th Mesty, who thought it advisable to
agree to the proposal. That the islands were not inhabited was very
evident. The only point to ascertain was if there were good anchorage.
The coxswain offered to go in the boat and examine; and, with four men,
he set off, and in about an hour returned, stating that there was plenty
of water, and that it was as smooth as a mill-pond, being land-locked on
every side. As they could not weigh the bower-anchor, they bent the
kedge, and, running in without accident, came to in a small bay, between
the islands, in seven fathoms water. The sails were furled, and
everything put in order by the seamen, who then took the boat and pulled
on shore. "They might as well have asked leave," thought Jack. In an
hour they returned, and, after a short discussion, came aft to our hero
in a body.

The coxswain was spokesman. He said that they had had hard work, and
required now to have some rest,--that there were provisions on board for
three months, so that there could not be any hurry,--and that they had
found they could pitch a tent very well on shore, and live there for a
short time,--and that as there was no harm in getting drunk on shore,
they expected that they might be allowed to take provisions and plenty
of wine with them; and that the men had desired him to ask leave,
because they were determined to go, whether or no. Jack was about to
answer with the handspike; but perceiving that the men had all put on
their cutlasses, and had their pistols at their belts, he thought proper
to consult Mesty, who, perceiving that resistance was useless, advised
Jack to submit, observing, that the sooner all the wine was gone the
better, as there would be nothing done while it lasted. Jack,
therefore, very graciously told them, that they should have their own
way, and he would stay there as long as they pleased. Mesty gave them
the keys of the provision-hatch, and told them, with a grin, to help
themselves. The men then informed Jack that he and Mesty should stay on
board, and take care of the ship for them, and that they would take the
Spaniard on shore to cook their victuals; but to this Jack observed,
that if he had not two hands, he could not obey their orders, in case
they wished him to come on shore for them. The men thought there was
good argument in that observation, and therefore allowed Jack to retain
the Spaniard, that he might be more prompt to their call from the beach:
they then wish