You of course know
that the English attempted to make a landing, but have been defeated,
and it is thought probable that they will make another attempt in this
direction." He appeared to say this in a very significant manner. The
information he gave might or might not be correct, but there was a
friendliness in his look and tone which led me to suppose that he knew I
was English, and that he wished to warn me of my danger. I was doubtful
what to say in return, but quickly resolved to hurry down to the
watering party to advise them to return on board and to warn Captain
Hassall, that he might be ready immediately to get under way. I turned
to the seeming native, whom I now discovered to be a Dutchman, and
thanked him for what he had told me, remarking that our business was of
no consequence, and that as it was possible the wind might change, I
proposed returning on board at once. He smiled, and said he thought it
was the best thing I could do. This convinced me of his good feeling,
and that he knew I was English. Just at that moment a guard of soldiers
emerged from the palace, and their officer, addressing the Dutchman,
made signs to me that I was forthwith to return.

"I am sorry," observed the Dutchman to me in English; "we must attend
the summons, but your boy need not, and you may send him to let your
companions know."

I took the advice and ordered Jack to find his way down to the boats,
and to tell the mates to hurry on board with or without water, and to
advise Captain Hassall to get under way immediately. I added, "Tell him
to stand off and on for a couple of hours. If I am at liberty I will
put off in a native boat, but if I am detained, tell him to save the
ship and cargo, and that I hope before long to make my escape."

Jack fully understood my message, but I must say, to his credit, that he
seemed very unwilling to leave me to my fate.

"I am in no danger," I remarked; "I may possibly be detained a few days,
but I am not likely to suffer any other inconvenience. Now, quick, my
lad, or the ship and all hands may be caught in a trap."

Jack gave me a nod, and was off like a shot. I scarcely expected,
however, that he would be allowed to go free; but no one, I suppose, had
received orders to stop him, and so he pursued his way unmolested. The
officers of the guard had, in the meantime, been speaking to the
Dutchman, who told me that I must return forthwith, as the chief was
waiting to receive m