"
We thanked Montbar, although I could not help smiling at the tribute
which he paid to honesty when I remembered that the lockers in his
cabins were crammed with the loot which he had taken as a freebooter
upon the seas.
CHAPTER XXXV
I AM KIDNAPPED
We were now of two minds, whether to continue the exploration of New
Holland, or to shape a course for the islands of the South Seas; but
Hartog finally decided for the islands, where there is always adventure
and profit to be had. Besides, we were anxious to prove the truth, or
otherwise, of the existence of the Islands of Engano, mentioned by
Marco Polo in the account of his voyage round the world in the year
1272, as the Male and Female Islands.
The first group of islands we touched at after leaving the abandoned
Spanish settlement at New Holland, appeared to be well wooded and
fertile, and approaching one of the largest we cast anchor near the
shore. On the following day we endeavoured to work to windward of this
dangerous coast, but in spite of skilful seamanship it soon, became
certain we were being drawn, probably by some strong current, closer to
the land. The ship was so near to the rocks that escape appeared
impossible.
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