gentleman, sir, kidnaped by the Spaniards and carried to
Mexico, where I have undergone torments at the hands of the Inquisitors.
I was a galley slave on board yonder vessel."

"How many Englishmen are there with you?"

"At least forty."

"Does the ship carry treasure?"

"Yes, sir," I answered; "and she also carries two of the most cruel
wretches that ever walked the earth."

"Who are they, friend?"

"Manuel Nunez, the captain, and Bartolomeo, the monk. In God's name,
sir, do justice upon them."

He turned and gave some orders to an officer who stood by. Then he gave
his attention to the Spanish ship again, so I caught up my weapon and
rushed back over the side, eager to find Pharaoh Nanjulian.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE FATE OF NUNEZ AND FREY BARTOLOMEO.

By that time the fight was well-nigh over. During its progress another
English ship had sailed up on the other side of the Spaniard, and her
men were now swarming over the side, eager to have some share in the
struggle. Thus it came about that in a few moments, the Spaniards were
completely worsted, and were forced to lay down their arms and beg for
mercy.

I found Pharaoh Nanjulian busily occupied in seeing to the removal of
several men, who were too weak to move of their own accord, from the
benches where we had lately been chained. These were being carried to
the English ships, where they were received with such indignation as is
felt by honest men who abhor cruelty. So strong, indeed, were the
feelings aroused amongst the English sailors at the sight of our
bleeding backs, that their officers had much ado to prevent them from
slaying the Spaniards without mercy.

"Where is the monk, Pharaoh?" I said. "He must not escape. Have you seen
aught of him during the fight?"

But Pharaoh had seen naught. He had been fighting hard himself, and that
being over he had turned his attention to such of our unfortunate
companions as were unable to help themselves.

"He cannot be far away, master," said he. "The rat will have found some
hole, no doubt."

At that moment one of Drake's officers came pressing on board, asking
for the friar.

"Bring him aboard the Golden Hinde unharmed," said he, "and the Spanish
captain too. 'Tis Captain Drake's special order. Harm neither of them,
but have them aboard."

But neither Nunez nor Frey Bartolomeo were to be seen. Their men, such
as survived--and they were but few,--stood bound on deck, glaring
sullenly at their