called to the pumps; but the water
increasing in the hold, it was apparent that the ship would founder. We
fired guns for help, and a ship who had rid it out just ahead of us
ventured a boat out. It was with the utmost hazard the boat came near
us, but at last we got all into it, and got into shore, though not
without much difficulty, and walked afterwards on foot to Yarmouth.

Having some money in my pocket, I travelled to London, and there got
acquainted with the master of a ship which traded on the coast of
Guinea. This captain, taking a fancy to my conversation, told me if I
would make a voyage with him I might do some trading on my own account.
I embraced the offer, and went the voyage with him. With the help of
some of my relations I raised L40, which I laid out in toys, beads, and
such trifles as my friend the captain said were most in demand on the
Guinea Coast. It was a prosperous voyage. It made me both a sailor and a
merchant, for my adventure yielded me on my return to London almost
L300, and this filled me with those aspiring thoughts which have since
so completed my ruin.

I was now set up as a Guinea trader, and made up my mind to go the same
voyage again in the same ship; but this was the unhappiest voyage ever
man made, for as we were off the African shore we were surprised by a
Moorish rover of Salee, who gave chase with all sail. About three in the
afternoon he came up with us, and after a great fight we were forced to
yield, and were carried all prisoners into the port of Salee, where we
were sold as slaves.

I was fortunate enough to fall into the hands of a master who treated me
with no little kindness. He frequently went fishing, and as I was
dexterous in catching fish, he never went without me. One day he sent me
out with a Moor to catch fish for him. Then notions of deliverance
darted into my thoughts, and I prepared not for fishing, but for a
voyage. When everything was ready, we sailed away to the
fishing-grounds. Purposely catching nothing, I said we had better go
farther out. The Moor agreed, and I ran the boat out near a league
farther; then I brought to as if I would fish. Instead of that, however,
I stepped forward, and, stooping behind the Moor, took him by surprise
and tossed him overboard. He rose to the surface, and called on me to
take him in. For reply I presented a gun at him, and told him if he came
nearer the boat I would shoot him, and that as the sea was calm, he
might easil