to go back to the ship, they were in a great rage; for, as the
boat had now no sail nor oars, they knew not how to get out to
their ship.

We heard them say that it was a strange sort of isle, for that
sprites had come to the boat, to take off the sails and oars. We
could see them run to and fro, with great rage; then go and sit
in the boat to rest, and then come on shore once more. When they
drew near to us, Paul and Friday would fain have had me fall on
them at once. But my wish was to spare them, and kill as few as I
could. I told two of my men to creep on their hands and feet
close to the ground, so that they might not be seen, and when
they got up to the men, not to fire till I gave the word.

They had not stood thus long, when three of the crew came up to
us. Till now, we had but heard their voice, but when they came so
near as to be seen, Paul and Friday stood up and shot at them.
Two of the men fell dead, and they were the worst of the crew,
and the third ran off. At the sound of the guns I came up, but it
was so dark that the men could not tell if there were three of us
or three score.

It fell out just as I could wish, for I heard the men ask, "To
whom must we yield, and where are they?" Friday told them that
Paul was there with the king of the isle, who had brought with
him a crowd of men! At this one of the crew said, "If Paul will
spare our lives, we will yield." "Then," said Friday, "you shall
know the king's will." Then Paul said to them, "You know my
voice; if you lay down your arms the king will spare your lives!"