544 MISTAKEN FOR A PIRATE.

I, “and not yourself, what moves you to tell itme?” ‘Tam
moved,” says he, “by the imminent danger you are in, and, for
aught T see, you have no knowledge of it.” “I know no danger I
am in,” said I, “ but that my ship is leaky, and I cannot find it out ;
but I purpose to lay her a-ground to morrow to see if I can find
it.” “But, sir,” says he,“ leaky or not leaky, find it or not find it,
you will be wiser than to lay your ship on shore to-morrow, when
you hear what I have to say to you. Do you know, sir,” said he,
“the town of Cambodia lies about fifteen leagues up this river,
and there are two large English ships about five leagues on this
side, and three Dutch?” ‘ Well,” said I, “and what is that to
me?” “Why, sir,” said he, “is it fora man that is upon such
adventures as you are upon, to come into a port and not examine
first what ships there are there, and whether he is able to deal
with them? I suppose you do not think you are a match for them?”
T was amused very much at his discourse, but not amazed at
it, for I could not conceive what he meant. I turned short upon
him, and said, “Sir, I wish you would explain yourself. TI can-
not imagine what reason I have to be afraid of any company of
English ships or Dutch ships. Tam no interloper; what can they
have to say to me?”

He looked like a man half angry, half pleased, and pausing a
while, but smiling, “Well, sir,” said he, “if you think yourself
secure, you must take your chance. I am sorrow your fate should
blind you against good advice. But assure yourself, if you do not
put to sea immediately, you will the very next tide be attacked by
five longboats full of men; and perhaps, if you are taken, you'll be
hanged for a pirate, and the particulars be examined afterwards.
I thought, sir,” added he, “T should have met with a better re-
ception than this for doing you a piece of service of such import-
ance.” “I can never be ungrateful,” said I, “for any service,
or to any man that offers me any kindness; but it is past my
comprehension,” said I, “what they should have such a design
upon me for. However, since you say there is no time to be lost,
and that there is some villanous design in hand against me, I'll
go on board this minute and put to sea immediately, if my men
can stop the leak, or if we can swim without stopping it. But,