His Holiness the pope granted us all discoveries on this side of the Cape, and we would fain trade in peace and quiet, without interference.

But we can admire the great deeds and enterprise of your countrymen; and indeed," he said smiling--for the Portuguese are, as a rule, a very small race--and looking at the bulk of the four young men, which was, indeed, almost gigantic by the side of himself and his soldiers, "I am scarcely surprised, now I see you, at the almost legendary deeds which I hear that your countrymen have performed on the Spanish main.
"But now, follow me to my castle, and I will there provide you with proper appliances.

What position did you hold in the ship ?" "We are gentlemen of Devonshire," Ned said, "and bore a share in the enterprise, sailing as gentlemen adventurers under Captain Drake.

I myself held the rank of third officer in the ship." "Then, senors," the Portuguese said, bowing, "I am happy to place myself and my house at your disposal.

It may be that you will be able to render me services which will far more than repay any slight inconvenience or trouble to which I may be put, for we hear that the King of Ternate is preparing a formidable expedition against us; and as my garrison is a very small one, and the natives are not to be relied upon to fight against those of the other island, the addition of four such experienced soldiers as yourself will, in no slight degree, strengthen us." The boys replied that their swords were at the service of their host; and, well content with the turn things had taken, they proceeded with him up the road into the interior of the island.
Upon gaining the higher land, they were surprised at the aspect of the island.