MONSON AS A GALLEY-SLAVE. 



17 



her; and was consequently taken unawares by a mere handful of men. But Monson only 

 wanted to obtain information as to the enemy, and let them both off. This act turned out 

 fortunately for him ; for shortly afterwards, being left in charge of a prize taken from the 

 Dutch, he was attacked by the Spaniards in six galleys, the consequence being that he was 

 taken prisoner, when he found that his recent conduct towards the caravels had been reported 

 favourably, and he was treated with more courtesy than had been usual before. But he was 

 to suffer a long captivity for all that. At the Tagus he would probably have escaped had 



MONSON AT CADIZ. 



not an unforeseen chance prevented. While the galleys were in the harbour, a Brazilian, 

 master of a Dutch ship, chanced to come on board that on which Monson was confined, and, 

 pitying his hard fate,- offered to take him off on his vessel, if he could devise any plan which 

 should not implicate himself. Monson gave out to the rest of the prisoners that, tired of his 

 life, he intended to drown himself. His intention really was to drop quietly into the water, 

 and if possible swim to the friendly bark. But just before he had made his arrangements, 

 the galleys were ordered to sea, and when they returned the ship had sailed. It is probably 

 fortunate for him that he did not make the attempt, as, had it been frustrated, he would 

 have probably suffered death, as did an Italian a short time afterwards, who had been trying 

 to raise a general conspiracy on board. His execution was effected in the most horrible 

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