, seeing
the Spaniards had had so much time to put themselves in a posture of
defense, and had got a good body of men together, with much ammunition;
but notwithstanding," said he, "have a good courage; we must either
defend ourselves like good soldiers, or lose our lives with all the
riches we have got. Do as I shall do who am your captain: at other times
we have fought with fewer men than we have in our company at present,
and yet we have overcome greater numbers than there possibly can be in
this town: the more they are, the more glory and the greater riches we
shall gain." The pirates supposed that all the riches of the inhabitants
of Maracaibo were transported to Gibraltar, or at least the greatest
part. After this speech, they all promised to follow, and obey him.
Lolonois made answer, "'Tis well; but know ye, withal, that the first
man who shall show any fear, or the least apprehension thereof, I will
pistol him with my own hands."

With this resolution they cast anchor nigh the shore, near
three-quarters of a league from the town: next day before sun-rising,
they landed three hundred and eighty men well provided, and armed every
one with a cutlass, and one or two pistols, and sufficient powder and
bullet for thirty charges. Here they all shook hands in testimony of
good courage, and began their march, Lolonois speaking thus, "Come, my
brethren, follow me, and have good courage." They followed their guide,
who, believing he led them well, brought them to the way which the
governor had barricaded. Not being able to pass that way, they went to
the other newly made in the wood among the mire, which the Spaniards
could shoot into at pleasure; but the pirates, full of courage, cut down
the branches of trees and threw them on the way, that they might not
stick in the dirt. Meanwhile, those of Gibraltar fired with their great
guns so furiously, they could scarce hear nor see for the noise and
smoke. Being passed the wood, they came on firm ground, where they met
with a battery of six guns, which immediately the Spaniards discharged
upon them, all loaded with small bullets and pieces of iron; and the
Spaniards sallying forth, set upon them with such fury, as caused the
pirates to give way, few of them caring to advance towards the fort,
many of them being already killed and wounded. This made them go back to
seek another way; but the Spaniards having cut down many trees to hinder
the passage, they could find none, but we