eople aboard the stranger would naturally
suppose, Spaniards in pursuit.

Seeing the English flag, the vessel hove-to, and the boats soon came
alongside. Arriving on deck, Story asked for the captain, and a man
stepped forward saying that he was an English seaman, who had originated
the plan of escape, and finally contrived it. There were nearly a
hundred Englishmen on board, who had been captured in small parties at
various times, and had been incarcerated in the prison at La Guayra.
They had nearly all been subjected to the tortures of the Holy Office,
and bore the most dreadful scars as mementoes of its attentions. Many,
under the influence of the torture, had recanted and abjured their own
faith in order to save themselves from being burnt alive.

It appeared that for some time past they had been considering plans of
escape, but the difficulties in the way were many and great, and had, of
course, been immeasurably increased by their numbers. The first
opportunity, therefore, had only come on the previous night, and they
had made the most of it, with what success the reader has seen.

Story then informed them of the reason of the boats' presence there,
and, telling them of the proposed attack on the plate fleet, invited
them, subject to Cavendish's approval, to join the squadron.

They all gladly acquiesced, without a single dissentient voice, and
expressed themselves as right glad of the opportunity to be revenged on
their enemies, the Spaniards.

With this understanding Story took charge of the ship, and, calling the
boats' crews on deck, made fast the boats themselves astern, and towed
them, as, with the freshening breeze that arose with the sun, they made
better progress sailing than pulling.

As a result of this arrangement they arrived sooner than they were
expected, and there was much joy throughout the fleet at the news of the
plate fleet, and also because of the valuable reinforcement to their
strength, which was very badly needed, and which now made the crews up
to almost their full complement.

The captured vessel, by means of which the prisoners had effected their
escape, was only a carrack of very small tonnage; and therefore, being
of no use, she was sunk.

The squadron weighed and made sail toward evening, Cavendish's purpose
being to arrive after dark and attempt a surprise attack, the odds being
so very greatly in favour of the enemy. Sunset, therefore, saw them
under easy sail, heading