I now began to look for another kind of business, and was recommended by some of my friends to a Gentleman, (_a planter_,) to be his Clerk, and to look over his plantation; but did not remain long there, though I performed my duty with zeal, and was loved as their own child; the reason was, I could not be happy from the Sea, though I knew it was very dangerous. I acquainted my Master of my thoughts; he told me to go and try again, and if I had not good luck to come back to him; for says he, "my house shall always be open for you." I took my leave of him, and went again upon the roaring Ocean, seeking after the fortune of this World: on our way we cast anchor at _Desirada_, an Island not far from _Guadeloupe_, and stay'd there only a few days. After we departed from the Island forementioned, we were some time without seeing any vessel, but one morning we saw a large Ship, which we soon perceived was an English Frigate; we lost no time, but put all the sails out to make our escape if possible. We were almost out of sight of the enemy, when the greatest misfortune happened unto us; our mast being too much loaded with sails, and the wind being very high, by which cause the mast broke, and fell down. Having neither mast nor sails to effect our escape, we were obliged to stay where we was, and were taken prisoners. We were well treated by the enemy while we stayed on board their Ship; and were afterwards landed at the Island of _Martinico_, and put under close confinement in a prison Ship. Being the first time I ever was confined, I was plunged into a gulf of despair and grief; every day I was scheming how I should make my escape, till at last I found a way for my purpose; and guided by resolution, was determined to fulfil my scheme. It was the ninth day after my confinement, when I, and two others escaped from prison, by breaking an iron bar which fastened the port-hole, and letting ourselves down into the Sea by the means of a rope: we swam about half a mile before we could reach the shore; having gained the land, I wrung my clothes, which consisted only of a shirt and trousers: we began our journey through a great shower of rain, and when passing through the town, the sentry called? we immediately ran away as fast as we could for fear of being taken again; but the third of our band being left behind, was taken again; and I, and my comrade proceeded on through brambles and briers all the night long; and when the sun was beginning to spread its beams upon the surface of the Earth, we entered into a thicket to hide ourselves, and take a little rest: while I rested myself my comrade watched, and so on by turns till the approach of night, which enabled us to pursue our way through its gloomy shadow.