sh upon me. I commended my soul to the
Lord, and called upon Him for deliverance, awaiting the issue in
silence, when, to my surprise, they quitted the room, one by one, and
left me, standing alone, in astonishment at their conduct. I shall
never forget the dreadful scene, and think of it at this moment, with
shuddering. As soon as they were all gone, and I found myself in
safety, I fell on my knees, and with tears, gave thanks to God my
Saviour, who had heard my prayers, and rescued me out of the hands of
these savages. My Brethren, who had very properly retired into the
wood, when the Malays first burst into the house, now returned, and we
wept for joy to see each other alive.

Having somewhat recovered from our fright, I went to the village, and
told our old Nicobar captain, Jan, what had happened, upon which he
sent messages to all the neighbouring villages, when in a short time,
great numbers arrived, well armed, and watched at the landing-place all
night. Had the Malays offered to return to shore, not one of them would
have escaped with his life.

In the morning, the Nacata's prow, with two others, were seen at anchor
under Tricut, many miles from hence. The people there told us
afterwards, that the Nacata had said, that the Danish Resident at
Nancauwery was a very great sorcerer, for he had tied their hands, and
they could do nothing with him. It was not I who tied their hands, but
God, who heard the cries of a poor, defenceless and trembling child,
trusting alone to His mercy and power.

I might add many other instances of the trouble and mischief occasioned
by the visits of these robbers, and which it was my business to
prevent, if possible; but will close my account, with relating only one
more, to show in what manner they treat even their own countrymen; and
also, how willing our neighbours were to defend our rights.

Having this year obtained, by foul or fair means, a pretty considerable
booty, no less than nineteen prows, full of Malays, came, the ensuing
season, into our roads, for birds-nests. I had, however, got the start
of them. As soon as the north-east wind commenced, I went to the
southern islands, where I staid a month, and not only collected a vast
quantity of nests, but purchased all those which the natives brought
for sale. The Malays, therefore, were disappointed, and got but few. We
expected that they would have been thereby discouraged, and
discontinued their visits. But we were mistaken.