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CHAPTER VII

A Gallant but Unfortunate Commander

Downton schemes to release Middleton—Friction between Downton and Middleton—A reconciliation—Middleton effects his escape—Turns the tables on the enemy—Exacts redress—Femell, the factor, poisoned by Rejib Aga—Middleton proceeds with his fleet to Surat—Unable to trade owing to combined native and Portuguese opposition—Returns to the Red Sea—Institutes a blockade—Dissensions amongst the commanders—Middleton raises the blockade and proceeds to Bantam—Destruction of the Trade's Increase—Death of Middleton—His character.

NOTHING could be done by those on the ships in Mocha harhour to help their unfortunate comrades whom Rejib Aga had seized in the circumstances described. Indeed, it was not until the middle of December, nearly three weeks after the attack, that it was possible to get into communication with them. It was then found by means of a messenger sent ashore with a ﬂag of truce that Middleton and the principal men were in close captivity, chained together, while the members of the crew and those of lesser rank were kept at work on the pinnace, which Rejib Ago had set his mind on possessing. The story that the envoy brought back was that the bulk of the prisoners were shortly to be released, but that the commander and his leading colleagues were to be sent to the pasha at Sana.

It was at about this juncture that Downton appeared on the scene with the Peppercorn. He got at once into touch

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