All the boats had been tied up securely, and a mongrel lot of new men had joined the Spanish force, shiftless and half-civilized Houma and Natchez Indians, coal black negroes, some from the West Indies and some from Africa, Acadians, and fierce-looking adventurers from Europe.

Most of them seemed to be laborers, however, and they worked with the arms and baggage taken from the boats.

Among these laborers were several stalwart negro women with blazing red handkerchiefs tied around their heads.
Alvarez came off one of the boats, followed by Braxton Wyatt.

The Spanish commander had attired himself with great care, and he was a really splendid figure in his glittering uniform and plumed hat.

His gold-hilted small sword swung by his side.