nando asked his two English comrades whether they
had considered the idea of attempting an escape. They replied that at
first they had thought of nothing else, but no ways or means offered,
and they had almost abandoned the idea. They detailed the story of
their attempt to escape from the prison in Panama. The Spaniard
listened carefully.

"Now," he said, "I have seen chances of escape from these chains over
and over again; not for one man, mind you, but for a body of resolute
fellows who would follow a leader. There are some thorough rascals
chained to these benches; I have sounded them, and found that I dared
not trust them. It is not difficult for a man to earn his freedom by
turning traitor on his comrades; indeed, it is well known that liberty
will be given for the betrayal of any plot for revolt: a coward or
rogue would take such a chance instantly."

"What about the Indians?" asked Jeffreys.

"Sheep! I do not count upon them, and I have shown you that we dare
not depend much on some of our own colour. It is the coming of you two
and the three sailors from your ship that has revived my hopes and
plans. All the world knows how you Englishmen can fight. I know it,
and have hated you for it. I hope to live and find my hatred turned to
esteem and affection. The two sailors that were here before you I
sounded long ago. One is eager enough; the other has become
broken-spirited, and hesitates to venture upon anything where failure
would add to his present miseries. Five of you are strong, and not yet
cowed at all by the lash. The whip will never cow me. I have a
revenge to take; and I will take it, or die in a bold attempt to do so.
There are seven of us prepared to plot and dare all in the dash for
liberty; one of your countrymen is weak. I can depend pretty
confidently on four of my own tongue, and on the gray-bearded Portugee
at number one oar. The cut-throats and thieves, that help to make up
our number, will fight stoutly enough if suddenly they find themselves
free and armed. Love of plunder and thirst for slaughter and revenge
will nerve them. But we must not trust them beforehand. The poor
Indians, too, will strike a blow at their oppressors if a clear chance
of freedom offers."

"You are not hoping for an opportunity in one of these harbours?"

"No, nor in Panama either. Our chance will not come on this voyage;
there are too many troops aboard. But we sometimes go out with empty
cabin