persuaded that in the wood the Spaniards had placed an ambuscade, as
lying so conveniently for that purpose. Hereupon he sent before two
hundred men to search it. The Spaniards and Indians, perceiving the
Pirates to descend the mountain, did so too, as if they designed to
attack them. But being got into the wood, out of sight of the Pirates,
they disappeared, and were seen no more, leaving the passage open unto
them.

"About night there fell a great rain, which caused the Pirates to march
the faster and seek everywhere for houses wherein to preserve their arms
from being wet. But the Indians had set fire to every one thereabouts,
and transported all their cattle unto remote places, to the end that the
Pirates, finding neither houses nor victuals, might be constrained to
return homewards. Notwithstanding, after diligent search, they found a
few little huts belonging to shepherds, but in them nothing to eat.
These not being capable of holding many men, they placed in them out of
every company a small number, who kept the arms of the rest of the army.
Those who remained in the open field endured much hardship that night,
the rain not ceasing to fall until the morning.

"The next morning, about break of day, being the ninth of this tedious
journey, Captain Morgan continued his march while the fresh air of the
morning lasted. For the clouds then hanging as yet over their heads were
much more favourable unto them than the scorching rays of the sun, by
reason the way was now more difficult and laborious than all the
precedent. After two hours' march, they discovered a troop of about
twenty Spaniards. who observed the motions of the Pirates. They
endeavoured to catch some of them, but could lay hold on none, they
suddenly disappearing, and absconding themselves in caves among the
rocks, totally unknown to the Pirates. At last they came to a high
mountain, which, when they ascended, they discovered from the top
thereof the South Sea. This happy sight, as if it were the end of their
labours, caused infinite joy among the Pirates. From hence they could
descry also one ship and six boats, which were set forth from Panama,
and sailed towards the islands of Tavoga and Tavogilla. Having descended
this mountain, they came unto a vale, in which they found great quantity
of cattle, whereof they killed good store. Here while some were employed
in killing and flaying of cows, horses, bulls and chiefly asses, of
which there was greatest