42 
ed by blood, but who might yet imbrue 
them, for the purpose of escape from 
lonely exile, and cruel tyranny. 
W hen the foregoing message was re¬ 
ceived from Payne, Comstock comman¬ 
ded his presence immediately on shore, 
and interrogated him, as to what ha 
meant by sending such a message, Af¬ 
ter considerable altercation, which took 
place in the tent, Comstock was heard 
to say, “ I helped to take the ship, and 
have navigated her to this place.—I have 
also done all ! could to get the sails and 
rigging on shore, and now you may do 
what you please with her ; but if any 
man wants any thing of me , Ill take a 
musket with him !’ v 
4 ‘ That is what I want,” replied Payne, 
“ and am ready 1” This was a check 
upon the murderer, who had now the 
offer of becoming a duellist; and he on¬ 
ly answered by say ing, “ I will go on 
board once more, and then you may do 
as you please.” 
He then went on board, and after de¬ 
stroying the paper upon which were re- 
