A Valuable Capture
Three hours passed after Philip's departure before Roger saw anything of
the Spaniards and their slaves. For the noonday heat was great, and all
were indulging in a siesta, the slaves even being allowed this luxury,
simply because without their masters to watch over them and to flog them
no work was to be expected.
"Better dine and rest myself," thought Roger. "Then I shall be ready for
anything. But I must not sleep, though I feel drowsy enough. It would be
different were there no Spaniards about. But there are none, and I have
nothing to look at save that big brown mound of earth, and the forest
trees with a curling line of logs passing out amongst them. Let me see
what I have with me; and I must look for water."
He remembered then that as he sat or lay full length in the bush he had
heard the tinkle of a stream somewhere near at hand, and at once he was
on his feet and in search of the fluid; for though the leaves above
sheltered him from the glare of the sun, it must be remembered that for
a month he had been unused to much exertion, and particularly had walked
very little. On this day, however, he had scrambled through the
underwood, putting aside brambles and creepers at every step. Then he
found that in spite of the shade the heat was very great. It was close
and sultry beneath the trees, and long ago he had been forced to open
his doublet at the neck and sleeves, while the perspiration poured from
his forehead. So that it was not to be wondered at that he desired a
drink of water. A hundred yards to the right he found the stream, and
falling full length, lowered his lips to the surface.
"A good place for an out-of-doors meal," he said to himself; "and as I
can see the houses from here, I shall stay."
He took the biscuit and cheese from his pocket, and the junk of salt
meat from the satchel carried over one shoulder. Then he cut the latter
into two parts with his dagger, and one of the halves into thin slices.
A little later a figure startled him, and he observed a tall native
emerge into the clearing. He was almost naked, and his dark brown skin
was stained with marks of the toil with which he had been engaged. In
his hand he carried a bag made of woven grass, while his eyes sought for
some shady nook in which he might rest. He saw the big bush which had
sheltered Roger and Philip, and he sauntered to it, throwing himself
down in the shade.
"Lucky I moved away from the edge of the clearing," said Roger, "and
still more fortunate that I kept the clearing in sight. That fellow
might see our marks. Sir Thomas tells me that he has heard that they can
track any one with the intelligence and quickness of a dog, that a
crushed leaf, or a broken twig has a story for them. I wonder what the
result would be supposing he happened to discover that some one had
been in the bush behind him? He would follow, and perhaps come as far as
the ship. That must be prevented. If he moves I will meet him, and will
speak to him. If he runs----"
He debated whether he ought to fire a shaft at the native under those
circumstances.
"Why should I?" he said. "The poor beggar is obviously a slave, and must
hate the Spaniards, for he was one of those who was lashed as we
arrived. I wonder whether he speaks Spanish, or whether the Spaniards
have learned the native language."
He was still debating the matter when a movement on the part of the
native arrested his attention. He dived into his bag, and produced a
long rod of wood. Had Roger been nearer he would have seen that this rod
pierced the centre of a flat circular stone bored for the purpose, and
that a cross piece provided with leather strings was attached. There was
also a piece of hard wood, with a little hollow in it, while from one
corner of the bag some brown powder was produced, consisting of dried
wood. Roger, in fact, was about to observe the native method of
obtaining fire, and marvelled as the man patiently twirled his weighted
stick till smoke burst from the hollow in the hard wood. Then he added
some of the powder, and as it caught and smouldered, placed a piece of
dried and rotten stick against the flame. But our hero opened his eyes
still wider in utter amazement when the native rolled something between
his brown hands, licked the object carefully and critically, and then
placing one end to his lips, applied the other to the flame. Smoke burst
from the mouth and nostrils of this strange man, while he leaned back
easily and contentedly, slowly putting out the fire with his other hand,
and replacing the stick and the whole paraphernalia in his bag.
