HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
138 
of deep holes, and pointed stone : though we could, indeed, sometimes pass into two 
neighbouring islets *. 
Their Residence on the Rock Island. 
“ Here we were placed, without any covering but a wretched hut situated on an 
elevation, close to the breakers, within two paces of the sea, and in the hurricane sea¬ 
sons : it was also in a state of ruin, and had already served as a prison for criminals, 
who some years before had been banished thither. 
“ Here we remained near three years; at least those of us who survived that 
period. Thus, like the flying fish, we no sooner escaped from the pursuit of one 
enemy than we fell into the maw of another. 
“ We had remained near three months in this miserable condition, when on the 
15th of March, 1694, we saw a Dutch vessel, called the Perseverance, come to an 
anchor before the island, which according to the laws of the country, should have 
transported us, whether we were criminal or innocent, to Batavia, or the Cape. 
But we .learned from our purveyors, that we must not expect to depart in that 
vessel: it was therefore resolved by my two comrades and myself, who were not 
in a state of accusation, to risque every thing in order to get to the island while the 
officers who commanded the Dutch vessel remained there, that we might make our 
complaints, and relate our sufferings in their presence. We accordingly made a raft 
of sea-weeds, which was floated by two water barrels attached to its extremities; 
and B*** and De la Have, my two companions whose innocence had been acknow¬ 
ledged, and who were better swimmers, as well as more capable of bearing fatigue 
than myself, hazarded the passage on this kind of flying bridge : in twelve hours 
they reached the land. 
“ They instantly proceeded to the lodge of the Commandant, and they found 
the officers of the vessel with him. In their presence they gave the history of 
the cruel treatment which they had received; and demanded to be sent away, 
according to the general orders, and customary practice of the company ; and, in 
the mean time, claimed that treatment and protection which, as innocent men, they 
deserved. 
* This islet appears to be that of Marianne, situated about two leagues from the fort of the 
south-east port, where the Dutch Commandant then resided. 
