"It mattered naught to us where we went, as we knew we should hear, in good time." Pengarvan said nothing, but he nodded, to show that he agreed with the first mate.
"Well, men, our intent is this: I see not why the Spaniards should have all the good things to themselves, and I purpose to go a-trading with the natives, down in these new islands of theirs." An exclamation of surprise broke from James Standing, but Pengarvan only nodded again.
"But this is not all," Reuben went on.

"So far, the Spaniards have not gained much store of gold from these islands; but I have learned that, among the natives, there is talk of a rich nation lying somewhere farther to the west, where gold and riches of all sorts abound.

So far the Spaniards have not found it, having their hands pretty well full.

They have sailed down the land to the south and, as you know, Master Cabot sailed from the north, down almost to the latitude of these islands; but due west no man has sailed yet, or if he has, has never returned to tell of it." "Well, Captain Reuben," James Standing said, "as I said before, it makes no difference to me where we go.

If the Spaniards catch us there, they will cut our throats to a surety, if they can; but if you are ready to take your chance of that, I have nothing against it.