In this way, he
lived for thirteen months, in a fine climate, with a plenty to eat,
half naked, and nothing to do. He soon, however, became tired, and
went round the island, on different pretences, to look out for a sail.
One day, he was out fishing in a small canoe with another man, when he
saw a large sail to the windward, about a league and a half off,
passing abreast of the island and standing westward. With some
difficulty, he persuaded the islander to go off with him to the
ship, promising to return with a good supply of rum and tobacco. These
articles, which the islanders had got a taste of from American
traders, were too strong a temptation for the fellow, and he
consented. They paddled off in the track of the ship, and lay-to until
she came down to them. George stepped on board the ship, nearly naked,
painted from head to foot, and in no way distinguishable from his
companion until he began to speak. Upon this, the people on board were
not a little astonished; and, having learned his story, the captain
had him washed and clothed, and sending away the poor astonished
native with a knife or two and some tobacco and calico, took George
with him on the voyage.
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