illing many of the town: yet notwithstanding, not being
able to advance any farther, they retired, for the present: then they
renewed the attack with fewer men than before, and observing not to
shoot till they were very nigh, they gave the Spaniards a charge so
dextrously, that with every shot they killed an enemy.

The attack continuing thus eager on both sides till night, the Spaniards
were compelled to hang forth a white flag, and desired to come to a
parley: the only conditions they required were, "that the pirates should
give the inhabitants quarter for two hours." This little time they
demanded with intent to carry away and hide as much of their goods and
riches as they could, and to fly to some other neighbouring town.
Granting this article, they entered the town, and continued there the
two hours, without committing the least hostility on the inhabitants;
but no sooner was that time past, than Lolonois ordered that the
inhabitants should be followed, and robbed of all they had carried away;
and not only their goods, but their persons likewise to be made
prisoners; though the greatest part of their merchandise and goods were
so hid, as the pirates could not find them, except a few leathern
sacks, filled with anil, or indigo.

Having stayed here a few days, and, according to their custom, committed
most horrid insolences, they at last quitted the place, carrying away
all they possibly could, and reducing the town to ashes. Being come to
the seaside, where they left a party of their own, they found these had
been cruising upon the fishermen thereabouts, or who came that way from
the river of Guatemala: in this river was also expected a ship from
Spain. Finally, they resolved to go toward the islands on the other side
of the gulf, there to cleanse and careen their vessels; but they left
two canoes before the coast, or rather the mouth of the river of
Guatemala, in order to take the ship, which, as I said, was expected
from Spain.

But their chief intent in going hither was to seek provisions, knowing
the tortoises of those places are excellent food. Being arrived, they
divided themselves, each party choosing a fit post for that fishery.
They undertook to knit nets with the rinds of certain trees called
macoa, whereof they make also ropes and cables; so that no vessel can be
in need of such things, if they can but find the said trees. There are
also many places where they find pitch in so great abundance, that
run