"Marvellous!" thought Roger, sitting up in his amazement. "The fellow
looks as if he were on fire. What can it all mean? And he seems so
contented and happy, for he leans back with closed eyes, and puffs at
that long brown stick. Now he is sitting up. Ah! He burned his hand
against the end, and that made him start. He is rubbing the place with a
leaf, and----"
His words were cut short, while he himself fell flat on the ground, for
that accidental burn was like to be his undoing. The native,
dissatisfied with the first leaf which came to his hand, turned and
sought for some special kind in the grass and herbage growing in the
bush, and gave vent to a cry of astonishment. He knelt upon his knees
and searched the grass around the bush diligently, and in a manner which
showed that his interest was aroused. Then, catching up his bag, he
slung it over one arm and rose to his feet, still puffing at the long
cigar which he had manufactured; for that, in fact, was the nature of
the article which he had in his hand, and Roger was probably the very
first Englishman to witness this native custom--a custom which has now
become almost universal. But he had other matters to occupy his
attention, for it was obvious that the native's curiosity was thoroughly
aroused.
"He is coming into the forest," exclaimed Roger, in alarm, "He is
bending low, and following the tracks left by Philip and myself as if he
were a dog, or as if they were as clearly outlined as any road. Ah, he
has stopped! That must be the point at which I struck off for this
stream."
Discovery seemed certain, but in the hope of escaping observation Roger
threw himself into the long grass and undergrowth, and burrowed his way
into the thickest part. Then he drew his sword, for even now it was not
certain that the native would be friendly.
"He must take his chance," said Roger between clenched teeth. "We have
too great a stake at issue to risk the ship and all our lives for the
sake of one native. If he discovers me I shall speak in Spanish, and
order him to be silent. If he refuses, and attempts to run----"
Could Roger cut him down in cold blood? Could he, taller even than this
tall native, set upon him, knowing him to be a slave, for he had so
recently seen him cringe beneath the lash of the Spaniards? No! Roger
knew well that he could not do that, even for the sake of all his
comrades, and for the safety of the expedition.
"Poor beggar!" he thought. "I will not harm him; but at the same time I
will not allow him to betray us. I will sheathe the sword, and, if he
runs, will jump upon his back and capture him."
By now the native had turned aside, and was creeping along the narrow
track left by Roger. He halted every now and again, and picked up a
piece of stick, or bent closer to inspect the ground. Once even his face
showed traces of astonishment and fear, and it looked as if he would
turn back to the clearing. But at heart, and when no whip dominated him,
he was a courageous fellow, and presently he came on again till he was
close to Roger. Instantly his frame became rigid with apprehension, and
he was about to run, for his eyes had detected the figure lying in the
undergrowth.
"Stand and be silent," said Roger, sternly. "Do not run, or harm will
come to you. I am no Spaniard, but come from another part where the
people do not love your masters."
He scrambled to his feet and stood up before the astonished native, who
eyed him fearfully, and looked for a moment as if he would have bolted.
But Roger's youth saved the situation. He looked no villain, no cruel
taskmaster, but what he was--a jovial, overgrown young fellow, given to
kindness to all.
"Not Spanish? There are no others, so we have been taught," exclaimed
the native. "Our masters tell us that they rule the world, and they have
made slaves of us here as if by natural right. We are forced to work for
them, even to learn their tongue that we may understand them. Not
Spanish? Then what?"
"English!" exclaimed Roger, proudly lifting his head. "We are subjects
of King Henry the Eighth, and we are as good, and better than these
Spaniards. Why should you slave for them? Why not drive them from your
island if they treat you so?"
"Because we are too weak to do so. Years ago it might have been
possible, when first they appeared, and in small numbers. Now there are
more than a thousand, and they are too strong with their guns and their
horses. Yes, their horses carry them so swiftly after us, and run us
down so easily. Then, too, the vengeance of our masters is so fierce.
They punish us with barbarous tortures, and slay us and our wives and
children. Life is one long hardship under them. But tell me where you
come from? I marked your tracks, and followed. Then, as I turned in this
direction, the track told me that a big man had gone this way. I feared
it was a Spaniard, for there were prints of boots such as these tyrants
wear. It might have been one of the soldiers come here for a quiet rest,
and had I wakened him the lash would have followed. But I came on,
and--hush, I hear voices! I must be going, for they have started to work
at the mine again."
