Being a good swimmer, he had no doubt of getting safe to a canoe, which was at some distance ready to receive him; for his design was concerted with the natives, and had even been encouraged by Otoo.

However, he was discovered before he had gotten clear of the ship, and a boat being presently hoisted out, he was taken up, and brought back to the vessel.

When our commander reflected on this man's situation, he did not think him very culpable, or his desire of staying in the island so extraordinary, as might at first view be imagined.

He was a native of Ireland, and had sailed in the Dutch service.

Captain Cook, on his return from his former voyage, had picked him up at Batavia, and had kept him in his employment ever since.