There being little wind that night, they remained at anchor, and in the morning were surprised with the return of Trumpet, bringing another boat equally well stored with provisions, with chests of piece-goods and ready-made clothes, and along with him the fiscal of the place.  At noon they espied a sail towards the south, and immediately gave chase, but she outsailed them, and sheltered under the fort of Cochin.  Informed that they would not be molested in taking her from under the castle, they sailed towards her, but upon the fort firing two guns, they ran off for fear of more serious altercation, and returning, anchored in their former station.  They were too welcome visitants to be permitted to depart, so long as John Trumpet could contrive to detain them.  With this view he informed them, that in a few days a rich vessel, commanded by the Governor of Bombay’s brother, was to pass that way.

That government is certainly in a wretched state, which is under the necessity of trading with pirates, in order to enrich itself; nor will such a government hesitate by what means an injury can be repaired, or a fortune gained.  Neither can language describe the low and base principles of a government which could employ such a miscreant as John Trumpet in its service.  He was a tool in the hands of the government of Cochin; and, as the dog said in the fable, “What is done by the master’s orders, is the master’s action;” or, as the same sentiment is, perhaps, better expressed in the legal axiom; “Qui facit per alium facit per se.”

While under the direction of Trumpet, some proposed to proceed directly to Madagascar, but others were disposed to wait until they should be provided with a store ship.  The majority being of the latter opinion, they steered to the south, and seeing a ship on shore were desirous to get near her, but the wind preventing, they separated, the one sailing northward and the other southward, in hopes of securing her when she should come out, whatever direction she might take.  They were now, however, almost entrapped in the snare laid for them.  In the morning, to their astonishment and consternation, instead of being called to give chase, five large ships were near, which made a signal for the pirates to bear down.  The pirates were in the greatest dread lest it should be Captain Mackra, of whose activity and courage they had formerly sufficient proof.  The pirate ships, however, joined and fled with all speed from the fleet.  In three hours’ chase none of the fleet gained upon them, except one grab.  The remainder of the day was calm, and, to their great consolation, the next day this dreaded fleet was entirely out of sight.

Their alarm being over, they resolved to spend the Christmas in feasting and mirth, in order to drown care, and to banish thought.  Nor did one day suffice, but they continued their revelling for several days, and made so free with their fresh provisions, that in their next cruise they were put upon short allowance; and it was entirely owing to the sugar and other provisions that were in the leaky ship that they were preserved from absolute starvation.