Roger would have kept him, would have asked him to come to this same
spot again. But the native turned quickly and left, as if fearful of
being late for his work, knowing well, without doubt, that the lash
would be his reward. But he was not to reach the clearing without
trouble, for it happened that as he entered the forest in search of the
strangers who had left their tracks, one of the Spaniards had sauntered
from the houses, and caught sight of the retreating figure. Desertions
from amongst the slaves were very common, and the Spaniard at once came
to the conclusion that the native was about to make an attempt to get
away. He crept after him, therefore, and so quietly that neither Roger
nor the man heard his approach. Suddenly, however, as the native ran
back towards the clearing, he rose from the path and accosted him.
"What now!" he demanded violently. "A runaway! You will teach the others
to give us the slip, and will give us the trouble of following, and
setting on the dogs. A lesson is wanted, and you shall see that it is
unwise to attempt to leave us so hurriedly. Work at the mine may not
meet your fancy, but there are other matters which are less pleasant."
He eyed the trembling native till Roger thought that the poor fellow
would have sunk to the ground in his terror, while he slowly extracted a
knife from his belt. Then he searched for a suitable sapling, and having
chosen one which was stout and whippy, he cut it off, and severed the
smaller branches.
"A whip may sting for a while," he said, with a brutal laugh, "but for
long memories, give me a cane after this sort. The pain of the bruise
lasts, and every movement is a reminder. Now, come hither, slave, and
receive what is your due. Hanging were too good for you."
He seized the poor fellow, and brought his stick down with all his
strength, till the native shrieked. Roger's blood boiled. Up till now he
remained unseen by the Spaniard. But he could not lie there, a big
fellow such as he was, and see a human being treated with such cruelty.
"Why, one would not beat a savage dog so!" he said. "And, moreover, the
poor native was not attempting to be gone, though none would blame him
had he done so. I won't put up with such brutality."
He leapt to his feet impulsively, forgetting all about the safety of the
expedition and his comrades--forgetful of everything save the unhappy
native and the Spanish coward who thrashed him. With a bound he was on
the path, and in a twinkling he was before the Spaniard, his face
flushed with anger, and his pulses beating with excitement. There was a
loud cry of amazement; the Spaniard let go his hold of the native, and
stared at the stranger till, suddenly, Roger's fist flew out, and,
crashing into the Spaniard's face, sent him rolling into the underwood.
[Illustration: "ROGER SENT HIM ROLLING INTO THE UNDERWOOD"]
"An enemy! The English! The English! Rally!"
The man picked himself up with the agility of a monkey, and gave vent to
the warning at the top of his voice. Then his sword swished from the
scabbard, and he stepped towards Roger.
"So that is what brought this sneaking cur over into the forest!" he
said, with an oath. "He has been parleying with you--you men of England,
of whom we have heard. And you and your comrades are here, hoping to
snatch this island of Cuba from us. We shall see, and you shall learn
that a man of less than six feet is more than a match for one of your
height. Yield now, or wait till my comrades come. It makes no
difference. You will be taken, and later on the Governor will roast you
on the square at Santiago."
Roger did not wait to argue with the man, nor did he accept the
invitation to surrender. He heard shouts from the clearing, and caught
sight of a number of armed men running towards the forest. In two
minutes they would be there, and his escape would be out of the
question. Indeed, already he was almost cut off, and unless he moved now
he would never get away. Doubtless he would then be burned on the square
at Santiago, according to the barbarous custom of the Spaniards. In an
instant, therefore, his plan of action was taken. While the Spaniard
stood glaring at him, hesitating to attack him, our hero sprang forward
so suddenly that his opponent was unable to raise the point of his
sword. Roger clutched at his enemy, and, lifting him above his head,
threw him against the trunk of a tree.
"Come with me," he said to the native. "If you remain you will be killed
or tortured by these brutes. Come with us, and you will be kindly dealt
with."
There was no time for further discussion, for by now the shouts were
sensibly nearer. He darted forward, therefore, and, following the track
through the grass, made for the spot where the long line of blazings
commenced.
