It was time, indeed, for the little band of adventurers to be turning their faces towards England.

Their original strength, of eighty men, was reduced to fifty; and of these, many were sick and weak.

They had gained a vast store of wealth, although they had missed the plunder of Nombre de Dios and of Carthagena.

Their doings had caused such consternation and alarm that it was certain that the Spaniards would, ere long, make a great and united effort to crush them; and fifty men, however valiant, could not battle with a fleet.

The men were longing for home, looking forward to the delight of spending the great share of prize money which would fall to each.