We were piloted to our anchorage
outside by my Portuguese friend, who knew the locality thoroughly,
and on whose dexterity and skill we placed the greatest reliance.
If anything more had been necessary to fix this circumstance in my
mind, it would have been the fact that two or three days before he
had assured me that I should presently have the means of honorable
discharge from the pirate's crew, and a return to my native land.
A launch was sent from the ship to communicate with our friends on
the island, who supplied us with stores, provisions, and general
information. The launch was manned by eight men, and officered by
the first mate,--a grim, Puritanical, practical New Englander, if I
may use such a term to describe a pirate, of great courage,
experience, and physical strength. My Portuguese friend, acting as
pilot, prevailed upon them to allow me to accompany the party as
coxswain. I was naturally anxious, you can readily comprehend, to
see--"
"Certainly," "Of course," "Why shouldn't you?" went round the
table.
"Two trustworthy men were sent ashore with instructions.
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