"Master, let me go before you," he heard the native exclaim. "I will
come with you, for to remain is to be killed. Let me run in front, and I
shall be able to find the track and follow it without loss of time."
"Then get ahead," said Roger, shortly. "You will find that we have
marked the trees, so as to show us how to reach the ship again; and if
you follow that line we shall be safe. Now hasten, for the Spaniards are
near, and I fancy their comrade will be able to speak to them, and tell
them what has happened. I missed my aim, for had he hit the tree as I
meant he would have been silenced for many a day."
The Spaniard had, in fact, hit the trunk at which Roger had thrown him
with the broad of his back, and though the concussion had momentarily
stunned him, and knocked the breath out of his body, he was able to
speak when his comrades ran to his side.
"Follow!" he gasped. "I came hither after one of the slaves, and found
him parleying with a huge Englishman. Their ship--the one we heard
of--must have touched on the coast somewhere near at hand, and they sent
a scout in to see where we were. Follow, and cut the fellow to pieces."
The effort was almost too much for him, for he fell back at the foot of
the tree and lapsed into unconsciousness. But he had been able to give
valuable information, and his comrades acted upon it with alacrity.
Fortunately for them, all were fully armed, and therefore they set off
into the forest without hesitation and without the loss of a moment. One
of their number happened to catch a sight of the fugitives, and this
giving them the direction, they burst their way through the forest at a
rapid rate. They had no need to follow any particular line, for the
noise made by the two fugitives was sufficient indication of the course
of their flight. The Spaniards therefore simply rushed through the
underwood, careless of the brambles which grew here and there, their
eyes seeking for Roger and the native, while their ears listened for
sounds of their flight. As for the latter, thanks to the acuteness of
the native--an acuteness which Roger marvelled at--they ran on into the
depths of the forest almost without a halt. But their progress was
hardly as rapid as that of the enemy, for the simple reason that Roger
and Philip had made an occasional _détour_ to avoid the thick underwood.
Then, again, their progress through the forest had not been as direct as
it might have been, because they Were unused to travelling in such a
place. So that, though they ran fast and did not delay, the enemy
steadily approached them.
"They are striking to the right again, because of some thick bushes,"
called out one of the Spaniards who led the pursuit. "Come after me, and
I will take you by a route which will cut into their course."
He was a man who had spent many years in the Indies, and was well
accustomed to the forests. Indeed, his comrades said of him that he
could track out a native as well even as the best of native trackers
could have done, and that bloodhounds were hardly necessary if Sebastian
were with the party. He plunged, therefore, into the thick of the
underwood, thrusting the brambles and twigs aside savagely, and leaping
over obstacles such as the fallen trunks of trees. Then he burst into a
glade, and swinging to the left, led the party straight ahead, till his
eye caught a mark on one of the trees.
"Halt!" he said, holding his pike in the air. "We are ahead of them, I
think. Listen! There is the sound of broken sticks as they run, and it
is behind us."
"Are you certain? I thought that I heard sounds ahead," exclaimed one of
his comrades, standing beside him and breathing deeply, for the sudden
call for exertion, their indolent lives, and the weight of their weapons
and clothing had told upon them. "There! Listen you, Sebastian! Those
sounds are ahead, I wager anything upon it!"
"And I swear that they are behind," burst in another, hotly. "Listen,
there is the noise."
"Hush! You will give them the warning. There are men in advance, I
think," admitted Sebastian, "but I am sure that these fugitives, this
slave and the Englishman, are behind us. Perhaps there are others near
at hand, and they will have had no warning. Silence, I say! Let us line
the path which is here. You can see the blaze marks on the trees. Then,
when we have cut down the fugitives, we will teach the others a lesson."
"A lesson to leave the Indies alone; to meddle with nothing which
belongs to his Most Catholic Majesty, Ferdinand."
"Silence, fool!" Sebastian turned upon the man with a snarl which caused
the offender to close his lips. Then he crept forward on to the track
left by Roger and Philip, and disposed his men so as to catch them in a
trap.
