A strict watch was kept on the Spaniards, while everything possible was
done in the way of preparation for an attack, possibly a double attack
for aught we knew. It was quite probable that, in spite of their
defeat, the Indians would return that night, perhaps in greater
strength, to come on just at the same time as the Spaniards.
"And then," said Morgan, "what the officers ought to do is to keep us
all out of the way, and let 'em fight it out between them."
But that such an encounter was not likely to occur I soon saw, for the
Spaniards after a long talk together slowly marched back to their boats,
and rowed to the ship lying at anchor in the river; and after a night of
watchfulness, the sun rose again without our being assailed either from
water or land.
As soon as it was light, work was recommenced, and our defences
strengthened; but it was soon found that the defenders would be much
fewer in number, for many of the men who, in spite of their wounds, held
up on the previous day, were unable to leave their rough couches, and
had to resign themselves to the surgeon's orders, to have patience and
wait.
All the same though, a fairly brave show was made, when towards midday
boats were seen to leave the ship again and row to the shore. Then,
after landing a strong body of well-armed men, they put back a little,
cast out grapnels, and waited while those landed marched right for the
enclosure.
There appeared to be no hesitation now, and as memories of the brave old
deeds of the Spaniards came up, it was felt that in all probability a
fiercer fight was in store for us than those which we had had with the
Indians. But not a man flinched. The perils they had gone through
seemed to have hardened them, and made them more determined. So that
our stockade was well-manned, and in breathless silence all waited for
the attack.
It was dangerous, of course, and I knew the risk, but I could not resist
the temptation of trying to see the encounter, and, well down to one
side of the gateway, I watched the coming on of the Spaniards.
There was no waiting for dark, or stealthy approach; they did not even
spread to right and left to search for a weaker point, such as they
would have found right at the back, but came boldly up toward the gate,
as being the proper place to attack, halted about a hundred yards away,
and then an officer and two men advanced, in one of whom I recognised
the interpreter of the previous day.
They came right on, the Englishman shouting to us not to fire, and then
asking, as he came close, to speak with an officer.
Colonel Preston appeared, and the messenger called upon us to surrender.
"And if we do not?" said the colonel.
"The gate will be stormed at once, and very little mercy shown," said
the man, speaking dictatorially now, as if he had caught the manner of
his Spanish companions.
"Very well," said the colonel. "You can storm, and we'll defend the
place."
The envoys went back with our defiance, and there was a short
consultation, followed by a rapid advance, a halt about fifty yards
away, and then a volley was fired by about fifty men, who uttered a
shout, and made a rush for the gate.
I heard the word "Fire." There was a scattering answer to the
Spaniards' volley; but instead of its proving harmless, about a dozen
men fell, and began to crawl or limp back, after rising, to the rear.
This checked the advance by quite half, and only half of these came on
much farther, the rest dropping back rapidly till of the brave force who
attacked, only one ran right up to the gate, and he, a handsome-looking
young officer, struck it fiercely with his sword, shouted something in
Spanish, and then began to go back, but keeping his face to us defiantly
all the time.
A dozen pieces were raised to fire at him, but the colonel struck them
up, and showed himself above the gate, to raise his hat to the young
officer, who, half laughingly, half bitterly, returned the salute.
Morgan told me afterwards what Colonel Preston said: that if there had
been fifty men like this one the stockade could not have been held.
But there were not, for when the wounded Spaniards had been carried down
to the boats, and a line was formed for a fresh attack, a loud murmur
arose; and, as plainly as if I had heard every word, I made out that the
men would not advance, and that the officer threatened to go alone.
Then one man only ran to his side, and they two advanced together,
trying to shame the Spaniards to attack.
But they were not shamed a bit, but let those two come right on, when,
as they reached to within twenty yards of the gate, our men sent up a
hearty cheer, for the one who accompanied the Spanish officer was the
Englishman.
"Bravo!" cried Colonel Preston. "Hallo, there, you renegade; you're a
brave man after all. Tell the Spanish officer I salute him as one
worthy of all respect."
The officer raised his hat as this was interpreted to him.
"Now tell him," continued the colonel, "not to risk his life in another
advance. An accidental shot might injure him, and I should be most
grieved."
"Are you mocking him, sir? He says," shouted the man.
For answer, Colonel Preston leaped down from over the gate and advanced,
Morgan following him. I saw the Spanish officer start at this, and
advance sword in hand to the attack; but Colonel Preston sheathed his.
"Tell him," he said aloud,--"no, there is no need to tell him; he can
understand this.--Sir, I wish to take the hand of a gallant officer in
mine," and he stretched out his hand.
The Spanish officer lowered the point of his sword, and after a moment's
hesitation changed it into his left hand.
"You can tell him that I do not mean treachery or trying to take
prisoners," said the colonel.
His words were interpreted, and the Spanish officer said something
hastily in reply.
"Says, sir, that he cannot take your hand, but respects you all the
same."
At that moment the Spaniards began firing, and this roused our men into
replying, a sufficiently perilous position for the group between them,
till the young officer ran towards his men, holding up his sword; but
before the Spaniards had ceased our fire was silenced, for I saw the
General run here and there, shouting angrily.
"That was a risky proceeding of yours, Preston," said the General, as
the colonel came back within the fence.
"Yes, sir; a foolish, undisciplined act," replied the colonel; "but I
felt carried away by the bravery of that young fellow, deserted as he
was by his cowardly crew."
"I cannot blame you," said the General, "for I felt similarly moved."
Little more was said, for every one was intent upon the proceedings of
the enemy, who drew back about a hundred yards, and then formed up with
military precision, apparently previous to making a determined advance
together; but a full hour passed, and no advance was made. Two officers
came ashore from the ship with ten more men, and we were all kept in a
state of tension, momentarily expecting to have to defend ourselves
against a desperate attack.
But none came, and soon after the whole force marched down to the boats
and embarked, while a couple of hours later the ship was going slowly
down the big river with the tide.
Now it might have been expected that on seeing this our men would have
burst into a triumphant cheer, but they did not, but stood watching the
ship in silence. For there seemed to be something too solemn for words
or any display of exultation. Utterly worn out with fighting and
watching, and feeling as if we had all been rescued from death, men
moved about gravely and quietly, and I saw group after group where
gentlemen and ordinary working men, old soldiers who had come out there
to that pleasant land believing they had for ever turned their swords
into shares and pruning-hooks, were seated holding the hands of their
wives, and with their children on their knees, their heads bent, and the
tears streaming down the women's faces; and I know that a heartfelt
thanksgiving went silently up to heaven that night for the escape we had
all had.
But still there was the feeling of insecurity afloat, which caused the
greatest precautions to be taken. The forest was not far distant, and
for aught we knew the Indians might again come on.
So sentries were placed, to be relieved after short watches, and I fully
intended to take my turn when I lay down; but, just as it was once
before, almost as I began thinking, all became blank, and the next thing
I remember was waking up, feeling ashamed of my neglect, to find that
once more it was broad day.