It was my design at first not to make any attempt till it was dark; and it being now two o'clock, in the very heat of the day, the sailors were all straggling in the woods, and undoubtedly were lain down to sleep. The three poor distressed creatures, too anxious to get any repose, were however seated under the shade of a great tree, about a quarter of a mile from me. Upon which, without any more ado, I approached towards them, with my man following behind me, and before I was perceived, I called aloud to them in Spanish, _What are ye, Gentlemen_.
At these words, they started up in great confusion, when they beheld the strange figure I made; they returned no answer, but seemed as if they would fly from me: 'Gentlemen,' said I, in English 'don't be afraid, perhaps you have a friend nearer than you expect.' _He must be from Heaven_, said one of them, gravely pulling off his hat, _for we are past all help in this world._ 'All help is from Heaven,' said I: 'But Sir, as I have perceived every action between you and these brutes since your landing only inform me, how to assist you, and I will do it to the utmost of my power.'
_Am I talking with God or man_, said he, in melting tears. _Are you of human kind or an angel_? 'Sir,' said I, 'my poor habit will tell you I am a man, and an Englishman, willing to assist you, having but this servant only: here are arms and ammunition: tell freely your condition: Can we save you?' _The story_, said he, _is too long to relate, since our butchers are so near: but, Sir, I was master of that ship, my men have mutinied, and it is a favour they have put my mate, this passenger, and me, on shore without murdering us, though we expect nothing but perishing here_. 'Are your enemies gone?' said I. _No_, replied he, pointing to a thicket, _there they lie, while my heart trembles, lest having seen and heard us they should murder us all._ 'Have they fire arms?' said I. _They have but two pieces_, said he, _one of which is left in the boat._ He also told me there were two enormous villains among them, that were the authors of this mutiny, who, if they were killed or seized, might induce the rest to return to their obedience. 'Well, well,' said I, 'let us retire farther under the covering of the woods;' and there it was I made these conditions with him: