should fall into his hands. But the citizens
of the Havannah desired him not to persist in the execution of that rash
and rigorous oath, seeing the pirates would certainly take occasion from
thence to do the same, and they had an hundred times more opportunity of
revenge than he; that being necessitated to get their livelihood by
fishery, they should hereafter always be in danger of their lives. By
these reasons he was persuaded to bridle his anger, and remit the
severity of his oath.

Now Lolonois had got a good ship, but very few provisions and people in
it; to purchase both which, he resolved to cruise from one port to
another. Doing thus, for some time, without success, he determined to go
to the port of Maracaibo. Here he surprised a ship laden with plate, and
other merchandises, outward bound, to buy cocoa-nuts. With this prize he
returned to Tortuga, where he was received with joy by the inhabitants;
they congratulating his happy success, and their own private interest.
He stayed not long there, but designed to equip a fleet sufficient to
transport five hundred men, and necessaries. Thus provided, he resolved
to pillage both cities, towns, and villages, and finally, to take
Maracaibo itself. For this purpose he knew the island of Tortuga would
afford him many resolute and courageous men, fit for such enterprises:
besides, he had in his service several prisoners well acquainted with
the ways and places designed upon.

CHAPTER VII

_Lolonois equips a fleet to land upon the Spanish islands of America,
with intent to rob, sack and burn whatsoever he met with._

OF this design Lolonois giving notice to all the pirates, whether at
home or abroad, he got together, in a little while, above four hundred
men; beside which, there was then in Tortuga another pirate, named
Michael de Basco, who, by his piracy, had got riches sufficient to live
at ease, and go no more abroad; having, withal, the office of major of
the island. But seeing the great preparations that Lolonois made for
this expedition, he joined him, and offered him, that if he would make
him his chief captain by land (seeing he knew the country very well, and
all its avenues) he would share in his fortunes, and go with him. They
agreed upon articles to the great joy of Lolonois, knowing that Basco
had done great actions in Europe, and had the repute of a good soldier.
Thus they all embarked in eight vessels, that of Lolonois being the
greatest, havin