to view them by the light of the fire undiscovered.  As they were in different parties, and straggling over the shore, we were much afraid that they should find out our habitations, and destroy our flocks of goats:  to prevent which, we sent immediately an Englishman and two Spaniards to drive the goats into the valley where the cave lay; or, if there was occasion, into the cave itself:  As to ourselves, resuming our native courage and prudent conduct, had we not been divided, we durst venture to attack an hundred of them; but before it was very light, we resolved to send out Friday’s father as a spy, who, immediately stripping himself naked, gets among them undiscovered, and in two hours time brings word, that ’they were two parties of two different nations, who lately having a bloody battle with one another, happened to land by mere chance on the same island, to devour their miserable prisoners; that they were entirely ignorant of any person’s inhabiting here; but rather filled with rage and fury against one another, he believed, that as soon as day light appeared, there would be a terrible engagement.’  Old Friday had scarce ended his relation, when we heard an uncommon noise, and perceived that there was a horrid engagement between the two armies.

“Such was the curiosity of our party, especially the Englishmen, that they would not lie close, tho’ Old Friday told them, ’their safety depended upon it; and that if we had patience, we should behold the savages kill one another.’  However they used some caution, by going farther into the woods, and placing themselves in a convenient place to behold the battle.

“Never could there be a more bloody engagement, or men of more invincible spirits and prudent conduct, according to their manner and way of fighting.  It lasted near two hours, till the party which was nearest our castle began to decline, and at last to fly from their conquerors.  We were undoubtedly put into a great consternation on this account, lest they should run into our grove, and consequently bring us into the like danger.  Hereupon we resolved to kill the first that came, to prevent discovery, and that too with our swords, and the butt end of our muskets, for fear the report of our guns should be heard.

“And so indeed, as we thought, it happened; for three of the vanquished army crossing the creek, ran directly to the place, as to a thick wood for shelter; nor was it long before our scout gave us notice of it:  as also, that the victors did not think fit to pursue them.  Upon this I would not suffer them to be slain, but had them surprised and taken by our party; afterwards they proved very good servants to us, being stout young creatures, and able to do a great deal of work.  The remainder of the conquered savages fled to their canoes, and put out into the ocean, while the conquerors, joining together, shouted by way of triumph, and about three in the afternoon they also embarked for their own nation.  Thus