English ships about five leagues on this side, and three Dutch?” — ”Well,” said I, “and what is that to me?” — ”Why, sir,” said be, “is it for a man that is upon such adventures as you are to come into a port, and not examine first what ships there are there, and whether he is able to deal with them? I suppose you do not think you are a match for them?” I could not conceive what he meant; and I turned short upon him, and said: “I wish you would explain yourself; I cannot imagine what reason I have to be afraid of any of the company’s ships, or Dutch ships.

I am no interloper. What can they have to say to me?” — ”Well, sir,” says he, with a smile, “if you think yourself secure you must take your chance; but take my