ship, and then go to Madagascar for
recruits, several among them having died since my confinement. They
sailed many weeks, and traded with the Indians; but I knew not what
course they took, being kept a close prisoner in my cabin, and expecting
nothing less than to be murdered, as they often threatened me.

Upon the 9th day of May, 1711, one James Welch came down to my cabin, and
said, "he had orders from the captain to set me ashore." I expostulated
with him, but in vain; neither would he so much as tell me who their new
captain was. They forced me into the long-boat, letting me put on my
best suit of clothes, which were as good as new, and take a small bundle
of linen, but no arms, except my hanger; and they were so civil as not to
search my pockets, into which I conveyed what money I had, with some
other little necessaries. They rowed about a league, and then set me
down on a strand. I desired them to tell me what country it was. They
all swore, "they knew no more than myself;" but said, "that the captain"
(as they called him) "was resolved, after they had sold the lading, to
get rid of me in the first place where they could discover land." They
pushed off immediately, advising me to make haste for fear of being
overtaken by the tide, and so bade me farewell.

In this desolate condition I advanced forward, and soon got upon firm
ground, where I sat down on a bank to rest myself, and consider what I
had best do. When I was a little refreshed, I went up into the country,
resolving to deliver myself to the first savages I should meet, and
purchase my life from them by some bracelets, glass rings, and other
toys, which sailors usually provide themselves with in those voyages, and
whereof I had some about me. The land was divided by long rows of trees,
not regularly planted, but naturally growing; there was great plenty of
grass, and several fields of oats. I walked very circumspectly, for fear
of being surprised, or suddenly shot with an arrow from behind, or on
either side. I fell into a beaten road, where I saw many tracts of human
feet, and some of cows, but most of horses. At last I beheld several
animals in a field, and one or two of the same kind sitting in trees.
Their shape was very singular and deformed, which a little discomposed
me, so that I lay down behind a thicket to observe them better. Some of
them coming forward near the place where I lay, gave me an opportunity of
distinctly marking their