four, and others with only two.
Under these drawings was the following inscription, translated into
Spanish from some ancient language: "These hands are not carved upon
the rocks, but are painted with a pigment that withstands the elements,
and yieldeth not to time. They mark the measures of gold obtained."
Then followed a rude chart giving the latitude and longitude of the
place which Hartog professed his ability to find.

"Join me, Peter," he said, "and let us ship together. There's treasure
to be won, dangers to be passed, and forgetfulness to be had in the
South. You are still a young man--in your prime. Is it fair that you
should set yourself against that which plainly hath been decreed by
Fate?"

These words of Hartog moved me, as well they might, and I placed myself
unreservedly in his hands. My father-in-law, when he was made
acquainted with my desire to embark upon another voyage, offered no
opposition. He was, I imagine, glad to be rid of me, perceiving that my
moods ashore might interfere with the plans he had formed for the
management of my estates. So, all being settled to our mutual
satisfaction, Hartog and I went to work to equip our vessel, in which
occupation I found relief from my sorrow, and became more reconciled to
submit myself to the will of heaven.

In three weeks our preparations were completed. A new ship was
purchased, and commissioned without regard to cost. So much money was
spent upon her that Hartog called her the "Golden Seahorse". She
carried six guns, and a brass bow-chaser, with which Hartog declared we
might make war upon the whole South Pacific in the event of our being
forced to hostilities. A great quantity of arms and ammunition was put
aboard, together with a supply of beads, knives, and bright-coloured
cloths to barter with the natives. Berths were also found for Bantum
and Janstins in the officers' quarters, and although Hartog and I were
joint owners of the "Golden Seahorse", and shared equally in the profit
or loss of the expedition, Hartog was given the supreme command.

It was not until we had lost sight of land, and when I felt the call of
the sea, that I ceased to mourn my lost Anna, and realized my
obligation to live what remained to me of life in such manner as an
all-wise Providence might determine.

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE MOLUCCA ISLANDS

On this voyage to the place of the painted hands Dirk Hartog resolved
upon a different route from that taken by former