h the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.

The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time they were
awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that place, where they
were to close their existence.

They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had met with
from the sheriff and the inferior officers. Many pressed the hands of
the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and on their knees,
prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary would bless him and
the other jailors for their goodness. They all then fervently joined
in prayer. To the astonishment of all, no clerical character, of any
persuasion, was present. They repeatedly called out "Adonde esta el
padre," (Where is the holy father).

[Illustration: _The execution of ten pirates._]

Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him--he was
innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty was
untrue. He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for pardon; but
that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the
Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he spoke the truth--that he
was no pirate, no murderer--he had been forced. The Lieutenant of the
pirates was a wretch, who did not fear God, and had compelled him to
act.

Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their protestations of
innocence.

Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the old man
(Miguel Jose). How could he be a pirate who could not help himself? If
it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned him for his gray
hairs. He was innocent--they had both been forced. Let none of his
friends or relations ever venture to sea--he hoped his death would be a
warning to them, that the innocent might suffer for the guilty. The
language of this young man marked him a superior to the generality of
his companions in misfortune. The seamen of the Whim stated that he was
very kind to them when prisoners on board the piratical vessel. Just
before he was turned off, he addressed the old man--"Adios viejo, para
siempre adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)

Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon, pardon.

Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them. "Do not look for
mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to di