A VOVAGE TO THE HOUVYHNHNMS. 208

ship and then go to Madagascar for recruits, several
among them having died since my confinement. They
sailed many weeks, and traded with the Indians; but I
knew not what course they took, being kept a close
prisoner in my cabin and expecting nothing less than
to be murdered, as they often threatened me.

Upon the ninth day of May, 1711, one James Welch
came down to my cabin, and said he had orders from the
Captain to set me ashore. I expostulated with him, but
in vain; neither would he so much as tell me who their
new captain was. They forced me into the long-boat,
letting me put on my best suit of clothes, which were as
good as new, and a small bundle of linen, but no arms
except my hanger; and they were so civil as not to
search my pockets, into which I conveyed what money
I had, with some other little necessaries. They rowed
about a league, and then set me down on astrand. I
desired them to tell me what country it was. They all
swore they knew no more than myself, but said that the
Captain (as they called him) was resolved, after they
had sold the lading, to get rid of me in the first place
where they could discover land. They pushed off imme-
diately, advising me to make haste for fear of being
overtaken by the tide, and so bade me farewell.

In this desolate condition I advanced forward and
‘soon got upon firm ground, where I sat down on a bank
to rest myself and consider what J had best todo. When
I was a little refreshed I went up into the country, re-
solving to deliver myself to the first savages I should
meet, and purchase my life from them by some brace-