Page:Life, strange voyages, and uncommon adventures of Ambrose Gwinett.pdf/13

Rh when a ship arrived from Port-Royal, another Spanish settlement on the coast, with nine English prisoners on board. I was standing on the street as they were coming up from the port, with a guard of soldiers, to the governor's house. I thought something struck me in the face of one of the prisoners, that I had before been acquainted with. I could not stop them for us to speak together: however, in about an hour after, they were all brought down to prison, there to be lodged till the governor signified his further pleasure.

As soon as the poor creatures found I was an Englishman, they were extremely happy, even in their distressed situation, though indeed they were treated with lenity enough, and only sent to the prison till a lodging could be provided for them, they having been, in the course of the war, made prisoners as well as myself, and then on their return home. I now had an opportunity of taking notice of the man whose face I thought I knew, and I was more and more confirmed that I was not mistaken. In a word, I verily thought that this man was the person for whose supposed murder I had suffered so much in England; and the thought was so strong in my head, that I could not sleep a wink all night.

In the morning after their arrival, I told them, that if any of them had a mind to walk about the town I would procure them permission, and go along with them. This man said he would go, and it was what I wished. Three other prisoners, that went out along with us, walked a little in advance. I now took the opportunity, and looking in his face, "Sir," said I, "was you ever at Deal:" I believe he, at that instant, had some recollection of me; for, putting his hand upon my shoulder,