At the same time, the crew of the _Josiah_ ketch from Bombay, while at anchor in the Madras roads, took advantage of the commander being on shore to run away with the ship.

The whole thing had been planned between the two crews before leaving Bombay; their intention being to meet off the coast of Sumatra, and cruise in company.

The piratical career of the _Josiah_ did not last long.

Making first for the Nicobars, the crew flocked on shore, and were soon involved in quarrels with the natives; leaving on board only two men, one of whom was James Cruffe, the armourer, who had been forced to join them against his will.

The other man was but a lukewarm pirate, and Cruffe prevailed on him to join in an attempt to carry off the ship.