"Let there be no hesitation. If the man is armed cut him down, but do
not give a mortal blow if it can be helped. We may get information from
him. Now, to your places."
Meanwhile Roger and the native had been hurrying along through the
forest, their eyes picking out the trees which were marked. So occupied
were they with this that they hardly noted the progress made by the
enemy, and they would undoubtedly have plunged into the trap set for
them had not the acuteness of the native suddenly arrested their flight.
"Lie down," he said abruptly, catching Roger by the sleeve and drawing
him to the ground. "There, you can hear their voices. We have been going
in a circle, while they have cut straight through. They are on the path
before us."
"Then we must cut our way through them. How many were there?"
The native counted the enemy off on the fingers of his two hands, giving
the number in the broken Spanish which he spoke.
"Thirteen, I think, master," he said. "There are fifteen at the mine,
and one you threw against the tree. One is with the slaves at the works,
and that will leave thirteen to attack us. Surely it is impossible to
cut a way through them?"
"It must be done!" answered Roger, with decision. "We will creep along
till close to where they hide, and if possible we will pass them. If
they spy us out we must run, and cut down whoever opposes us. Here is a
dagger. Make use of it."
"Hush!" The native stopped Roger with a movement. "More sounds," he
said. "Wait while I listen."
Creeping along the ground, he placed his ear against the trunk of a big
tree, and stood there for more than a minute. Then he returned to
Roger's side and whispered in his ear.
"I hear men moving," he said. "They seem to come towards us, and they
are making much noise. I do not think that they are the Spaniards, for
these sounds come from beyond the spot where I last heard them."
"Then they must be friends," exclaimed Roger, his heart beating faster
at the thought. "I had sent for them, and expected them before this. Can
we get round to them?"
For a moment the two looked into one another's eyes, Roger longing for
the native's answer, while the latter debated whether it would be
possible for this big, clumsy Englishman to creep through the forest
without alarming the enemy.
"There will be great risk of discovery," he said, "and I advise that I
creep through to your friends. Give me a token, and I will hasten to
them with it. What message shall I take?"
"Tell them that I have been discovered; that the Spaniards lie between
me and them, and that I am cut off. If we have heard their coming, then
the enemy have very likely become aware of their presence in the forest.
But they do not know their numbers. Therefore we shall still have some
chance of surprising them. Tell my comrades to advance, while I will
come towards them from this side. Bid them be sure that none of the
Spaniards escape, and lest they should do so do you return in this
direction and lie in wait. None of these enemies must return to the
clearing. But--" He suddenly recollected that the native could not speak
English. "Then you must sign to them and bring them along," he said
quickly. "Take this whistle, and go."
He lay full length in the underwood, his eyes peering amongst the trees
and brambles, while he listened intently. For who could say whether the
Spaniards were already coming towards him? No doubt they were accustomed
to warfare in these woods, for they had had many a brush with the
natives. Then perhaps they were stalking him, and would come just as
silently as his native comrade had gone.
Roger shivered at the thought. Then his courage returned, and with that
his old assurance. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword, while he lay
in such a posture that in a moment he could rise to his feet.
Click! A twig snapped near at hand, and his grip tightened. Was it
friend or enemy? There it was again, and Roger became certain that some
one was approaching.
"It must be a Spaniard," he thought, "and as I have been still and
silent since I dropped in this place the chances are that he does not
quite know my whereabouts. I have something which will stop him."
Very softly his hand sought for his crossbow and a shaft. Then he pulled
back the bow and waited. Click! The very faintest sound reached his ear,
followed by the rustle of dried leaves. He turned his head to the left,
and his eye fell upon the tip of a pike. Then he saw the ridge of a
steel cap, and behind it the legs of a Spaniard. It was Sebastian, who,
conscious of his superiority, had left his comrades to discover the
whereabouts of the fugitives, and with the intention of capturing them
alone if possible. The sudden cessation of sounds had surprised him, and
he had rapidly guessed that the fugitives had halted and were in hiding,
or were endeavouring to creep silently away.
