It is eight hundred miles long and about one hundred and fifty
broad, and it possesses a fine harbour capable of containing any number
of the largest ships. Here we arrived without mishap, within three
weeks after setting our course for this port, and cast anchor in a
sheltered spot close to the shore. The harbour is commanded by a strong
fortress, well fortified, and mounted with cannon. Three ships were at
anchor, a Spanish frigate and two smaller vessels, one flying the flag
of England, and the other displaying the colours of the Netherlands.
We had barely found our moorings when a boat from the man-o'-war came
alongside, steered by a young Spanish officer, who bore as much
arrogance in his demeanour as there was to be seen gold lace and brass
buttons upon his uniform. He haughtily demanded an interview with the
captain, but upon Hartog stepping forward his manner became less
offensive, and finally they descended together to the cabin, being
shortly afterward joined by Donna Isabel.

Since I was not invited to this conference, I was forced to remain on
deck, feeling very jealous of the influence which Donna Isabel exerted
over Hartog, to the destruction of the mutual trust and confidence
which had formerly existed between us. I felt, also, there was trouble
in store for us. Hartog, although brave and resourceful upon the sea,
was but a child when it came to dealing with business matters ashore,
and I well knew that he would prove no match for the wily Spaniards
with whom he was now in consultation.

Presently the party from the cabin came on deck, when I perceived that
Pedro de Castro was one of those who had been present at the
conference. The young Spanish officer was now all smiles and
affability, and Donna Isabel and her son, accompanying him to his boat,
were rowed aboard the frigate.

Hartog then came to me, and I could see he was worried, and ashamed at
having shut me out from what had taken place in the cabin.

"Forgive me, comrade," he said, "but Donna Isabel would have none
present at the interview with the Spaniard save only myself and her son
Pedro."

"Since when has Donna Isabel Barreto become captain of this ship?" I
asked.

"Nay, Peter, I forgive thee that sneer," answered Hartog, "though I
would not take it from another. It has been decided to transfer the
treasure to the Spanish frigate, the captain of the warship undertaking
to protect us while we remain in this port and to pay for all neces