"Having defended ourselves, our ship, and those intrusted to our keeping, from you, who sought to encompass our destruction by all means in your power, we now find ourselves reduced to the necessity of imploring aid from you, who so lately sought our lives. Nor would we even yet ask anything from you were it not for three poor and helpless women, whose safety here is a matter of uncertainty from day to day, and who, without aid is extended to them, may perish miserably in this desolate and savage land.
"Sir, though a wild and ungoverned nature, I never knew you to be a cruel man; therefore I ask this aid of you for the sake of these three women.
"Furthermore, I ask that you do not hastily refuse this plea for aid, but may allow me to come aboard of your craft and speak to you in person.
"I know that there is with you one who is mine enemy, because of a great injury which he hath done me, and who will no doubt conspire against my life—I mean Captain Leach, lately one of my passengers, and who, I suspect, along with others, betrayed us into your hands. But although I believe he would seek my life, yet I am willing to trust it into your hands if you will promise me safety in my coming and my going.
"Sir, I beseech you to grant me this speech with you, that I may plead the cause of the weak and helpless, and am, sir,
"Your very obedient and humble servant,
"John Mackra."
XI.
Mr. White was only gone for a little more than two days, and when he returned he brought with him a letter from the pirate captain. The communication ran thus: