the native women. If they were ever found they could then say that
the ship was blown out of her course and wrecked there, and that
the captain and officers had been drowned or killed by the natives.
It seemed to me that this party were the strongest. For the next
week I was thrashed and kicked every day and had I been as weak
as I pretended to be, I'm sure they would have killed me. However,
thanks to the food Jans brought me, for I was put on bread and water,
I held on. At last we entered the straits. The men were very quiet
that day, and the captain in a worse temper than usual. I did not
go to sleep, and turned out at the midnight watch, for I was made
to keep watch although I was on duty all day. As the watch came in
I heard them say to the others, 'In ten minutes' time.' Presently
I saw them come out, and joining the watch on deck they went aft
quietly in a body. They had all got handspikes in their hands. Then
there was a rush. Two pistol shots were fired, and then there was
a splash, and I knew that the officer on watch was done for. Then
they burst into the aft cabins. There were pistol shots and shouts,
and for three or four minutes the fight went on. Then all was quiet.
Then they came up on deck again and I heard three splashes, that
accounted for the captain and the two other mates. I thought it
safe now to go aft. I found that six of the men had been killed.
These were thrown overboard, and then the crew got at the spirit
stores and began to drink. I looked about for Jans, and found him
presently sitting on the deck by the bulwark.

"'Ah, my leetle boy!' he said, 'you have just come in time. I have
been shot through the body. I was not in de fight, but was standing
near when dey rushed at de officer on watch. De first pistol
he fire missed de man he aim at and hit me. Well, it was shust as
well. I am too old to care for living among de black peoples, and