up and bent the sail, and
having fitted oars, we determined that the next day we would embark.
As she still swam light, we got on board of her as many turtle as we
could conveniently carry, and then, for the last time, went onshore to
sleep.

As there was no room for our chests, it was agreed that we each should
have a bundle on board, selecting those things which we most required
and most valued. This proposal, which was made by the captain, put me
in mind of the diamond, which had scarcely once entered my thoughts
since I had been on the island. When I took it out of my chest, I
thought that I might as well make it more convenient to carry, as
there was no saying what might be the result of our new expedition;
so, when the other men were all busy about their own effects, or
asleep, I first took the precaution to roll it up in a covering of
pitch, so that, if taken from me or lost, it might not be known to be
a diamond, and then I sewed it up in a piece of leather, which I cut
from an old glove, putting a strong leather lanyard to it, so that I
might wear it round my neck. Having done this without any one taking
notice, and having nothing else to do, I took some fine twine, and
worked it over, like the mousing of a stay, in a way peculiar to
sailors, so that, when finished, it was very much in the shape of a
miniature buoy to an anchor, and reminded me of a _fend-off_, or
fender, such as they use to prevent any injury to the sides of a
vessel when coming in contact with another. Having finished my work,
I put the leather lanyard round my neck, inside of my shirt, so that
my diamond was concealed from sight; I then put up my remaining
pieces-of-eight--which were nearly 500, the best of my clothes (for
during my stay at Rio I had very much increased my stock), and I
hardly need say that the old Bible was not left behind.

It was a beautiful, calm morning when we embarked, and, lifting the
anchor, took to our oars, and pulled out through the deep channel, the
captain standing at the bow and conning us through, while I took the
helm. The boat pulled well and steered well; we had yet to see what
she could do under canvas. After a pull of two hours we were clear of
the reef, and out in the open sea. We then laid in the oars, and
commenced our preparations for hoisting the sail to a breeze, which
then blew from the southward. When all was ready, the men hoisted the
sail, but in so doing, a rope being foul, as I was attempti