of weapons seen now and then,
showing that those on board were well-armed. Then the General spoke.

"Preston and Crayford, have the goodness to receive these Spanish
gentlemen, and bring them up to my house. The rest, I hope, will
assemble quickly there, so that I can hear what they have to say."

This had evidently all been planned over night, for the officers in
uniform all seemed to be making fast for the house out of which I had
seen the General come, and before many minutes had elapsed the room was
thronged, and I was standing behind my father, who was close to where
the General stood.

Not a word was spoken, and in the silence I could hear plainly the noise
made by the sailors in laying in their oars, after which there was a
pause, and then plainly heard there were the tramp of men, the buzz of
voices. About a dozen soldiers halted outside, and four tall, dark,
handsome-looking Spanish officers were ushered in by Colonel Preston and
Mr Crayford.

Seats were proffered, but declined, and all remained standing, while the
Spanish officers conferred together for a few moments before one, who
seemed the youngest and lowest in rank, stepped forward, and in fair
English said haughtily--

"Gentlemen, I have come for your answer to the communication brought to
you last night from the governor of his most sacred Majesty's
possessions here in America. What is it to be?"

"Let me say first, sir," said the General, quietly, "that we do not
recognise the authority here of the King of Spain. We are on ground
belonging to his Majesty the King of England."

"You are interlopers, sir, on the colonial possessions of his Majesty
the King of Spain," said the young officer, coldly. "When will you have
evacuated this land?"

"What is to be our reply, gentlemen?" said the General, looking round.
"Am I to send word back that you will give up tamely, and submit to this
demand?"

"No, no, no," rose in an angry roar throughout the room.

"You alone were silent, Captain Bruton," said the General, sternly.
"Have you nothing to say?"

"Yes," said my father, who turned very white; and he took a step
forward. "Sir," he said to the Spanish officer, "is the governor of
your settlement aware that we are no trespassers here, but that we came
under the authority of his Majesty King George?"

"I believe all that has been discussed, sir," said the officer, coldly.
"Again I ask, how soon will you evacuate this place?"

"You are ha