ring at a venture in the fog, which was (for all
that) our only safety. But Heaven guided us; we touched ground at a
thicket; scrambled ashore with our treasure; and having no other way of
concealment, and the mist beginning already to lighten, hove down the
skiff and let her sink. We were still but new under cover when the sun
rose; and at the same time, from the midst of the basin, a great
shouting of seamen sprang up, and we knew the _Sarah_ was being boarded.
I heard afterwards the officer that took her got great honour; and it's
true the approach was creditably managed, but I think he had an easy
capture when he came to board.[3]

I was still blessing the saints for my escape, when I became aware we
were in trouble of another kind. We were here landed at random in a vast
and dangerous swamp; and how to come at the path was a concern of doubt,
fatigue, and peril. Dutton, indeed, was of opinion we should wait until
the ship was gone, and fish up the skiff; for any delay would be more
wise than to go blindly ahead in that morass. One went back accordingly
to the basin-side and (peering through the thicket) saw the fog already
quite drunk up, and English colours flying on the _Sarah_, but no
movement made to get her under way. Our situation was now very doubtful.
The swamp was an unhealthful place to linger in; we had been so greedy
to bring treasures that we had brought but little food; it was highly
desirable, besides, that we should get clear of the neighbourhood and
into the settlements before the news of the capture went abroad; and
against all these considerations there was only the peril of the passage
on the other side. I think it not wonderful we decided on the active
part.

It was already blistering hot when we set forth to pass the marsh, or
rather to strike the path, by compass. Dutton took the compass, and one
or other of us three carried his proportion of the treasure. I promise
you he kept a sharp eye to his rear, for it was like the man's soul that
he must trust us with. The thicket was as close as a bush; the ground
very treacherous, so that we often sank in the most terrifying manner,
and must go round about; the heat, besides, was stifling, the air
singularly heavy, and the stinging insects abounded in such myriads that
each of us walked under his own cloud. It has often been commented on,
how much better gentlemen of birth endure fatigue than persons of the
rabble; so that walking officers, who mus