CONDITIONS OF ALLIANCE, 809

two pieces, and one which they left in the boat.‘ Well then,”
said I, “leave the rest to me; I see they are all asleep; it is an
easy thing to kill them all; but shall we rather take them
prisoners ?’” He told me there were two desperate villains among
them that it was scarce safe to show any mercy to; but if they
were secured, he believed all the rest would return to their duty.
L asked him which they were. He told me he could not at that
distance describe them ; but he would obey my orders in anything
T would direct. ‘ Well,” says I, “let us retreat out of their view
or hearing, lest they awake, and we will resolve further ;”” so they
willingly went back with me, till the woods covered us from them.

* Look you, sir,” said 1, “if L venture upon your deliverance,
are you willing to make two conditions with me?” He anticipated
my proposals by telling me that both he and the ship, if recovered,
should be wholly directed and commanded by me in everything ;
und if the ship was not recovered, he would live and die with me
in what pare of the world soever LT would send him, and the two
other men said the same.

“Well,” says I) “my conditions are but two. 1, That while
you stay on this island with me you will not pretend to any
authority here; and if L put arms into your hands, you will upon
all occasions give them up to me, and do no prejudice to me or
mine upon this island, and in the mean time be governed by ny
orders.

2. That if the ship is, or may be recovered, you will carry
me and my man to Kngland passage free.”

Ile gave me all the assurances that the invention and faith of
man could devise, that he would comply with these most reasonable
demands, and besides would owe his life to me, and acknowledge
it upon all occasions as long as he lived.

* Well, then,” said I, “here are three muskets for you, with
powder and ball; tell me next what you think is proper to be
done.” He showed all the testimony of his gratitude that he was
able; but offered to be wholly guided by me. I told him I thought
it was hard venturing anything; but the best method I could
think of was to fire upon them at once as they lay; and if any
were not killed ut the first volley, and offered to submit, we might