Spaniards
call them) being a large number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad,
one hundred and fifty miles distance; and many more than the charts have
laid down, most of them very low and some covered at high water, which
makes it very dangerous for navigators without a skilful pilot. After
taking this view of our condition, which was very gloomy, we began to
suspect we were left on this desolate island by those merciless
plunderers to perish. Of this I am now fully convinced; still we looked
anxiously for the pirate's boat to come according to promise with more
water and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw them soon after get
under way with all sail set and run directly from us until out of our
sight, and _we never saw them again_! One may partially imagine our
feelings, but they cannot be put into words. Before they were entirely
out of sight of us, we raised the white blanket upon a pole, waving it
in the air, in hopes, that at two miles distance they would see it and
be moved to pity. But pity in such monsters was not to be found. It was
not their interest to save us from the lingering death, which we now saw
before us. We tried to compose ourselves, trusting to God, who had
witnessed our sufferings, would yet make use of some one, as the
instrument of his mercy towards us. Our next care, now, was to try for
water. We dug several holes in the sand and found it, but quite too salt
for use. The tide penetrates probably through the island. We now came on
short allowances for water. Having no means of securing what we had by
lock and key, some one in the night would slyly drink, and it was soon
gone. The next was to bake some bread, which we did by mixing flour with
salt water and frying it in lard, allowing ourselves eight quite small
pancakes to begin with. The ham was reserved for some more important
occasion, and the salt fish was lost for want of fresh water. The
remainder of this day was passed in the most serious conversation and
reflection. At night, I read prayers from the "Prayer Book," before
mentioned, which I most carefully concealed while last on board the
pirates. This plan was pursued morning and evening, during our stay
there. Then retired for rest and sleep, but realized little of either.

Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked round the beach, in expectation
of finding something useful. On our way picked up a paddle about three
feet long, very similar to the Indian canoe paddle, except the handl