ved her also to be in darkness, with no sign of life on board.

When we came alongside I climbed to the deck by the anchor-chain, when
I found the ship to be deserted, with hatches on, and the doors to the
cabins securely locked. So, judging we had nothing to fear from the
Spaniards, we returned to the "Speedwell" as silently as we had come. I
did not tell Captain Smuts of the treasure which I believed to be still
upon the frigate, as I desired, in the first place, to consult with
Hartog as to the course to be adopted regarding it. Captain Smuts, on
receiving my report that the Spanish ship was apparently out of
commission, concluded that no change need be made in our original plan,
the preparations for the carrying out of which were accordingly
proceeded with.

Next morning, after breakfast, the captain of the "Speedwell" and his
officers, in their best uniforms, and with a picked boat's crew, set
out for the shore, taking with them presents for King Thedori and his
chiefs, with a view to establishing friendly relations with them. In
the course of an hour they returned, when, the captain repeated to me
the greeting given him by the King of the Moluccas, which was almost
word for word that extended to Hartog at the time of his visit in the
"Golden Seahorse". Evidently King Thedori had a set speech wherewith to
welcome his guests whom he afterwards intended to plunder. Captain
Smuts was so impressed by the amiable bearing and fair words of the
King that he found it hard to believe so much treachery could lurk
behind such a frank and open exterior. Thedori, he said, had promised
to come on board the "Speedwell" next day to inspect the furs, and
arrange about the price to be paid for them. On my asking if any
Spaniards had been met with ashore, Captain Smuts replied that he had
not seen any, so we had no means of ascertaining what had become of
Donna Isabel and her people, as well as the captain and crew of the
frigate.

Next morning King Thedori came on board the "Speedwell" in the
captain's boat, which had been sent for him. He did not bring with him
any of his guards or attendants, not having the least suspicion of the
trap we had laid. It was only when he came into the cabin that his
suspicions were aroused, and it was then too late for him to retreat. I
was sitting at the table when Smuts brought him in, and was presented
to him as part owner of the furs. I saw him start when our eyes met,
but otherwise he gave no