So wild-looking and unkempt had I become that at first my shipmates did
not know me, but when they recognized me I was given a hearty welcome.

"Of a truth, Peter," said Hartog, smiling at my sorry appearance, "I
have small wonder the cannibals did not make a meal off one so skinny."
And, indeed, the hard life I had led on the island had reduced me to a
bag of bones. But when I had washed and trimmed my hair and after I had
clothed myself from my own sea-chest Hartog declared me fit to become,
once more, his secretary.

I sat late that night with my comrades, to whom I recounted my
adventures, and when I reflected upon the dangers I had passed I could
scarcely contain my joy at my rescue from a fate worse than death.



CHAPTER V

THE VOYAGE CONTINUED


Dirk Hartog, convinced that he had discovered the continent known as
Terra Australis, determined now to seek the gold and gems which this
fabled land was said to contain. The "Endraght" was accordingly brought
to anchor near to the mouth of a river on the coast, and preparations
were made to explore the stream in one of the ship's boats for some
distance along its banks. In the course of the afternoon we attempted a
landing, but as the boat neared the shore a number of natives ran down
to the water's edge with spears in their hands, and with loud cries