"Strange! I do not see them, and there is now not a sound," he suddenly
said to himself, as he halted. "A little while ago there were noises
from this direction, and we heard other men deeper in the forest. Now
none are to be heard, and none to be seen."
He sat up cautiously and looked round him. But only leaves and forest
trunks were in sight. Only leaves! No! His eye suddenly caught the
glitter of a steel bow, while behind that bow was a steel cap much the
same as he wore. Sebastian was startled. Then he leaped to his feet, and
taking his pike in both hands, charged down upon Roger with a roar which
startled the echoes.
"The Englishman!" he shouted at the top of his voice. "Follow! Follow!"
Roger made no movement. He did not even flinch as he saw the point of
the pike lowered and the man rushing upon him. Instead, his eye went to
the bow, and he aimed steadily for his man. Very gently the tip of the
bow went up till it was directed full upon the Spaniard's throat. Then
our hero pressed the trigger, and in less than a second Sebastian was
down amidst the moss and the ferns and bracken, his pike and his enmity
forgotten, while his feeble hands clutched convulsively at a shaft which
had passed right through his neck. He attempted to call for help, but
failed. For a moment or two he rolled over and over, struggling
dreadfully. Then a sigh escaped him, and he became silent; his head fell
back, and he lay with arms spread out to their full extent, a victim of
his own rashness. He had hardly fallen before a babel of shouts broke
the silence of the forest, while the heavy trampling of feet and the
snapping of twigs came to Roger's ears. He leaped to his feet, and
drawing his sword, thrust the point into the ground. Then he fitted
another shaft into his crossbow and waited. A few seconds later two of
the Spaniards appeared, and, catching sight of him, ran forward. Then a
third was seen, and he came to an abrupt halt, and levelling his
arquebus, made ready to fire it.
"Better get behind a tree," thought Roger; "then the gun cannot do me
harm, and I shall be ready for the others. Ah, there is a fourth! I
trust that my comrades will be coming soon."
"He has slain Sebastian. Fall on him! Cut him down!" shouted the first
of the enemy, catching sight of his dead comrade and halting for a
moment. "Now, comrade, we will run him through together. Lower your pike
and rush."
Sheltered behind a huge trunk, Roger watched them cautiously, and out of
the tail of his eye saw the man with the arquebus blowing at his fuse,
while he endeavoured to hold the ponderous weapon steadily at his
shoulder. A second later the fuse was ready, and he fired, the bullet
striking the tree with an ugly thud. But no damage was done to Roger,
and at once his head and shoulders appeared, and his crossbow twanged,
one of the charging Spaniards falling instantly. The other kept on
without a pause, and, seeing that he was determined to come to close
quarters, Roger dropped his crossbow and snatched at his sword.
"Yield!" cried the Spaniard. "You are surrounded, and your friends
cannot help you. Throw down your sword and surrender."
"Never!" answered Roger, quietly. "Yield yourself, for it is you who are
surrounded. Now, up with your hands, or I will cleave you to the chin."
The Spaniard gave vent to a hoarse laugh, for he was amused at the
insolence of the Englishman. Then he lowered the point of his pike and
lunged, striking Roger on the arm. But the hurt was only a slight one,
and was returned instantly. Pike parried sword thrust, while the point
of Roger's weapon prevented his adversary from approaching too close. He
had just succeeded in wounding the man slightly for the second time,
when the appearance of five more of the Spaniards made the affair wear a
serious look. He cut savagely at his opponent, and was in the act of
following the stroke up when an arquebus roared, and the unfortunate
fellow who opposed him fell to the ground. Then shouts came to his
ear--English shouts--and at the sound of his comrades voices he dashed
forward, and fell upon the Spaniards furiously, his sword playing
swiftly.
"He is here. He is alive and well. Come forward and surround these men."
It was Philip's voice which he heard, and a moment later that individual
appeared, sword in hand. Then a second comrade from the brigantine came
to view on the right, while others came pushing through the trees.
"Fall on them and cut them down!" shouted Roger; "and see that none
escape. Philip, come to my side, and let four others rally here. Now we
will make haste to the clearing."
