It was only on the ground of expediency, and the extreme necessity of not irritating the Spaniards beyond a certain point, that he succeeded in obtaining their promise.
In the principal room of the palace they found the governor, himself.

His sword was in his hand, and he was prepared to defend his life to the last.

The boys, however, rushed forward; and cried to him to throw his sword down, as the only plan by which his life could be saved.

The brave officer refused, answering by a vigorous thrust.
In a moment the two lads had sprung upon him, one from each side, and wrested his sword from his hand.

The negroes, with yells of triumph, were rushing upon him with drawn swords; but the boys sternly motioned them back, keeping well in front of their prisoner.
"You have sworn," they said, "and the first man who breaks his oath we will shoot through the head." Then, turning to the governor they said: "Sir, you see what these men, whom you have so long hunted as wild beasts, can do.