behaved themselves, and broke several of their pates: who, with the blood about their ears, went to the city of Kandy to complain to the great men. They demanded of them, "if they had ever sold them wine before." They answered "Yes." They asked them again, "Why then did they refuse to sell to them now?" and that they were well served by the English for denying them drink for their money: and so sent them away, laughing at them. Our men got two or three black and blue blows; but they came home with their bellies full of drink for their pains.
* * * * *
But to return unto myself. It was a full year after my father died, before I had sight of any of my countrymen and fellow prisoners. Then JOHN GREGORY, with much ado, obtained leave to come and see me; which did exceedingly rejoice me. For a great satisfaction it was, both to see a countryman, and also to hear of the welfare of the rest. But he could not be permitted to stay with me above one day. Until then, I knew not punctually [exactly] where the rest of my countrymen were: but having heard that they were within a day's journey of me, I never ceased importuning the people of the town where I dwelt, to let me go and see them: which though very loth, yet at last they granted.
Being arrived at the nearest Englishman's house, I was joyfully received; and the next day, he went and called some of the rest of our countrymen that were near. So that there were some seven or eight of us met together.
We gave GOD thanks for His great mercies towards us; being then, as we did confess, in a far better condition than we could have expected. They were now no more like the prisoners I left them: but were become housekeepers and knitters of caps; and had changed their habit from breeches to clouts [clothes] like the Cingalese. They entertained me with very good cheer in their houses, beyond what I did expect.
My money, at the same time, being almost gone; and clothes in the same condition: it was high time for me now to take some course in hand to get more. Therefore I took some advice with them about knitting, my boy having skill therein. Likewise they advised me to take my victuals raw wherein they found great profit. For all this while there
