sed the island
of Saint Jago, beyond which lies the burning island called by the
Portuguese Fogo. To the south-west of this island they took a Portugal
ship laden with wine, linen and woollen cloths, and other necessaries,
bound for the Brazils, and having many gentlemen and merchants on board
her. The command of this prize was given to Thomas Doughty, who was an
old friend of Drake's, and much trusted by him.

The ships passed by several towns, the people in which fired off their
great guns to signify that they were prepared for an assault. The pilot
of the Portuguese ship, Nuna da Silva, being found to be an expert
mariner, well acquainted with the coast of Brazil, was taken on board
the admiral.

Passing Fogo, the squadron brought to off the fertile island of Brava.
Here the only inhabitant to be found was a monk, who had built himself a
rude dwelling; but on seeing the English landing, he fled, leaving
behind him the relics of his false worship--a cross with a crucifix, an
altar with its superior altar, and idols of wood of rude workmanship.

Here the Portugals taken near Saint Jago were dismissed; the
_Christopher_, pinnace, being given them in exchange for their own ship,
and wine, bread, and fish for their provision, excepting Nuna da Silva,
who, when he heard that the fleet was bound for the South Sea, willingly
remained with Drake.

Only a small supply of water being taken on board, the fleet sailed from
Brava on the 2nd of February, steering a course for the Straits of
Magellan. Passing the equator on the 17th, they sailed for sixty-three
days out of sight of land.

Drake was not without his troubles: it having been found that Captain
Doughty had appropriated to his own use certain presents made by the
prisoners, he was superseded by Thomas Drake, the Admiral's brother.
This disgrace appears to have rankled in Mr Doughty's heart, and caused
him to feel a bitter animosity against his former friend and commander.
During this long passage the squadron sometimes met with adverse winds
and violent storms, when lightnings flashed and terrific claps of
thunder rattled above their heads; at others they were long becalmed,
suffering from the effects of the sweltering heat of the torrid zone.
They were depressed, and would have suffered greatly from the want of
water, had they not been able to supply themselves, both before and
after crossing the Line, by means of the heavy showers which every day
fell, the wa