He became worse every day, and made his will, leaving me all his effects on board, which I certainly deserved for the kindness with which I had nursed him.

Off Malta we fell in with a xebeque, bound to Civita Vecchia, and the captain of the transport, anxious to proceed, advised our going on board of her, as the wind was light and contrary, and these Mediterranean vessels sailed better on a wind than the transport.

My master, who was now sinking fast, consented, and we changed our ships.

The next day he died, and a gale of wind came on, which prevented us from gaining the port for several days, and the body of his lordship not only became so offensive, but affected the superstition of the Catholic sailors so much, that it was hove overboard.

None of the people could speak English, nor could I speak Maltese; they had no idea who we were, and I had plenty of time for cogitation.