forward, "is for you and your fellow
townsmen to decide. But meanwhile I give you the assurance of an
Englishman who has never yet broken his word to friend or foe, that you
may come aboard without fear, and that when our conference is at an end
you shall all be permitted to return to the shore without molestation--
unless it becomes apparent that hostages are necessary."

The old gentleman bowed and, still with his hat in his hand, ventured
upon a further inquiry. "And pray, noble senor, who is to determine
whether or not hostages are regarded as necessary?" he demanded.

"I and my officers will determine that point," answered George. "But,"
he continued, "I give you the further assurance that, should we decide
upon the necessity to retain any of you as hostages, their persons will
be as safe, and they will be treated with as much honour, on board this
ship, as in their own houses--unless treachery of any kind be attempted,
in which case I will hang them at my yard-arms as a wholesome warning to
others."

This statement caused the utmost perturbation to the alcalde and his
companions, as might easily be seen, for they all at once started to
their feet and burst into excited conversation. But, as is usual in
such cases, there were two or three--of whom the alcalde was one--who
soon obtained an ascendency over the rest, quieting them and themselves
carrying on the discussion; and after some ten minutes of earnest debate
the rest sat down, leaving the alcalde standing alone to propound a
still further question.

"Illustrious senor," he said, addressing himself to George, "my
companions and I feel that, before we proceed further, or place
ourselves altogether in your power, it is very necessary that we should
know what acts you would be likely to construe as treachery on our
part."

"The reply to such a question is not difficult," replied George. "We
should regard as an act of treachery any attempt on the part of either
of those ships to put to sea; and also any attempt to attack us at
disadvantage and without due warning, such as was perpetrated last year,
in this very harbour, on my countryman, Admiral Hawkins."

This answer was received with much shaking of heads and uplifting of
hands, followed by further eager consultation and debate, which ended at
last by the alcalde putting a further and final question:

"And, in the event of our refusing to board your ship under such
conditions, senor, what will happ