"There is one of the Spaniards stealing off," suddenly cried Philip, as
he ran to his friend's side, "Stop him, whoever happens to be in that
direction, or he will give the alarm."
But they had no need for anxiety, though none of the Englishmen appeared
in answer to his warning cry. Instead, the tall native thrust his way to
the front, and at a nod from Roger set off after the Spaniard. And while
he raced through the underwood, the men of the brigantine, headed by
Roger, fell upon the Spaniards. There was a fierce fight, swords flashed
in the air, lopping twigs from the bushes, and striking heavy blows at
the enemy. Three of the latter quickly fell, and within five minutes
those who survived had thrown down their arms.
"Form a guard round them, and follow swiftly," said Roger. "We will go
to the clearing and capture the store of gold which is there. Now hurry,
for we must not waste time."
"What if the man who fled has given the alarm?" demanded Philip, coming
breathless to Roger's side. "That would wreck all our hopes, for then we
could not stay."
"We could manage to get the worst of the damage to the ship repaired.
But wait; here comes the tall native whose acquaintance I first made.
Now, what is the tale?" he demanded.
"The man ran fast, and, turning, struck at me as I came near. But I fell
suddenly, pretending to be hurt, and he turned again to kill me. I
seized my opportunity, and sprang upon him with the dagger. He is dead.
Has my lord further orders?"
"Run fast to the mine, and bid your friends capture this other Spaniard.
We will follow quickly."
Roger waved him away, and then gathered his comrades about him. There
were twenty in all, and none had received more than the most trifling
wounds.
"All fit for duty, then," he said. "Let ten guard the prisoners, while
the remainder come with me. The prisoners and their guard will remain
here, for we do not wish them to know what is happening at the mine."
There was a tone of authority in his voice, and, young though he was,
the men from the brigantine obeyed him with alacrity.
"He's won his place, and will keep it," said one.
"Nay, he'll not keep it," protested another, as they marched through the
trees. "The lad's bound to rise. You can see that he's cut out for a
leader. He keeps his head, and is a capable manager. A groat on it that
he'll go higher, maybe top the tree, just as he overstands us all in
height. A burly young giant, with a good heart and a better head. I, for
one, follow him willingly."
"And I. And I."
The men answered eagerly, while they followed the figure of their tall
young leader till the clearing was reached. Arrived there, they found
the last of the enemy in the hands of the slaves, who had disarmed and
pinioned him.
"Were we to deal justice to him, to repay cruelty with cruelty, we
should have strangled him slowly ere you arrived," said the native who
had come so unexpectedly to be Roger's friend, and whose name was Tamba.
"But I knew my lord's wishes, and I will always follow them, for do I
not owe him my life?"
"You have done well," said Roger, shortly. "Now gather your friends, and
ask them whether they will serve us. But first, tell me, is this mine
far from your masters--from their other settlements?"
"Two days' journey, my lord. A Spaniard would take three."
"And there are no other natives in the neighbourhood?"
"None, my lord."
"Then ask the question and return."
A few seconds later Tamba came back with the information that his
comrades were eager to serve their new masters.
"We long to escape from this slavery and ill-treatment," he said
earnestly. "We will come with you on the ship if you wish it. What
directions will you be pleased to give?"
"Let ten of your friends remain here for a time; and, Philip, take
command of them till I can return. Let the others gather the gold in the
storehouse and come with us. We will go to the brigantine immediately."
All was movement at once, and very soon the party was returning, laden
with their capture. As for Roger, he had no hesitation in giving the
order to take the gold, for they were now open enemies of the Spaniards,
and in those days such a capture was looked upon as perfectly
legitimate. Therefore every bar and every sack of the precious metal was
packed upon the backs of the natives, and the whole party returned
through the wood with their prisoners. They were hailed with joy when
they reached the brigantine, and at once Sir Thomas demanded the full
tale from his lieutenant.
"You have done us valuable service," he said, "and already the gold
obtained pays for the expedition. We shall not forget your courage, nor
your resource, and shall find a responsible place for you in the
future."
Nor was it long before Roger's services were again in requisition, with
what result we shall presently see.