Thus was he and his Carpenter, with divers other slaves, sent into his ship to work; and employed about such affairs as belonged to the well rigging and preparing the same.
But the villainous Turks perceiving his lame hand, and that he could not perform so much as other slaves, quickly complained to their Patron: who as quickly apprehended the inconvenience: whereupon he sent for him, the next day, and told him, "He was unserviceable for his present purpose! and therefore unless he could procure £15 of the English there, for his ransom: he would send him up into the country, where he should never see Christendom again, and endure the extremity of a miserable banishment."
But see how GOD worketh all for the best for His servants! and confoundeth the presumption of tyrants, frustrating their purposes, to make His wonders known to the sons of men! and relieves His people, when they least think of succour and releasement!
Whilst John Rawlins was thus terrified with the dogged answer of Villa Rise, the Exchange of Bristol, a ship formerly surprised by the pirates, lay all unrigged in the harbour, till, at last, one John Goodale, an English Turk, with his confederates (understanding she was a good sailer, and might be made a proper Man of War) bought her from the Turks that took her; and prepare her for their own purposes.
Now the Captain that set them on work, was also an English Renegado, by the name of Rammetham Rise, but by his Christian name Henry Chandler: who resolved to make Goodale, Master over her.
And because they were both English Turks (having the command, notwithstanding, of many Turks and Moors) they concluded to have all English slaves to go in her; and for their gunners, English and Dutch Renegadoes: and so they agreed with the Patrons of nine English slaves and one French for their ransoms; who were presently employed to rig and furnish the ship for a Man of War.
And while they were thus busied, two of John Rawlins's, men (who were taken with him), were also taken up to serve in this Man of War: their names, James Roe and John Davies, the one dwelling in Plymouth; and the other in Foy, where the Commander of this ship was also born, by which occasion they became acquainted. So that both the Captain and the Master promised them good usage, upon the good service they should perform in the voyage; and withal, demanded of Davies if he knew of any Englishman to be bought, that could serve them as a Pilot; both to direct them out of harbour, and conduct them in their voyage. For, in truth, neither was the Captain a mariner, nor any Turk in her of sufficiency to dispose of navigate her through the Straits in security; nor oppose any enemy that should hold it out bravely against them.
Davies quick replied that, "As far as he understood, Villa Rise would sell John Rawlins, his Master, and Commander of the bark which was taken. A man every way sufficient for sea affairs, being of great resolution and good experience; and for all he had a lame hand, yet had he a sound heart and noble courage for any attempt or adventure."
When the Captain understood thus much, he employed Davies to search for Rawlins; who, at last lighting upon him, asked him, "If the Turk would sell him?"