n's words recalled it to him; for the moment he forgot the
prisoners and the women. Safety was a paramount consideration.

"I forgot it," he answered. "Curse me, how can I? The villains are too
drunk with rum and blood and fury to be despatched."

"A force must be assembled at once," urged Hornigold, insistently, "lest
some have escaped who would bring word to the Viceroy. He would be upon
us in a day with an army too great for resistance. If you intend not to
rot here in La Guayra, or be caught in a death trap, we must be up to
the mountain top beforehand. Once they seize the pass, we are helpless."

"That's well said, Hornigold," cried Morgan, who was not so drunk that
he could not realize the practical value of Hornigold's suggestion and
the great danger of disregarding his advice. "The pass must be seized at
all hazard. With that in our possession we may bide our time. I thought
to wait until to-morrow, but you're right. We've feasted and drunk
enough for the night. To-morrow Donna de Lara! Guards for the pass
now--But how to get them?"

He rose to his feet as he spoke and came down the hall.

"Teach and L'Ollonois, follow me!" he cried. "Gather up fifty of the
soberest men and lead them up the mountain road till you reach the pass,
and then hold it till I come. Nay, no hesitation," he roared. "Canst
not see the necessity? Unless we are masters of that pass we are caught
like rats in a trap here in La Guayra. To-morrow or the next day we
shall march up toward Caracas. Your share of the treasure and your women
shall be held safe. You shall have first consideration on the other side
of the mountains. Nay, I will have it so!" He stamped his foot in
furious rage. "We've all had too much drink already," he continued, "now
we must make things secure. Hornigold, take charge of this fort. I leave
the prisoners with you. Guard them well. Treat the lady well also. Do
what you like with the other, only keep him alive. One of you send
Braziliano to me. He shall have the other fort. And you and I, Monsieur
de Lussan, will take account of the men here in the town and bring them
into such order as we can."

Although Teach and L'Ollonois had no mind to leave the pleasures open to
them in La Guayra, yet they were both men of intelligence and could
easily see the absolute necessity for the precaution suggested by
Hornigold and accepted by their captain. If they held the passage over
the mountains, and fifty men could hold it aga