The skipper read a rough, explanatory scrawl from the back of the paper.
It purported to have been written by one of the lads who had been in San
Joseph on a Spanish ship since the departure of the _Golden Boar_. He
explained that he wished his countrymen to know that the treasure had
never been found by the Dons, and added that he had bribed the native to
give the paper to them if they came back. He would not affix his name,
because he was ashamed of his weakness in renouncing his faith and
nationality.

The tale was plausible enough and cunningly set forth. Less credulous
men than the eager adventurers would have been deceived by it. The
English was rough, homely, ill-spelt, and unscholarly, and might well
have been written by one of the lads. One thing was certain--it could
not have been written by a Spaniard. It was written, indeed, by the
renegade Basil.

Needless to say the bait was swallowed. The _Golden Boar_ made a hurried
departure from San Joseph, and went westwards along the coast towards the
Isthmus of Panama. Basil had gone thither in a Spanish galleon some
twelve days before, and was already ashore awaiting them, and daily
expecting a strong body of troops from Panama itself. The adventurers,
hopes renewed, were putting on all sail to enter a cunningly laid trap.

Apparently fortune was going to favour them at last. Less than a day's
sail from Trinidad they sighted a Spanish ship. They had vowed war
against everything Spanish, and were resolved not to go home with an
empty hold. The helm was put about, and they bore down on their prey.
The vessel was not a large one, but it was well manned. To the order to
strike his flag, the captain replied with a well-directed shot. The
vessels closed. A sharp fight ensued, and the adventurers won. The
prize was a good one, and the bold band, deeming their enterprise a high
and honourable one, loudly thanked God for His goodness. Then they
sailed on, eager for fresh conquests.

Even the least hopeful man cast away his doubts and fears. Hitherto they
had searched for what no man had found; now they were going for a
treasure whose position was definitely set forth, and, moreover, they
were on the beaten track where so many of their daring fellow-countrymen
had found fortune. Spanish ships they must meet; and when they met them,
well, there was but one thing to do--they must capture them. To their
reawakened spirits the matter was the plainest o