If ever a man moved swiftly, and with purpose, it was our master when he
thus came to understand what Master Wingfield and Captain Kendall would
do. He was on shore before those in the pinnace could hoist the sails,
and, calling upon all who remained true to the London Company to give
him aid, had three of our small cannon, which were already loaded with
shot, aimed at the crew of mutineers.
Five men, each with a matchlock in his hand, stood ready to fire upon
those who would at the same time desert and steal from us, and Captain
Smith gave the order for Captain Kendall and Master Wingfield to come on
shore without delay.
For reply Captain Kendall discharged his firearm, hoping to kill my
master, and then those on the bank emptied their matchlocks with such
effect that Captain Kendall was killed by the first volley, causing
Master Wingfield to scuttle on shore in a twinkling lest he suffer a
like fate.
The whole bloody business was at an end in less than a quarter hour; but
the effect of it was not so soon wiped away, for from that time each man
had suspicion of his neighbor, fearing lest another attempt be made to
take from us the pinnace, which we looked upon as an ark of refuge, in
case the savages should come against us in such numbers that they could
not be resisted.