was that he had to
perform exploits by which he might merit Isabella's hand; and the other,
that he could perform none without violating his conscience as a
catholic, which forbade him to draw his sword against those of his own
faith, but unless he did so, he should be denounced as a catholic or as
a coward, to the peril of his life and his hopes. But, in fine, he
determined to postpone his inclinations as a lover to his duty as a
catholic, and in his heart he prayed heaven to send him occasions in
which he might show himself at once valiant and a true Christian,--might
satisfy his queen and merit Isabella.

For six days the two vessels sailed with a prosperous wind, shaping
their course for the Western Islands, for, in that direction they could
not fail to fall in with Portuguese East India men, or vessels returning
from the West Indies; but on the seventh day the wind became contrary
and continued that way so long that they could not make the islands, but
were forced to run for the coast of Spain. On nearing it at the entrance
of the straits of Gibraltar, they discovered three vessels, one very
large and two small. Richard steered towards his commander's ship to
know if it was his intention they should attack the three vessels just
discovered; but on nearing it, he saw them hoist a black flag, and
presently he heard a mournful sound of trumpets, indicating that either
the general or one of his chief officers was dead. When he came within
hail, which had not before been the case since they put to sea, there
was a call from the leading ship for Captain Richard to come on board,
as their general had died of apoplexy the preceding night. Sad as this
news was, Richard could not help being glad, not of his admiral's death,
but at finding himself in command of both ships, according to the
Queen's orders for the contingency which had occurred. He went on board
the flag-ship where he found some lamenting the old commander, and some
rejoicing over the new one; but all promised him obedience, yet
proclaimed him general with short ceremony, not having time for longer,
for two out of the three vessels they had discovered had quitted the
third and were bearing down upon them.

They at once made them out by the crescents on their flags to be Turkish
galleys, to the great delight of Richard, who believed that with the
help of Heaven he should make an important capture without prejudice to
his religion. The two galleys came up to rec