to Spain.

Having obtained all the information he required, Drake pulled round in a
boat to the different ships, on board one of which, belonging to a
certain Michael Angelo, one thousand five hundred bars of plate, besides
a chest of silver royals, and silk, linen, and other things, were found.
Of these the owners were quickly relieved. Several other ships were
visited, and whatever articles of value were found on hoard them taken,
though the whole did not amount to much. The crews being mostly on
shore, no resistance was offered.

While thus employed they saw a stranger entering the port, but she got
timely notice of how the English were engaged, and, nutting about, made
her escape to sea. Not knowing, however, the direction they intended to
sail, she stood northward, and only deferred for a time falling into the
hands of her enemies, for she was soon afterwards captured.

The two largest ships were carried out of the harbour, where their
mainmasts were cut away, while the cables of the smaller vessels were
chopped through, so that they might drift wherever the tide might carry
them.

These precautions were not unnecessary. Drake at once made chase after
the rich prize he had heard of, but there was still the risk of his
being overtaken. While yet in sight of the port, the _Golden Hind_ lay
becalmed, and from her deck two large vessels were seen standing off the
land to attack her. The boats were lowered, and the crews pulled with
might and main to keep ahead.

Nearer and nearer their enemies approached. The odds were fearfully
against them. The English well knew that the Spanish ships would be
crowded with men, who would, in overwhelming numbers, should they get
alongside, endeavour to crush them. But their hearts did not fail.
Cheering each other they rowed on, resolved if overtaken to fight to the
last. Drake, however, had no idea of risking an action, for even though
he might gain the victory, his ship and many of his people would be
injured, and he would probably be compelled to abandon his undertaking.

As the voyagers watched the approaching foe, to their great joy they saw
cats'-paws playing over the ocean; then their sails were filled by a
breeze, which increased to a fresh gale, and away they flew on their
desired course.

Still the Spanish ships followed, and the next morning appeared to be
gaining on the _Golden Hind_. By noon, however, they were seen to haul
their wind and turn back, th