Page:The Captivity of Hans Stade of Hesse.pdf/166

no danger, as the neighbouring settlement had been built up and fortified, and for this very reason they suffered harm.

Thereafter the inhabitants thought well to build a house close to the water, on the Island of Sanct Maro, which lies immediately opposite Brikioka, and to place therein guns and men, in order to prevent the passage of the savages. Thus they had begun to build a bulwark on the island, but they had not finished it, the cause being, as they informed me, that no Portuguese gunner would venture to remain therein.

I went there to see the place. Now when the inhabitants heard that I was a German and knew something about gunnery, they begged me to remain in the house on the island, and there help to watch the enemy. They offered to procure me other companions, and to give me good pay. Also they said, that if I did this, I should be rewarded by the king, for the king was wont to be a particularly gracious master to those who in such new countries give their aid and advice. I agreed with them that I should serve in the fort four months, when an officer on the part of the king would arrive there in ships, and build up a stone blockhouse, which would then be stronger, as it also came to pass. During most of the time I was in the blockhouse with three others, having some guns with me, but I was in great danger on account of the savages, for the house was not strong, we had also to keep watch diligently, that the savages might not pass by secretly during the night, as they several times attempted, yet God helped us to perceive them during our watches.

Several months afterwards came the officer of the king, for the community had written to the king how great was the insolence displayed by the enemies to the country from the before-named side. Also (they reported) how fine a