and liberty, but not
under the rate of three hundred pieces of eight, I not being master of
one at a time in the world. At last, through the manifold miseries I
endured, as also affliction of mind, I was thrown into a dangerous
sickness. This misfortune, added to the rest, was the cause of my
happiness: for my wicked master, seeing my condition, began to fear lest
he should lose his monies with my life. Hereupon he sold me a second
time to a surgeon, for seventy pieces of eight. Being with this second
master, I began soon to recover my health through the good usage I
received, he being much more humane and civil than my first patron. He
gave me both clothes and very good food; and after I had served him but
one year, he offered me my liberty, with only this condition, that I
should pay him one hundred pieces of eight when I was in a capacity so
to do; which kind proposal of his I could not but accept with infinite
joy and gratitude.

Being now at liberty, though like Adam when he was first created--that
is, naked and destitute of all human necessaries--not knowing how to get
my living, I determined to enter into the order of the pirates or
robbers at sea. Into this society I was received with common consent,
both of the superior and vulgar sort, where I continued till 1672.
Having assisted them in all their designs and attempts, and served them
in many notable exploits (of which hereafter I shall give the reader a
true account), I returned to my own native country. But before I begin
my relation, I shall say something of the island Hispaniola, which lies
towards the western part of America; as also give my reader a brief
description thereof, according to my slender ability and experience.

CHAPTER III

_A Description of Hispaniola.--Also a Relation of the French
Buccaneers._

THE large and rich island called Hispaniola is situate from 17 degrees
to 19 degrees latitude; the circumference is 300 leagues; the extent
from east to west 120; its breadth almost 50, being broader or narrower
at certain places. This island was first discovered by Christopher
Columbus, A.D. 1492; he being sent for this purpose by Ferdinand, king
of Spain; from which time to this present the Spaniards have been
continually possessors thereof. There are upon this island very good and
strong cities, towns, and hamlets, as well as a great number of pleasant
country houses and plantations, the effects of the care and industry of
the Span