ting until the ship had passed on, they got into them and made for
the shore. Others, however, in a short time came off, one of whom had
the impudence to steal a dagger from a seaman's belt. Being ordered to
restore it, instead of so doing, he grasped at other things, and tried
to make his escape. At length the seamen, losing patience, handling the
ropes' ends and other still more formidable weapons, drove their roguish
visitors overboard, and as they sailed away, bestowed on the group the
name of the Islands of Thieves, now known as the Carolines. Thence
sailing southward, the _Hind_ passed several islands till she reached
that of Mindanao, whence two canoes came off; but the wind blowing
strong, Drake could not wait to communicate with them.

On the 3rd of November she came in sight of the high-peaked Molucca
Islands, to the east of which lies the great island of Gilolo. The two
principal are called Ternate and Tidore. Drake had intended to touch at
the latter, but when near the little island of Motir, belonging to
Ternate, a person of consequence, the Viceroy of the island, came off
with the information that the King had driven the Portuguese, who were
enemies to him as well as to them, out of Ternate, and that he was
anxious to receive the English with due honour, and to open up a
commercial intercourse with them. He assured Drake that if he dealt
with the Portuguese, he would find them treacherous and deceitful, and
that the King of Ternate would have nothing to do with him if he had any
intercourse with them.

In consequence of this Drake resolved to run to Ternate, off which
island, early the next day, the _Golden Hind_ came to an anchor. The
Admiral immediately sent a velvet cloak to the King, with a message
stating that he came on a friendly visit.

The Viceroy did not fail strongly to impress the King's mind with an
idea of the consequence and power of the Queen of England, and he came
back carrying a signet ring, as a sign to Drake that he would be well
received, saying that the King himself, with his nobles, would soon pay
him a visit on board.

Meantime Drake sent one of his officers on shore, who was met on landing
by a number of the chief people, and by them was conducted into the
presence of the King.

His Majesty blamed himself for not having at once come off to pay his
promised visit, and announced his intention of speedily making his
appearance. The ship was accordingly decked with flags