eturn with its great store under the command of Don
Luego, a grandee, whose name was a terror to all those who came under
the Spaniard's sway. The riches which the vessel carried were almost
incredible, yet Don Luego had no word of praise or thanks for the
sailors who toiled to convey it home across the stormy seas.

"More than one brave sailor was hung at the yard-arm for venturing to
utter incautious expressions against the Spaniard's despotic rule, but
at last some of the crew grew strangely silent, and took to watching
Luego and conspiring together under the hatches. Among these men was one
who had been put in chains several times, and whom the constant fear of
death nerved on to lead his disaffected comrades against the commander.

"One morning all hands were piped on deck to witness the execution of a
seaman, and Jose, the leader of the discontented part of the crew, was
told off to assist. With a stern-set countenance he stepped forward,
pulled the rope from his comrade's neck, and struck the fell Spaniard
full in the face with it.

[Illustration: "MUTINY!"]

"'Mutiny!' gasped the astonished Don Luego; then, turning to the other
seamen, he cried, 'Seize him and swing the two together from the
yard-arm!'

"A number of the sailors ran forward, eager to gain favour with their
commander by obeying his orders, while the rest hurriedly gathered round
the doomed men, and, drawing their keen knives, prepared to defend them.
Don Luego unsheathed his sword and rushed forward with a fierce cry,
while the mutineers fought hand-to-hand with the other seamen. It was a
desperate fray, for the men who had revolted knew their fate if once
they became overpowered. On the mutineers pressed over the slippery
decks, until at last their disheartened opponents ceased fighting and
surrendered.

"Deserted by his men, Don Luego stood alone with his blood-red sword
still gripped in his hand, for he expected no mercy from the sailors
whom he had driven into rebellion. The chief mutineers gathered in a
group and eagerly discussed the fate to be awarded to their defeated
commander. Most of them were in favour of putting him to death in the
same manner in which he had doomed his seamen; but Jose, who now headed
them, proposed another plan, which eventually was agreed upon. A
quantity of provisions and water were got ready, and then Don Luego was
seized and disarmed in spite of his struggles. The seamen lowered him in
a boat over the sid