or a long voyage.

The name of the _Bachelor's Delight_ was bestowed upon her, and with
exulting hearts the buccaneers directed their course for the Straits of
Magellan. On their way two or three of the crew died, and among them
one of the surgeons, greatly to their regret, as they had now only one
remaining.

Having touched at the Falkland Islands, then known under the name of
Sibald de Weert, to obtain water and fresh provisions, they steered for
the entrance of the straits. Dampier, knowing the want of discipline
among the lawless crew, feared to take the ship through so narrow and
dangerous a passage, and endeavoured to persuade Captain Cook to sail
round Cape Horn, instead of attempting that of the straits. Captain
Cook, however, insisted on keeping to his original plan; but on reaching
the northern entrance to the Straits of Le Maire, the ship, having been
tossed about in the sea created by counter-currents, was forced through
them, and the pirates were compelled, after all, to go round Cape Horn.
Fortunately they were able to supply themselves with water from the
heavy rain which fell.

The _Bachelor's Delight_, entering the South Sea on the 3rd of March,
steered for Juan Fernandez. On the 19th a strange sail was seen bearing
down upon them, and it being supposed she was Spanish, preparations were
made for a fight.

On signals being exchanged, she was found to be the _Nicholas_ of
London, which, though nominally an honest trader, was in reality a
pirate, commanded by Captain Eaton. He coming on board, the _Bachelor's
Delight_ supplied him with water, while he gave bread and beef in
exchange. Both being bound for the same island, they continued their
course together, and on the 22nd of March, 1684, came in sight of it.

Having come to an anchor, Dampier and others went on shore to look for a
Mosquito Indian named Will, who had been left there three years before
by Captain Watling. As they approached, he having discerned the ships,
and knowing them to be English, came down to the seaside to welcome
them. As soon as they reached the beach, another Mosquito Indian, named
Robin, leapt on shore, and running to his brother Mosquito man, threw
himself flat on his face at his feet. The other helped him up, and
having embraced him, also fell flat on his face on the ground at the
feet of Robin, who also took him up.

Dampier and his companions stood watching with pleasure and surprise the
tenderness and sole