Their Admiral was called Callfater; having upon her main-topsail, two top-gallant sails, one above another. But whereas we thought them all five to be Turkish Ships of War; we afterwards understood that two of them were their prizes (the one, a small ship of London, the other of the West Country), that came out of the Quactath, laden with figs and other merchandise, but now [were] subject to the fortune of the sea, and the captivity of pirates. But to our business!
Three of these ships got much upon us; and so much, that, ere half the day was spent, the Admiral, which was the best sailer, fetched up the George Bonaventure, and made booty of it.
The Vice-Admiral again, being nearest unto the lesser bark whereof John Rawlins was Master, shewed him the force of a stronger arm; and by his Turkish name, called Villa Rise, commanded him, in like sort, to strike his sails, and submit to his mercy: which, not to be gainsaid, nor prevented, was quickly done. And so Rawlins, with his bark, was as quickly taken; although the Rear-Admiral, being the worst sailer of the three, called Riggiprise, came not in, till all was done.
The same day, before night, the Admiral (either loath to pester himself with too much company, or ignorant of the commodity [which] was to be made by the sale of English prisoners, or daring not to trust them in his company for fear of mutinies, and exciting others to rebellion) set twelve persons who were in the George Bonaventure, and divers other English whom he had taken before, on the land, to try their fortunes in an unknown country.
But Villa Rise, the Vice-Admiral, that had taken John Rawlins, would not so dispense with his men; but commanded him, and five more of his company to be brought aboard his ship: leaving in his bark, three men and his boy, with thirteen Turks and Moors, who were, questionless, sufficient to overmaster the others, and direct the bark to harbour.
Thus they sailed direct for Argier [Algiers]. But, the night following followed them with great tempest and foul weather, which ended not without some effect of a storm: for they lost the sight of Rawlins's bark, called the Nicholas; and, in a manner, lost themselves (though they seemed safe a shipboard) by fearful conjecturing what should become of us?
At last, by the 22nd of the same month, they, or we (choose you whether! for I would not be mistaken in altering the persons, by either naming the first for the third, or the third for the first; but only make the discourse equal, by setting down the business honestly and truly as it chanced) arrived in Argier; and came in safety within the Mole: but found not our other bark there; nay, though we earnestly inquired after the same.
Yet heard we nothing to our satisfaction; but much matter was ministered to our discomfort and amazement. For although the Captain and our Overseers were loath we should have any conference with our countrymen; yet did we adventure to inform ourselves of the present affairs, both of the town and of the shipping. So that finding many English at work in other ships, they spared not to tell us the danger we were in, and the mischiefs we must needs incur; as being sure, "If we were not used like slaves, to be sold as slaves: for there had been five hundred brought into the market for the same purpose, and above a hundred handsome youths compelled to turn Turks; all English!" Yet, like good Christians, they bade us "Be of good cheer! and comfort ourselves in this! That GOD's trials were gentle purgations; and these crosses were but to cleanse the dross from the gold, and bring us out of the fire again, more clear and lovely."