l your Flemish passengers must be landed, and such
property as belongs to them; and your ship will be confiscated, and you
yourself will have to undergo your trial for breaking the laws. If you
escape with your life, you will be fortunate; but I doubt it. Duke Alva
is determined to put a stop to the flight of King Philip's subjects from
his paternal sway."

We were very certain, from the way the officer spoke, that these threats
would be carried out. Worse, however, was to come. While he walked
aft, to speak to the next ship which was coming up, his men, I felt very
sure, with his full knowledge, dispersed themselves about the decks,
disarming our crew, and taking all articles which seemed to please them.
Drawing pistols from their belts, they placed them at the heads of our
people, and threatened to blow their brains out unless they gave up all
the money they possessed. Dreading what would next occur, A'Dale and I
hastened to the cabin, that we might protect the ladies from insult.
Our enemies having taken all the coin they could find on their
prisoners, now approached the cabin door, which we had bolted on the
inside. Thundering at it, they demanded admission. I replied from
within that it was the cabin devoted to the ladies, and that no
intruders could be admitted.

"Withdraw the bolts!" cried a voice from without, "or we will burst open
the door."

"Do so at your peril!" I answered. "The first person who makes his
appearance will meet his death."

Scarcely had I ceased speaking before some thundering blows were
inflicted on the door by handspikes. Fortunately the door was a strong
one, and resisted the efforts of those who were trying to break it open.

"Bring a crowbar, or a stout spar," I heard some one cry out; "we shall
then soon be able to force open the door!"

"I have told you, you will do so at your peril!" I shouted again.

The men outside laughed hoarsely at this threat. I felt indeed how
little we could do to oppose them. Our anxiety was yet further
increased by the shrieks and cries which came from other parts of the
ship. It was evident that the savages were ill-treating their
unfortunate prisoners. We could scarcely hope to meet with a better
fate. At length the laughter and the shouting outside the cabin door
increased. A'Dale and I stood with our drawn swords ready to attack any
who might approach. Some thundering blows on the door followed. It
creaked and groaned on its hi