n shore to him every morning or afternoon," said he,
"for this man is my best friend. But now go and rest, you seem very
weary; you shall be called when the breakfast is ready." I was indeed
rejoiced to be able to rest. I bandaged my wounds afresh, stretched
myself on my couch, and fell asleep immediately.

V.

After dinner, I was about to go on shore, in accordance with the
captain's orders, when, just as they were letting me down into the
boat, a large vessel appeared in sight. I was immediately assisted to
the mast-head, and commanded to report what vessel it was. I examined
it for a quarter of an hour through my spy-glass, and was at last
convinced that it was a large Dutch merchantman. The captain then had
me brought down, and communicated my discovery to the crew, who
received it with a loud "huzza."

"These Dutchmen," said he, "are rich prizes; they are sure to have
cash on board."

Instantly we weighed anchor, and the chase began. But the Dutchman was
suspicious, and tried every means of avoiding us; it was too late,
however, for we sailed twice as fast as he, and besides had the
advantage of the wind. To deceive him, we hoisted the English flag,
and fired a shot. He then turned towards us. Our captain supposed that
he would offer resistance, and accordingly, when he came within shot,
sent a ball into him from our forty-four pounder, which struck the
water by the side of the vessel, and then hoisted the blood-red pirate
flag.

"Send the captain, with his papers, on board," he shouted through the
speaking trumpet. As the fulfilment of this command seemed tardy to
the pirates, they enforced it by discharging a dozen muskets. This
produced the desired effect; the captain and supercargo immediately
came on board; they were both pale as death, and trembled with fear.
The pirate snatched their papers from them, and threw them to me
saying, "There! translate those things for me." Although I understood
very little Dutch, I managed to make out that the vessel was bound
from Antwerp for some Mexican port, and that it was freighted with
wine, cheese, hams, cloths and linens. The pirate was not a little
rejoiced to hear this, and ordered me to ask the amount of cash on
board. The Dutchman assured us that he had none.

"We will soon see for ourselves!" said the captain, and taking with
him the pilot and four sailors, he went on board of the merchantman.
In half an hour he called out to the schooner to come alongsid