man, or rather monster as he ought to be
termed. He was of a swarthy complexion, near six feet in height, his
eyes were large, black and penetrating; his expression was
remarkable, and when silent, his looks were sufficient to declare
his meaning. He wore around his waist a leathern belt, to which was
suspended a sword, a brace of pistols and a dirk. He was as I was
afterward informed the acknowledged chief among the Pirates, all
appeared to stand in awe of him, and no one dared to disobey his
commands. Such, dear brother, was the character who had promised me
protection if I would become reconciled to my situation, in other
words, subservient to his will. But, whatever might have been his
intentions, although now in his power, without a visible friend to
protect me, yet such full reliance did I place in the Supreme Being,
who sees and knows all things, and who has promised his protection
to the faithful in the hour of tribulation, that I felt myself in a
less degree of danger than you or any one would probably imagine.

As the day drew near to a close, I was conducted to a small
temporary hut or cabin, where I was informed I might repose
peaceably for the night, which I did without being disturbed by any
one. This was another opportunity that I did not suffer to pass
unimproved to pour out my soul to that Being, who had already given
me reasons to believe that he did not say to the house of Jacob,
seek you me in vain. Oh! that all sincere Christians would in every
difficulty make Him their refuge; He is a hopeful stay.

Early in the morning ensuing I was visited by the wretch alone whom
I had viewed as chief of the murderous band. As he entered and cast
his eyes upon me, his countenance relaxed from its usual ferocity to
a feigned smile. Without speaking a word, he seated himself on a
bench that the cabin contained, and drawing a table toward him,
leaned upon it resting his cheek upon his hand. His eyes for some
moments were fixed in stedfast gaze upon the ground, while his
whole soul appeared to be devoured by the most diabolical thoughts.
In a few moments he arose from his seat and hastily traversed the
hut, apparently in extreme agitation, and not unfrequently fixing
his eyes stedfastly upon me. But, that Providence, which while it
protects the innocent, never suffers the wicke