reefs stretching
out into the sea. At length we managed to effect a landing, and fresh
water being found, the ship was brought to anchor between the reefs,
where some shelter was to be had, although the position of the vessel
was by no means secure.
Upon this island we fell in with a race of savages totally unlike any
we had previously met with. These people have no houses or garments of
any kind, and, setting aside their human shape, they differ but little
from brutes.
Pages:
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173