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The boatswain fended off with our bamboo pole and attempted to leap out to hold her, but the poor fellow had forgotten his condition. His legs gave way and he fell into the water, holding on to the gunwale, until, with a grim effort, he managed to get his footing. Tinkler threw a line ashore which the English seaman of the Dutch ship took up. Captain Spikerman and his officers stood for a moment as though powerless to move. Then, taking in our situation, they themselves sprang into the shallow water to draw us alongside.

“God in heaven, Captain Bligh! What is this? From what place do you come?” Mr. Spikerman exclaimed.

“That you shall know in good time, sir,” said Bligh; “but I must first see to my men. Some of them are in a pitiable state from starvation. Is there a place in the town where they may be cared for?”

“You may take them directly to my house. One moment, sir.”

Captain Spikerman turned to one of his officers and spoke to him rapidly in the Dutch tongue. The young man made off at once, half running along the road to the town.