To make a sailor shoulder a handspike, and walk fore and
aft the deck, like a sentry, is the most ignominious punishment that
could be put upon him. Such a punishment inflicted upon an able seaman
in a vessel of war, would break his spirit down more than a flogging.
The next morning, when all hands were mustered, there was a great
stir to find F---. Of course, we would tell nothing, and all they
could discover was, that he had left an empty chest behind him, and
that he went off in a boat; for they saw it lying up high and dry on
the beach. After breakfast, the captain went up to the town, and
offered a reward of twenty dollars for him; and for a couple of
days, the soldiers, Indians, and all others who had nothing to do,
were scouring the country for him, on horseback, but without effect;
for he was safely concealed, all the time, within fifty rods of the
hide-houses. As soon as he had landed, he went directly to the
Lagoda's hide-house, and a part of her crew, who were living there
on shore, promised to conceal him and his traps until the Pilgrim
should sail, and then to intercede with Captain Bradshaw to take him
on board the ship.
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