om the Dutch. He, however, had
not the resolution to engage in the undertaking.

So satisfied was Captain Swan of the good intentions of the natives,
that he carried his vessel over the bar into the river. She had not
been there long when it was discovered that her bottom was perforated by
the teredo, and it appeared a short time before that a Dutch vessel had
been entirely destroyed by them in less than two months.

Rajah Laut, who had become heir to her great guns, no doubt hoped to
obtain those of the _Cygnet_, as well as her stores and cargo, in the
same manner.

The evil having been discovered in time, the crew set to work to rip off
the worm-eaten planks, and put on new, and to sheathe and tallow the
ship's bottom. They also took on board her cargo, consisting of iron
and lead, as also rice for the voyage, and filled the water-casks.

Rajah Laut had long promised to supply her with beef, and he invited
Dampier and a party of others to accompany him on a hunting expedition;
but only a few cows were seen, and none were shot. It now became
evident that he was playing false with the voyagers, and that his great
object was to detain them until their ship was destroyed. Suspecting
this, they got her over the bar. On a second expedition, when Rajah
Laut carried his wives and family with him, Dampier had an opportunity
of seeing much of the manners and customs of the people.

As soon as the Rajah was out of the house the ladies came to the
quarters of the English, and talked freely with them. They were much
surprised on hearing that the King of England had only one wife. Some
approved of the custom, but others considered it a very bad one.

Though the party were several days out in the country, the cows were so
wild that only three heifers were killed. With these Dampier and his
men returned on board.

Rajah Laut now showed his true character. He first borrowed twenty
ounces of gold from Captain Swan, who very unwillingly lent them to him,
and could not afterwards get them back. He also demanded payment for
the food the captain and his men had eaten at his house.

These matters greatly annoyed the captain, who was a man of bad temper.
His own ship's company were every day pressing him to be gone. Some of
them ran away, assisted by Rajah Laut; the whole crew, indeed, became
disaffected. Those who had no money lived on board and wished to be
off, while those who had still some cash remaining were conten