e nigh it. After this, finding I
could not pass between Bonao and Ceram as I purposed, I steered away to
the north of it.

This Bonao is a small island lying about 4 leagues from the north-west
point of Ceram. I was informed by the Dutch sloop before mentioned that,
notwithstanding its smallness, it has one fine river, and that the Dutch
are there settled. Whether there be any natives on it or not I know not,
nor what its produce is. They further said that the Ceramers were their
mortal enemies; yet that they were settled on the westermost point of
Ceram in spite of the natives.

The next day as we approached the island Bouro there came off from it a
very fragrant scent, much like that from King William's Island; and we
found so strong a current setting to the westward that we could scarce
stem it. We plied to get to the southward, intending to pass between
Bouro and Keelang.

In the evening, being near the west end of Bouro, we saw a brigantine to
the north-west of us, on the north side of Bouro, standing to the
eastward. I would not stand east or west for fear of coming nigh the land
which was on each side of us, namely Bouro on the west, and Keelang on
the east. The next morning we found ourselves in mid-channel between both
islands; and having the wind at south-west we steered south-south-east,
which is right through between both. At 11 o'clock it fell calm; and so
continued till noon; by that time the brigantine which we saw astern the
night before was got 2 or 3 leagues ahead of us. It is probable she met a
strong land-wind in the evening which continued all night; she keeping
nearer the shore than I could safely do. She might likewise have a tide
or current setting easterly, where she was; though we had a tide setting
northwardly against us, we being in mid-channel.

About 8 at night the brigantine which we saw in the day came close along
by us on our weather-side: our guns were all ready before night, matches
lighted, and small arms on the quarter-deck ready loaded. She standing
one way and we another; we soon got further asunder. But I kept good
watch all the night and in the morning saw her astern of us, standing as
we did. At 10 o'clock, having little wind, I sent the yawl aboard of her.
She was a Chinese vessel laden with rice, arrack, tea, porcelain, and
other commodities, bound for Amboina. The commander said that his boat
was gone ashore for water, and asked our men if they saw her; for she had
been w