"
To gain time, Paul answered that he would speak to them and report in
the evening. It was at that moment the farthest thought from his mind.
After a consultation with his shipmates, both of whom assured him they
would never consent, it was agreed that they should feign willingness to
go. They knew that the captain had the power to hold them in the offing
and prevent their landing so they determined to escape at the first
opportunity at Malaga. The captain was so delighted with Paul's report
that he insisted on his having a glass of grog, and was in such good
humor that he went on deck and amused himself by smashing the nose of an
unfortunate Norwegian, who was then at the wheel. This was a favorite
pastime of both captain and mate's, but it was generally practiced on
those whom they knew would never resist their cruelty. The Pilgrim was
a brute to steer and a very slow ship, notwithstanding they had a fair
wind it took them ten days to reach Malaga, where they anchored well
off the shore. She then commenced to receive the balance of her cargo of
wine by means of lighters. The crew were closely watched during the
day. At night the oars were removed from the gig, swinging at the stern
and as an extra precaution a heavy chain and padlock were passed around
it.
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