sty, sir," said my father; and a murmur arose in the room.
"Gentlemen," he continued, turning towards his brother officers and
members of the expedition, "bear with me for a few moments."

There was another murmur and then silence, with every eye fixed angrily
upon my father's face, as he turned once more to the Spanish officers.

"Gentlemen," he said, "all of us who are here consider that we are
acting within our rights in taking and holding this land, which you see
we have turned from a wilderness into a smiling home. The question of
right seems to be in dispute. Cannot it be peacefully settled, for the
sake of all? I think we can convince your governor that we are only
acting within our rights."

The Spanish officer who was evidently the leader said a few words
angrily to the interpreter, who nodded shortly.

"Your answer?" he said, haughtily.

"That we demand a peaceable solution of this difficulty, and that there
be no bloodshed."

"When will you go?" cried the young Spaniard aggressively, and amidst a
low angry murmur I saw my father's face flush, as he took another step
forward, and raising his sword with his left hand he clapped his right
down upon the hilt.

A silence fell upon all, and his words rang out loudly and clearly as he
exclaimed with his eyes flashing and his brows knit--

"When our hands have no longer strength to draw our swords, sir--when
the last man has been beaten down in our struggle for liberty and life--
when we have again taught haughty, overbearing Spain that the English
race is not one to draw back--when--I beg your pardon, General," said my
father, stopping short.

"Go on, sir," said the General, sternly. "I would not wish for a better
exponent of my views."

"Then go, sir," continued my father, "and tell the man who sent you that
we are, all whom you see here, Englishmen who have made this our home--
men who mean to keep what we have won in defiance of Spain and all her
hosts."

"Is this your answer?" said the Spanish officer, sternly, as soon as
silence came after a tremendous cheer.

"Yes," cried the General, "that is our answer, gentlemen, so go in
peace."

"Yes, sir," said the Spaniard, after a few muttered words with his
companions, "to return in war."

His defiance was received in calm silence, and he and his companions
were led out again by Colonel Preston and Mr Crayford, not a word being
spoken till they had been seen to march down to the rough quay, embar