much influence named
Homoncon, who bore a decree from his king, which he showed to the
Spaniards and to the father provincial, in which the king and his
council pardoned all of Limahon's soldiers, on condition that they
immediately left the latter and enrolled themselves under the royal
banners; and it bestowed great reward upon whomsoever should capture
or kill the said pirate. Thereupon Sinsay told him of the coming of
the pirate to the island, and all the story of the siege, as related
above; and that the pirates were shut up on the Pangasinan River,
whence escape was impossible. The captain Omoncon was overjoyed at
hearing this news, and gave expression to a thousand demonstrations
of his joy. He embraced the Spaniards many times, and by other signs
indicated his great pleasure. Then he wished to return to the fleet,
but to have more certain information, as he was assured that the death
or capture of the pirate was expected daily, he resolved to go to
Pangasinan, since it was so near, to converse with the master-of-camp,
together with Sinsay--a man well known on both sides--through whose
medium they could discuss the best methods for the confirmation
of peace and friendship between the Chinese and Spaniards, and for
the capture or death of the pirate. With this resolution, they set
out--the Chinese for Pangasinan, where they arrived that same day;
and the Spaniards for Manila, whither they were going for provisions.
Omoncon is cordially received by the master-of-camp, and entertained
in Manila by the governor, with whom it is agreed that the Augustinian
fathers shall go to China. Chapter IX.
When the master-of-camp heard of the purpose of Omoncon, he
received him cordially and courteously. And having recounted to
him the extremity to which he had brought the pirate (for it seemed
impossible for the latter to escape from it, except by taking wings,
like a bird), he advised Omoncon that, until the consummation of their
hopes, which could not be long, he should go to Manila, which was
quite near, and pass the time with the governor and the other Spaniards
there--because he [the master-of-camp] himself was quite sufficient to
accomplish his purpose, and it was unnecessary that the king's fleet
should come thither, or sail out of the safe port where it had cast
anchor. For this purpose he offered to give Omoncon a vessel with
oars (one of those that he used to bring provisions), under command
of Pedro de Chaves
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