238 THE ARCTURUS ADVENTURE 



with the tables turned, the Marquis was held for 

 ransom, but his wife and child were put ashore. 



All through that year the Success cruised about, 

 having various adventures off the coast, none of 

 which came to much. A plot to seize the ship was 

 discovered among the crew, as they were discour- 

 aged over the apparently fruitless voyage. At 

 last, on Dec. 6th, "being unwilling to lose more 

 time, we make our best way to the isle of Cocos, 

 where we hope certainly to get fish, fowl and cocoa- 

 nuts ; our people being very sick and weak 



17th at nine forenoon with joy we 



beheld the island Cocos about nine leagues N.W. 



"18th. Anchor in 13 fathom white sand. Here 

 all our people and the Marquis de Villa Roche got 

 ashore, where we build a house for the sick men. 

 Here is abundance of good fish round the island 

 which we take pains to catch, the surf being some- 

 times very great. Our people find here plenty of 

 coco-nuts, crabs, boobies and their eggs, this being 

 their hatching time. Our captain broaches the last 

 hogshead of brandy, allowing every man a dram a 

 day; and on new-year's-day gave the people a gal- 

 lon of strong beer for six. This food, ease, and 

 refreshment pretty well recovered all our company. 

 We wood and water, tho with much difficulty; for 

 here is a great swell coming in from the northward 

 constantly at full moon and change, therefore are 

 forced to wait till the spring tides are abated be- 

 fore we can get anything off. 



"Jan. 17, 1721. The Marquis came aboard as do 

 most of our people, being ready to sail. Eight 



