d made a rush for the gate.

I heard the word "Fire." There was a scattering answer to the
Spaniards' volley; but instead of its proving harmless, about a dozen
men fell, and began to crawl or limp back, after rising, to the rear.

This checked the advance by quite half, and only half of these came on
much farther, the rest dropping back rapidly till of the brave force who
attacked, only one ran right up to the gate, and he, a handsome-looking
young officer, struck it fiercely with his sword, shouted something in
Spanish, and then began to go back, but keeping his face to us defiantly
all the time.

A dozen pieces were raised to fire at him, but the colonel struck them
up, and showed himself above the gate, to raise his hat to the young
officer, who, half laughingly, half bitterly, returned the salute.

Morgan told me afterwards what Colonel Preston said: that if there had
been fifty men like this one the stockade could not have been held.

But there were not, for when the wounded Spaniards had been carried down
to the boats, and a line was formed for a fresh attack, a loud murmur
arose; and, as plainly as if I had heard every word, I made out that the
men would not advance, and that the officer threatened to go alone.

Then one man only ran to his side, and they two advanced together,
trying to shame the Spaniards to attack.

But they were not shamed a bit, but let those two come right on, when,
as they reached to within twenty yards of the gate, our men sent up a
hearty cheer, for the one who accompanied the Spanish officer was the
Englishman.

"Bravo!" cried Colonel Preston. "Hallo, there, you renegade; you're a
brave man after all. Tell the Spanish officer I salute him as one
worthy of all respect."

The officer raised his hat as this was interpreted to him.

"Now tell him," continued the colonel, "not to risk his life in another
advance. An accidental shot might injure him, and I should be most
grieved."

"Are you mocking him, sir? He says," shouted the man.

For answer, Colonel Preston leaped down from over the gate and advanced,
Morgan following him. I saw the Spanish officer start at this, and
advance sword in hand to the attack; but Colonel Preston sheathed his.

"Tell him," he said aloud,--"no, there is no need to tell him; he can
understand this.--Sir, I wish to take the hand of a gallant officer in
mine," and he stretched out his hand.

The Spanish officer lowered the point of his sword