_Atkinson_, who perceived his Life every Minute in Danger, began to ingratiate himself with the Pyrates, and gave them Hopes, that with good and gentle Usage, he might be brought to join them; this he did not say in express Terms, but by Words he now and then let drop, as by Accident: They were not a little rejoiced at the View of having so good an Artist to join them; nay, some of them hinted to him, that if he would take upon him the Command, they were ready to dispossess Capt. _Fly_, who carried his Command too high, and was known to all the Crew to be no Artist, and to understand nothing beyond the Business of a Boatswain. _Atkinson_ thought it his Interest to keep them in the Opinion that he would join; but always declined hearing any Thing as to the Command. This made him less severely us'd, and protected him from the Insults of _Fly_, who imagined he would betray them the first Opportunity, and therefore more than once proposed his being thrown over Board, which was never approved by the _Snow_'s Company. From _Nantuket_ they stood to the Eastward, and off _Brown_'s _Bank_ made a Fishing Schooner. _Fly_ coming up with her fired a Gun, and hoisting his black Ensign, swore, _d--n his Blood, if they did not instantly bring to, and send their Boat on Board, he would sink her_: The Schooner obeyed, and sent away her Boat on Board the _Snow_; he examined the Captain what Vessels were to be met with, and promised, if he could put him in the Way of meeting with a good Sailor, to let him go, and give him his Vessel, or he should otherwise keep her: The poor Man told him, he had a Companion which would soon be in Sight, and was a much better Vessel; accordingly about 12 at Noon the same Day, which was the 23d of _June_, the other Schooner hove in Sight; upon which, _Fly_ mann'd this Prize with six Pyrates, and a Prisoner nam'd _George Tasker_, and sent her in Chase, having himself on Board the _Snow_, no more than three Pyrates, Captain _Atkinson_, (who had work'd himself into some Favour with him) and fifteen forced Men; but he took Care to have his Arms upon Deck by him.