Word of the impending danger was taken to the town, and the people there immediately sent a message by land to Havana, informing the Governor of the island that the cruel pirate L'Olonnois was in a ship a short distance from their village, which he undoubtedly intended to attack.
When the Governor heard this astonishing tale, it was almost impossible for him to believe it.

The good news of the death of L'Olonnois had come from Campeachy to Havana, and the people of the latter town also rejoiced greatly.

To be now told that this scourge of the West Indies was alive, and was about to fall upon a peaceful little village on the island over which he ruled, filled the Governor with rage as well as amazement, and he ordered a well-armed ship, with a large crew of fighting men, to sail immediately for de los Cayos, giving the captain express orders that he was not to come back until he had obliterated from the face of the earth the whole of the wretched gang with the exception of the leader.

This extraordinary villain was to be brought to Havana to be treated as the Governor should see fit.

In order that his commands should be executed promptly and effectually, the Governor sent a big negro slave in the ship, who was charged with the duty of hanging every one of the pirates except L'Olonnois.
By the time the war-vessel had arrived at de los Cayos, L'Olonnois had made his preparation to attack the place.