, who was about to go to Manila--assuring him that
he would deliver the pirate to him, dead or alive, within the few
days that all thought sufficient to end the undertaking. Omoncon,
considering this suggestion reasonable, acted upon it at once, and
embarked with the above-named captain, sending through the high seas
the ship in which he had come thither, because of its great size and
draught. This ship returned to anchor at the river whence they had
set out, because of the strong winds that prevailed; these proved
but little hindrance to the oared vessel, because it went along the
land, sheltered thereby from the winds. In a few days they arrived
at the port of the city of Manila, where they were well received and
feasted by the governor. Omoncon remained there several days, after
which, seeing that the siege was continuing, and that his delay there
might cause some suspicion of his death--and knowing, too, that the
fleet was waiting for him, and was quite ready to proceed to attack
the pirate, who he was assured would not escape from the Spaniards
who were besieging him; and that the Spaniards would, without any
doubt, send Limahon, either dead or alive, to the king, as they
had promised--he resolved to return to China, with this good news,
purposing to come hither again, in order to get the pirate after he
should be captured. Having resolved upon this, at the end of several
days he went to the governor, to whom he communicated all his plans,
so that the latter should permit him to put them into execution. The
governor approved his determination, and made the same promise as the
master-of-camp--namely, that as soon as the pirate was captured or
dead, he should be taken to the king without delay; or that he should
be put in safe keeping, and word despatched that he should be sent for,
or that Omoncon himself should come. Moreover, the governor promised
to provide the latter immediately with everything necessary for the
voyage without any lack whatever. Omoncon was very grateful for this
offer, and in payment therefor promised the governor that he would
take with him to China the fathers that his Excellency should send,
and a few soldiers, if the latter wished to accompany them. He was
confident in the good news he carried, by virtue of which he hoped
that he would run no risk by doing this, and that the viceroy of
Aucheo would not take it ill; for he had learned and heard from
the Augustinian fathers, that his Excellenc