Ned and Tom, not thinking it worth while at this time to enter into a controversy, with the comrades to whom they had been so recently restored, as to the legality of their acts, simply declined to make part of the party who landed; alleging that they had had enough of the shore of the South American continent for the rest of their lives.
The 15th of February, the date upon which the Golden Hind arrived at the port of Lima, was indeed one to be remembered throughout the lives of the rescued seamen.

Their future had appeared well-nigh hopeless.

On the one side, the dungeon of the Inquisition and probably a death by fire.

On the other, a life passed in the midst of savages, away from all possibility of ever rejoining their friends, or returning to their country.

Now they were once again among those delighted to see them, and proudly trod the decks of the Golden Hind as gentlemen adventurers, having a good share in the booty, as well as in the honor, which would accrue to all on board.
So far, indeed, the plunder had been but small.