After dinner, I was about to go on shore, in accordance with the
captain's orders, when, just as they were letting me down into the
boat, a large vessel appeared in sight. I was immediately assisted to
the mast-head, and commanded to report what vessel it was. I examined
it for a quarter of an hour through my spy-glass, and was at last
convinced that it was a large Dutch merchantman. The captain then had
me brought down, and communicated my discovery to the crew, who
received it with a loud "huzza."
"These Dutchmen," said he, "are rich prizes; they are sure to have
cash on board."
Instantly we weighed anchor, and the chase began. But the Dutchman was
suspicious, and tried every means of avoiding us; it was too late,
however, for we sailed twice as fast as he, and besides had the
advantage of the wind. To deceive him, we hoisted the English flag,
and fired a shot. He then turned towards us. Our captain supposed that
he would offer resistance, and accordingly, when he came within shot,
sent a ball into him from our forty-four pounder, which struck the
water by the side of the vessel, and then hoisted the blood-red pirate
flag.
"Send the captain, with his papers, on board," he shouted through the
speaking trumpet. As the fulfilment of this command seemed tardy to
the pirates, they enforced it by discharging a dozen muskets. This
produced the desired effect; the captain and supercargo immediately
came on board; they were both pale as death, and trembled with fear.
The pirate snatched their papers from them, and threw them to me
saying, "There! translate those things for me." Although I understood
very little Dutch, I managed to make out that the vessel was bound
from Antwerp for some Mexican port, and that it was freighted with
wine, cheese, hams, cloths and linens. The pirate was not a little
rejoiced to hear this, and ordered me to ask the amount of cash on
board. The Dutchman assured us that he had none.
"We will soon see for ourselves!" said the captain, and taking with
him the pilot and four sailors, he went on board of the merchantman.
In half an hour he called out to the schooner to come alongside. This
was done, and the Dutchman was again sent on board of his vessel,
where he was greeted with a blow from the flat of a sword that
stretched him on the deck. The inquiries concerning the money now
began afresh, accompanied by the threats of burning both ship and
crew, if money should actually be found on board. Then the Dutchman
was placed in confinement, while the crew were sent on board the
schooner, and down into the hold. Both ships sailed into the harbour
at sundown, that they might spend the night in safety. I received
permission to retire to the cabin, and there found a neat little
supper that the care of the benevolent cook had provided for me. The
salve that I had prepared for my wounds had an excellent effect, and I
was now quite free from pain.
The next morning the freight of the captured vessel was transferred to
the schooner, and I was again obliged to assist with my small
knowledge of Dutch. After dinner I was sent on shore again, to dress
Don Toribios' wounds. As they were healing rapidly, and the fever had
quite left him, I soon returned, his daughter having presented me with
a box of Havana cigars.
As night had not yet set in, they proceeded vigorously in transferring
the cargo of the Dutchman, and the goods were piled up high on the
deck of the schooner; they were not to be sold, as before, but taken
by a coasting vessel to Havana, and disposed of there. The next
morning the coaster appeared, and the transfer of the cargo began
again. While all were thus busied, the captain drew me aside, and said
to me in an unusually confidential tone, "I must accompany this
coaster some distance; we shall be gone four or five days. Therefore,
go on shore once more, and carry to Don Toribios as much physic as he
will want during this time, but be sure to be back before sunset."
I immediately obeyed, fulfilled my commission, and returned at the
appointed hour; the captain was making merry with the coaster, and as
I would take no part in their excesses, I retired to rest, but could
not sleep. The door of my cabin opened gently, to admit the cook; he
sat down by me, and said as softly as possible:
"While you were on shore to-day, the captain called together the crew,
and told them that during the course of four weeks they had all
learned to know the captive Englishman, and must be aware that he was
most useful in every capacity. 'But,' said the captain, 'he is not to
be trusted; I see that he meditates escape, day and night, and if his
plans should succeed, which is not impossible, the first English
man-of-war that he meets will have the secret of our retreat here, and
all will be over with us. I have, therefore, formed a resolution that
will certainly seem right to you all. We will let him finish the sails
that he is now at work upon, and then get rid of him. Some evening I
will get up a dispute with him; you will gather around us and take
sides, and in the heat of argument I will plunge my knife into his
bosom, and you will finish the business.' The crew consulted together,
and opinion was divided; only a few of the most bloody-minded agreed
to the thought of your murder; at last it was determined to have you
closely watched, and not to allow you to go on shore any more."
"Have it so then," cried the captain, angrily; "you will see what will
come of it."
"Now my friend," concluded the brave fellow, "now you know every
thing. I fear the captain has not given up his intention; therefore,
take your measures accordingly. If I can assist you in carrying out
any plan that you may form, rely upon my desire to serve you. God
grant, that if you escape, I may accompany you."
With these words he bade me good night and left me. What were my
sensations. "Am I then," I said to myself "to be thus cut off in the
midst of my youth? No! I will balk these monsters. I must attempt to
save myself even if the attempt cost me my life." These thoughts
occupied me during the night, and I did not sleep until towards four
o'clock in the morning.