"

I had some conversation with the officers, and then went below to see
Toplift. He was in his hammock, for he had much fever and suffered from
his wound, but the surgeon said that he would do well.

"Toplift," said I, "you must keep your mind at ease, for my brother has
promised me that you shall not be tried with the others, and has no
doubt that when he explains the whole to the admiral you will be thanked
for your service."

"Thanked!" said Toplift, "if I am not hanged, I shall be fortunate
enough."

"No fear of that," replied I, "so keep your mind easy and get well as
fast as you can."

"Well then, Sir, you have saved my life, at all events, for had you not
come on board, no one would have ever spoken for me, or believed that I
was not a pirate in heart like all the others, except the two
Portuguese."

"If necessary, they will be evidence in your favour, but I do not think
any evidence will be required except mine, and that will be sufficient
with the admiral. I promised you that you should never want the means
of getting your livelihood, and I repeat that promise now."

"Thank you, Sir," replied he, and I then left him and went up to the
cabin to breakfast.

The following day we were at anchor at Port Royal; my brother reported
what had occurred, and the admiral sent for all the pirate prisoners
except Toplift, whose case was so fully represented by me and my
brother, that he was permitted to go at large, and to take a passage
home to England free of expense if he wished it. It is hardly necessary
to say that Toplift accepted this offer, and remained in the vessel with
me. The two Portuguese were also liberated. Three days after our
arrival we sailed for England, and after a quick run of between five and
six weeks, we anchored at Spithead. My brother could not leave his
ship, and I therefore requested him to write to Liverpool, stating that
he had intelligence of me, and that I was alive; that I had been wrecked
and had fallen into the hands of the Indians near the English
settlements in Virginia, and that I had escaped and was, he believed, at
James Town.

I considered it wise to make a communication like this at first, as too
sudden an announcement might be dangerous to one in so weak a state of
health as Philip stated my Amy to be from the letter he had received
from her father. I remained with him at Portsmouth until the reply
came. Mr Trevannion wrote and told Philip that his communicatio