ng them. The roar of the cannon was followed
by the instant disappearance of every native from the fleet of
canoes, amid the laughter of those on board ship. For a long time
none could be seen, each as he came above water keeping on the
further side of his canoe, and then paddling with it astern, so
that the ship, as she floated on, left them gradually behind. When
they thought that they were in safety they again took their places
in the canoes, and finding that none were hurt, again paddled
alongside the ship, and made pretense to barter. Some of them
indeed came on board with their wares, but while pretending to be
engaged in honest trade, they stole the daggers and knives from the
men's girdles, and pillaged whatever they could lay their hands
upon.

The admiral, being wroth at this conduct, had some of these men
seized and flogged; and then, driving the rest into their canoes,
hoisted sail and went onwards, christening the place the "Island of
Thieves," so as to deter all passengers, hereafter, from ever
visiting it.

Passing through many other islands they made for Tidore, the
principal place in the Moluccas. But as they passed the Island of
Motir, which was then called Ternate, a deputy, or viceroy, of the
king of that island came off to the ship in a great canoe, and
entreated the admiral to anchor at that island, and not at Tidore;
assuring him, in the name of the king, that he would be wondrous
glad to see him, and to do all that the admiral could require. He
himself promised to return to the king at once, who would get all
in readiness; whereas, if they went on to Tidore, where the
Portuguese held sway, they would find in them deceit and treachery.

On these persuasions Captain Drake resolved to run into Ternate;
where, next morning, he came to anchor. The admiral then sent a
party, consisting of Ned and three other adventurers, to the king;
bearing the present of a velvet cloak, as a testimony of his desire
for friendship and goodwill; with the message that he should
require no other thing at his hands but that he might be allowed,
by traffic and exchange of merchandise, to obtain provisions; of
which, after his long voyage across the seas, he had now but small
store.

As the boat rowed to shore, it was met by a large canoe coming out
with a message, from the king, that he had heard from his viceroy
how great was the nobleness of the captain, and of the Queen whom
he served; and that he, who was the en