hungry stomachs, much against the will of our Cimaroons: who if we would
have stayed any day from this continual journeying, would have killed
for us victuals sufficient.

In our absence, the rest of the Cimaroons had built a little town within
three leagues off the port where our ship lay. There our Captain was
contented, upon their great and earnest entreaties to make some stay;
for that they alleged, it was only built for his sake. And indeed he
consented the rather, that the want of shoes might be supplied by means
of the Cimaroons, who were a great help unto us: all our men complaining
of the tenderness of their feet, whom our Captain would himself
accompany in their complaint, some times without cause, but some times
with cause indeed; which made the rest to bear the burden the more
easily.

These Cimaroons, during all the time that we were with burden, did us
continually very good service, and in particular in this journey, being
unto us instead of intelligencers, to advertise us; of guides in our way
to direct us; of purveyors, to provide victuals for us; of house-wrights
to build our lodgings; and had indeed able and strong bodies carrying
all our necessaries: yea, many times when some of our company fainted
with sickness of weariness, two Cimaroons would carry him with ease
between them, two miles together, and at other times, when need was,
they would shew themselves no less valiant than industrious, and of good
judgment.

From this town, at our first entrance in the evening, on Saturday (22nd
February), our Captain despatched a Cimaroon with a token and certain
order to the Master: who had, these three weeks, kept good watch against
the enemy, and shifted in the woods for fresh victual, for the relief
and recovery of our men left aboard.

As soon as this messenger was come to the shore, calling to our ship,
as bringing some news, he was quickly fet[ched] aboard by those which
longed to hear of our Captain's speeding: but when he showed the
toothpike of gold, which he said our Captain had sent for a token to
ELLIS HIXOM, with charge to meet him at such a river though the Master
knew well the Captain's toothpike: yet by reason of his admonition and
caveat [warning] given him at parting, he (though he bewrayed no sign
of distrusting the Cimaroon) yet stood as amazed, lest something had
befallen our Captain otherwise than well. The Cimaroon perceiving this,
told him, that it was night when he was sent away,