hed, I obtained
leave to go and bid him farewell. After we had vowed an everlasting
friendship, he pressed upon me a purse, with four doubloons, which I
refused as long as I could without giving umbrage; and, having cordially
embraced each other, I returned on board, where I found a small box,
with a letter directed for me, to the care of Mr. Tomlins. Knowing the
superscription to be of Thompson's handwriting, I opened it with some
surprise, and learned that this generous friend, not content with
loading me with the presents already mentioned, had sent, for my use and
acceptance, half a dozen fine shirts, and as many linen waistcoats and
caps, with twelve pair of new thread stockings. Being thus provided with
money and all necessaries for the comfort of life, I began to look upon
myself as a gentleman of some consequence, and felt my pride dilate a
pace.

Next day we sailed for Port Royal, where we arrived safely with our
prizes; and, as there was nothing to do on board, I went ashore, and
having purchased a laced waistcoat, with some other clothes, at a
sale, made a swaggering figure for some days among the taverns, where I
ventured to play a little at hazard, and came off with fifty pistoles in
my pocket. Meanwhile our captain was promoted to a ship of twenty guns,
and the command of the Lizard given to a man turned of fourscore,
who had been lieutenant since the reign of King William, and,
notwithstanding his long service, would have probably died in that
station, had he not applied some prize-money he had lately received,
to make interest with his superiors. My friend Brayl was also made
an officer about the same time, after he had served in quality of
a midshipman and mate for five and twenty years. Soon after these
alterations, the admiral pitched upon our ship to carry home dispatches
for the ministry; and we set sail for England, having first scrubbed her
bottom, and taken in provision and water for the occasion.

CHAPTER XXXVII

We depart for Europe--a misunderstanding arises between the Captain and
the Surgeon, through the scandalous aspersions of Crampley--the Captain
dies--Crampley tyrannises over the surgeon, who falls a Victim for his
Cruelty--I am also ill-used--the Ship strikes--the behaviour of Crampley
and the Seamen on that occasion---I get on shore, challenge the Captain
to single combat--am treacherously knocked down, wounded, and robbed

Now that I could return to my native country in a