[Under Drake’s Flag by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link book
Under Drake’s Flag

CHAPTER 4: An Unsuccessful Attack
17/32

It soon, however, became plain that it entered faster than they could pump it forth, and that the vessel must have sprung a bad leak.
When it was clear that the Swanne could not be saved, the boats of the Pacha were brought alongside, and all the goods that remained in her were removed, together with the arms and ammunition.

Then the crew, taking to the boats, lay by, until in a few minutes the Swanne sank, among the tears of many of her crew, who had made three voyages in her, and loved her well.
It was not, for a long time afterwards, known that the loss of this ship was the effect of the orders of the admiral; who, indeed, acted with his usual wisdom in keeping the matter secret; for assuredly, although the men would have obeyed his orders, he would have lost much favor and popularity among them, had the truth been at that time known.
The next day the news was spread, among the men, that it was determined to fill the Pacha with all the stores that were on shore; and, leaving a party there with her, to embark the crews in the pinnaces, for service in the river Chagres and along the coast; until, at any rate, they could capture another ship to replace the Swanne.

Next day they rowed on into the Gulf of Darien.

There the ship was laid up in a good place, and they remained quiet for fifteen days, amusing and refreshing themselves.

By this means they hoped to throw all the Spaniards off their guard, and to cause a report to be spread that they had left the island.
The Simeroons living near had been warned, by those who had been landed from the Isle of Pines, of their coming; and received them with good cheer, and promised all aid that could be required.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books