pposed supernatural
appearance; and he fell from the ladder in a fit among the still burning
embers of the veranda.

The fall of their two chiefs, and the determined resistance of the
Spaniards, checked the impetuosity of the assailants. They hesitated;
and they at last retreated, bearing away with them their wounded. The
Spaniards cheered, and, led by Francisco, followed them down the
ladders, and, in their turn, became the assailants. Still the pirates'
retreat was orderly: they fired, and retired rank behind rank
successively. They kept the Spaniards at bay, until they had arrived at
the boats; when a charge was made, and a severe conflict ensued. But
the pirates had lost too many men, and, without their commander, felt
dispirited. Hawkhurst was still on his legs and giving his orders as
coolly as ever. He espied Francisco, and rushing at him, while the two
parties were opposed muzzle to muzzle, seized him by his collar and
dragged him in amongst the pirates. "Secure him at all events!" cried
Hawkhurst, as they slowly retreated and gained the out-houses.
Francisco was overpowered and hauled into one of the boats, all of which
in a few minutes afterwards were pulling with all their might to escape
from the muskets of the Spaniards, who followed the pirates by the banks
of the river, annoying them in their retreat.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

THE MEETING.

The pirates returned to their vessel discomfited. Those on board, who
were prepared to hoist in ingots of precious metal, had to receive
nought but wounded men, and many of their comrades had remained dead on
the shore. Their captain was melancholy and downcast. Hawkhurst was
badly wounded, and obliged to be carried below as soon as he came on
board. The only capture which they had made was their former associate
Francisco, who, by the last words spoken by Hawkhurst as he was
supported to his cabin was ordered to be put in irons. The boats were
hoisted in without noise, and a general gloom prevailed. All sail was
then made upon the schooner, and when day dawned she was seen by the
Spaniards far away to the northward.

The report was soon spread through the schooner that Francisco had been
the cause of their defeat; and this was only a surmise, still, as they
considered that had he not recognised the vessel the Spaniards would not
have been prepared, they had good grounds for what had swelled into an
assertion. He became, therefore, to many of them, a