the rest leapt overboard. The thief,
however, not being ill-treated, and receiving a piece of iron, swam to
his friends, who had hovered about the ship to see the issue. After
this the people were honest and civil, and brought off goats and roots,
which were purchased for iron.

Sailing thence, the _Cygnet_ touched at one of the Bashee Islands, and
soon afterwards encountered another storm, which so disheartened the
pirate crew that they wished themselves at home again. But Captain Reed
and Captain Tait persuaded them to go towards Cape Comorin, intending to
cruise in the Red Sea, where they expected to pick up some rich prizes.

Fearing to go through the Straits of Malacca, they agreed to sail round
the eastern side of the Philippine Islands, and keep south towards the
Spice Islands, so as to pass into the East Indian Ocean, about the
island of Timor.

Leaving the island of Luconia with all their golden prospects
disappointed, they steered for Mindanao. Here they received a visit
from the young prince, who had been sent by his uncle. He informed them
he had lately seen Captain Swan, who with his men had been assisting
Rajah Laut in fighting against the hill tribes, and were held in high
estimation.

Here Dampier endeavoured to persuade some of the crew to return for
Captain Swan to Mindanao, but his plan being betrayed to Captain Reed
and Captain Tait, they made haste to be gone. Dampier afterwards heard
that some of the people had got away to Batavia, and from thence to
Europe; that some had died; and that Captain Swan and his surgeon, in
attempting to get on board a Dutch ship, had been upset by the natives
and drowned.

Dampier being here unable to make his escape, was carried on to the
island of Celebes. As they were coasting along during the night, the
sound of numerous oars was heard, and, supposing they were about to be
attacked, they got up their arms and stood ready to defend themselves.

As soon as it was day they saw a large proa, with about sixty men in
her, and six smaller proas. These lay to about a mile to windward to
view the stranger, probably intending to make a prey of her.

At last the _Cygnet_ hoisted Dutch colours, hoping to allure them
nearer, but they pulled away, and were soon out of sight. Standing into
this bay, they came to an anchor near a spot where a vast number of
trees grew, and one especially of great size. This Captain Reed ordered
to be cut down to form into a canoe