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206 asked permission to go to the Indian village, which, they had been told, was but a little way from the shore, and where they were promised the articles which they were in search of. Bourne refused his request, and bade him inform his comrades of his order to return immediately to the boat. In this suspense he remained some time, when, weary of waiting, he asked an Indian for the use of one of the miserable horses which they brought with them, and rode with all speed after the fugitives; but the men had become reckless and disobedient, and the Indians, having completely allayed their suspicions by a show of friendship and specious promises, the sailors persisted in going with them in spite of his peremptory orders. In this way they proceeded for some time, when it began to be evident that the savages deceived them. Their village, they had told them, was but a little way off, yet they had journeyed nearly a mile, and no house was yet in sight. Determined to go back if he went alone, Bourne now turned his horse's head; but at this point the mask was finally thrown off. The Indians having seized his bridle and arrested his progress, the party of sailors dismounted, with the intention of retreating on foot, but before Bourne could reach the man nearest to him, the Indians had robbed him of his gun. A struggle ensued, in which Bourne presented his pistol at the head of one of his assailants; but the weapon missed fire, and he was immediately seized by the wrist by the old chief, a man of gigantic stature, while others overpowered him by holding his legs.

The American now endeavoured to plead for life and liberty, by telling the old chief that he should have plenty of rum, tobacco, flour and beads, if he