e tree of Guayra, if He should grant us good fortune,
and bring us home again with a prize? Was it not, that the dead should
share with the living; and that every man's portion, if he fell, should
go to his widow or his orphans, or if he had none, to his parents?"

"It was, sir," said Yeo, "and I trust that the Lord will give these men
grace to keep their vow. They have seen enough of His providences by
this time to fear Him."

"I doubt them not; but I remind them of it. The Lord has put into our
hands a rich prize; and what with the gold which we have already, we are
well paid for all our labors. Let us thank Him with fervent hearts
as soon as the sun rises; and in the meanwhile, remember all, that
whosoever plunders on his private account, robs not the adventurers
merely, but the orphan and the widow, which is to rob God; and makes
himself partaker of Achan's curse, who hid the wedge of gold, and
brought down God's anger on the whole army of Israel. For me, lest you
should think me covetous, I could claim my brother's share; but I hereby
give it up freely into the common stock, for the use of the whole ship's
crew, who have stood by me through weal and woe, as men never stood
before, as I believe, by any captain. So, now to prayers, lads, and then
to eat our breakfast."

So, to the Spaniards' surprise (who most of them believed that the
English were atheists), to prayers they went.

After which Brimblecombe contrived to inspire the black cook and the
Portuguese steward with such energy that, by seven o'clock, the latter
worthy appeared on deck, and, with profound reverences, announced to
"The most excellent and heroical Senor Adelantado Captain Englishman,"
that breakfast was ready in the state-cabin.

"You will do us the honor of accompanying us as our guest, sir, or our
host, if you prefer the title," said Amyas to the commandant, who stood
by.

"Pardon, senor: but honor forbids me to eat with one who has offered to
me the indelible insult of bonds."

"Oh!" said Amyas, taking off his hat, "then pray accept on the spot my
humble apologies for all which has passed, and my assurances that the
indignities which you have unfortunately endured, were owing altogether
to the necessities of war, and not to any wish to hurt the feelings of
so valiant a soldier and gentleman."

"It is enough, senor," said the commandant, bowing and shrugging his
shoulders--for, indeed, he too was very hungry; while Cary whispered to