igo, I retired to the cabin,
where, rolling myself in my cloak, I lay down to sleep. He observed
that he must remain on deck to keep watch over his men.

I was awoke by the sound of voices on deck, apparently shouting to one
of the other ships. Hurrying up, I saw the crews busily engaged in
setting sail, though as yet there was but little wind to fill them.
Bowing to Don Rodrigo, who was on deck issuing his orders, he pointed
towards the east, where I saw, scarcely three miles off, the sails of
numerous vessels, the sun rising behind them, throwing them into the
shade, and making them stand out in bold relief against the sky.

"What are they?" I asked, turning to the young officer.

"That remains to be discovered," he answered; "but our Admiral evidently
believes that they are not friends, and has ordered us to set all sail,
and to do our utmost to escape."

"But who do you think they are?" I again asked.

"The much-dreaded Gueux--the Beggars of the Sea," he answered. "They
are known to have a large squadron afloat, under the command of that
fierce captain, De la Marck--the descendant of the Wild Boar of
Ardennes. If they come up with us, the tables will indeed be turned;
and it will go hard, I suspect, with our men. The hatred between the
two races is so great, that I fear little mercy will be shown to any of
us."

"I am glad, then, that you are on board this ship," I replied; "for,
after the courtesy you have shown us, I trust that you will escape
injury."

"I have no great confidence on that score," he answered. "Though you, I
am sure, will do your best to save my life, the Beggars of the Sea are
not likely in the heat of battle to listen to your wishes."

"But surely your Admiral will not attempt to fight with such a superior
force as there appears to be approaching us?"

"It will matter little whether we fight or not," answered the officer.
"To the Spaniards, at all events, among our crews, no mercy will be
shown, though the lives of the native Flemings may be spared, if they
agree to join the Gueux; and probably very few will refuse to do so."

The Beggars of the Sea--for such there was no doubt were the strangers--
came on with a fresh breeze, rapidly approaching the Spanish squadron.
In vain every sail which the Spanish ships could carry was set to woo
the breeze. Their enemies came up rapidly with them. Seeing this, the
Admiral ordered Don Rodrigo to alter his course, and to do his utmost t