But the next plot to seize the ship was even more dangerous. The "Rose
Algier," being in need of repairs, was taken to a cove in a small
uninhabited island, and careened on one side in order to reach the
damaged place. Most of the stores were moved on shore, the ship was
hove down, and a bridge was laid between the deck and the land. Under
the pretense of pastime, most of the crew now betook themselves to the
woods, and there plotted to return at seven in the evening, seize the
ship, force Phips and eight faithful men on shore, leave them there to
perish, and themselves sail away on a piratical cruise. But the
carpenter was one of the few who stood by the captain, and yet they
could not risk putting to sea without him. They sent for him,
therefore, on some pretext, and, having him in their power, offered him
the choice of instant death or of joining his fortunes with theirs. He
begged for half an hour to think about it, and said that at any rate he
should have to return on board for his tool-chest. They granted his
request, and sent two men with him to watch his movements. Soon
afterward, he was suddenly taken with a pretended cramp or colic, and
in great seeming agony rushed into the cabin for medicine; there he
found Phips, and in a few rapid words revealed the plot.
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