It is very probable I should have longed in vain--very probable I should
not have been allowed to set foot upon the shore, but for my protector
Brace. My work was still that of the swab and mop, and shoe-brush, and
I was kept closely employed at such "chores" from morning to night. The
others were permitted to go ashore almost at their pleasure--except
during their working-hours, and then they were back and forward several
times in the day, unloading the cargo of rum, and salt, and iron, that
was forthwith delivered up to King Dingo Bingo.
I endeavoured several times to go with them in the boat, but was always
repulsed by some one, usually by the mate or captain himself.
Every day as the sun rose over the glistening tree-tops, tinging their
rich verdure with hues of gold, I sighed for liberty, and I would have
given aught I possessed, to have been allowed to roam freely through
those bright woods. Only one who has been for months cooped up within
the confined boundaries of a ship, until tired to death of its
monotonous life, can have any idea of the intense longings that I
experienced. I was even worse off than one who may have been thus
situated. I was not only cooped up but ill-treated. I was not only a
prisoner, but a slave, harshly used, and thoroughly disgusted both with
my master and associates. If but for a single hour, therefore, I would
have made any sacrifice to have been permitted to take a stroll in
yonder wild woods, that on both sides of the river stretched away as far
as the eye could reach, for I had viewed them from the royal-mast-head,
and saw that they were interminable.
I cannot tell why the captain and mate were so opposed to my going
ashore. It might be that they were suspicious of me, and feared I might
run away from the ship. Knowing the harsh treatment to which they were
in the habit of submitting me, it is not strange they should suspect me
of such an intention. My position could hardly be worse, even among
savages; and, therefore, it was natural enough they should have their
fears of my leaving them.
They had no desire to part with me on such terms. I had proved of great
service to them in the capacity of cabin-boy and attendant; and they
found my services very convenient. Though they would have cared little
for drowning me, or knocking me on the head, to gratify a whim of their
own, they would have been sadly grieved had I succeeded in running away
from them; and, evidently suspecting that I might harbour such an
intention, they took care that I should not have the slightest
opportunity of carrying it out. I was not permitted, therefore, to set
my foot in any of the boats that were constantly going and coming
between the ship and the shore.
There was one other of the _Pandora's_ crew who was dealt with in a
similar manner, and this was poor "Dutchy", as the sailors called him.
They might well suspect him of a design to run away. Bad as was the
treatment I received, it was humane and civil when compared with the
almost continuous cruelty practised upon the Dutchman; and instinct
itself should have prompted him to flee from it at the very first
opportunity that offered.
Unfortunately, instinct had this very effect; or rather, I might say,
human flesh and blood could stand it no longer; and Dutchy determined to
desert. I say unfortunately, for the attempt proved a failure, and had
an awful termination. It ended in the death of this poor sailor--a
death that was hideous and appalling.