rs stood in their eyes, and more than one
bold fellow had hard work to choke back a sob. The men left behind
came running forth to meet them, all alive, all well. Rough, bearded
lips pressed against thin, tanned cheeks in brotherly kisses, and the
natives thronged round, full of affectionate and admiring welcome. The
brave "white brothers" were back, and their simple hearts rejoiced.

The villagers began instant preparations for a great feast. Captain
Drake marshalled his men, and went aboard his ship. Standing
bareheaded on his deck, the flag of England unfurled above him, he
returned thanks to Almighty God for a great deliverance from many
perils; and the company responded with a sonorous and devout "Amen!"
There was no word of repining, no lamentation over the failure that had
attended their quest. The dead were remembered in a few moments of
bowed and silent reverence, and, at the command of his captain, Morgan
sang the "_De Profundis_." "Out of the deep," indeed, had they called,
and they thanked God in that He heard them.

Then they went to the place of feasting, and ate as hungry voyagers
should eat. After that they slept the deep sleep of wearied men who,
after many toils and vicissitudes, had reached a haven where they could
rest.

Days of bustle followed. The ship was cleaned of the vegetable growths
that clung to her sides; masts were refixed, fittings tested and
replaced, and ample stores put aboard. The salt breeze had got again
into the men's nostrils, and their hearts cried out for the open sea.
Affectionate farewell was taken of their kindly hosts; a promise to
come back again was given. Then a flotilla of canoes towed the stout
ship into the main channel!

Chapter XXXIX.

JOHN OXENHAM'S CREEK.

More than two months after she had quitted the harbour of San Joseph, the
_Golden Boar_ dropped anchor in its waters again. She was not expected,
and some folks were hoping that she had gone to the bottom of the
Atlantic, or was lying rotting in some pestilential mouth of the Orinoco.
Yacamo was put ashore, and a brief visit paid to the governor and the
chief Ayatlan. The latter was pleased enough to see the Englishmen, and
he warned them that mischief was brewing.

"There has been much coming and going of Spaniards and Spanish ships," he
said; "and one man has offered great rewards to any that could tell him
where you were hidden."

The visit to the governor nearly led to a quarrel.