bs had made in the earth, and partly
under old trees which were fallen thereabout, and partly in the sand and
gravel of a river, not very deep of water.

Thus when about this business, we had spent some two hours, and had
disposed of all our matters, and were ready to march back the very
self-same way that we came, we heard both horse and foot coming as it
seemed to the mules: for they never followed us, after we were once
entered the woods, where the French Captain by reason of his wound, not
able to travel farther, stayed, in hope that some rest would recover him
better strength.

But after we had marched some two leagues, upon the French soldiers'
complaint, that they missed one of their men also, examination being
made whether he were slain or not: it was found that he had drunk much
wine, and over-lading himself with pillage, and hasting to go before us,
had lost himself in the woods. And as we afterwards knew, he was taken
by the Spaniards that evening: and upon torture, discovered unto them
where we had hidden our treasure.

We continued our march all that and the next day (2nd and 3rd April)
towards Rio Francisco, in hope to meet with our pinnaces; but when we
came thither, looking out to sea, we saw seven Spanish pinnaces, which
had been searching all the coast thereabouts: whereupon we mightily
suspected that they had taken or spoiled our pinnaces, for that our
Captain had given so straight charge, that they should repair to this
place this afternoon; from the Cabecas where they rode; whence to our
sight these Spaniards' pinnaces did come.

But the night before, there had fallen very much rain, with much
westerly wind, which as it enforced the Spaniards to return home the
sooner, by reason of the storm: so it kept our pinnaces, that they could
not keep the appointment; because the wind was contrary, and blew so
strong, that with their oars they could all that day get but half the
way. Notwithstanding, if they had followed our Captain's direction in
setting forth over night, while the wind served, they had arrived at the
place appointed with far less labour, but with far more danger: because
that very day at noon, the shallops manned out, of purpose, from Nombre
de Dios, were come to this place to take our pinnaces: imagining where
we were, after they had heard of our intercepting of the treasure.

Our Captain seeing the shallops, feared lest having taken our pinnaces,
they had compelled our men by torture