ed afraid that I
should be put to death: but however he said he would try me once more.

A few days after a Dutch ship came into the harbour, and they carried me
on board, in hopes that the Captain would purchase me.--As they went, I
heard them agree, that, if they could not sell me _then_, they would
throw me overboard.--I was in extreme agonies when I heard this; and as
soon as ever I saw the Dutch Captain, I ran to him, and put my arms
round him, and said, "father, save me." (for I knew that if he did not
buy me, I should be treated very ill, or, possibly, murdered) And though
he did not understand my language, yet it pleased the Almighty to
influence him in my behalf, and he bought me _for two yards of check_,
which is of more value _there_, than in England.

When I left my dear mother I had a large quantity of gold about me, as
is the custom of our country, it was made into rings, and they were
linked into one another, and formed into a kind of chain, and so put
round my neck, and arms and legs, and a large piece hanging at one ear
almost in the shape of a pear. I found all this troublesome, and was
glad when my new Master took it from me--I was now washed, and clothed
in the Dutch or English manner.--My master grew very fond of me, and I
loved him exceedingly. I watched every look, was always ready when he
wanted me, and endeavoured to convince him, by every action, that my
only pleasure was to serve him well.--I have since thought that he must
have been a serious man. His actions corresponded very well with such a
character.--He used to read prayers in public to the ship's crew every
Sabbath day; and when first I saw him read, I was never so surprised in
my whole life as when I saw the book talk to my master; for I thought it
did, as I observed him to look upon it, and move his lips.--I wished it
would do so to me.--As soon as my master had done reading I follow'd
him to the place where he put the book, being mightily delighted with
it, and when nobody saw me, I open'd it and put my ear down close upon
it, in great hope that it wou'd say something to me; but was very sorry
and greatly disappointed when I found it would not speak, this thought
immediately presented itself to me, that every body and every thing
despis'd me because I was black.

I was exceedingly sea-sick at first; but when I became more accustom'd
to the sea, it wore off.--My master's ship was bound for Barbadoes. When
we came there, he thought f