The master-of-camp having ascertained thoroughly this great lack of care, and the most retired path to the pirate's fort, ordered Captain Gabriel de Ribera and his men to march immediately by land, and as suddenly as possible to assault the enemy, making as much noise and confusion as he could.

The captains, Pedro de Chaves and Lorenco Chacon, with forty soldiers apiece, he ordered to ascend the river in the swiftest vessels.

The time was to be appointed so that both the land and sea forces would arrive at the fort at the same instant, and make the assault at the same time, so that they might the better succeed in their purpose.

He himself remained behind with all the rest of the forces to await the opportunity and to furnish aid in any emergency.

This plan succeeded very well, and each party gave the best account of itself--the water force firing the enemy's fleet, while the land force, aided by those who had set the fire, entered the palisade constructed by Limahon for his defense, and as a protection for his men.