than a quarter of an hour. Then, while Basset and the purser resumed
the duties upon which they had previously been engaged, Saint Leger
returned to the state cabin to announce to the anxious alcalde and his
companions the decision which had been arrived at.

"Well, senores," he remarked cheerfully, glancing round at the expectant
faces so eagerly raised to his, as he entered the cabin, "I have
discussed with my officers the difficulty which confronts us all, and we
have resolved upon a course of action which I trust will be acceptable
to you. We have come to the conclusion that it is not the inhabitants
of San Juan who are responsible for the occurrences of last night; and
therefore it would be unjust for us to punish them, through you, for
what happened. Therefore if nothing further of an untoward character
occurs during the stay of the _Nonsuch_ in your harbour, your own lives
are safe, and your town will be spared by us--." Here a sigh of
profound relief floated round the cabin, accompanied by a little stir as
the hostages' tense attitudes relaxed and they settled themselves into
more comfortable positions. "But," continued George, "the fact remains
that a daring and treacherous attempt to effect our destruction was made
last night, as of course you are all fully aware; and that attempt must
be very severely punished, and ample compensation exacted.

"Now, it is perfectly clear, from what your respected alcalde has told
us, that the outrage--for I can call it nothing less--was instigated by,
and carried out under the direction of, an official representative of
the Spanish Government; therefore, since that official has placed
himself beyond the reach of punishment, the Government of which he was a
representative, and on behalf of which we are to assume he acted, must
pay the penalty. Fortunately for you and us, who are the parties most
intimately concerned, the means whereby your Government can be most
severely punished, and an ample penalty paid, lie close to hand, in the
plate ships at present in your harbour; and it is our intention to avail
ourselves of that circumstance by confiscating the whole of the treasure
now on board them; and I have accordingly issued orders that they are to
be brought alongside this ship, one after another, and the treasure
removed with all expedition from their strong rooms to our own. In this
way your Government will be the only loser, your own lives and property
will be spare