"1616

"On the 25th of October arrived here the ship 'Endraght,' of
Amsterdam; first supercargo Gilles Miebas Van Luck; Captain Dirk
Hartog, of Amsterdam. She set sail again on the 27th of the same
month. Bantum was second supercargo; Janstins first pilot.

"Peter Ecoores Van Bu, in the year 1616."

I engraved the date upon which the ship was to sail according to
directions given me by the captain, though whether the "Endraght" did
sail at that time I cannot say, by reason of an adventure which befell
me.

When I had finished my work I began to think in what manner I might
employ myself until my companions returned, and, perceiving a grove of
trees not far distant from where I stood, I determined to rest a while
in the shade. As I penetrated these silent forests I beheld sights
wholly novel. Parrots and paroquets flew among the trees, as also large
white birds with sulphur crests, the like of which I had never seen
before. Presently I came to a stream which took its course through a
valley, and, kneeling, I was about to quench my thirst when I felt a
hand upon my shoulder. Springing to my feet, I was confronted by a band
of savages, many of whom held their spears its though about to strike.
They were all quite naked, their bodies marked with white streaks. I
tried to make them understand I came as a friend, and endeavoured to
retrace my steps to the open, where I hoped my shipmates might see me
and effect a rescue, but I now perceived that whichever way I turned my
path was barred by these wild men. The savages now began to jabber to