h which dolphins are capable of swimming, as it could not be supposed
that they had all been close to the spot where the bullets fell, nor
could they have seen them till they reached the surface. As, however,
many of the bullets had _ricocheted_ for a considerable distance, the
fish had probably caught sight of them as they first struck the water,
and darting after them, caught them as they began to sink.

The brig continued her course, and having rounded Cape Saint Antonio
sailed eastward for Havannah; keeping, however, at a respectful distance
from the numerous low sandy islands, or keys as they are called, which
lie off the northern shore of the island, and have brought many a tall
ship to destruction. At length the irregular outline of the hills above
the magnificent harbour of Havannah appeared in sight.

A fair and fresh breeze filled the sails of the brig, and carried her
rapidly towards the mouth of the harbour. Presently a lateen-rigged
craft, a pilot vessel, came sweeping out from behind the high,
threatening rocks, on the summit of which the massive fortifications
guarding the entrance of the port were now discernible.

The pilot vessel was soon close on board, but Jack waved her off, being
very well able he considered to take in his small brig without
assistance. The brig was now running through a channel between three or
four hundred yards broad, and half a mile in length, which leads into
the magnificent landlocked harbour.

High on the starboard side rose the massive fortress of El Moro and on
the port, that of La Ponta extending from either side of which could be
seen the encircling line of fortifications which protect the city and
harbour.

The brig, passing through the narrow entrance, the whole panorama of the
magnificent landlocked bay with its fleet of vessels, some at anchor,
others moored with their heads to the quay, its numberless boats with
lateen sails and hulls painted, some of a bright blue, others of a
scarlet hue, and others again striped with green and white, darting
about in all directions; its great square stone warehouses fronting the
water; its many mansions, the residences of nobles and merchants; its
beautiful-looking villas, and groves of palm-trees; the high-peaked
roofs of its convents, and tall grey towers of its churches rising above
the whole, now appeared in full view. The brig appeared in a complete
lake, the fort of La Ponta high above, near which she had passed,