He had now, since he sailed, lost no less than twenty-eight of the party which set out from Plymouth.
In a few days they reached Venta Cruz, but one of the men, who had taken too much strong liquor, made a noise; and the alarm being given, much of the treasure was carried out of the place, before they could effect a landing.

They followed, however, one of the treasure parties out of the town, and pursued them for some distance.

On their way they came across another large convoy, with gold.

This they easily took and, having sent the Spaniards away, unloaded the mules and buried the gold, desiring to press on further.
As they went, one of the chief Simeroons took the admiral apart from the road they were traversing, and led him to the foot of a lofty tree.

Upon this steps had been cut, and the Indian told the admiral to ascend, and see what he could observe from the top.